Valentine's Day is around the corner and it's time to grab some chocolates from these local NYC shops!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
If you’re hankering for a handmade chocolate bar, or want to dive into a chocolate pizza, NYC is full of places to fulfill your craving! It’s no secret that we have some of the best desserts in the country, and that’s all thanks to the signature chocolate shops and chocolatiers that take their craft seriously! No matter if you’re shopping for some Valentine’s Day sweets, or want to stop by for a quick taste of greatness, we suggest one of these chocolate shops in NYC!
1. Jacques Torres, Grand Central & DUMBO
Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop is arguably one of the most famous of the chocolate shops in the city right now. With a shop located in the iconic Grand Central Terminal, as well as in DUMBO in Brooklyn, this shop does it all! We’re talking about chocolate making classes open for enrollment and even a museum of chocolate to explore. Come see what the creations of pastry chef “Mr Chocolate” are all about… like the chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate!
Where:
Grand Central Terminal – 17 Grand Central Terminal (Lexington Passage Way)
DUMBO – 66 Water St, Brooklyn
2. Aigner Chocolates, Forest Hills
Dating all the way back to 1930, Aigner Chocolates has been a family business serving delicious chocolate-y goods. The store focuses on Austrian style chocolate and features antique equipment alongside tons of sweet treats. Their inventory ranges everywhere from truffles to cordials to chocolate clusters…meaning there’s a little something for everyone!
Where: 103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
3. Max Brenner, Union Square & Times Square
Max Brenner aka Chocolate by the Bald Man has locations in Philly and Boston as well! This restaurant/retail store combo serves a mouth-watering chocolatey menu, with one our personal highlights being the chocolate pizza! You can get a slice to go but we recommend sitting down for a chocolatey dinner.
Where:
Union Square – 841 Broadway (Between 14th St & 13th St)
Times Square – 720 7th Ave (48th St)
4. Kee’s Chocolates, Upper West Side
Kee’s Chocolates is the brainchild of Kee Ling Tong, who left her corporate job to pursue the chocolate world full-time. Every chocolate and confection in her shop is Asian-inspired due to her background, and made with passion and care. Fans of the shop often crave their most popular chocolate balls, which come in flavors like crème brûlée, black sesame, and so many more! We suggest stopping by earlier in the morning because many flavors sell out quickly!
Where: 228 Columbus Ave
5. Mariebelle, SoHo & Murray Hill
If you’re seeking some luxury chocolates, we suggest Mariebelle! Their one-of-a-kind treats look like little pieces of art that you just want to devour. Their flagship location in SoHo doubles as a cacao bar and tea salon too, meaning you should stop in and enjoy a truffle, hot chocolate, and one of their delicious desserts. Of course you can always grab a box of New York chocolates if you’re on the go as well.
Where:
SoHo – 484 Broome St
Murray Hill – 66 Park Avenue (located inside The Kitano Hotel)
6. FINE & RAW Chocolate, Bushwick
Fine & Raw is both a chocolate factory and cafe in Bushwick. The chocolates are organic and plant-based so vegans, this is a great option for you. Plus, their chocolates are free of refined sugar (they use coconut sugar) making them *almost* guilt free!
Where: 70 Scott Ave, Brooklyn
7. Hersey’s Chocolate World, Times Square
Although many consider this spot a touristy option, Hershey’s Chocolate World is a flagship for more commercial chocolate than you can ever imagine! Create your own candy assortment at their Amazing Candy Machine or slurp on chocolate-y milkshakes that you can customize at the Hershey’s Bar! There are so many things to do at this store in the heart of Times Square!
Where: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave
8. Li-Lac Chocolates, Multiple Locations
Li-Lac Chocolates is one of the oldest chocolatiers in NYC. They opened in 1923 and have been serving delicious chocolate covered almonds (among other varieties of chocolates) to sweet-toothed New Yorkers ever since.
Where: Find your location here
9. Chocolate Fantasy, Staten Island
Chocolate Fantasy definitely is the “Sweetest Place to Be!” This Staten Island spot serves all sorts of sweets, including hand-made chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallow lollipops, chocolate pizzas, gourmet pretzels, and so much more! If you’re looking for customized chocolate desserts, we highly suggest ordering from here!
Where: 305 Nelson Ave, Staten Island
10. Chocobar Cortés, The Bronx
This 4th generation, family-owned, Caribbean, bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturing company in the Bronx is a gem! They take their chocolate serious, all the way down to picking out the beans to make it! Their creations span far and wide, offering a chocolate-themed co*cktail program and menu all the way to buyable desserts and sweets too. Plus, their cute interior is aesthetically pleasing and gives us “kids in a candy store” vibes!
Where: 141 Alexander Ave, The Bronx
11. LA Burdick, SoHo
LA Burdick is another cute SoHo stopby where you should spend a few minutes next time you have an urge! Their specialties include their handcrafted chocolates (like Chocolate Mice, Chocolate Penguins, and Signature Assortments), pastries (like Mocha Cake and Burdick Chocolate Chip Cookies) and the gourmet drinks (hot chocolate, tea, and more). There’s something for everyone here and the prices are pretty affordable!
Where: 156 Prince St
12. Stick With Me, Nolita
This cute, tiny chocolate shop specializes in selling handmade bonbons with sophisticated fillings and marbleized shells. As you can tell above, the creations come hand-painted in an array of colorful and themed offerings! There’s also caramels, truffles, and other chocolatey options too!
Where: 202A Mott St
See also: 16 Places With The Best Hot Chocolate In NYC
