Cocoa Bar

My cupcake was dry, hard, and stale. Cupcakes are not hard to make. I am very confused as to how they could mess it up so badly. This was the closest I’ve ever been to sending food back and the first time I’ve written a Unilocal review. Very disappointing.

The service here was terrible. The two girls behind the counter were too busy in their own conversation to answer any questions.
The dessert; luckily we only tried one thing. The rock hard «red velvet» cupcake. It was so hard to break a piece off that I had to post a video. When we informed the servers they stated «all our cupcakes are hard because they’re refrigerated». I’m not sure how a dessert company can use that as an explanation for stale hard cupcakes.
Coffee, well you might as well pour yourself a cup from an old coffee pot.

Wish I knew the luscious looking confections on the website were gluten free, mostly vegan and mostly flavor free. It was pouring and The Chocolate Room was an hour wait so we ended up here. The kids liked it because it was sweets but not for serious adults looking for a deep, dark chocolate fix.

While their hot chocolate is good and the atmosphere is warm, recently, I bought a box of chocolates from this place (as a gift) and the chocolates tasted like soap. They had a fragrance to them that was completely overwhelming, that didn’t smell edible. Each piece of chocolate tasted the same because of this soap flavor/​smell. Not going lie, it was kind of embarrassing to give an edible gift that smells like inedible cleaning product. [I tasted the chocolates because the person who I gave them to shared them with me and she noted the same thing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even have known.]

WOW no. I was suuuuper psyched to find a place to deliver delicious baked vegan treats… but unfortunately when my peanut butter explosion cake arrived, there was literally a huge BITE taken out of it. Legit, I can see teeth marks. When we called to request a new cake to be delivered, they said they would call back — 30 mins later, we had to follow up and they said Seamless would be refunding. Serious. Effing. Bummer. I just want my cake :(
*** EDIT — just received a ridiculous novel-​length text from the owner (at 12am) «inviting» me to remove the picture and comment because she’s claiming the cake is supposed to come that way. With a bite taken out of it. Cool, that totally sounds like a real thing.
*** EDIT #2 — it’s been a few weeks since the infamous ‘bite heard round the world,’ and the owner of this place has messaged me AGAIN telling me to take down my review because «obviously the cake is supposed to be a donut» (wait, what?) and accusing me of making up «crazy lies» to get a $ 7 refund from seamless. Homegirl needs to go on and git.

I used to love the cakes, but something has changed. The last two times I ordered on Seamless were awful. They never have what I order, which is fine, because I know bakeries run out of fresh cake or have a different selection. I can live with substituting lemon cake for carrot (or chocolate this time, but w/​e), as long as the cake I get is tasty. The last two times, however, the cakes were dry and seemed stale. Worse, they seemed vegan (I ordered regular, and explicitly asked them not to sub vegan. I have nothing against vegans and respect the lifestyle, but vegan pastries aren’t as good. They’re too sweet and not rich nor balanced). They also had an odd aftertaste that did not seem like the flavor of anything edible. It tasted almost like a cleaning agent smells.
I’m throwing it out and have learned my lesson.
I’m giving two stars to acknowledge the times I have had delicious cake here, though I’m afraid that ship has sailed.

Really nice vegan desserts — many whole cakes, nice selection of cupcakes, great canolis. They have this stuff regularly, no need to special order.

I love Cocoa Bar more than all the other coffee spots in the hood because there are young people there and old people and everyone in between, and also a lot of people talking to each other. It’s not the same five too-​cool 30-​year-​olds plugged into their laptops and earbuds that you see everywhere else. Plus, you can buy ridiculous American-​sized esspresso drinks – a 16 0z cappuccino, for instance. That’s more like it! None of those sissy European style portions at this joint!

I was surprised that Unilocal did not feature the Cocoa Bar in its «Best Hot Chocolate in Brooklyn», since they serve a truly exceptional hot chocolate. From reading earlier reviews, it seems that some reviewers have had uneven experience with the staff and some of the food.
I come to the Cocoa Bar for the exceptional hot chocolate, and for the great «hang out and work» atmosphere. Lots of tables and counter space for laptop computers.
Right before the big snowstorm of 2016 (Jason, I think it was called), I asked if they had a mix that I could use to make some hot chocolate for when we were snow-​bound. Sadly, they did not — and they explained why: they don’t make it from a mix. They melt chocolate and mix it with milk (or soy milk, which I sometimes get). That is what makes it exceptional.
The Cocoa Bar is a small, local business that provides a great atmosphere for anyone trying to escape the corporate look and feel of other coffee shops. They feature the art of local artists, which they change with some degree of regularity so there are often some new and interesting pieces on the wall to view. All the drinks are «hand-​crafted», and sometimes it takes a bit longer to make than at other coffee shops. Although on this score, I have been pleasantly surprised quite often when my drink is done and ready to enjoy in record time.

