Kakawa was a fun stop! Pricey, but that was to be expected. $30 for two 3oz drinking chocolates and 4 truffles. The sipping chocolate was very fun and I liked that it was all almond milk based. They had many different flavors but we ended up with one classic with whipped cream and one Marie Antoinette which was very floral and yummy! You could sample any before you commit which I really appreciated. We got 3oz cups which definitely felt like enough because the drinking chocolate is so rich. We also got a small box of chocolate which fit 4 truffles. We got a goat cheese, top hat, horchata, and Earl Grey. All good & clearly high quality. The two young ladies working were very friendly and helpful. The decor was cute and there was seating available inside, but Essex Street is very interesting so we opted to take our drinks to go and walk outside. I would love to come back when it's warmer and try the brownie sundae! read more

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This is one of my favorite chocolate shops ever! The chocolate covered fruit was phenomenal. I wanted to get more as soon as I had my first bite, great texture, amazing flavor, 10 out of 10. The goat cheese truffle was even more impressive, with rich umami and herbal notes, a truly unique experience. I'll be back! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Goat Cheese and Sage Truffle...amazing!! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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This was actually my favorite stop on Essex street, and completely unexpected. My kids saw the name chocolate house so of course we had to stop in. We ordered delicious hot chocolate that tasted like a candy bar made into a drink. I tried the Mexican hot chocolate and it had hints of spice. What goes great with hot chocolate? More chocolate. Tried an array of truffles and all were hand crafted creative concoctions. The space is pretty tight, but they worked to get people through the line quickly. I was reading about the store and they actually started in New Mexico. If on Essex street this is a great stop for a break from the commotion. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Went here on an extremely cold day and they had perfect hot beverages. There are several chocolate drink blends (almost all with almond milk) that you can get as is or mixed with coffee. I for a mocha that was rich and creamy and then for more caffeine and warmth, a coffee (brewed fresh). We shared a salted caramel brownie and a flourless chocolate cake and they were so rich we couldn't finish either. Staff was very friendly and plenty of seating. The prices were a bit high but I would go back to try new things. read more

We had a delicious modern Mexican hot chocolate, 74% chocolate, cinnamon & almonds with almond milk, whip cream top. Great service & small town ambiance in americas witch town Salem, MA. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Modern Mexican hot chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Cute little place on Essex pedestrian street in Salem. Good hot chocolate served by sweet ladies in a very cute cafe. We were able to enjoy our delicious cannolis that we transported from mikes in Boston with our nice hot chocolate. Lovely cafe with lovely servers. Their ice cream looks delish but we sadly did not have time. Highly recommend read more

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I first came across this place while visiting PEM. The hot chocolate samples weren't really my thing one used almond milk (not my preference), and the other was way too herbal. That said, the caramels tasted fresh and the brownies were really good. I would go back for a brookie. It's definitely on the pricey side. The sipping chocolate might've been better if I'd ordered it with regular milk instead of trying a sample. Overall, it's expensive, but at least the quality is decent. read more

This café is right in the heart of the downtown pedestrian mall. They specialize in drinking chocolate elixirs, which are sweet, energizing, and addictive. My favorite is the Italian citrus elixir--it has a perfectly balanced flavor that keeps it from being too heavy. They also sell truffles, some baked goods, and some other treats too. The staff knows a lot and explains the drinks if you've never had one before so you know what to expect. It's usually full of people but not insanely crowded, and there's a little bit of seating inside. They also sell my favorite brownie on the planet. It's rich, dense, and super fudgy. I'm glad they sell mixes for their drinks online since I live pretty far. It's a really good spot to stop for a breather while you've been running around trying to see it all. read more

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Been going back every year since my review because it's that good. I'm glad and sad that I don't live close by because I'd be broke and fat! I got a chocolate soda which was one of the best drinks I've ever had and a lavender caramel. My daughters got the drinking chocolate, not sure which version but they loved it. I'll be back next year! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolate soda and 2 hot chocolates! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Cute chocolate shop in the tourist shopping area, we stopped in for a snack and my kids inhaled their chocolate and wanted more. Nice and clean and staff was super friendly. read more

