Nestled amongst hipster restaurants in San Francisco’s Mission District, Dandelion Chocolate is the cure to your chocolate cravings. By producing high quality chocolate with big flavor, this humble factory and café proves that size doesn’t matter.
Swinging open the giant doors is like opening the gates to Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. When you step inside, you see shelves lined with a plethora of chocolate items, proof that this small factory knows how to keep its customers satisfied. Paired with the enticing smell of chocolate, Dandelion is an experience not to be missed.
About Dandelion Chocolate
Todd Masonis and Cameron Ring had a dream of bringing locally made chocolate back to the Bay Area. In 2010, these chocolate lovers opened Dandelion Chocolate, creating chocolate with the motto of “Bean-to-Bar”
Rather than manufacturing chocolate industrially, Dandelion Chocolate aims to create small batches of hand-crafted chocolate using ethically sourced ingredients. The owners work directly with producers and visit their farms to make sure their cocoa beans are reliably produced and the best quality possible.
These “Bean-to-Bars” are created without any additives; their only ingredients are cocoa and cane sugar. Each bar is made from different beans from all over the world, all producing unique flavors that you won’t find in your ordinary Hershey’s bar.
It may be overwhelming to decide which bar to purchase, but don’t despair. Free samples accompany each chocolate bar display, so you can try them all and pick your favorite. With bars originating from countries such as Madagascar and Venezuela, you’ll experience a chocolate vacation without breaking the bank.
Ambience
Whether you’re by yourself or with friends, the mellow atmosphere at Dandelion is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a chocolate aroma. To see the magic happen, take a seat along the counter to watch employees transform cocoa beans into chocolate bars right before your very eyes.
Chocolate Drinks
Dandelion Chocolate has a seasonal menu to keep things fresh. With choices ranging from hot chocolate to pastries, it’s difficult not to order everything at once.
The most popular menu item is the hot chocolate. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, these Insta-worthy drinks, topped with whipped cream and homemade marshmallows, leave you wanting more after every sip.
#SpoonTip: The hot chocolate can be ordered with almond milk!
Chocolate Desserts
Don’t forget the perfect pairing to your drink: a freshly made pastry. With chocolate incorporated into each dish, ranging from s’mores and coffee cake, these items are proof that the time and effort spent making the chocolate pays off. These handcrafted treats never fail to disappoint, evidence that chocolate is a great addition to any dessert, no matter what kind.
Next time you’re craving chocolate, don’t settle for a grocery store chocolate bar. Visit Dandelion Chocolate and step into a real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. You can sample all of the chocolate your heart desires and taste some of the best chocolate drinks and desserts you’ve ever had, all while watching chocolate being made first hand. So next time you’re in San Francisco, visit Dandelion: it’s a must try destination for chocolate connoisseurs and sweet tooths alike.