Hello, chocolate lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a delicious journey through some of the best chocolate shops in the USA. This isn’t just any list; it’s a carefully curated collection born from extensive research and countless delightful tastings!
For this list, we relied on recommendations from trusted sources like Food & Wine, 24/7 Wall St., and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Some of these shops were personally visited, and their products sampled, while others came highly recommended by friends and colleagues who share the same passion for artisanal chocolates. Each selected shop stands out not only for the exceptional quality of its chocolates but also for its dedication to offering unique products and unforgettable experiences to customers.
Let’s embark on this delicious journey together and discover what each of these marvelous chocolate shops has to offer!
1. Dandelion Chocolate – San Francisco, CA
At Dandelion Chocolate, you’ll discover what it means to be a true bean-to-bar chocolate shop. They handle every step of the process, from sourcing cocoa directly from farmers to producing the bars. Don’t miss trying a single-origin bar and marveling at the complexity of flavors. Find the location here.
2. Theo Chocolate – Seattle, WA
Visiting Theo Chocolate is an incredible experience. They are known for their organic and fair-trade methods. Try the ghost chili caramel bonbon, which is both sweet and spicy. The factory tour is also a lesson in sustainability. Find the location here.
3. Ghirardelli Chocolate – Lake Buena, FL
Ghirardelli is famous for its luxurious chocolate bars and innovative flavor combinations. Find a store near you.
4. LetterPress Chocolate – Los Angeles, CA
Owners Corey and David of LetterPress are impressively dedicated to sustainable chocolate. Visit the shop and try a subtly spiced bar. Their passion is palpable in every bite. Find the location here.
5. Chocovivo – Los Angeles, CA
At Chocovivo, Patricia Tsai creates stone-ground chocolates that are simply amazing. Try a bar with a hint of cinnamon and be enchanted. The cocoa comes from a small farm in Mexico, ensuring exceptional quality. Find the location here.
6. MarieBelle New York – New York City, NY
Maribel Lieberman transformed MarieBelle into a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers. Don’t miss the famous Aztec hot chocolate that Oprah loved. Each confection is a work of art. Find the location here.
7. Fran’s Chocolates – Seattle, WA
Founder Fran Bigelow is a pioneer in using sustainable ingredients. Try the smoked sea salt caramels, which are a favorite of former President Obama. Find the location here.
8. French Broad Chocolates – Asheville, NC
Owners Dan and Jael brought their knowledge from Costa Rica to Asheville. Try a chocolate bar with notes of black tea and brown sugar—it’s simply divine. Find the location here.
9. Compartes – Los Angeles, CA
Don’t miss visiting Compartes when you’re in Los Angeles. If you live there and haven’t been yet, you’re sure to be enchanted by the mosaic-like edible chocolate bars. Jonathan Grahm has truly elevated gourmet bars, especially the ones with donut pieces and coffee. Find the location here.
10. Vosges Haut-Chocolat – Chicago, IL
Katrina Markoff created chocolates with flavors from around the world. Try an Indian curry truffle that will explode with flavors in your mouth. A true delight! Find the location here.
11. Panache Chocolatier – Kansas City, MO
Panache Chocolatier has been a tradition in Kansas City for over four decades. Originally located in Country Club Plaza, it now enchants visitors in Leawood with its irresistible premium chocolates. Find the location here.
12. Cedar Street Toffee – Prairie Village, KS
Cedar Street Toffee, born in Prairie Village, is famous for its gluten-free delights. Created by Teresa Spiess, it’s perfect for those seeking high-quality guilt-free sweets. Find the location here.
13. Laura Little’s Candies – Prairie Village, KS
Laura Little’s Candies is a Prairie Village institution, known for its variety of fudges. As a family business, they have stood out for over half a century. Find the location here.
14. Annedore’s Fine Chocolates – Kansas City, MO
Annedore’s Fine Chocolates has been a go-to destination for chocolate lovers for three decades. They also have Flying Cow Gelato next door, making it the perfect combination. Find the location here.
15. Andre’s Confiserie Suisse – Kansas City, MO
Since 1955, Andre’s Confiserie Suisse has upheld Swiss chocolate-making traditions, passing down through three generations. Their family recipes are a must-try. Find the location here.
16. Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro – Kansas City, MO
Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro is a mother-daughter collaboration between Regina Antunes and Jessica Harris. Since 2015, they have been delighting customers with their brigadeiros, earning over 14,000 positive reviews. Find the location here.
17. Chequesset Chocolate – North Truro, MA
Located in Cape Cod, Chequesset Chocolate quickly became a staple. They are known for their single-origin bars and delicious combinations like white chocolate with lemon and thyme. Find the location here.
18. Chokola – Taos, NM
In Taos, Chokola is a charming spot for chocolate lovers. Founded by Debi Vincent and Javier Abad, the shop offers two-ingredient single-origin bars wrapped in locally decorated packaging. Don’t miss the 75% Bolivia bar. Find the location here.
