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Local picks in the LES

Chocolate spots

A piece of rich, dark chocolate is the only thing that will satisfy a sudden craving for something decadent.

Based on 628 Opinions
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01
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Modern, sporty space combines heated outdoor seating with live music and sports on flatscreens. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, attracting a fashionable, showbiz crowd. Unique for serving authentic Portuguese egg tarts that stand out in quality and flavor.

Food comes freshly made with unreal sandwiches and natas that stand out. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed vibe while dining feels like eating in someone's home.

Chocolate pastel de natas come in both traditional and dark varieties. The chocolate pastry pairs well with the original, and there's also a Chocolate and Passion Fruit option to try.

People are saying

"The food here is the best Portuguese around."

"You have to try the food, especially the pastéis de nata."

"You should try the chocolate pastel de natas if you're a fan."

Good to know

1

The price of one pastel de nata is $4, which is quite expensive compared to $1.20 in Lisbon.

2

You can only visit this place during good weather as there is no indoor dining.

3

On Sundays, the venue has live music and everyone dances Forró.

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Small space offers raw plant-based desserts that are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, and kosher. Atmosphere feels pleasant and light, with desserts displayed beautifully and delivered fresh. Vegan cakes stand out for their natural sweetness and rich flavors that satisfy without overwhelming.

Food here is strictly plant-based with no added sugars, oil, or preservatives. It suits people with food allergies and keeps both staff and customers engaged.

Chocolate appears in unique forms like the summer mango chocolate special and the chocolate berry dessert. Pies feature diverse flavors including Dark Chocolate, Matcha Cream, and Peanut Butter Cup.

People are saying

"I'm obsessed with their yummy sweets and cakes."

"I was obsessed with the mint chocolate torte."

"Each chocolate treat has a unique, exciting flavor."

Good to know

1

The desserts are raw plant-based, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, and kosher.

2

Each dessert costs around $13, making them a bit pricey.

3

The bakery specializes in vegan and gluten-free desserts.

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Interior mimics an old-school diner with retro vibe and classy servers in white lab coats. Atmosphere feels warm and homey yet somewhat sterile and quiet while ordering. Known for classic bagel and lox, it draws those seeking a historic Jewish deli experience.

Food here is consistently fresh and tasty with a focus on quality. The dining experience pairs excellent service with dishes that highlight cultural pride and flavor.

Chocolate babka French toast stands out with its indulgent richness and pairs well with berries and sour cream. It works as both a breakfast and dessert option.

People are saying

"It's cozy and the food tastes great."

"The food here, especially the lox, is outstanding."

"The food is always fresh and delicious here."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is necessary to avoid a wait of over an hour.

2

Expect to wait on busy weekend mornings; arrive early to get on the list.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect long waits on weekends.

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Small dessert spot with cutesy decor and limited indoor seating offers a chill vibe and loud, explicit music. It draws a crowd looking for late night snacks featuring fresh fruit dipped in rich chocolate. The space feels instagrammable and less crowded than similar locations.

Food choices come at a range of prices, with many finding them well priced and delicious. Some consider the food worth the price, while others do not.

Rich, smooth Belgian chocolate coats fresh strawberries and fruits with a perfect crunch. Crepes and mini pancakes come drizzled with non-greasy, well-balanced chocolate that is never too sweet.

People are saying

"I love the rich chocolate paired with fresh strawberries and bananas."

"The chocolate-dipped strawberries were so delicious and smooth."

"The crepes filled with fruit and chocolate are amazing."

Good to know

1

The pictured waffle with side of ice cream costs $17.50.

2

The fruit stick is now $8 instead of $6.

3

Chocolate DIP offers a variety of chocolate-covered sweets like fruit, crepes, and waffles.

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Basement-level cocktail bar offers a cozy, chic vibe with creative Filipino-inspired drinks and family-run warmth. Space includes small private tables and a beautiful bar, making it ideal for intimate gatherings or after-work drinks.

Food features intriguing flavor profiles that balance innovation and comfort. Drinks and dishes offer variety, inviting multiple visits to explore more.

Chocolate cake stands out with its rich, delicious flavor and soft texture. It pairs well with the soft butch cocktail for a satisfying dessert experience.

People are saying

"I love the cozy vibe that makes me feel at home."

"I loved the inventive craft cocktails with rare ingredients."

"You have to try the chocolate cake; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The bar features a creative drink menu with unique Filipino-inspired cocktails.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounts on select drinks.

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Small space with brick walls and high top tables creates an intimate, chill vibe. Natural and orange wines stand out alongside creative dishes like beef tartare and savory eclairs. Atmosphere turns lively and crowded, reflecting a trendy downtown energy without pretension.

Food shows consistent quality with every dish. Flavors come through as well thought out and really good.