Decided to stop in this chocolate shop while I was in the area and they definitely have a lot of good candy and chocolate which is always good. They were out of some of there normal items I guess since October is super busy for them but we tried several items and they were all really good , would definitely stop by here again if I was in the area. read more

This place rocks! Upon entering the charming store front, you are greeted with a colorful Interior. On the left are shelves with various mixes to take home. There is a service counter ahead on the left side. Within the lit glass counter are delectable gourmet chocolate treats. In the rear is a window for viewing a real-time chockatier. A member of our party has serious food allergies, and the folks here took good care of us. Ask for Heather, she's a gem. Don't miss this place - it's awesome! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Box of a dozen chocolates, cup of hot American Cocoa and bag of other goodies. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

There are bathrooms. Unisex single stall/room. No parking during October. I would not recommend. Hot chocolates were not that great. I was expecting one of those thick Parisian hot chocolates with real chocolate and spiced chocolate etc. I got the chai, Mayan, American, Jeffersonian, and chili. To try them all. The whipped cream was the best part. Servers are not helpful. There is a glass case that you can't see from the line and although they ask your order before you can see that case you have to get back in line to order anything in the case. Overpriced and not great spiced chocolate. Like I could have lived without this and I LOVE chocolate. All the chocolate shown here costed me 47$ my two small size hot chocolates costed 17.50$. They do not do flights during October. So my sister and I both got two small size chocolates to taste them all. I'm telling you we are obsessed with chocolate and we both were like yeah we could've lived without it. Not great. Which is a big deal for us to say. The whipped cream was the only good part. read more

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Went in October when Salem was crazy busy but the shop handled the amount of people well. Very authentic Mexican chocolate house. The hot chocolate was delicious. I had a prickly pear chocolate square and *chefs kiss*. Limited seating. Toilets available. Located off the main road and had cool windows. Could look into the kitchen. read more

Unfortunately, I can't speak to the quality of the chocolate but I did have a salted caramel milkshake. The shake was quite tasty but not a thick shake by any means, which I'd much prefer. The shop was lovely and clean and the staff seemed knowledgeable and was very kind. Those I am traveling with did seem to enjoy the chocolate they purchased. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Salted caramel milkshake - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

I visited Kakawa during the heart of Halloween season! I just popped in to take a gander b/c I love chocolate. I bought a handful of truffles & a brownie for my friends & I to nosh on....the chocolate was delicious! Plus the customer service was AMAZING!!!! Carol was fabulous at the register! The owner was amazing as well. He heard me make a comment as I threw out my full cup of coffee that it was bad and he made me one on the house! The kicker? The bad coffee was bought from another establishment. read more

I'm not a coffee drinker but I saw people walking around with fruity looking drinks and needed one! I got the frozen lemon berry drink. It was refreshing and helped me cool down on a hot day. read more

Great place to stop in and try a new chocolate experience. We all tried their hot chocolate and the y were all so decadent. Our favorite was the one with a little spice (menu changes) but the real MVP were the truffles. Definitely try a few flavors that appeal to you (because it's a personal preference) and you won't be disappointed. Remember this isn't your overly sweet chocolate shop. The ladies were so kind to give recommendations and help us have a great experience. It's a pretty long and narrow shop-- more seating would be nice but standing wasn't the end of the world. read more

Tried the flight, two of them came cold. The Girls behind the counter were pretty young and didn't seem to fully understand the flavors or how to serve things. When I asked what size is the flight cups they showed me some 3x bigger, when in reality the cups were pretty small. I would suggest picking a safe option and getting the 3oz cup. I also tried some of the candies and they were mediocre at best. *This visit happened in mid September* read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Flight - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Bought a large and was only served a small in a to-go cup when I did not ask for that. No beautiful blue cup and saucer for me! I was going to say something but the server snapped at me, "What's your problem?" Left me so sad. read more

