"First Coast" food - 2 of 2 Ok, so this is food ... and it isn't. I didn't know where to eat in charming St. Augustine, Florida - America's oldest settlement - and would wait to return to Jacksonville to figure out where I'd then have dinner. I stumbled into Claude's Chocolate admiring the historic Alcazar Hotel which now houses city hall, a museum, and then some. As such, a dessert from practically adjacent Claude's would serve as lunch. Saying "old world European" may sound trite, but it's applicable here where the endeavor has a craftsman-like dedication, be it in the hand made ice cream/gelato, the chocolates and candies they select, and the tidiness of their small store. They do have enough space, though, for people to eat in and it was nice and cool inside. I had two ice cream flavors side by side - strawberry cheesecake and Belgium chocolate. This ice cream "lunch" was delicious and I savored the taste slowly as I sat inside but looked outside the storefront windows toward the Alcazar and its landscaped square. I was treated politely and with patience as I chose what I wanted from the glass case. I also purchased a small quantity of candy for the road. Claude's Chocolate is not a chain chocolate or ice cream store. This is sort of a boutique for fine chocolates and higher quality desserts and sweet treats. The prices are a little bit higher, but you get what you pay for. read more

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This place in St. Augustine has one of the best hot chocolates I've ever had. So rich and creamy! The barista melted 1/3 cup of shaved Belgian chocolate with milk- and it was incredible and it was only $5! The barista was super friendly and gave us a sample before we bought it. One of the only places where I wouldn't ask for extra whipped cream. Definitely gotta try this spot. read more

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The BEST hot chocolate. The woman working is so kind and makes the hot chocolates with imported Belgium chocolate and it is. so. Good. Only five dollars too! Highly recommend for a cold day to either enjoy and take a break from walking the city in the cute, cozy seating area or sip it as you go explore. read more

Homemade gelato. Very good Excellent flavor. The serve was very friendly and nice customer service Highly recommend it to anyone read more

Claude's Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

What an excellent hidden gem we found when exploring St Augustine. Located across the road from Flagler College, we found a quaint little chocolate shop! We were probably greeted by the member of staff and she asked if we have been here before and if we had any questions. We wanted to look around first but it said thank you, and that we would ask if we had any questions. Unfortunately for us we found this chocolate shop straight after having ice cream so really didn't have much room to get anything big, with that being said we did try a few little chocolates. The shells we tried were chocolate with a champagne center which were delicious and very moreish! We were told that all of the chocolates are made using the finest Belgian chocolate and are handmade. Although we only tried a couple on this visit we will definitely go back to try a lot more. Another factor in our limited choices was the August heat, so it was either eat them now or not get any, of which we certainly couldn't do! read more

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Wonderful chocolate! If in St. Augustine, take a trip over and get some. The dark chocolate graham crackers are delightful!

The chocolate is wonderful! I'm dairy-free and they have a few dark chocolate choices, which are so delicious. Dark chocolate covered ginger and dark chocolate squares. If you're in St. Augustine, I highly recommend! read more

What a wonderful and charming store! The owner was so kind and welcoming. We got coffee and chocolates and everything was delicious. The gelato samples we tried we outstanding! Made in house as well as the chocolates. The chocolates were to die for. Creamy and delicious. Off the beaten path but not too far from the action, this charming chocolate store had all the wonderful charm of an old city like Saint Augustine. Definitely a must stop when visiting the area! read more

Claude's Chocolate - Chocolate selections. Yumm!! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

This place is the best chocolate and gelato place in St. Augustine!!!!! The service was amazing!!! Ms. Debbie is such a lovely person and gave us gelato samples and made our day extra special. Highly recommend the hazelnut chocolate gelato and we cannot wait to dive into our truffles. We are already planning our next visit!!! Beautiful place to takd the family and eacape the heat. read more

After years of wishing, I had stopped in..I stopped in. Now I'm a off kilter kinda gal and like weird flavors like ginger and boubon flavors mixed in my chocolate. Claudes was right with me. Between the truffles and chocolate pieces, I was in heaven. The shop smells just as good as their chocolate taste and the service lady is a sweetie. I brought home a box of 6 and the flavors were all my kinda thing. They have a array of good stuff like ice cream and popcorn. I am happy I finally got to stop by. I promise at least once a year to visit. read more

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We stopped in on a weekend because it was close to the spot on Granada Street where we found parking. They offer gelato and lots of varieties of chocolate. The place is fairy-tale cute and the employee was friendly and solicitous. After much deliberation we chose chocolate covered orange peels and chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies. The bunnies were delicious and disappeared quickly. The orange peels were not what was expected. They were a lot sweet and only a little bitter. This is a nice place to stop if you've left some room after eating at one of the great restaurants in old town. Usually I don't manage that feat. read more

Nice little place with great chocolate.and homemade gelato! The friendly server volunteered to serve a single scoop as two halves of different flavors so we wouldn't have to choose! The stawberry cheesecake, butter pecan and Belgium chocolate almond were all excellent! Another customer RAVED about the hot chocolate and how she gets a cup every time she visits the Ancient City! Cheaper and less crowded than the other chocolate shops. FREE parking in the back! Entrance shared with Zorayda museum. Ignore the $5/10 parking sign and park next to single story building on the left, while the multistory Zorayda is on the right. If asked by attendant, tell them you're going to the chocolateer and they will direct you where to park. read more

Claude's Chocolate - 1/2 eaten Belgium chocolate almond - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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They have amazing chocolate makes a perfect gift they even wrap it must try Hidden Gem read more

Claude's Chocolate - Location - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Oh my such wicked deliciousness. Hand crafted chocolates, perfect gift for your loved ones and don't forget to love yourself in the store. They also ship chocolates back home or anywhere you want to send a sweet treat. read more

Claude's Chocolate - Inside the store. Treats on display - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

When this chocolate shop was actually Claude's, it was the best chocolate made in NE Florida. After Whetstone bought it (Claude retired), the quality steadily dropped. I'm not sure if Whetstone's goal was to sabotage their superior competition, or whether Whetstone just doesn't know how to produce Claude's high-quality products, but either way, this place is not even close to the greatness expected for twenty years. They couldn't even produce the top-selling product (chewy caramel with sea salt) and other delights. It's a tragedy for St. Augustine. read more

First class chocolates in delicious flavors. And friendly, professional service at the shop. Highly recommend!

These chocolates are pretty good. They are also pretty expensive. But that seems to be the norm for chocolate shops these days. They had an oops section for imperfect chocolates. That was a nice way to try a couple things for a discount. We enjoyed all the chocolate we got from here. The peanut butter bar with hazelnut was our favorite. read more

I'm visiting St. Augustine and have been here two days and have come here twice. Their gelato is delish. Taste fresh and use good quality ingredients. Had the strawberry cheesecake yesterday and today had the butter pecan. Both amazing! read more

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Such nice staff and clean location! Stop in by and give their chocolate a try. Very delicious and creative too! read more

Claude's Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

After sight seeing through the Lightner museum, my friend and I decided to take a walk around the city. While venturing around, we saw a chocolate shop that looked pretty interesting. When we went inside, we saw a decent amount of people inside. Although they didn't have any Gelato available, they had a whole variety of different chocolates. The lady working said she makes them all by scratch. Moving on with my review, I've had Godiva and other fancy brands before, but these were fine of the line chocolates! For starters, all the chocolates I tasted didn't have that pungent milk taste and can really taste the high cocoa content! In addition, the fillings inside were really unique. One for instance, was a white chocolate truffle with a champagne orange cream filling which was Devine! I really enjoyed also the peanut butter lover and almond too! The prices were a little high, but I would overall be glad to try some new flavors if I was in the area again! read more

Claude's Chocolate - Amazing variety of chocolates - each type possessed real cocoa quality! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Claude's was across the street from the hotel we were staying in. I stopped by to pick up a few mini chocolates for my mom. They had quite a selection of tasty treats. Also, the lady working in the store was quite friendly and helpful. read more

The owner was so nice. We went when it was cold out and the hot cocoa was AMAZING. Very sweet was great. We also had chocolate covered pretzels we tried to make late but the chocolate was so silky and we couldn't stop eating them. Cute little shop. read more

Cute little snowman chocolates tasted amazing. Definitely would go back again. The staff was also very nice and friendly. Very welcoming read more

