Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in the Lower East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in the Lower East Side
1. Economy Candy
A beloved LES time capsule since 1937, this jam-packed sweet shop is floor-to-ceiling nostalgia with bins of chocolate-covered everything, vintage bars, and imported treats you won’t spot in supermarkets.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s most joyful place to compare old-school milk chocolates with contemporary bean-to-bar finds—and assemble a customized chocolate stash by the pound.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for elbow room; late afternoons and weekends draw neighborhood families and photo-happy travelers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tote and browse the back shelves for limited-run and international chocolate bars; the staff will point you to cult favorites that sell out fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it “a candy museum you can eat,” praising fair prices, friendly staff, and the rush of nostalgia.
2. Roni-Sue's Chocolates
A neighborhood chocolatier crafting playful confections—from cocktail truffles to the cult-favorite ‘Pig Candy’—in a cozy LES shop that radiates small-batch charm.
✓ Why Go:
For inventive, hand-dipped chocolates with personality and local ethos, perfect for gifting or savoring as you stroll Forsyth Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons Friday–Sunday when the shop is in full swing; arrive earlier on weekends for the widest selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonals and micro-batches at the counter; limited flavors and spicy caramels often disappear by day’s end.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the creativity and warmth—“like getting chocolates from a friend who happens to be a pro.”
3. Doughnut Plant
The LES original where artisan doughnuts took flight—don’t miss chocolate blackout and cacao-forward specials paired with small-batch coffee.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sweet landmark for chocolate lovers who want their cocoa in cake, yeast, or filled form—meticulously glazed and made fresh daily.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for hot-from-the-fryer freshness; popular flavors can sell out by mid-afternoon.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order one classic and one seasonal chocolate doughnut to compare styles; ask staff for pairing suggestions with the house cold brew.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans laud the texture and bold flavors—“worth the detour and the line.”
4. Il Laboratorio del Gelato
A minimalist Ludlow Street lab serving intensely flavored gelati and sorbetti; the dark chocolate and bittersweet varieties are destination-worthy.
✓ Why Go:
For ultra-smooth, small-batch chocolate gelato made steps from where you’re tasting it—pure cocoa depth without excess sweetness.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings in warm months for a neighborhood buzz; winter afternoons for a quiet tasting flight.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sample before committing—try a duo of dairy chocolate gelato and dairy-free dark chocolate sorbetto to compare richness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it “the chocolate gelato benchmark” with flavors that taste true and concentrated.
5. Russ & Daughters
The century-old appetizing shop where New Yorkers stock up on babka and sweets alongside smoked fish—chocolate babka here is a rite of passage.
✓ Why Go:
To snag a loaf of ribboned, glossy chocolate babka that travels well and tastes even better with morning coffee back at your hotel.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go early on weekends and holidays; babka can sell out by afternoon.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re planning a picnic, pair chocolate babka with black-and-white cookies and a seltzer for a classic LES treat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers praise the heritage and quality—“legendary goods, lovingly made.”
6. Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
A cheerful neighborhood bake shop known for cupcakes and puddings; chocolate lovers gravitate to the cocoa-loaded cupcakes and layered puddings.
✓ Why Go:
For unfussy, crowd-pleasing chocolate bakes with that homemade feel—ideal for sharing on a bench along Grand Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for the freshest selection; evenings for a sweet nightcap after dinner on the LES.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about limited flavors and puddings; staff will steer you to chocolate specials or vegan options if you need them.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe it as “sweet, affordable, and friendly”—a local favorite that still feels personal.
7. Petee's Pie Company
A tiny pie haven turning out exceptional slices; chocolate cream and chocolate chess pies are luscious, balanced, and not overly sweet.
✓ Why Go:
For a forkful of expertly made chocolate pie—silky custards, flaky crusts—and a quintessential LES dessert counter experience.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for a relaxed slice; evenings for dessert after nearby dinner (pies often stay available late).
✓ Insider Tip:
If you can’t decide, split chocolate cream and chess; add fresh whipped cream for the full effect.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Pie fans call it “destination-worthy,” praising the crust and deep chocolate flavor.
8. Whipped Urban Dessert Lab
The world’s first oat-milk soft-serve shop puts dairy-free decadence center stage with chocolate-dipped cones and cocoa-crumb coatings.
✓ Why Go:
Lactose-intolerant or vegan chocolate lovers can indulge without compromise—textures are rich, toppings creative, flavors satisfying.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening to avoid peak weekend lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a chocolate-on-chocolate build: chocolate soft-serve, cocoa crumb coat, and a drizzle; it’s a sleeper hit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors are surprised by how creamy dairy-free can be—“no one misses the milk.”
9. Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery
An LES landmark since 1910, famous for knishes—but sweet tooths know to order the chocolate cheese knish or a classic chocolate egg cream.
✓ Why Go:
For a uniquely New York chocolate experience: Old-world bakery vibes with a cocoa twist that connects food and neighborhood history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday when the griddle is hot and seats turn quickly; mornings are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for your knish warmed and pair it with a fizzy chocolate egg cream for peak nostalgia.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the authenticity—“simple, storied, and delicious.”
10. Katz's Delicatessen
The LES icon is a savory pilgrimage—but chocolate lovers come for the frothy chocolate egg cream, a quintessential New York soda fountain classic.
✓ Why Go:
Because no chocolate trail on the Lower East Side is complete without sipping a bubbly, cocoa-kissed egg cream under Katz’s neon glow.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go early (around 10–11am) or late at night to dodge peak crowds; weekends are the busiest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a counter ticket, order the egg cream first, and enjoy it while you wait for a table or sandwich—the perfect sweet prelude.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it “classic New York,” with the egg cream earning frequent shout-outs for old-school charm.