Stopped in here because a friend was running late. The sign said «coffee chocolate wine», which I thought were three great things in life. I ordered 2 together: a café mocha. Only after I paid did the employee tell me I’d have to wait for the barista, who had run out for change (I think). Glad i wasn’t in a rush. Eventually the barista came back and made my mocha. Damn good, excellent chocolate flavor. I sat in the back «lounge». Bad lighting, stained furniture, scuffed walls, and… flies. Flies kept buzzing me. The local art on the walls was interesting, and the music they played was all right. Overall, a mediocre mocha experience. Spruce the place up a bit and make the lounge a warmer place to chill and they might get more business.

Just ordered from here on seamless and it was terrible. Worst 16.15 I’ve ever spent. Idk what they sent me but tasted like it was 2 weeks old. I threw it right in the trash.

Coffee is delicious. Desserts are just okay. The cashier got a bit annoyed when I mentioned the cake I just purchased wasn’t fresh. (It was hard & dry).

First time at Cocobar, it smelled great and was super warm. Two wonderful things during this annoying winter.
A gentleman named Matt, assisted me by making fun of me while I was attempting to ask questions and order. Any other time I would have been pissed but he was really good at brightening up the mood. I ordered a Blueberry Muffin which was really good and a Mint Hot Chocolate. Once it was done he told me it was his first time making the hot chocolate (which I think he lied lol) and to please let him know how it was. I took a sip and it was GREAT! Just the right amount of mint. I thanked him again and he walked away smiling and pleased. He asked me if I needed anything else, before my co-​worker walked in, then helped her pick the same thing I got. He let her taste some of the left over from the one he just made me and she liked it. A basic coffee shop experience was totally amplified because of how pleasant Matt was. Thanks, defiantly going back.

Terrible wifi. I’m not sure how the few people here are working– perhaps they all have hotspots. I’m logged onto the wifi, but no page will load. The staff is politely unhelpful with the exception of one young woman who made a brief attempt to be helpful. The cocoa is good though. And when you get too frustrated by their wifi, they have wine.

My cousin and I came here to try out their food options. My Cousin (who’s a vegan) asked if they had any vegan soups and they were kind enough to call and ask, however the soup requested (supposedly vegan) contained milk and cheese, which I ate it instead. They also forgot the order and we had to remind them. Besides their service the food, latte and black coffee was good. The atmosphere is warm and good environment to study. Other than their service this place isn’t bad.

The cappuccino was good, but we ordered macaroons and they were completely stale. Not at all the pillowy soft consistency they should have. I also ordered a sandwich and soup to go. They had no to go containers for soup, and asked if it was ok to put it in a coffee cup. ($ 6.00 worth of soup in a coffee cup?) I would have given 4 stars for the coffee, but the stale pastry was really terrible. (My daughter threw hers out and she’s 8, so not exactly an overt discerning palate.)

As a recent «regular» of Cocoa Bar, I can happily say that it is a great place for productivity. If it wasn’t for the outstanding lattes, great staff, variety of seating, wifi and outlets, I don’t know how I would have ever gotten through my classes! If you need a place that is a mix between a library and café, this is the place to go.
The staff are all very friendly and welcoming! I read a review below of someone stating that they have noticed the staff arguing in front of them, but I’d just like to point out that we are all humans and cannot be happy and smiling ²⁴⁄₇ amongst each other. But then again we all have our different perspectives.
I have had a nothing less than great experience with Cocoa Bar, and I am definitely going to continue enjoying the lattes and welcoming environment!

Just walked in, and out of nowhere a big piece of metal fell and hit me on the back of my knee and thigh and fell on the ground with a loud bang. I totally understand there are accidents, just don’t understand propping it back on wall exactly the same way, at 90 degrees, ready to fall on a future customer.
In the spirit of the incident could have been nice if they said, ‘Sorry about that’. Instead they said ‘There are minimum amounts for credit cards’, so you can’t just have a coffee here you have to have cake too unless you pay in cash. Had to buy a cake with my coffee to meet the minimum. Should have walked out but I wanted the cake. Never going back. This place is strictly business. They don’t care about people.