Chocolate appears in rich desserts like chocolate mousse and chocolate cake. These dishes offer a smooth, intense flavor that stands out among other sweets.

People are saying

"The food is amazing, creative, and unforgettable."

"I found the food to be delicious and creative."

"I loved the chocolate tart with olive oil."

Good to know

1

The Saturday specialty donuts are served from 12-2:30.

2

This restaurant does not take reservations.

3

The menu consists mainly of small plates and appetizers.

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Small deli offers wide variety of vegan products including hard-to-find vegan cheeses and freshly made vegan deli sandwiches. Space includes limited indoor and outdoor seating with a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. Energy feels calm, attracting those seeking a vegan Eastern European experience.

Offers a wide range of vegan gourmet foods including vegan caviar. Sandwiches, snacks, prepared foods, and pastries all focus on plant-based options with amazing flavor.

Sweet chocolate melts smoothly and fills flaky, fluffy croissants. Unregular bakery chocolate croissants often sell out, and a variety of vegan chocolates and sweets are available.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and super tasty."

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and satisfying."

"The Edith sandwich, a faux smoked salmon, was the clear winner."

Good to know

1

The store has a large selection of vegan foods, sauces, and frozen goods.

2

They make their own deli meats, which makes a huge difference.

3

There are only 2-3 indoor seats available.

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Tiny shop with colorful doughnut display and unique decorations creates a cozy yet modern ambiance. Music plays loudly, setting a vibrant atmosphere while seating is limited and casual, including sidewalk options. Variety includes both cake and yeast doughnuts, distinguishing it from typical bakeries.

Food stays fresh and tasty with a quality that beats regular fast food donut places. Drinks and the overall vibe add to the experience, making it a spot people return to often.

Chocolate appears in many forms here, from Valrhona chocolate in donuts to a Brooklyn Blackout cake doughnut filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate cake crumbs. Vegan options include chocolate and banana, and the chocolate flavors balance sweetness well, like the dark chocolate sourdoughnut with its subtle tang.

People are saying

"Some chocolate doughnuts are rich, others too sweet or mild."

"The food here, especially the doughnuts, is amazing."

"The dark chocolate here is rich, smooth, and intensely flavorful."

Good to know

1

Their new store hours are 8am to 4pm.

2

You should go early because they sell out fairly fast.

3

A single donut at The Donut Plant costs around $4.50+.

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Minimalist bakery space resembles an empty warehouse with no indoor seating, offering only a service counter and a small outdoor seating area. Atmosphere feels sterile yet chill, contrasting with the heavenly smell of fresh baked goods. Outdoor tables provide a cozy spot to enjoy some of the best croissants and pastries available.

Food tastes extremely fresh and natural with incredible baked goods. Quality and flavor rate consistently high, making the offerings top notch and delicious.

Chocolate items feature strong cherry and chocolate flavor in the Black Forest croissant and a refreshing passion fruit chocolate cruffin. Cookies like cranberry white chocolate macadamia nut and miso chocolate stand out for their unique combinations.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The chocolate chip cookie and Ube donut were a dream."

"The chocolate croissants and cruffins taste fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

They only accept cards and do not accept cash.

2

Check their working days and hours before visiting as they don’t open every day.

3

Get there early as a line forms before they open.

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Entrance through a pawn shop leads to a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. The interior divides into smaller rooms, each with its own dimly lit ambiance and stylish decor. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe suited for evening gatherings.

Food features Michelin star quality in both taste and presentation. The menu offers amazing dishes that satisfy the entire party, paired with great drinks and attentive service.

Peanut butter chocolate cake stands out with its rich flavor and texture. The chocolate box, priced at $40, feels overpriced and underwhelming.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The hidden entrance is cool, but food’s just okay."

"The ambiance is great and the food’s amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

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Narrow, small shop with no indoor seating and often crowded atmosphere. The vibe is old school, evoking a sense of history and tradition with a calm, unhurried pace despite the crowd. Outdoor benches offer brief respite while enjoying classic bagel and lox combinations.

Food features delicious bagels and an excellent quick service system that keeps quality high. The overall taste is consistently excellent and worth it.

Chocolate babka stands out with its rich flavor and appears in several forms like cinnamon and chocolate. Other treats include chocolate pretzels and chocolate French toast, adding variety beyond typical sweets.

People are saying

"The food here is classic Jewish deli with amazing smoked fish."

"The food was delicious and worth the wait."

"The food is amazing and the place has a rich history."

Good to know

1

You must take a number when you first enter to be served.

2

There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.

3

Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.

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Small, busy restaurant with cramped seating and wrap-around windows offering city views. Atmosphere is warm and noisy, with fans instead of air conditioning and frequent interruptions. Popular spot known for best pancakes and a message-alert system for table readiness.