My husband and I recently visited this incredible chocolate house on our most recent trip to Salem. This is a MUST visit!! Chocolate lovers or not, you will enjoy the wonderful sipping chocolate and candies that they create. We tried a few of the sipping chocolate and feel in the with the one mixed with orange blossom honey, I think it was called the Marie Antoinette. The staff are very friendly and helpful too! read more

10 stars!! Fast service with a smile, clean and amazing product. Their chocolate is so good!! Love the toffee and the chili dark chocolate. We can't wait to try more read more

Went in for a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly night in Salem. The staff was welcoming and friendly. You can order either to go or dine in. They have several unique flavors and they let you try samples for free. While the flavor of my drink was excellent, charging $8 for a 6 oz cup with whipped cream is insane. They did have some bakery options but I was feeling ripped off so decided not to get anything. read more

Coming to this chocolate shop is a " must do" when visiting Salem! Their truffles are delicious, and their hot chocolates are unique, rich and extremely tasty! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolate Chai Bagged Elixir - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Loved this spot and the experience! We stopped in on a cool night before a walking tour. We got 2 hot chocolate flights - who knew there was such a thing! They had 8 flavors so we got to try all of them and we of course got whipped cream. They were delicious! My favorite was the Jeffersonian and my bf liked the Mayan. After our flights we got individual drinks to go. Great experience and I highly recommend it but it is not cheap. Between our flights and drinks it was about $50. Definitely a special treat! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

How did I never review this place? Came here last October two days in a row, driving from Providence, Rhode Island both times. Ordered the Mexicali hot chocolate and a goat cheese and sage truffle. The truffle was so good and I couldn't stop thinking about it. My husband and I got up early, drove to Salem. Parked in the parking garage before 9 AM and when we walked over to the chocolate shop, they weren't open yet. When we came back an hour later, they were all sold out of the goat cheese truffle! So sad. We ended up getting another hot chocolate, a bag of toffee, 2 passion fruit truffles and a lime, mango, ginger Day of the Dead truffle. (I didn't enjoy the day of the dead flavored truffle. Bleh.) I looked on their website and I don't see where I can purchase only goat cheese truffle rather than a sampler, so I'll have to call ahead next time and place an order. Because October is a busy time to go, the lines can become extremely long and even more so for the line to the bathroom. read more

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I was expecting the hot chocolate to be good and it was not. It was a huge disappointment. I also purchased one of the chocolates in their case that had a very strange flavor. It was like an old musty cardboard, and it just did not work. The girls at the register/counter were helpful and let me try multiple kinds of hot chocolate, but it just tasted so weird. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

They sell homemade chocolate soda and iced dark chocolate beverages. What else needs to be said? Ok. They also sell ice cream, milkshakes, and every kind of chocolate truffle you can think of. Heavenly. read more

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Stopped by on a rainy evening to try some hot chocolate. The ladies working the counter were very friendly & patient. Decent selection of chocolate truffles & treats. Hot chocolate was just okay. While I can appreciate the ambition for variety, some of them missed the mark. Some we really loved. I would say the flight is overpriced. Medium sized seating area in a welcoming environment. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Stopped by to get hot chocolate on a chilly weekday evening, visiting Salem in October (please emotionally prep for this). Cute little store! And though it was quite busy, the line went quickly. We got the chocolate chai and the Mayan chocolate. They were pretty good and you can definitely taste the spices but that made the drinks itself a little grainy. That being said, was still very cozy and added to the experience. A little touristy but honestly, if you're going to Salem in October, gotta lean into it! read more

Service was great and the drinking chocolate was great with the whipped topping! Cute presentation as well!! Definitely recommend if you want a sweet treat! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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I visited in October so it was busy. The line was definitely worth it. The workers were so funny & nice even though they had a non-stop line. The chocolate was absolutely divine. I wish I could remember what flavor truffles I got but whatever it was, was too good. I also got a cute solid milk chocolate bat. Great place! Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Salem. read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

They honey and I stopped into Kakawa Chocolate House on Halloween and the honey picked up a few different chocolates to try. Personally my favorite was the delectable Earl Grey, but the Bourbon and Pecan was also quite tasty, just not as smooth and light. The service was friendly and the space was decorated adorably for the holiday. All in all, a definite must stop in if you're in Salem for the day! read more

