Jun 4, 2025

Harlem Chocolate Factory New York

Edible Harlem history

""Harlem Chocolate Factory" New York is run by chocolatier Jessica Spaulding. She conveys the full spectrum of the Harlem cultural experience in her choc..."

I was speeding along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard on an electric CitiBike---along Striver's Row---on a hot, sweaty Autumn evening when I noticed a glint of gold on my left around 139th Street, then spied the Harlem Chocolate Factory distinguished by  its shiny gold and chocolate brown awning.

In the patois of an authentic New Yorker, chocolatier Jessica Spaulding says “I’m nevva gonna stop making and eating chocolate, evva!” followed by “Beauty is the bittersweetness of... opportunity and poverty” in her YouTube video, here.

Jessica is a ‘breakout boss’, who even personally photographs the Harlem scenes showcased on the wrappers that adorn her chocolate bars and who specifically crafts the recipes encompassing everything she finds in those areas, her effort being to convey the spectrum of cultural experiences available in Harlem. "I need to make sure everyone along the line is treated fairly. Things like non-fair trade practices are something I think we can eliminate in our lifetime", she adds.

You oughta see her marbled chocolate and her chocolate and cayenne ganache in her sparkling shop with its open kitchen from which everything comes.

There is a collection of truffles called the Sunday Soul Collection. They’re inspired by classic desserts like the Sweet Potato Pie, Red Velvet Cake, and Banana Pudding. And upcoming? Possibly the 'Harlem shuffle truffle' with hints of booze and allusions to the dance.

Any choice here is a terrific NYC souvenir/gift for yourself and friends back home. It will take time before these appear abroad.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Adam Clayton Powell Junior Boulevard 2363

Truffles:

US$

2.50

+1

6466238027

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Monumental Women

Central Park Monument Representing Real Women

"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 14, 2025

Der Krung

Best Thai spot in town

"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Christian

Neely

Jul 14, 2025

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 13, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite New York

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters