Beltway Bambinos

Valentine’s Day for me is just another excuse to shove even more chocolate in my mouth than I did the day before while giving extra tight snuggles to those I love. It also means the quality of the chocolate is definitely better than my typical 3 o’clock pick-me-up from my hidden stash. There are plenty of delicious places to shop this Valentine’s Day for yourself, your love or your Bambinos that don’t include the heart shaped milk chocolate box from the drug store. These are worth the trip, guaranteed while supporting local businesses. 

Artisan Confections: Arlington, VA
Jason Andelman’s recipes creatively blend high-quality ingredients that subtly enhance the star of the show – Valrhona chocolate – considered the best in the industry. The result is a collection of smooth and creamy confections that look as stunning as they taste. 

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates: Georgetown, DC
Handcrafted artisan chocolate assortments, bonbons, truffles, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mixes, chocolate-covered marzipan, and other delicacies that are sure to delight even the most discerning of chocolate lovers.

The Capital Candy Jar: NE, DC
After 3 years producing candy out of Union Kitchen, they were finally big enough to open their own store and production space in the Hill East Neighborhood just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. They continue to make all of the candy by hand in small batches. It’s sold in gourmet grocery stores, gift shops and coffee shops all over the United States. Now everyone can try Dave’s tasty confections and we hope you’ll love them as much as we do.

Arcay Chocolates: Located in La Cosecha
Arcay Chocolates is a family-run and award-winning chocolate studio in Washington D.C.  With more than 15 years of experience, they offer an exquisite range of chocolate bonbons, bars, and confitures.

June B. Sweet: Chevy Chase, DC
They have a selection of Brigadeiro flavors, mini cakes and Brazilian Mousse available every day at Write for You.

The Chocolate House: DuPont Circle, DC
Note: They were just robbed twice and may not be open; if they are please support this small business that has been open for 15 years.
The Chocolate House is a tasting room and boutique store where you can experience over 300 unique chocolate bars and confections from artisan chocolate makers and chocolatiers from all corners of the world.

Harper Macaw: Georgetown, DC
Harper Macaw is a fine chocolate venture founded by a Brazilian chocolate maker and a U.S. Marine Veteran with an ambitious yet tangible objective: To turn chocolate into a force for tropical reforestation.

SPAGnVOLA:Gaithersburg, MD
Crisoire Reid is an award winning Chocolatier and co-owner of SPAGnVOLA. Having been raised in her ancestral hacienda in Hato Del Rey, Dominican Republic. With her passion in land cultivation and agriculture, she began to focus her interest in improving the quality of their crops. They offer gift boxes, hot chocolate, caramels and more. 

Chocolate Chocolate: Downtown, DC
D.C.’s first independent chocolate shop, in 1984 serving chocolate from around the world.

Godiva: Various locations
Hand dipped strawberries, truffles for miles and drinks made to order. You can become a Rewards member for free and receive a free truffle each month.

Balduccis: Locations in Bethesda, Alexandria and McLean
This is a premiere destination for many things such as meats and cheeses, the section of chocolates and confections is very impressive too.