Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Times Square
1. Hershey's Chocolate World
A multi-sensory temple to cocoa right on the Bowtie, featuring an in-store s’mores kitchen, over-the-top milkshakes, and customization counters amid the neon buzz of Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
Make your own one‑pound REESE’S Stuff Your Cup or personalize a HERSHEY’S bar wrapper—only-in-Times-Square chocolate bragging rights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go at opening (around 10am) or after 9:30pm to dodge pre‑show rushes; mid‑afternoons on weekdays are calmer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use mobile or in-store pre‑order for s’mores and shakes, then explore while your treats are prepared; head upstairs for extra photo angles of the plaza.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families gush over the interactive treats and sheer variety; prices feel touristy but portions are generous and the experience feels special.
2. M&M'S New York
Three floors of color‑splashed chocolate fun with a towering candy wall, character moments, and stations to mix, match, and explore flavors.
✓ Why Go:
Print your face, initials, or a Broadway message on M&M’S and build a custom blend—an edible Times Square souvenir.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or late nights; avoid the window between matinees and evening shows (roughly 2–7pm on weekends).
✓ Insider Tip:
Personalization kiosks can queue—start there first, then browse while your order processes; check limited‑edition flavors behind the wall.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A crowd‑pleaser for all ages; it’s busy and buzzy, but the customization and photo ops are a hit.
3. Amorino Gelato and Cafe
Italian gelato churned daily, crepes, waffles, and thick hot chocolate a block from the marquees—served in signature flower‑petal cones.
✓ Why Go:
Indulge in deep chocolate gelato or a steaming European‑style cioccolata calda before or after a show; vegan chocolate sorbets please dairy‑free fans.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑afternoon (3–5pm) or late evening dessert runs after 9pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add a gelato macaron topper to chocolate scoops; in winter, pair with a crepe to warm up between theaters.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for quality and presentation; expect short lines at peak hours but quick service.
4. Läderach Chocolatier
A sleek Swiss boutique just off the bright lights, specializing in hand‑broken FrischSchoggi slabs, truffles, and pralines.
✓ Why Go:
Sample premium single‑origin and nut‑studded chocolates and curate a gift‑ready Times Square chocolate box.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before 6pm for unrushed tasting; swing by pre‑show for take‑home treats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for taste‑throughs to find your favorite; buy smaller broken pieces to try more varieties without overspending.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Considered an upscale stop with attentive staff and high‑quality Swiss craftsmanship.
5. IT'SUGAR
A two‑story candy playground on 42nd Street where novelty sweets meet bulk bins—plenty of chocolate‑covered everything.
✓ Why Go:
Build a chocolate‑centric bag—think malt balls, pretzels, peanuts, and more—then snap pics with whimsical displays.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings right after opening or after 10pm when the crowds thin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for less‑busy bins and browse the oversized bars for quirky gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic and fun; selection thrills kids and sweet‑toothed adults, though it can feel touristy at peak times.
6. Krispy Kreme
The Times Square flagship features a doughnut‑making theater and 24/7 street‑side pickup window—perfect for late‑night chocolate fixes.
✓ Why Go:
Watch the glaze waterfall and grab chocolate‑iced or kreme‑filled doughnuts fresh off the line; pair with hot chocolate to go.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night after shows (10pm–1am) or early morning; the window keeps lines moving fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Broadway pickup window to skip the queue inside; check for limited Big Apple doughnut drops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
The theater‑style production wows visitors; warm, fresh doughnuts earn raves even from dessert skeptics.
7. Angelina Bakery
A bright, two‑level bakery near the stages serving chocolate‑filled bomboloni, croissants, cakes, and gelato with Italian‑Asian flair.
✓ Why Go:
Sink into a chocolate hazelnut bombolone or layered cakes before curtain or for a celebratory post‑show dessert.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Breakfast for the freshest pastries (8–10am) or late evening after 9pm when tables turn quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Limited flavors sell out—ask what’s just come from the kitchen; request a warm‑filled bombolone for extra ooze.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Instagram‑ready treats and generous portions; lively vibe without straying far from the theaters.
8. Bibble & Sip
A cozy, family‑run cafe blending French technique and Asian flavors—known for chocolate cream puffs, brownies, and real‑deal hot cocoa with house marshmallows.
✓ Why Go:
A quieter sweet stop within the Theater District for artisan pastries that spotlight chocolate without the crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays mid‑morning (10–11:30am) or late afternoon between show rushes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair an Earl Grey or matcha puff with a dark hot chocolate; seating is limited, so consider takeaway for a stroll up Broadway.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for creative flavors and fair prices; a small space with big personality.
9. Junior's
A Times Square institution for classic New York desserts—beyond cheesecake, find chocolate layer cakes, mousse cheesecake, and hot fudge sundaes.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for groups hungry for a full meal and a chocolate finish just steps from the red steps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for mid‑afternoon (3–5pm) to avoid long waits between pre‑theater and dinner crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Short on time? Skip the dining room line and use the bakery counter to grab chocolate cheesecake to go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, lively, and reliably indulgent; portions are hefty and the desserts deliver.
10. Lady M Bryant Park
An elegant cake boutique a short stroll from Times Square’s south side, famed for its Chocolate Mille Crêpes—20+ ethereal layers of crêpes and cocoa pastry cream.
✓ Why Go:
A refined cocoa interlude away from the glare of the billboards, perfect for celebrating a Broadway night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 3–6pm for shorter lines and better chances at limited slices.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pre‑order slices online for precise pickup times; seasonal chocolate specials appear around holidays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Rave reviews for texture and balance; prices are premium but the experience feels luxe and memorable.