Comfort food stands out with consistently amazing and excellent American dishes. Breakfast options deliver a strong reputation for quality and flavor.

Hot chocolate comes topped with whipped cream and suits a rainy day well. Chocolate chunk pancakes stand out with dark chocolate balancing caramel sweetness.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the pancakes, is fluffy and buttery."

"The food is delicious and the place is always busy."

"I enjoyed the great food but it was pricey and hyped."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required on weekends and highly recommended during the week.

2

Expect wait times of up to an hour during peak hours.

3

Get there early to avoid long lines, especially for breakfast.

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Massive space with roomy seating and lively atmosphere suits large groups and animated brunches. Outdoor seating offers a luxury dining experience with pleasant ambiance. Music adds a fun, cool vibe throughout the venue.

Food offers great brunch energy with a tasty starter of mac n cheese and a solid entree all around $30. The overall quality is excellent and consistently amazing.

Chocolate here balances sweetness perfectly with a rich tahini flavor and crunchy chocolate crumbles on the side. The Chocolate Ganache Tart stands out as a notable dessert option.

People are saying

"The vibes are lively and the food's great."

"I found the food here to be really flavorful and delicious."

"The chocolate cake was great, especially the flourless kind."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Helena Brunch on weekends due to its popularity.

2

The bottomless brunch is available from 11am to 4pm on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

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Restaurant recreates 1980s Korean retro vibe with nostalgic decor like old-school calendars and retro TVs. Atmosphere feels peaceful yet lively, evoking a sense of stepping into an older Korean family-run spot. Unique amenities include a complimentary drink machine offering coffee and hot chocolate after meals.

Food arrives quickly, within 15 minutes, showcasing authentic Korean flavors. Bulgogi stands out as well marinated and tender, reflecting a focus on preserving traditional recipes.

Free coffee or hot chocolate comes with meals. A self-serve stand offers all-you-can-drink cafe drinks including hot chocolate for a sweet finish.

People are saying

"This food is the best Korean food I've ever had."

"The food is delicious with generous portions."

"The banchan here are seriously delicious and beautifully crafted."

Good to know

1

Kisa offers a lunch menu Friday to Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm.

2

Expect wait times of 1.5-2 hours for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the 5 PM opening to secure a table.

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Space combines Scandinavian minimalism with futurism in a hyper modernist design featuring white walls and high ceilings. Loud techno/EDM music fills the cramped interior, creating a cold, sterile atmosphere. Fresh churros are made visibly in a window, adding a lively touch to the otherwise tight seating area.

Food comes out freshly made and tasty with a focus on gluten-free vegan desserts. Some dishes have a noticeable frying oil taste but overall the food is good and the service matches its quality.

Dark chocolate dip tastes genuinely rich and gourmet. The hot chocolate uses real melted chocolate, and the honey lavender white chocolate churro offers a unique, delicious twist.

People are saying

"The chocolate dips vary a lot in thickness and taste."

"The churros are crispy, fresh, and delicious."

"The food here is tasty and fresh."

Good to know

1

The churros cost $8 for 3 pieces.

2

The dipping sauce costs an additional $3.50.

3

There are no toilets inside the establishment.

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Small space with mostly outdoor seating offers a gritty atmosphere and warm environment. Late-night hours attract those seeking amazing crepes with generous fillings. Outdoor seating is limited and less comfortable, but the spot maintains a cute aesthetic.

Food here includes a tomato, goat cheese, basil, and honey crepe that costs about $16 after tax. The crepes taste good but feel overpriced and are often eaten on the street since seating is limited.

Milk chocolate in crepes is smooth and velvety with a balanced flavor that is not too sweet. Some crepes feature a rich, creamy milk chocolate filling, while others may have only a slight drizzle of chocolate on top.

People are saying

"The food is fresh and the vibe feels special."

"I enjoyed the good food here."

"I love the mix of fruit and chocolate in the crepes."

Good to know

1

Creperie is open late, making it a great late night treat.

2

Creperie stays open until 2 AM.

3

You cannot call to order for pickup; you have to use an app.

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European-style bakery offers impeccable bread and buttery pastries with a relaxed vibe and outdoor seating. The space feels compact, and the atmosphere suits quick breakfasts or light lunches. Coffee serves hot in disposable cups, complementing the overall casual experience.

Pastries stand out with high quality and great taste. Food generally impresses with exceptional quality and flavor, though recent visits show a noticeable decline.

Chocolate chip cookies stand out with their rich flavor and soft texture. The chocolate cookie pairs well with savory items like the ham and Gruyère croissant.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and super tasty."

"The food has mostly been great, though lately it's felt off."

"People either love the food or find it lacking."

Good to know

1

The wait times can be long on weekends, so plan accordingly.

2

They close early often, so check hours before visiting.

3

The bakery charges extra for milk and butter, so expect higher prices.

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