Claude's Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Stepping through the door welcomed my childhood fantasies of Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory~ playfully decorated and sweets all about tantalizing your taste buds. Beautifully done artisan chocolates, candies, cookies, brownies and more! I love Halloween and the leftover treats were on sale- me grabs a dark chocolate witch hat pop... I move around the store reading descriptions and weighing my options. I discover a treat I love and rarely find- dark chocolate covered orange peel. Affordable too! A sample pack had just the right amount for me- about 8 strips. I checked out the artisan chocolates in the case and honestly couldn't decide~ I opted for some simple white chocolate that was right next to the register instead. The witch hat was gone within a block of leaving- that's actually pretty long to eat it as I slowly savored the dark chocolate. I haven't finished all the orange peels yet- they are such a wonderful treat! And white chocolate is another rare treat I indulge in about twice a year. I will happily stop back in next time I am in St Augustine! read more

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What a beautiful little chocolate shop! The nice woman behind the counter explained all about their truffles (where they get their chocolate, where their kitchens are to make the truffles, and even the process of how they make them) and was so friendly it more then set the tone for my experience. I decided on a 16pc box and picked out a few different types as I was bringing them home to share with friends as our dessert to pair with some wine. I chose all dark chocolate and when I tell you how deliciously delicate yet rich each piece was...you'll have to try for yourself! The flavors are prominent and so well executed that this may be the only place you ever buy truffles from again! Thank you so much for such wonderful creations...my friends loved them as well! read more

Claude's Chocolate - 16 pc box - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

We were lucky enough have a box of Claude's chocolates included in our grab bag for New Year's Eve at our little Bed and Breakfast St. Francis Inn. What a delightful suprise. I loved all of the flavors that were offered equally as much. Delicious. read more

Claude's Chocolate - Salted caramel, Key Lime, Port Wine and Seashell Champagne. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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Coffee and chocolates ... what's not to love. Conviently located right across from the Lighter Museum in St. Augustine's historic district. Varied selection of truffles, creams, chocolates and other sweets. Cafe seating behind a large picture window allows for air conditioned luxury as you watch the world stroll by. read more

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The lady was very nice. Offered samples of the gelato. The flavors were good, but imho, had a little aftertaste. The assorted chocolate selections were fantastic. We got malted milk balls, graham crackers in chocolate and turtles. All were yummy! read more

The woman who runs the place claimed they had the best hot chocolate in town... and it was actually true! So thick and delicious. Their hazelnut chocolate was also really good. But the best part was actually the woman who owns the place. She gave us an extra chocolate and gave my daughter a tiny cup of extra hot chocolate on the side. Great customer service and a small town feel. read more

Very cute chocolate shop. We came in here to hide from the rain and it was practically empty today, which we enjoyed. We only had coffee, which was super nice. Didn't have any chocolate but it looked very beautiful like William dean chocolates. read more

If chocolate heaven is a place on Earth I think it's real name is Claude's. A little back story: when I first moved to St. Augustine for college I was a bit homesick, that combined with my sweet tooth was a lethal combination so one fateful day I walked the entirety of downtown (admittedly it was a bit more compact then) trying all the chocolate places to see what was the best. I happened upon at least four candy/chocolate stores (got to love that fact in a "tourist town") and bought stuff from every one. While none were bad, one clearly stood above the rest, that was Claude's. It was in a tiny side street up a couple of steps off the main drag (in this case St. George Street). It's location has moved over the years but the quality, beauty, and perfection that is Claude's has not changed. Owned by Claude and his lovely wife, Nicole. Claude's chocolate has pure, rich chocolate from Europe. Claude is a perfectionist and each truffle/bonbon must be exactly as he likes it to make his display case. Check out the "oops" for discounted but usually tasting exactly the same bites. I personally think the pure chocolate and the truffles are the best way to indulge. While there is a heftier price, this isn't your average Hershey bar. Claude's delicious flavor combinations are one of the reasons their sweets have always stood out. While they have traditional flavors like raspberry, mint, and peanut butter, Claude's takes it one step further with fantastic combinations like a mimosa truffle (white chocolate, orange and champagne), key lime drop (milk chocolate and key lime), and hearts of passion (passion fruit filing with your choice of milk or dark exterior - try them both if you like passion fruit) or even Earl Grey (yes tea in chocolate), Star Anise(for those black licorice lovers) and Jack Daniels (who doesn't like whiskey). My favorite is a modern staple in chewy caramel with sea salt- sweet, salty, chewy and decadent with dark chocolate and crumble of that fresh salt IMO it can't be beat. Additionally Claude's has expanded to includes ice cream, ice pops (try them chocolate dipped) and cookies with ice cream in the middle, all a great way of cooling down on a warm Florida day. At either location (but the "factory" out on US1 is where you usually see Nicole and Claude), expect quality, delicious chocolate. I can't pop back in town without a stop in. read more

