There’s chocolate you buy from the store, and then there’s handmade chocolate you buy from a shop and swear to never settle for less after one bite of creamy, rich goodness. Luckily, North Carolina chocolate like this is easy to come by. With a number of stores sourcing and roasting their own beans, you could spend months surveying the unique, artisanal chocolate shops in NC. Here is a list of eight that are special, delicious gems of our state.
- French Broad Chocolates, Asheville
washingtonpost.com After meeting while in grad school, then impulsively leaving grad school to move to Costa Rica and start a chocolate shop; the two owners of French Broad, Dan and Jael Rattigan, returned to America and graced Asheville with their knowledge. French Broad Chocolates is a “chocolate” empire, sourcing the finest beans for unique chocolatey indulgence. From grabbing a truffle to-go or hanging in the chocolate lounge, French Broad is a must-stop for North Carolina chocolate. Learn more about this North Carolina chocolate factory. French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe, 821 Riverside Dr #199, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
- Escazu Artisan Chocolates, Raleigh
R B/Trip Advisor Escazu sources the finest cacao beans from small farms. The beans are then roasted and ground to make delicious truffles, chocolate bars, and ice cream. Grab a cup of coffee and some of the best chocolate in North Carolina at Escazu. Get more details on Escazu. Escazu Chocolates, 936 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA
- Twenty Degrees Chocolates, Charlotte- PERMANENTLY CLOSED AS OF 1/25/23
http://www.20degreeschocolates.com/ Stop at Petit Philippe, a wine and tasting room, opened by Twenty Degrees Creator Casey Hickey and her husband, for a truffle and some red wine. Twenty Degrees Chocolate uses pastry school knowledge, with sweet creativity, to combine indulging and delightful chocolates artfully crafted for any occascion.
- Videri Chocolate Factory
https://www.viderichocolatefactory.com Three chocolate lovers had a dream, and turned that dream into reality with Videri Chocolate Factory. Dedicated to NC’s motto “esse quam videri” (to be rather than to seem) this bean-to-bar North Carolina chocolate factory has nothing to hide with the artisanal production of some of the best chocolate in North Carolina. Read further on what a visit to Videri Chocolate Factory will involve. Videri Chocolate Factory - Chocolate Bean to Bar, 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
- Black Mountain Chocolate, Winston-Salem
http://www.blackmountainchocolate.com/ Craving more than a career as a lawyer, owner Brent Peters opened up Black Mountain with his wife. Today, you can take a tour of the North Carolina chocolate factory where all the sweet goodness is made. End the tour with a delicious hot chocolate on a cold winter day. Black Mountain Chocolate is retailed throughout North Carolina. Learn more about Black Mountain Chocolate. Black Mountain Chocolate, 450 N Patterson Ave Suite 110, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Matthew’s Chocolates, Hillsborough
visitchapelhill.org You can’t go wrong with homemade, all-natural chocolates from Matthew’s. Owner Matthew Shepherd is an innovative chocolate connoisseur yet he never had formal “chocolate” or pastry education. But the self-taught chef adds a world of sweet goodness to North Carolina. Drop by this chocolate shop in NC on special holidays, like Valentine’s Day, for great specials. Head to the Facebook page for Matthew’s Chocolates to learn more. Matthew’s Chocolates, 104 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
- barCHOCOLATE, Charlotte- YELP REPORTS THIS TO BE CLOSED AND I CANNOT FIND A WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK
http://www.barchocolateclt.com/products/ barCHOCOLATE has innovative, creative and wildly unique chocolate combinations. Ever thought of cherry balsamic milk chocolate or coriander Pop Rocks hazelnut praline? While these combinations might sound a tad ridiculous to the more formal chocolate lover, they’re fun and delicious. This is some of the best chocolate in North Carolina and you can’t find chocolate quite like it anywhere else. barCHOCOLATE can be found at a number of retailers in Charlotte.
- The Chocolate Fetish, Asheville
roadtrippers.com Since 1986, The Chocolate Fetish has been satisfying Asheville’s sweet tooth with amazing, homemade chocolates. From classic truffles to unique “chocolate shoes,” this is a must-stop for North Carolina chocolate the next time you find yourself in Asheville. See all that The Chocolate Fetish has to offer. The Chocolate Fetish, 36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
- The Fudgeboat, Carolina Beach
Fudgeboat/Facebook From an assortment of fudge to hand-dipped chocolate strawberries The Fudgeboat is a must for a tasty treat at Carolina Beach. Learn more about some of the best chocolate in North Carolina. The Fudgeboat, 107 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
- Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
http://www.dillsborochocolate.com/factory-and-store Family-owned and operated, this small but sensational chocolate shop is a great gem hiding in the Smoky Mountains. Browse candies, coffee, fudge, and even “shooters” made with a touch of alcohol. Yum! Find out more about visiting Dillsboro Chocolate Factory.