The Cocoa Bar has a nice atmosphere. The chairs and sofas are comfortable and inviting.
The reason for three stars: consistency and the pastry. My partner likes a nice mocha. Or as they call it, a choco-​latte. Each time he gets one, it tastes completely different. Sometimes it is amazing with the proper balance. Sometimes it is coffee with a hint of chocolate. One time it look liked a bar of chocolate melted into a mug. That time, I mixed my regular coffee with his melted chocolate bar and got a mocha.
I have also seen conflicts with the staff in front of guests. Have seen staff members being impolite and rude to each other.
The pastries are not made in house and are made by a vegan company. I have no problem with vegan items, but that is all that is there. How can you make a real cannoli vegan? I shutter the thought. I don’t mind the vegan options, but I am not inclined to purchase pastries because of it. If they had even one or two non-​vegan options, I would be happy (I’m sorry, I need dairy in my life).
We come here for coffee and to work. There is Wi-​fi, which is a great plus. If you get a simple drink and you have eaten earlier, this place will work. There are outlets and comfortable places to sit.

Coffee was burnt
There are so many little coffee shops in this area — i think go elsewhere

I’m so excited to have found a spot in Brooklyn that carries my favorite Vegan Treats cakes. They have death by chocolate on the regular, and a lot of cupcakes & cookies too.
The wifi is reliable, and the staff is super friendly. Although I like the entrance area, and the art decorating the walls, the back room could use a little sprucing up. It’s fairly barren.
Still they also have a backyard for summertime visits. Not bad. :)

Stopped by after dinner for dessert.
Cake slices were $ 7ish, so I didn’t think it was worth it. I got a cute little cupcake instead, vanilla cake with strawberry frosting $ 3. It was so disappointing, because it was an old cupcake that shouldn’t have been sold. Seemed like it sat in the shelf for too long… Frosting wasn’t fresh (hardening on the outside) and the cake was dry… To be honest, I threw half of it out.
Also, there were pieces of brownies on sale for $ 1.25, but I sincerely thought they were samples because they were so small. I know it’s Park Slope (and the rent is too damn high), but the prices here are ridic.
If I decide to return, I’ll try out their drinks for a study session since there’s a lot of cozy seating and free wifi. I had no problems with customer service. The counterperson was nice enough to lmk all the cupcake flavors/​prices.
FYI: There’s a $ 5 min. for debit/​credit card.

I have been a barista for too many years and this was the first time anyone has made me feel stupid for my order. I just wanted an iced americano with chocolate. I guess that was a weird request for them. My drink was alright, not stellar, not gross. We also had the peanut butter explosion cake, I believe, that was delicious! A tad dry, but the whipped peanut butter filling helped even it out. I’m not sure how much each item was separately but the cake a 12oz americano and my iced americano was $ 15. Seems a little pricey.
The atmosphere is nice. Lots of seating, plus a nice big outdoor seating area in the back.

New owners since this April!
This place is is more welcoming with friendly staff. A big change from the nonchalant staff a year ago.
The drink menu is thorough and is displayed on the wall behind the register. I had a spinach croissant and it was fantastic.
I stopped coming for a very long time but I’m glad I came in today and discovered it’s a new cocoa bar with positive vibe.

I’ve only been here once, but it was a delightful experience all the same!
My husband and I stumbled upon this place while we were walking around Park Slope. We went in for 2 large iced teas and shared a Devil’s Food cake. The cake was incredibly delicious — not too sweet, but still dessert — and the iced teas were very refreshing. The décor inside is very welcoming and relaxing. The staff seemed a bit rushed, but all in all, a great little place to go for a quick treat or a nice coffee/​tea.

Grab a lemonade and take a seat out back on a sunny day. This place has beautiful out door seating with ample space to hang out. There is a lot of seating so you pretty much always can find a spot. The FREE WIFI solidifies this place as one of the best places to read/​study in the area. There are outlets along the wall for you to charge your electronics.
There is ample comfortable seating inside as well if you are looking to escape from the heat and enjoy your snacks in the air conditioning.
Gourmet baked goods are available which may be slightly overpriced but you won’t care once you see how amazingly delicious they look. They have a huge array of teas which you can order alone or with lemonade for your very own customized Arnold Palmer.
Happy hour!
M-​f they have a happy hour which ends at 8 and includes $ 3 beers and discounted wines. What more can you ask for. A place this nice with this amount f well maintained outdoor seating is rare in this neighborhood which is what makes this easily a 5 star in my book. Keep it up!

Do you love macarons? How about a MACARON CAKE with some white chocolate pieces on top?! That’s right! And it tastes like a macaron too. It’s about the size of your palm but I do not recommend eating it alone unless you have a huge sugar craving, which I did.
I had their Cocoa blend hot tea with my cake, as recommended by one of the sweet staff members. It smells like chocolate and goes down with a subtle and smooth chocolate aftertaste.
They also have other delicious looking [vegan] cakes and chocolates. The chocolate bites at the far end of the glass display are $ 2 each, which is insane.
I also really love the ambience and seating here. It feels so comfortable and cozy, a perfect place to escape into after a long day (or for a quiet study break).
P. S. $ 10 credit card minimum.