Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers on the Upper West Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers on the Upper West Side
1. Levain Bakery
Home of NYC’s cult-favorite, baseball-sized cookies, including a decadent dark chocolate chocolate-chip that’s fudgy inside with a just-crisp edge.
✓ Why Go:
This tiny UWS storefront invented the cookie pilgrimage; the chocolate flavors are rich, gooey, and perfect for sharing after a Central Park stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid peak lines; winter is ideal if you like your cookie still-warm against the cold.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the cookie sliced in half to share—and to see that molten center; pair it with milk for the classic combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a must-do indulgence worth the wait, with many declaring the double-chocolate cookie the best they’ve ever had.
2. Zabar's
A beloved UWS emporium where chocoholics load up on babka, rugelach, and a curated wall of premium bars and truffles from around the world.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an edible time capsule of the neighborhood—ideal for assembling a chocolate-forward picnic or gift box with local flair.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for a calmer bakery counter; Fridays see a bigger selection before weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the bakery for chocolate babka, then the gourmet aisles for single-origin bars to compare cocoa percentages.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the old-school charm and breadth of choices, noting that the babka travels well as an edible souvenir.
3. Breads Bakery
Famed for its ultra-laminated pastries and legendary chocolate babka, swirled with dark chocolate and a shiny streusel crown.
✓ Why Go:
Their babka sets the standard in NYC; the hot chocolate and chocolate rugelach make a perfect Lincoln Center pre-show treat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for fresh-from-the-oven loaves; evenings for a quieter cafe vibe before performances nearby.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff to warm a slice of babka and add a side of their house chocolate spread for extra decadence.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the balance of bittersweet chocolate and buttery dough, often returning to buy an extra loaf for later.
4. Épicerie Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud’s gourmet market-café pours silky European-style hot chocolate and showcases glossy chocolate eclairs and tarts.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a civilized chocolate stop steps from Lincoln Center—great for refining your cocoa palate in a chic, neighborhood setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for a pre-performance pick-me-up; winter for the richest hot chocolate experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the eclair and ask which seasonal chocolate pastry is just out of the pastry kitchen for peak freshness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the polished service and patisserie-level craftsmanship, calling it a quintessential UWS luxury snack.
5. Mille-Feuille Bakery Café
A cozy French bakery crafting dark-chocolate mousse cakes, opera slices, and croissants with just the right cocoa-kissed snap.
✓ Why Go:
Classic Parisian techniques meet neighborhood warmth—ideal for savoring refined chocolate desserts without leaving the UWS.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Brunch hours on weekends for the widest pastry case; weekdays after lunch for a quiet sweet break.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you see chocolate mille-feuille on offer, grab it—quantities are limited and sell out quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the authentic French flavors and say the chocolate mousse is light yet satisfyingly intense.
6. Orwashers Bakery
Historic New York bakery known for impeccably baked breads and deeply chocolaty treats—from blackout cake to chocolate-crumb babka.
✓ Why Go:
Heritage recipes and careful technique deliver comfort desserts with serious cocoa credentials right in the heart of the UWS.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for the freshest selection; arrive before noon for best odds on babka and cake slices.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about off-menu chocolate specials—seasonal brownies and cake slices rotate frequently.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe a neighborhood staple that exceeds expectations, with many calling the chocolate items “old-school done right.”
7. Silver Moon Bakery
Community favorite near Columbia with chocolate croissants, flourless chocolate cake, and hot cocoa perfect for chilly Riverside walks.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a northern UWS gem where everything tastes handmade; chocolate lovers will appreciate the intensity without excessive sweetness.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for a lively neighborhood scene; late afternoon for a calmer coffee-and-cake pause.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a chocolate croissant and stroll to nearby Sakura Park or Riverside Park for a scenic, sweet break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers love the friendly staff and honest, buttery pastries, noting the chocolate items are standouts.
8. Daily Provisions
Danny Meyer’s neighborhood cafe serves craveable chocolate treats—think chocolate-glazed crullers, cocoa-flecked cookies, and mochas.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the UWS stop for thoughtfully sourced ingredients and elevated comfort sweets that still feel everyday and approachable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for fresh crullers; late afternoon for a cookie-and-coffee break before evening plans.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask to warm your chocolate chip cookie and add a sprinkle of flaky salt if available—it amplifies the flavor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers appreciate the consistent quality and relaxed vibe, calling it a reliable chocolate fix.
9. Magnolia Bakery
Beyond its famous cupcakes, the UWS outpost offers rich chocolate pudding, blackout cake, and seasonal cocoa bakes.
✓ Why Go:
Nostalgic American desserts with a chocolate-first mindset—perfect for families and sweet-toothed travelers alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after the dinner rush for shorter lines; holidays bring special chocolate items.
✓ Insider Tip:
If available, order the mini size of chocolate puddings to sample multiple flavors without overloading.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the comfort-factor and consistent sweetness, often citing the chocolate pudding as a sleeper hit.
10. Paris Baguette
Korean-French bakery chain beloved for accessible chocolate treats—from ganache-filled pastries to fudgy slices and mochas.
✓ Why Go:
A dependable, casual stop to satisfy chocolate cravings between museum visits and park walks on the UWS.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning or mid-afternoon for the freshest turnover of pastries and open seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for limited-edition chocolate cakes; staff can box slices for easy park picnicking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors note good value and variety, calling it a convenient chocolate grab-and-go option on Broadway.
