LA Burdick in Harvard Square is my favorite chocolate store in the whole entire world.
It’s a chocoholic’s dream: the smoothest, creamiest handmade chocolates, plus pastries, gift items, and other goodies, in a cozy little restaurant filled with whimsy and warmth. As soon as I step in, I’m immediately enveloped in the magic of chocolate – it seems like every nook and cranny at LA Burdick is filled with something delicious.
I love going in there because it seems like everyone inside emanates happiness (who wouldn’t be, when you’re surrounded with such alluring treats); I look around and people are all smiling and jovial. In spite of the long lines, the crowded little tables, and the fairly expensive prices, the store draws in fellow chocolate aficionados, and keeps us captivated with bonbons and truffles and adorable chocolate penguins.
My favorite thing to order at LA Burdick (and I bet it will be yours too, if you try it) is the hot chocolate. This is, quite literally, liquid chocolate in a cup: it’s shaved chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and cocoa powder whisked into steamed milk and topped with foam. It’s the creamiest, thickest, silkiest cup of hot chocolate. It’s different from my beloved tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate) which, while equally velvety and frothy, has a slight graininess like Mexican chocolate. The LA Burdick version is flawlessly smooth and very intense.
Below are some pictures from a recent afternoon at the chocolate haven:
People often ask me what my favorite chocolate is, and my answers are constantly changing. But I do append my answer with something else: that I am very lucky to live so close to a wonderful little chocolate store in Harvard Square. LA Burdick recently expanded into Back Bay too, with other locations in New York and Walpole, New Hampshire (the flagship cafe).
If you’d like more chocolate in Harvard Square, check out the Chocolate Walking Tour – a two and a half hour gastronomy indulgence (read about my experience here).
What’s your favorite food store in your city?
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Burdick hot chocolate! My friends recently surprised me with a delivery of hot chocolate and also a cocoa tea, and it was a very welcome, sweet gift!
How have I not heard of this place? I think I need to structure my weekend plans around a visit for some hot chocolate.
I agree that Burdick’s has the BEST hot chocolate! Has the Back Bay one officially opened? I may have to stop by this weekend.
I’ve never been to LA Burdick! I think a great afternoon will be to have lunch at Darwin’s and dessert at LA.
Why did I not find your blog earlier…like when I actually lived in the Boston area?!?! This place looks like a chocoholic’s dream!
Amanda it is definitely worth scheduling a visit for some hot chocolate!
Yup the Back Bay location is open! Haven’t been there yet though, let me know how it is!
Yup I’ve done many weekends like that
Thanks Parita! Well now you have a guide when you come back
I love love love La Burdick. They just opened on Clarendon in Back Bay but they are not yet ready for the Tea House
. I was so excited to go on Sunday. Hopefully very soon they will be set. I did buy some delicious dark chocolate instead!
Mmm, I do love me some Burdick hot chocolate. The NY location just happens to be in between my parents’ apt and Dave’s office. Very convenient.
I just read about this place somewhere else (I can’t remember where) and thought it looked amazing. Look at all those chocolates! No wonder people are in high spirits there.
My mother LOVES L.A. Burdick’s! She makes my sister and me bring them to her in VT when we visit…sometimes she gets impatient and orders them online…once our dog ate an entire box. He was fine, but it was a sad, sad day for the ladies of the house…
Looks like a fantastic cafe!
My sister recently gave me a box of their mixed chocolates as a gift…soooo good!
You have a great sister!
I love thick hot chocolate. This place sounds fabulous!
Thank you for reminding me about this chocolate heaven! It’s been way too long since I’ve been here.
LOVE the hot chocolate. It is just so rich and decadent!!
so for years it is tradition for my uncle (who lives in winchester) to buy my parents a box of chocolate mice. those things are INCREDIBLE!!! i only went to burdick’s once myself, and had the dark chocolate hot chocolate. i cant stop thinking about it.
I have added Chocolate Walking Tour to my list of things to do next time I am in Boston!
I love Burdicks! I agree, the hot chocolate tastes like a liquid milk chocolate bar. Heaven! I love the chocolate mice and penguins. I often send them as gifts.
I definitely need some of that hot chocolate in my life. you photos are great!
Oh wow, here I am in the Boston area and I’ve never even heard of this place. I have to get my butt to Cambridge soon!
I was going to be totally jealous until I noticed the location in NYC! This store and I have a date with destiny.
For a moment, there, your photos and descriptions made me forget that I usually have no interest in hot chocolate or cake! Well done!
P.S. Mountain Creek Whole Foods. So if you ever come to Canberra…
A…chocolate..tour?! Oh my I am in heaven. These pictures and the thought of that hot chocolate. Delicious!
ooh, i didn’t realize they were in back bay now! that’s dangerous… love their hot chocolate. have been wanting to try the penguins
I’ve been here before, but actually never bought anything! Obviously, that needs to change.
I LOOOVE this place and am so excited they opened a location in Back Bay – i’m waiting impatiently for their hot chocolate and other treats to be sold! The dark hot chocolate is my favorite
This must be what I once had when we traveled to Russia…I ordered a hot chocolate expecting the usual and was surprised that it was like a melted candy bar…yum! Another chocoholic here!
just by looking at that cup, i can tell the drink would be delicious. the cups are just so cute, i’m looking for the prettiest tea set.
Wow,amazing!!