Came to Salem to spend Halloween with out-of-town family, and we were actually looking to try some of the local coffee spots. Unfortunately, they all closed by 2pm. However, we came across Kakawa, and decided to give this place a try. They have really cool decor, and the staff is friendly. There's a window towards the back of the store where you can watch staff prepare some of their goodies they sell. Now on to the drinking chocolates! Serving size is about 5-6oz of rich 70% dark chocolate. We tried their American - chocolate, almond milk, and vanilla, topped with scratch-made whipped cream. We also had their Jeffersonian - chocolate, almond milk, and nutmeg, topped with whipped cream. I opted for the chocolate chai. The chocolate was a little too intense for me, to top it off, it was too overly chai spiced for my liking. The other two were interesting, but anything over 60% is a little too much for me. 4 servings of drinking chocolate cake to $18 and some change. read more

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While visiting we came across this little coffee/chocolate shop. What a great find. My wife and I each enjoyed a wonderful cup of coffee as well as several sample sizes of different chocolate sweets. Our daughter had a wonderful milk shake that she said was delicious. The coffee was wonderful and full of flavor. I sampled some of the dark chocolate blend flavors to include the pepper, mint and per the suggested of the girl at the counter the orange. All of them were amazing and flavorful. The shop has a welcoming feel with several places to sit and relax and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. They were also very willing to take the time to answer questions and make suggestions based on your likes. All of this made for a great overall experience. read more

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The concept is fun but the cost was insulting. I got two smalls to-go and the size made me laugh out loud. For $5 each, I'd expect more than a couple sips. Literally. Yikes, I know small businesses are struggling but woah. Hot coco was tasty but certainly not that good. Still 4 stars to not take down their rating because, like I said, it was yummy. read more

I discovered this place on a whim while a friend was next door getting a psychic reading (it is Salem, after all!). I'm not even usually a big chocolate person but I had a bit of a craving... and boy, did this place deliver! Picture a coffeehouse... but sub out the coffee with lots of varieties of hot chocolate! Yes, please. They had around eight options while I was there but it seems they rotate them through often. They even do flights! For $3.75 I got a 3oz adorable serving which was just the right size for me, given how rich is was. And nearly all the options were dairy free (but not at the expense of tastiness!). The one I choose was a mix of 70% cacao, almond milk, and nutmeg - it was so smooth and wonderful! I also got a collection of 6-7 truffles and other chocolate goodies to go. My favorite by far was the chocolate covered almond toffee. Maybe the best I've ever had. All the other truffles were great too, but that toffee is definitely what I'm going to load up on next time. They also had ice cream, brownies, milkshakes, house-made chocolate soda, and lots of other chocolatey goodness! Prices trend a smidge high, but on par for downtown Salem. Don't expect a ton of coffee options, as that isn't what this place is really about (which is absolutely fine by me). I've heard it can get busy here during tourist season, but on a random Monday afternoon in August, it was positively peaceful and lovely inside. I will definitely return the next time I'm in Salem - since I'm not much of a coffee drinker, this place was the perfect alternative for someone like me! read more

Kakawa Chocolate House - My new favorite spot to chill in Salem! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

My friends wanted a sweet treat while we were exploring the town. There was a little bit of a wait as there were a lot of customers in there already. After looking through the variety of options available, my friends opted for their Nutella tart and their iced tea. The iced tea was very refreshing for that particularly hot day, however they found the Nutella Tart to be pretty heavy. It was plenty for the three of us to share. Overall, I would recommend others to go as I wouldn't mind going back either. read more

This spot was right down the street from our hotel and I needed a pick me up. Very cute shop, helpful staff and we decided to go with the hot chocolate flight. We chose 4 flavors with whipped cream. Fun experience, they had all sorts of chocolate treats, too. read more

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My return visit was as pleasant as the first! I was happy to see the selection of chocolates expand. Everything was delicious and staff handled the busy crowd like pros. read more