19. Christopher Elbow Chocolates – Kansas City, MO
Christopher Elbow, a talented pastry chef, turned his skills into a renowned line of creative bonbons and single-origin chocolate bars. The shop is a must-visit for chocolate fans. Find the location here.
20. Compartes – Los Angeles, CA
Compartes has a long history dating back to 1950 and is known for its artistically packaged chocolate bars. Try the bar with donut pieces and coffee. Find the location here.
21. Creo Chocolate – Portland, OR
Creo Chocolate is run by the Straub family, who started in berry farming and then fell in love with chocolate. They have a close relationship with a cocoa producer in Ecuador, resulting in award-winning chocolates. Find the location here.
22. Cultura Craft Chocolate – Denver, CO
Damaris Ronkanen uses sustainable white cocoa from the state of Tabasco, Mexico, to create her intriguing 70% Mexico bars. Find the location here.
23. Dick Taylor Chocolates – Eureka, CA
Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor, inspired by the new generation of chocolate makers, brought the revolution to Humboldt County. Try the famous black fig bar. Find the location here.
24. Eclat Chocolate – West Chester, PA
Christopher Curtin is a master chocolatier creating intricate bonbons and bars filled with Pennsylvania Dutch-style pretzels. Find the location here.
25. EH Chocolatier – Cambridge, MA
Known for their delicate vegan truffles, EH Chocolatier offers a unique experience with handmade chocolates. Find the location here.
26. Eldora Chocolate – Albuquerque, NM
Steve Prickett started making chocolate at home and is now awarded for his single-origin bars. Try the bars with local flavors like mole spices and piñon. Find the location here.
27. Hatch Family Chocolates – Salt Lake City, UT
Hatch Family Chocolates is known for its creative and delicious chocolate creations, such as shoes and skulls made of chocolate. They also offer a line of ice creams. Find the location here.
28. The Secret Chocolatier – Charlotte, NC
Founded by the Dietz family, The Secret Chocolatier is famous for its bark products and unique combinations like banana chips and marshmallows. Find the location here.
29. Dancing Lion Chocolate – Manchester, NH
Richard Tango-Lowy is the master chocolatier behind Dancing Lion Chocolate, known for its exotic creations and chocolate-making workshops. Find the location here.
30. La Châtelaine Chocolat Co. – Bozeman, MT
Wlady and Shannon Hughes Grochowski create chocolates infused with unique ingredients like absinthe and black pepper. Find the location here.
31. Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates – Wichita, KS
Cocoa Dolce is known for its beautiful shops and artisanal chocolates that include ingredients like honey lavender and blackberry mojito. Find the location here.
32. MarieBelle – New York City, NY
Maribel Lieberman opened MarieBelle in 2001 and is famous for her Aztec hot chocolate and artisanal confections. Find the location here.
33. Romeo Chocolates – Long Beach, CA
Founded by Romeo Garcia, Romeo Chocolates offers truffles and chocolate bars and stands out for its commitment to fair trade. Find the location here.
34. Vosges Haut-Chocolat – Chicago, IL
Katrina Markoff created exotic truffles with flavors like Indian curry and Hungarian paprika. A true delight for the senses. Find the location here.
35. Kakao Chocolate – St. Louis, MO
Brian Pelletier creates chocolates using natural ingredients, offering truffles, caramels, and specialties like marshmallow pies. Find the location here.
36. The Meadow – Portland, OR
The Meadow offers over 300 varieties of dark chocolate bars, as well as a collection of milk and flavored chocolates. Find the location here.
37. Xocolatl – Small Batch Chocolate – Atlanta, GA
Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt created Xocolatl inspired by their travels to Costa Rica. They offer artisanal chocolates and chocolate-making workshops. Find the location here.
38. diAmano Chocolate – Atlanta, GA
DiAmano Chocolate, a family-owned shop, offers over 50 flavors of truffles and gourmet bars made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. Find the location here.
39. Chamberlain Chocolates – Atlanta, GA
Brian O’Neil, known as the modern Willy Wonka, creates innovative chocolates while his wife MJ manages the front of the business. Find the location here.
40. The Chocolaterie – Duluth, GA
Located in historic downtown Duluth, The Chocolaterie is famous for its finely crafted truffles and gourmet ice creams. Find the location here.
When exploring these top chocolate shops, my advice is to embrace the journey with an open mind and a curious palate. Each shop has its own unique charm and specialty, so take the time to savor the distinct flavors and craftsmanship that each one offers.
Pro Tip: Many of these chocolatiers offer tastings, workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours. Don’t miss out on these opportunities—they provide a deeper appreciation for the art of chocolate making and often come with delicious samples!
Recommendation: Try to visit these shops during off-peak hours to get a more personalized experience. Engaging with the staff and chocolatiers can give you insights into their passion and stories behind the chocolates.
Remember, the best way to enjoy chocolate is slowly and with all your senses. Look at the intricate designs, inhale the rich aromas, and let the chocolate melt in your mouth to truly appreciate its texture and flavors.
Enjoy your sweet journey and happy tasting!
References:
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