Welcome to The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery
The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery, located on College Avenue in Oakland, invites visitors into a cozy haven of chocolatey delights. This enchanting spot captures the essence of indulgence with its vast selection of artisanal chocolates—ranging from Mexican blends infused with cinnamon and chile to delicate cherry blossom varieties from Japan. Guests praise its inviting atmosphere, often bustling with students and coffee aficionados alike. Signature offerings like the floral latte and exquisite hot chocolate showcase a perfect blend of rich flavors. With friendly staff eager to share their chocolate expertise, every visit feels like a warm embrace of taste and community.
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5427 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618 Hotline: (510) 681-4456
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Oakland, California, The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery is a little slice of heaven for chocolate lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike. Located at 5427 College Ave, this cozy spot has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors craving a unique, bittersweet experience.
As soon as you step inside, the inviting atmosphere wraps around you like a warm blanket. The cheerful bustle of student life blends seamlessly with the sound of steaming coffee and the rich smell of chocolate wafting through the air. It’s a place where Berkeley's digital nomads can find inspiration while sipping their favorite brew amongst fellow chocolate aficionados.
- Chocolate Paradise: The extensive array of chocolate offerings is nothing short of remarkable. From Mexican artisanal chocolate with cinnamon and chile to delightful Japanese cherry blossom flavored bars, there’s a flavor for every palate. Customers rave about the European-style sipping chocolate, known as Bittersweet, that promises an indulgent experience with every sip.
- Heavenly Drinks: Coffee lovers will appreciate the expert menu featuring floral lattes infused with rose and lavender, and the ever-popular chocolate chai options—#like the warm, sweet version that Emmeline W. loved on a sunny afternoon. From creamy hot chocolate to bold espresso, your beverage adventure awaits.
- Delicious Baked Goods: While the drinks steal the spotlight, the cafe also offers an assortment of baked goods ideal for pairing. Though some patrons find the pastries not as appetizing, others enjoy the seasonal splendor of pumpkin loaves and other delights.
The customer experience is complemented by the attentive staff, who are more than willing to share their extensive knowledge of coffee and chocolate, making each visit feel personal. Whether you’re taking a break during a study session or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the friendly atmosphere enriches your time spent here.
Despite the limited indoor seating, The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery remains a vibrant community hub. Outdoor seating offers a delightful alternative, providing the perfect space to sip while enjoying the lively streets around you. One visit and you’ll find yourself lost in this charming café that not only celebrates chocolate but builds connections among its patrons.
If you’re looking for a place to indulge your sweet tooth or simply wish to explore artisanal chocolates in a cozy setting, The Chocolate Dragon is the destination you’ve been seeking. Your satisfied palate will thank you later!
A true dragon hoard of chocolate...! So many options. I loved just browsing the unique flavors. The coffee isn't bad, either :P Super cozy, inviting atmosphere. Filled to the brim with studious Berkeley kids, digital nomads, and coffee lovers enjoying a quiet cup among the bustle. We stopped in briefly after window shopping in the area. Along with the expanse of chocolate available for purchase, they offer a variety of baked goods and light bites. FLORAL LATTE (w/oatmilk): Delicious! Delicate rose & lavender flavors in a creamy, smooth latte. Staff are so friendly! And know tons about coffee. Love the quirky cafes that keep Berkeley running.
Today was the first warmish day of the year and people were out in droves at the Chocolate Dragon when I arrived in the late afternoon. They were waiting for friends at outside tables, and bouncing babies as they sipped their beverages. I ordered a chocolate chai and was very happy with my choice.
Wow! This place has every kind of chocolate flavor combination you can think of! Organic Mexican artisanal chocolate with cinnamon and chile to Japanese Cherry blossom chocolate to chocolate with various fruits (mango, berries, cherry, etc.) to chocolates from Singapore to chocolates with various types of nuts. They also serve hot chocolate. I've been on the hunt for the best thick shipping European hot chocolate and although this place has amazing hot chocolate, it's not thick enough to consider it sipping hot chocolate. Also, just a tip, marshmallows are extra $ but I wasn't informed of that so they gave me some for free when I asked. I mistakenly expected it to be included since they do it at Dandelion Chocolate. I would come here again for chocolate bars to gift or to explore a new chocolate bar flavor profile for myself. Very cool place indeed!
Came here on a Sunday afternoon and the wait time was about 10-15 minutes as they were pretty busy. I ordered a chocolate chai hot chocolate and was charged an extra 30 cents for the chai which was a bit annoying as I wasn't told there was an extra charge. However, the drink was ready around 5 minutes after I ordered. The hot chocolate chai was delicious. It was super sweet and creamy and wasn't too thick to drink. It was easy to sip on and had a nice refreshing flavor to it. I would definitely come back and try another drink on the menu if I'm in the area!
My first time coming here and enjoyed their hot chocolate! I got their Salted Caramel hot chocolate and it was perfectly sweet! I also tried their European style sipping chocolate, which is called Bittersweet, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They also sell tons of chocolate artisanal bars, which is pretty neat. There's not many seating inside since this spot is a bit small. They do have a bathroom, which is clean, so I appreciate that. I would definitely come back here if I'm in the area.
The best cup of hot chocolate I've paid for in my life. As someone who prefers things less sweet but not as rawdog as black coffee, I opted for the middle in between the classic and the bittersweet, esp since the bittersweet was literally just a cup of melted dark chocolate with water: a classic with dark chocolate + oat milk, and it was still sweet and creamy enough to enjoy without being overdosed on sugar. My friend liked the pumpkin loaves, although they did have a spice I didn't like. As for service, the staff here were very straightforward and helpful - my friend was helped out for 10+ min just trying out chocolate samples and learning about the different Asian inspired chocolate bars. These chocolates seem to make gr9 gifts! There is limited indoor seating and it gets packed on evenings, but we were always able to get a seat. Vibes are quite immaculate and I'd come here daily if I could:') Christmas spirits in the Bay Area get a bit tough to find, so this cozy spot is very much appreciated!!!
Recommended for an evening treat! We got the Mexican hot chocolate, which comes as a 10oz pour with notes of cayenne and cinnamon. I liked that it wasn't overly sweet. Seating was available indoors and outside, though it was packed inside at 7:30pm. They have an entire hot chocolate menu to choose from. The service is countertop, and there's a wide selection of chocolate bars to choose from if you're looking for a gift. We found street parking close by. Hot chocolate 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 plenty of winter decorations, a good amount of seating Pastries - did not taste but didn't look super appetizing Service - 3/5, staff wasn't overly friendly and you need to go back inside for beverages if sitting outside