Chocolat

- 2223 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10805

Welcome to Chocolat Restaurant & Bar, an iconic culinary landmark nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York City. Widely celebrated as a premier destination for brunch, this restaurant offers much more than just a midday meal—it’s an experience in stylish comfort food. With a menu that features beautifully executed, delicately updated soul food, Southern classics, and American comfort dishes, Chocolat has earned its reputation as a local favorite and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the vibrant West Harlem neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere, characterized by a rich, deep chocolate interior finished with elegant shades of tiffany blue, large windows, and an overall ambiance that’s both warm and stylish. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or visiting the city, Chocolat provides a perfect setting for a memorable meal, from a lively weekend brunch to a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The restaurant's core mission is to serve delicious yet affordable cuisine that reflects the new, dynamic pulse of Harlem’s culinary scene. The menu is a testament to this, expertly balancing hearty Southern comfort with upscale ingredients, including prime meats and fresh seafood. While open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, Chocolat truly shines as a brunch haven, often referred to as the home of the “Ultimate Urban Power Brunch.” This is where culinary tradition meets contemporary New York style, creating dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. It’s a place where the community gathers to celebrate life, enjoy fantastic food, and soak in the vibrant, festive energy that Harlem is famous for.

A key part of Chocolat's popularity is its commitment to hospitality and creating a wonderful dining experience. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed to be welcoming, kid-friendly, and fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can comfortably enjoy their visit. Its standing as a beloved Black-owned establishment further cements its importance in the local community, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

The atmosphere at Chocolat is often described as fun, festive, smart, and stylish. The ambiance, with its deep brown and tiffany blue color scheme, creates a chic yet earthy environment. This combination of great food and a warm, inviting setting makes it the place to go for any occasion, from a casual outing with friends to a special celebration. The commitment of the culinary team to seasonal and local ingredients, along with an extensive list of expertly paired wines and cocktails, elevates the entire dining experience. Chocolat is, without a doubt, a vibrant and essential part of the West Harlem dining landscape, offering a taste of soul and comfort updated for the contemporary New York palate.

Location and Accessibility

Chocolat Restaurant & Bar is perfectly situated in a prime spot in West Harlem, making it easily accessible for New Yorkers from all boroughs.

The exact address is:

2223 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10026, USA (located at the corner of 120th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd).

The location on Frederick Douglass Boulevard is central to the neighborhood’s vibrant energy and is convenient for public transit riders. For those traveling by subway, the restaurant is conveniently located near major transit lines, making it an easy trip from many parts of Manhattan and beyond. For drivers, parking is available via street parking, which can be managed using the ParkNYC app. Furthermore, the venue is committed to inclusivity and ease of access for all patrons, proudly featuring fabulous wheelchair accessibility to ensure a comfortable dining experience for every guest. The combination of a central Harlem location and great accessibility reinforces Chocolat's status as a top choice for dining out in NYC.

Services Offered

Chocolat Restaurant & Bar provides a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services to accommodate every need, whether you are dining in or enjoying their food at home.

Services include:

• Dine-In Service: Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week in a stylish, inviting atmosphere.
• Takeout and Delivery: Patrons can conveniently order their favorite dishes online for pick-up or no-contact delivery through various platforms.
• Daily Happy Hour: Available every day from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring select beer, wine, spritzers, cocktails, and a selection of happy hour appetizers and small plates.
• Reservations: Table reservations can be made to ensure prompt seating, especially for the popular weekend brunch service.
• Catering and Private Dining: While not explicitly listed as a public service, the mention of a private dining space suggests they can accommodate group events.
• Birthday Club: Guests can sign up to receive a complimentary birthday entrée (valued at up to $30) when they make a reservation for a group of two or more, adding a special touch to their celebration.
• Online Engagement: The restaurant utilizes social media and email sign-up for updates on community events and promotions.
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, promoting an inclusive environment for all guests.

Features / Highlights

Chocolat is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for New York diners, particularly those seeking a blend of comfort, style, and quality cuisine.

Key features and highlights include:

• Famous Fried Chicken: Widely celebrated as a house specialty, their famous fried chicken is a cornerstone of the menu and a key ingredient in their most popular brunch dishes.
• Signature Red Velvet Pancakes: A decadent and highly-praised signature item often served with Emily’s Sweet Southern Fried Chicken, creating a unique and indulgent brunch combination.
• Ultimate Urban Power Brunch: The dedicated brunch menu features a wide array of options, from traditional eggs and omelettes to hearty Southern-inspired classics like Shrimp & Grits.
• Unlimited Brunch Cocktails: For the weekend brunch experience, the restaurant offers an option for unlimited Mimosas (with cranberry, orange, or pineapple juice) and unlimited Bellinis with the purchase of an entrée, adding a festive element.
• Cuisine Focus: Specializing in delicately updated soul food, Southern cuisine, and American comfort dishes, ensuring a menu that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
• Atmosphere and Decor: The space features a unique and appealing aesthetic with a rich, dark chocolate interior contrasted by elegant tiffany blue accents and large windows, creating a smart and inviting ambiance.
• Black-Owned Business: The restaurant is a Black-Owned establishment, adding to the cultural significance and local support in the Harlem community.
• Extensive Drink Selection: The bar features an extensive wine list, cocktails, and signature offerings like Chocolat Signature Sangria and Blanca Sangria.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about reservations, you can reach Chocolat Restaurant & Bar using the following contact details:

Address: 2223 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10026

Phone Number: (212) 222-4545

The restaurant's hours of operation for the combined Brunch/Dinner service are:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Chocolat Restaurant & Bar, especially for the celebrated “Ultimate Urban Power Brunch,” there are several dishes that consistently draw rave reviews and stand out as must-try menu items. The experience at Chocolat is defined by its fusion of decadent flavor and soulful comfort, and the specialties embody this perfectly.

The absolute top recommendation is the combination of Our Famous Red Velvet Pancakes with Emily's Sweet Southern Fried Chicken. This dish is an innovative and highly popular take on the classic chicken and waffles, utilizing their decadent, signature red velvet pancakes and their crispy, secret-recipe Southern fried chicken. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying. The fried chicken itself is lauded for being well-seasoned, crispy, and one of the best in Harlem.

For savory brunch lovers, the Harlem Famous Shrimp & Grits is a clear winner. This dish features perfectly grilled shrimp served in a rich shrimp and lobster cream sauce over creamy, bacon-cheddar grits. It is consistently praised for its deep flavor and generous portion. Another excellent, protein-forward choice is the Steak and Eggs, featuring a Certified Angus N.Y. Strip Steak cooked to perfection, served alongside fresh hand-cracked country eggs and rosemary roasted potatoes. For a lighter but equally flavorful seafood option, the Seafood Croquettes and Grits—panko-crusted red snapper, salmon, crab meat, cod, and shrimp served over creamy cheddar grits—is highly recommended, though patrons should note it contains shellfish.

Traditional brunch staples are given an upscale twist, such as the various omelettes, including the Veggie Omelette with tomatoes, spinach, and goat cheese, or the classic Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine, all served with a side of their delicious rosemary roasted potatoes.

Finally, to complete the ultimate brunch experience, be sure to ask about the Unlimited Mimosas or Bellinis option, which is a popular choice for those looking to add a festive libation to their meal. Don't forget a side of the buttery, honey-infused Emily's Favorite Cornbread or a slice of their rich Red Velvet Cake for dessert, which is frequently highlighted as being wonderfully soft, moist, and worth every bite. Choosing any of these specialties guarantees a true taste of what makes Chocolat Restaurant & Bar a beloved Harlem culinary gem.

Chocolat

2223 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10805, USA