Where do you find the best chocolate in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments!
washingtonpost.com
After meeting while in grad school, then impulsively leaving grad school to move to Costa Rica and start a chocolate shop; the two owners of French Broad, Dan and Jael Rattigan, returned to America and graced Asheville with their knowledge. French Broad Chocolates is a “chocolate” empire, sourcing the finest beans for unique chocolatey indulgence. From grabbing a truffle to-go or hanging in the chocolate lounge, French Broad is a must-stop for North Carolina chocolate. Learn more about this North Carolina chocolate factory.
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe, 821 Riverside Dr #199, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
R B/Trip Advisor
Escazu sources the finest cacao beans from small farms. The beans are then roasted and ground to make delicious truffles, chocolate bars, and ice cream. Grab a cup of coffee and some of the best chocolate in North Carolina at Escazu. Get more details on Escazu.
Escazu Chocolates, 936 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA
http://www.20degreeschocolates.com/
Stop at Petit Philippe, a wine and tasting room, opened by Twenty Degrees Creator Casey Hickey and her husband, for a truffle and some red wine. Twenty Degrees Chocolate uses pastry school knowledge, with sweet creativity, to combine indulging and delightful chocolates artfully crafted for any occascion.
https://www.viderichocolatefactory.com
Three chocolate lovers had a dream, and turned that dream into reality with Videri Chocolate Factory. Dedicated to NC’s motto “esse quam videri” (to be rather than to seem) this bean-to-bar North Carolina chocolate factory has nothing to hide with the artisanal production of some of the best chocolate in North Carolina. Read further on what a visit to Videri Chocolate Factory will involve.
Videri Chocolate Factory - Chocolate Bean to Bar, 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
http://www.blackmountainchocolate.com/
Craving more than a career as a lawyer, owner Brent Peters opened up Black Mountain with his wife. Today, you can take a tour of the North Carolina chocolate factory where all the sweet goodness is made. End the tour with a delicious hot chocolate on a cold winter day. Black Mountain Chocolate is retailed throughout North Carolina. Learn more about Black Mountain Chocolate.
Black Mountain Chocolate, 450 N Patterson Ave Suite 110, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
visitchapelhill.org
You can’t go wrong with homemade, all-natural chocolates from Matthew’s. Owner Matthew Shepherd is an innovative chocolate connoisseur yet he never had formal “chocolate” or pastry education. But the self-taught chef adds a world of sweet goodness to North Carolina. Drop by this chocolate shop in NC on special holidays, like Valentine’s Day, for great specials. Head to the Facebook page for Matthew’s Chocolates to learn more.
Matthew’s Chocolates, 104 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
http://www.barchocolateclt.com/products/
barCHOCOLATE has innovative, creative and wildly unique chocolate combinations. Ever thought of cherry balsamic milk chocolate or coriander Pop Rocks hazelnut praline? While these combinations might sound a tad ridiculous to the more formal chocolate lover, they’re fun and delicious. This is some of the best chocolate in North Carolina and you can’t find chocolate quite like it anywhere else. barCHOCOLATE can be found at a number of retailers in Charlotte.
roadtrippers.com
Since 1986, The Chocolate Fetish has been satisfying Asheville’s sweet tooth with amazing, homemade chocolates. From classic truffles to unique “chocolate shoes,” this is a must-stop for North Carolina chocolate the next time you find yourself in Asheville. See all that The Chocolate Fetish has to offer.
The Chocolate Fetish, 36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Fudgeboat/Facebook
From an assortment of fudge to hand-dipped chocolate strawberries The Fudgeboat is a must for a tasty treat at Carolina Beach. Learn more about some of the best chocolate in North Carolina.
The Fudgeboat, 107 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
http://www.dillsborochocolate.com/factory-and-store
Family-owned and operated, this small but sensational chocolate shop is a great gem hiding in the Smoky Mountains. Browse candies, coffee, fudge, and even “shooters” made with a touch of alcohol. Yum! Find out more about visiting Dillsboro Chocolate Factory.
Looking for a different version of caffeine? Check out these North Carolina coffee shops.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina Food January 27, 2023 Rachel Raimondi What are the most popular foods in North Carolina? If you want to eat like you are a North Carolinian, check out some of the most popular foods in North Carolina: Chocolate Lab: No, not a sugary treat. Or a dog breed. This chocolate lab is a cheese made in Fairview from pasteurized cow’s milk with a rind rubbed with sea salt and crushed cocoa. Red Slaw: Similar to traditional coleslaw, this recipe from North Carolina changes it up by taking out the mayonnaise and adding in ketchup. It is usually served with barbecue and hot dogs. Carolina-Style Hot Dog: These hot dogs are housed in a split bread roll and topped with slaw, chili, onions, and mustard. Texas Pete: You can get this hot sauce pretty much anywhere, but its origins tie back to Winston-Salem in 1929. Where are the best bakeries in North Carolina? If you’re looking for some fresh baked goods, you’re in luck. Here are some of the best bakeries in North Carolina: Groovy Duck Bakery: Located in Raleigh, this shop is known for its stellar muffins, but they also offer cakes, cookies, bars, pastries, and other delicious goods. Owl Bakery: This bakery is over in Asheville. What makes this shop unique is that they offer naturally leavened bread as well as pastries inspired by Europe. Loaf: Located in Durham, this shop is popular for its sourdough and other bread, but they also have an assortment of sweet treats like eclairs and tarts. Miranda’s Sweet Addictions: Located in Rocky Mount, this bakery is known for its delicious and creative sweet treats, ranging from wedding cakes to cupcakes. What are the best ice cream shops in North Carolina? Treat yourself to some of the best ice cream shops in North Carolina. Here is a sampling of just a few: Tony’s Ice Cream: Part of Gastonia since 1915, this shop offers over 25 flavors as well as sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits. Golden Cow Creamery: This small-batch ice cream maker offers all the classics like chocolate and vanilla, with some more unique flavors like mint Oreo and gingerbread. The Parlour: This shop in Durham offers an assortment of fun flavors like honey lavender and lemon curd, and even has some gluten-free and vegan choices.
