From the moment you pull into the parking lot, you know you're about to experience something…read morespecial. The charming farmhouse exterior gives way to a cozy country store atmosphere inside, making the entire place feel warm and inviting. One of my favorite parts was the wide-open kitchen, where you can watch the staff hard at work. Even without booking an official tour, it feels like you're getting a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process. The experience is made even better by the incredible front counter staff. They were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share what they do. We were offered samples, walked through much of the process, and never felt rushed. I'm not going to list everything we ordered. There were simply too many delicious items to mention. But I can confidently say this was some of the best chocolate I've ever had. Every bite tasted exceptionally fresh, clean, and thoughtfully crafted. The flavors were rich without being overwhelming, and somehow every piece left me wanting just one more. It might be a blessing that they aren't more conveniently located... but honestly, I can't think of any downside to eating their chocolate more often. So, Eldora, if you're listening: please, please, please open a location on Albuquerque's East Side, or at the very least, start delivering. You'd have a customer for life.

Wow! Amazing Place, Rich, beautiful chocolate everything!…read more I purchased some chocolate for Friends and Family and me for the holidays. The Trüffels were stunnig, I can't wait to Go back abdorrt more flavors. Chocolate Bars Were simply the best. I also purchased a bag of chocolate for making shipping chocolate. Haven't tried that yet. You can even take a Tour. There's also chocolate facial Scrub bars. If you love chocolate, you need to stop in.

Back in late November 2025, I was in Albuquerque, NM, fulfilling my loved ones' Christmas shopping…read morelist wishes. Before leaving town, I headed to the Eastside for Chocolate Cartel. The name certainly intrigued me, but their slogan did too: no fluff . no flair . the best cacao . I was in! While I didn't experience any "fluff," I thought that their chocolates actually did have some flair. They do have items for those bougie friends. Lol. I ordered a sample 6-pack truffle box ($19) that my daughters and I split together: Bee Pollen, Lavender Vanilla, Flowers of Italy, Green Chile & Salt, Pistachio in White, and Peppermint. I really should have gotten a bigger box after seeing how excited my girls were about this. Next time... I also enjoyed a discounted (due to it being broken) green chile and salt chocolate bar. They outsource other niceties: air fresheners, candles, and gelato. I wish I had stomach space for the gelato, but next time! Very nice, helpful service on the 26th. Overall, it is chocolate done maybe a bit simple yet exceedingly well.

I think the Cartel needs a more current review, so I am adding mine…read more I have been buying my specialty chocolate here since they opened the Albuquerque store in 2009. I have tried almost all the other local chocolatiers, and while they are all good, I keep coming back to the Cartel. Nuff said.

As someone who has traveled a lot and gotten lots of ice cream I can put this up against some of…read morethe better ice creams I have eaten across this great land. They make their own ice cream but also candies, chocolate, er, chocolates and more. A big surprise - the young lad behind the counter was enthusiastic and helpful. The bad thing is this place is very close to home and my doctor already wants me to lose weight. Fat chance, doc, this place is gooooood.

Love their chocolates and that they ate fairtrade. Their ice cream is top notch too! Walkable from…read moreour house! Love the sea salt caramels and the caramel apples! My fav is the chocolate dipped berries! The team here is always helpful and they offer tastings of the ice creams.

The butter toffee krack korn puffs is truly cracking good. It's so fluffy and crispy and has a…read morenice subtle sweetness. It's hard to not eat the whole bag in one sitting. I would love to try their other products. Please come and create your own adventure.

All of the staff were super friendly and sweet. They know their products and are obviously proud of…read morewhat they do. Cashier was very patient with me and answered all my questions. I built my own box of truffles. The chocolates are delicious and beautiful, especially the dark chocolate sea salt caramel pecan clusters. Next time we'll try the Timmy Krack Korn.

A sweet tradition in ABQ since 1956, this Buffett's Candies is a newly opened location. Buffett's…read morehas lots to offer for your sweet tooth (even some frosted treats for your pup!) as well as some sweet & savory selections from the Popcorn Cannery. The facility is nice and bright, with a red-and-white theme and pops of starbursts painted on the walls. Displays are not overly crowded, allowing the items to be showcased. I was greeted immediately by an employee and offered a sample of dark chocolate salted caramel. Yum! I was very happy with my purchase (as was my pup). The white chocolate coconut pattie was full of toasted coconut flavor, and the Christmas Mix popcorn with green and red chile cheese flavors never disappoints. I did have to break the frosted dog bone into smaller parts since it was so big, but my dog ate it up. You can order ahead for pickup as well.

Buffets Candies is a great place to stop in while in Albuquerque. I am very familiar with Buffets…read moreas the popcorn I absolutely adore is shipped by Buffets. While I usually go to Buffet's Cannery off of 7th, I was hoping to find my popcorn here. They did have a few selections of popcorn, but not the exact flavor I wanted. This store did have a ton of chocolates, including the noted Red Chili brittle. This is delicious and a must have! Buffets has very friendly staff and even offers you a free sample when you enter. Buffets reminds me of what I have seen Candy stores looking like from the 1950s - very retro! It was a blast from the past.

I have loved Buffet's Candies for a long time. Their chocolate is always delicious and there is a…read morehuge variety of different candies to choose from. My husband's favorite has always been their peanut brittle. I gave him a monthly delivery of his favorite treat and he has enjoyed it tremendously this year! It's easy to schedule a subscription or to get one of your favorites sent to you. You don't have to live in Albuquerque to enjoy a true hometown treat!

Wonderful. The BEST. I've gone there since I was about 9-I'm 67 now. Very disappointed that they no…read morelonger sell the divinity though! Thus, 4 stars. Pretty sure Mr. Buffet would be too.

When in Old Town this is a must stop…read more The maple fudge is some of the best you will find, this stuff is smooth and addictive And the chocolate turtles are a cant miss Rocky Road fudge, also smooth and creamy And a solid selection of fresh licorice if that's your thing. Parking in this area requires some patience Traffic police do patrol so don't just throw out the anchor and leave your car

The Candy Lady is definitely one of my must stop places when visiting New Mexico!!! They created…read morethe "blue meth" aka blue rock candy for the TV show Breaking Bad and it's actually super tasty!!! It's a small little shop but they have a good assortment of things besides the rock candy. They have fudge and the day I went, they were passing out free samples of it. They also have a section with "naughty" themed chocolates and another section where you can purchase Breaking Bad and New Mexico themed souvenirs. I bought a Los Pollos Hermanos shirt on a previous visit. The staff has been very kind on both my visits and they even let you use their single bathroom which is nice of them to do. The Candy Lady will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth so be sure to come here!

Keto be damned. I found carb heaven, I caved and I regret nothing…read more Hubby and I picked several baked goodies, all of which were delicious. Our favorite was the almond croissant. Staff were very sweet. Prices were appropriate. There is lot parking. We loved this place and will return.

Best bread in the area. And I can slice it. The bottom crust is not so hard that you have to saw…read morethrough it even with a good bread knife. I buy two loves and slice and freeze them for later. Also the empanadas are to die for! Try the spinach artichoke.