As every commercial and specialty aisle makes blatantly clear, it’s Valentine’s Day. For those who are single, this day can seem like a slap in the face. For couples, it’s almost worse, since all of society’s pressure is placed squarely on their shoulders to make sure it is the most romantic day possible. Thankfully, whether you are single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, one thing is a constant: delicious, sugary food. Thus, for all the dessert addicts out there (and if you’re not one, you’re not living,) here is a list of the top ten best cupcake and chocolate shops in DC. You’re welcome.
1. Cocova
Location: 1904 18th St NW
Price: $$$
Tucked away a few blocks north of Dupont Circle is this hidden gem, which has been rated as the number one chocolate shop in D.C. by the Washington Post and a few other publications. Open until 8:30 most nights, the shop offers customers a taste of over 300 flavors of chocolate and related pastries sourced from around the world. While it does fall on the pricier side, it is certainly a great option for a special night out.
2. Baked and Wired
Location: 1052 Jefferson St NW
Price: $$
While many food critics consider Georgetown Cupcakes to be the best cupcake shop in DC, residents of the city know that actually, this store a few blocks away from Georgetown Cupcakes is the real winner. With a coffee house atmosphere, lines that don’t take longer than around 10 minutes, and around 20 flavors of homemade-tasting cupcakes, this is the place to be for the best pastries in Georgetown, hands down.
3. Georgetown Cupcakes
Location: 3301 M Street NW
Price: $$
…That being said, Georgetown Cupcakes still has its merits. Baked and Wired may beat it out in the long run, but a cupcake from this shop will still leave you feeling like you just tasted heaven. It’s worth the wait, but still, beware the lines, and try to hit up one of its other locations like Bethesda, at an off-peak time to beat the tourists.
4. Neuhaus Chocolatier
Location: Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Price: $$
This chocolate shop, located in one of the busiest centers in DC, is part of a chain that specializes in Belgian chocolate. This would be the ideal spot for picking up a box of chocolates for that someone special, whether that is a significant other or, better yet, yourself.
5. Crumbs
Location: Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Price: $$
While you’re picking up chocolate at Union Station, it would definitely be worth stopping by this cupcake shop, which, along with the rest of the delicious chain, almost went bankrupt last summer. Thankfully, the company is back on its feet, and these cupcakes still remain to brighten the day of anyone with functioning taste buds.
6. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
Location: 7263 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD
Price: $$$
While this store is not technically in D.C., no list of sweet shops for the area would be complete without mentioning Max Brenner. This is one of those magical places where all thoughts of the outside world melt away as soon as a plate of their famous chocolate fondoe or, better yet, one of their almost perfect milkshakes is placed on the table in front of you. Of all the shops on this list, this is my personal favorite, and a place that must be visited during your time at a student at AU.
7. Hello Cupcake
Location: 1361 Connecticut Ave NW
Price: $$
This is another great cupcake shop, this time located near Dupont instead of Georgetown, and with over 50 flavors of cupcakes, it features more options than most other cupcake stores in the area. With its outdoor seating, it’s the perfect pit stop while exploring Northwest D.C.
8. Chocolate Chocolate
Location: 1130 Connecticut Ave NW
Price: $$$
While it may not be the most creatively named store in D.C., with its diverse selection of flavors and various pastries available it certainly lives up to its name. Not only are basics chocolate delicacies on sale, but there are even chocolate replicas of the Capitol and the various memorials available as well. Even better, it is located just off the Faragut North metro stop, making it an easy trip, and one that seems worth the slightly elevated price.
9. Olivia Macaron
Location: 3222 M Street NW
Price: $$
Yes, this is yet another shop located in Georgetown, but this store had to be included on this list simply due to the proliferation of wonderful macaroons available there. If there is one flavor you are craving above all else, never fear, because it will be at this store. An added bonus is that, for a fee, the store delivers full boxes of macaroons anywhere within ten miles of the store, so macaroons are always nearby.
10. Sweet Themez
Location: 2318 18th St NW
Price: $$
Last but not least is this quirky cupcake shop, located on the basement level of a building on the main street in Adams Morgan. While it may not have as many flavor cupcakes on sale as other stores like it do, the flavors that are available are worth the walk, and it’s a great excuse to take a break while exploring this area of the city.
Here’s to hoping for a sweet Valentine’s day for all our readers!