Aigner Chocolates

- 103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375

When New Yorkers are searching for a taste of tradition, craftsmanship, and community spirit all rolled into one delectable treat, a trip to Forest Hills, Queens, often leads to one legendary spot: Aigner Chocolates. A true neighborhood staple, this beloved business is much more than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it's a piece of New York City history and a vibrant, modern small business that continues to pour heart and soul into every confection.

For over 90 years, Aigner Chocolates has been crafting artisanal sweets right here in Queens. Originally established as Krause's Candy Kitchen in 1930, the business was taken over by the Aigner family in the 1960s, who preserved its legacy of quality for three generations. Today, under the ownership of Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini, the shop honors its deep roots, using antique equipment and time-honored recipes, while bringing a fresh, community-focused vision to the Metropolitan Avenue storefront. This blend of traditional techniques with a contemporary commitment to excellence is what makes Aigner Chocolates a standout destination for locals and visitors alike.

As a proud, certified women-owned small business, Aigner Chocolates exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels New York City's diverse local economy. The current ownership, led by Rachel Kellner—a former licensed clinical social worker—has embedded a mission of spreading joy and hope through chocolate, viewing their products not just as treats but as a source of community connection. This commitment extends beyond the counter, with the business actively supporting local organizations, schools, and nonprofits, truly making it a cornerstone of the Forest Hills neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a daily indulgence, or simply to support a business with deep local ties, Aigner Chocolates offers a wonderfully warm and professional experience.

The selection here is impressive, featuring everything from classic, old-world Austrian/German confections to more contemporary chocolate-covered delights. Chocolate lovers can find a full spectrum of options, including 60% and 76% extra dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate selections. The classic assortment boxes, which include a variety of the shop's most popular showcase pieces like caramels, marzipan, truffles, clusters, nonpareils, jellies, and creams, are consistently among the top-selling items and make for a perfect New York City gift. From simple chocolate bars to elaborate, seasonal foil-wrapped novelties, the artistry and quality of the handmade pieces are evident.

Beyond the vast array of exquisite chocolates, Aigner Chocolates is a true all-in-one destination for dessert and refreshment. It functions as a complete sweet shop, coffee house, and ice cream parlor, all under one roof. This expanded offering makes it a perfect stop for a quick dessert visit, a coffee break, or an extended hang-out with friends or family. It's a place where you can easily find something for everyone, regardless of the time of day or the season.

The atmosphere itself is often described as warm and welcoming, providing a charming and comfortable setting for customers to browse the tempting displays. Despite an isolated negative customer review regarding a service interaction near closing time—which the owners and community seem dedicated to preventing from overshadowing the shop’s long-standing reputation as a loving local business—the overwhelming sentiment from the neighborhood is one of loyalty and appreciation for the friendly staff and hands-on, amazing owner.

Location and Accessibility

Aigner Chocolates is conveniently situated on a major commercial thoroughfare, making it an easy-to-find destination for anyone in Queens and beyond. The physical location is:

103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Located in the heart of Forest Hills, the shop is a notable presence on Metropolitan Avenue, a street with a rich tapestry of other longstanding businesses. This prime Queens location makes it a great spot to include in a day of local shopping or dining. The business aims to be accessible to all members of the community, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Whether you are driving or taking public transportation, getting to this chocolate haven is designed to be hassle-free.

Services Offered

As a modern, community-focused business, Aigner Chocolates provides a variety of ways for customers to enjoy their products, ensuring maximum convenience for busy New Yorkers.

• In-store Shopping: Experience the warm atmosphere and browse the full selection of handcrafted chocolates, candies, coffee, and ice cream.
• Takeout: Perfect for a quick visit, you can grab your order to go, including coffee drinks and frozen treats.
• Delivery: Have your favorite chocolates and sweets brought directly to your home or office.
• In-store Pickup: Place your order ahead of time and pick it up quickly at the Metropolitan Avenue location.
• Onsite Services: The shop is set up to provide a great dessert experience, whether it's a quick stop or a longer indulgence.
• Corporate Gifting: The business specializes in customized corporate gifts for any occasion, offering personalized cards, bands, or chocolate pieces tailored to your budget and featuring multi-address shipping.
• Bulk Chocolate: A selection of bulk chocolate is available for customers who prefer to create their own homemade treats.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Aigner Chocolates apart in the competitive NYC sweets scene is a combination of its heritage, its product variety, and its deep community commitment.

• NYC Heritage: Founded in 1930, it is one of New York City's oldest chocolate shops, maintaining an enduring tradition of quality.
• Women-Owned and Small Business: The business holds WBENC, NYS, and NYC WBE certifications, proudly identifying as women-owned with a predominantly female-led management team.
• Great Dessert Selection: The shop specializes in handcrafted chocolates and a full range of additional desserts, including highly praised ice cream, coffee, and signature drinks like iced mocha lattes.
• Artisanal Production: Confections are made on-site, often using the shop's original antique kettles and spoons, carrying the legacy of traditional Austrian/German recipes.
• Variety of Offerings: Beyond the chocolate, the shop functions as a candy store, coffee shop, dessert shop, and ice cream shop, featuring offerings like dark chocolate sorbet (a vegan, gluten-free option), milk and white chocolate ice creams, and diverse coffee and latte flavors.
• Community Engagement: The owners are dedicated to the Queens community, actively involved in local business alliances like Metro Village of Forest Hills, and frequently donating to support local organizations, schools, and hospitals.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about their products, you can reach Aigner Chocolates using the following information:

Address: 103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (718) 544-1850

Email inquiries for corporate gifting can be sent to: sales@aignerchocolates.com (as publicly available on their website).

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or longtime fans looking for a guaranteed delight, several items stand out at Aigner Chocolates. A safe and universally loved choice is the Classic Assortment Gift Box, which provides a curated selection of their most popular items, including caramels, truffles, and marzipan. This is available in multiple sizes, from an 8-piece box up to larger gift towers.

For those who prefer particular flavors, the Pistachio Marzipan is a heritage specialty that speaks to the shop's classic confectionery traditions. The Almond Buttercrunch and the various Nut Barks are also highly praised for their texture and quality. The Caramels, especially the Salted Caramel, are consistently noted as best-sellers and a local favorite.

However, the experience at Aigner Chocolates extends far beyond just the packaged treats. The handcrafted Ice Cream—available in Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and White Chocolate, along with the dairy-free Dark Chocolate Sorbet—is a must-try. Many customers rave about the delicious Iced Mocha Lattes and the overall quality of the coffee selections, proving that this Queens staple is equally adept at creating the perfect beverage to accompany your chosen sweet. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick dose of caffeine and a small chocolate or selecting an elaborate box of gifts, Aigner Chocolates is a destination that delivers both exceptional taste and a meaningful connection to the Forest Hills community.

Aigner Chocolates

103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA