5 of the best chocolate shops in the D.C. area

In a world that seems perpetually on the brink of ruin, there is one abiding reason for optimism: chocolate. It is a balm for the brokenhearted, an afternoon indulgence, an always-welcome housewarming gift. And, of course, it’s a can’t-miss Valentine’s Day present.

When you need a next-level confection, it’s best to head to a place focused solely on sweets. Here are five of our favorite chocolate shops in the DMV.

1. The Capital Candy Jar

201 15th St. NE. capitalcandyjar.com.

Though there are plenty of non-chocolate options at the Capital Candy Jar in northeast Capitol Hill, it’s the cocoa-covered treats that shine. The store’s Valentine’s Day treats, decked in brown, red and pink, include everything from classic chocolate-covered strawberries to heart-sprinkled pretzel sticks and Oreos. Valentine’s Day packages (chocolate and non-chocolate, such as white and red gummy hearts) begin at $6.95, and chocolate truffles and strawberries cost $25.95. The strawberries are available only in-store or for pickup, but other items are available for shipping.

2. Arcay Chocolates

1280 Fourth St. NE; 3211 O St. NW. arcaychocolates.com.

Arcay Chocolates is best known for its jewel-tone bonbons, handcrafted by Venezuelan chocolatier Anabella Arcay. The original location inside La Cosecha in the Union Market district and its new shop in Georgetown both offer flavors as varied as cherry blossom and churro, sold by the piece or in an assortment. A box of nine costs $30, a dozen cost $40 and 25 sell for $75. Arcay is also offering Valentine’s Day specials through the holiday, including hot cocoa bombs, a trio of chocolate “love potions,” and gift boxes of chocolate bars and bonbons, all of which range from $24 to $115.

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3. The Chocolate House DC

1904 18th St. NW. thechocolatehousedc.com.

The Chocolate House is home to over 110 brands of chocolate, so you’re bound to find something for your valentine, gal-entine and pal-entine, all in one stop. Offerings include drinking chocolate, vibrant truffles and more than 400 chocolate bars from across the world (what says romance like anise and tomato chocolate?).

4. L.A. Burdick

1319 Wisconsin Ave. NW. burdickchocolate.com.

Part bakery and part chocolate shop, L.A. Burdick’s cozy Georgetown location offers cookies, cakes and, its pièce de résistance, adorable creature-shaped truffles (mice, ducks, snowmen and penguins) that are almost too cute to eat. Almost. Chocolate prices range from $20 for a small heart-shaped box to $390 for the “chocolate epicurean collection,” which is currently sold out online.

5. Kilwins

663 Water St. SW; 1250 Half St. SE; 212 King St., Alexandria. kilwins.com.

Kilwins was founded in 1947 and quickly became a family-favorite fudge shop with locations across the country. The DMV is home to three locations: one in Old Town, one at the Wharf and one in Navy Yard. Its Valentine’s Day specials include classic heart-shaped boxes of assorted truffles a la “A Charlie Brown Valentine”; prices begin at $16.99 for six pieces and go up to $121.99 for 32 ounces (that’s two pounds!) of chocolate. Kilwins also offers caramel apples for $11.99 each, heart-adorned cookies for between $13.99 and $23.99, and a gift box of its best-selling chocolates for $59.99.

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