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina Food
January 27, 2023
Rachel Raimondi
What are the most popular foods in North Carolina? If you want to eat like you are a North Carolinian, check out some of the most popular foods in North Carolina: Chocolate Lab: No, not a sugary treat. Or a dog breed. This chocolate lab is a cheese made in Fairview from pasteurized cow’s milk with a rind rubbed with sea salt and crushed cocoa. Red Slaw: Similar to traditional coleslaw, this recipe from North Carolina changes it up by taking out the mayonnaise and adding in ketchup. It is usually served with barbecue and hot dogs. Carolina-Style Hot Dog: These hot dogs are housed in a split bread roll and topped with slaw, chili, onions, and mustard. Texas Pete: You can get this hot sauce pretty much anywhere, but its origins tie back to Winston-Salem in 1929. Where are the best bakeries in North Carolina? If you’re looking for some fresh baked goods, you’re in luck. Here are some of the best bakeries in North Carolina: Groovy Duck Bakery: Located in Raleigh, this shop is known for its stellar muffins, but they also offer cakes, cookies, bars, pastries, and other delicious goods. Owl Bakery: This bakery is over in Asheville. What makes this shop unique is that they offer naturally leavened bread as well as pastries inspired by Europe. Loaf: Located in Durham, this shop is popular for its sourdough and other bread, but they also have an assortment of sweet treats like eclairs and tarts. Miranda’s Sweet Addictions: Located in Rocky Mount, this bakery is known for its delicious and creative sweet treats, ranging from wedding cakes to cupcakes. What are the best ice cream shops in North Carolina? Treat yourself to some of the best ice cream shops in North Carolina. Here is a sampling of just a few: Tony’s Ice Cream: Part of Gastonia since 1915, this shop offers over 25 flavors as well as sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits. Golden Cow Creamery: This small-batch ice cream maker offers all the classics like chocolate and vanilla, with some more unique flavors like mint Oreo and gingerbread. The Parlour: This shop in Durham offers an assortment of fun flavors like honey lavender and lemon curd, and even has some gluten-free and vegan choices.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you want to eat like you are a North Carolinian, check out some of the most popular foods in North Carolina:
Chocolate Lab: No, not a sugary treat. Or a dog breed. This chocolate lab is a cheese made in Fairview from pasteurized cow’s milk with a rind rubbed with sea salt and crushed cocoa.
Red Slaw: Similar to traditional coleslaw, this recipe from North Carolina changes it up by taking out the mayonnaise and adding in ketchup. It is usually served with barbecue and hot dogs.
Carolina-Style Hot Dog: These hot dogs are housed in a split bread roll and topped with slaw, chili, onions, and mustard.
Texas Pete: You can get this hot sauce pretty much anywhere, but its origins tie back to Winston-Salem in 1929.
Where are the best bakeries in North Carolina?
If you’re looking for some fresh baked goods, you’re in luck. Here are some of the best bakeries in North Carolina:
Groovy Duck Bakery: Located in Raleigh, this shop is known for its stellar muffins, but they also offer cakes, cookies, bars, pastries, and other delicious goods.
Owl Bakery: This bakery is over in Asheville. What makes this shop unique is that they offer naturally leavened bread as well as pastries inspired by Europe.
Loaf: Located in Durham, this shop is popular for its sourdough and other bread, but they also have an assortment of sweet treats like eclairs and tarts.
Miranda’s Sweet Addictions: Located in Rocky Mount, this bakery is known for its delicious and creative sweet treats, ranging from wedding cakes to cupcakes.
What are the best ice cream shops in North Carolina?
Treat yourself to some of the best ice cream shops in North Carolina. Here is a sampling of just a few:
Tony’s Ice Cream: Part of Gastonia since 1915, this shop offers over 25 flavors as well as sundaes, milkshakes, and banana splits.
Golden Cow Creamery: This small-batch ice cream maker offers all the classics like chocolate and vanilla, with some more unique flavors like mint Oreo and gingerbread.
The Parlour: This shop in Durham offers an assortment of fun flavors like honey lavender and lemon curd, and even has some gluten-free and vegan choices.