Claude's Chocolate - Truffles for days - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

Cute chocolate shop beside the Lightner museum. Staff very friendly, store is clean and bright. We bought many different items to enjoy after dinner and we all enjoyed. The specialty chocolates were indulgent and delightful. The children loved the chocolate covered pretzels. We will be back!! read more

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I was disappointed. I tried their best-selling salted caramel bonbon, and it didn't make me like caramel any more than I did before. I had a truffle, which was good, but they almost always are. I also had some chocolate soft-serve ice cream, which they make in-house. It seemed a bit icy and didn't have exceptional flavor, though the dark chocolate stuck in it was very good. They have one table outside, but it could use a trash receptacle nearby or regular cleaning. I'm sure there are good things to try here (I saw chocolate-covered Oreos) so I may be back to give it another chance. Update: their chocolate-covered Oreos were delicious, and I'd get them again. read more

Very friendly staff! Great gourmet popsicle selection. Wonderful place to find tasty and affordable chocolates compared to other places in St. Augustine. Very cute cafe To enjoy your coffe and chocolates. read more

Claude's Chocolate - Great selection of truffles and chocolates. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

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I have walked past here in my visits to St. Augustine, but have never gone in. I decided to change that and go in today. It's a cute little shop that immediately smells of chocolate when you walk in. There is a variety of sweets, from bon bons to chocolate covered popcorn, something for everyone! They have little samples of chocolate near the cash register, and I had a taste of 60% dark chocolate, which was delicious. It was quiet, and we were the only customers in there. I'm sure they get a lot of business being near the college, but I hope more people come and check out this local niche. read more

Terrific place with delicious chocolate! The owners are husband-and-wife team that ran a French restaurant for years, but chocolate was always their passion. You can tell every time you take a bite of any of their products, it's all wonderful! Plus, they have their own homemade soft serve ice cream! Tons of different flavored truffles, including top-favorite sea salt caramel and second-favorite key lime truffle! read more

After spending a cold, windy day out on the trolley in St. Augustine, it was necessary to acquire some sort of warm, delicious drink to keep being alive. hot chocolate fit the bill perfectly, and there's no better place in town to get it than Claude's Chocolate. They don't mess around, using a delectable mix of chocolate fused together with steamed milk (not that bland, watery stuff), it's sure to satisfy your chocoholic needs. 10/5 read more

Claude's Chocolate - A cup of Claude's hot chocolate! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

This is the best chocolate I've ever had in my life. Claude's Chocolate is on a different level. They make Godiva look like amateurs. A Hershey bar now seems inedible. My favorite piece of chocolate from Claude's was the sea salt caramel. The chocolate-covered popcorn and homemade soft serve are also to die for. Also, Linda is a sweetheart and taught me a lot about chocolate. I learned so much in a quick visit. I'll definitely be back. read more

Excellent chocolate. I have not reviewed this place because it's my favorite kept secret in st. augustine. I take friends and family here when they visit and I love their reactions: "this has been here for how long? How come I've never been here?!", "Wait, what is chilled chocolate?", "These are better than hyppo pops." "they even have a sugar free section!?" I love the sea salt caramel, the coconut bar, the gator, and my friends' reactions at Claude's. read more

Claude's Chocolate - a little known secret at Claude's! it is perfect for the summertime. I am a fan of the grapefruit mint. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - St. Augustine, Florida

It's a little out of the way but this is the absolute best hot chocolate in town! They use steamed milk instead of water and just the right balance of sweet and bitter chocolate. Amazing! read more