Back in late November 2025, I was in Albuquerque, NM, fulfilling my loved ones' Christmas shopping list 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. read more

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I think the Cartel needs a more current review, so I am adding mine. 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. read more

The service was fast and convenient. The ambiance was nice quiet and calm. The selection they offered was nice. I got Dubai chocolate cups, gelato and some truffles. All were delicious and I'm extremely satisfied. I'd recommend! read more

Chocolate Cartel - Dubai chocolate cup - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Outta this world Chocolate ! Service is top tier ! If you're looking for a nice gift for someone or a treat for yourself this is the place. I'm telling you I love the texture , the taste, and the people coolest ever! A must try ! read more

I was looking for some local chocolate to bring back and found Chocolate Cartel. It was a long drive from my work site and hotel but I had the time and a company rental so why not add some miles to it? I drove up and wasn't sure they were opened, empty parking lot, but there was a neon said that said it was open. While the outside looks pretty nondescript the inside is like a darkened cave filled with chocolates. I had just come from another city and bought two boxes of 'truffles.' What I liked here was that yes it was handmade and artisanal but it wasn't super pretentious-no cheeky puns for their chocolates just their flavors. I was left to take a look at what was available in the display case while they were finishing up a batch of chocolates. What I liked the best about Chocolate Cartel was that they had a combination of milk and dark chocolates. I stayed away from the chiles chocolate, but their more traditional ones-espresso, raspberry I did pick up. While my box was getting put together I saw they also made paletas here and decided to treat myself to one. They had some interesting twists and I went with the Strawberry Pomegranate one, slightly sweet, slightly tart, I had finished it before I even paid up. Definitely worth a visit even if it's a little bit of a drive. read more

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As smooth as Belgian chocolates and some of the most robust and satisfying flavors I've ever had in chocolates! Vanilla bean creme brule gelato was excellent. Must eat everything very slowly to savor experience. Don't be distracted by humble store front and part of town, well worth stopping in. Very friendly and knowledgeable, Should be an Abq institution. read more

Chocolate Cartel - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Such a fun experience. So many wonderful chocolate delights to choose from. The service was great.

We ordered a gift delivery in a different city through door dash, first time using the app, and asked for pickup instead of delivery. Door dash would not correct, cancel or refund. Chocolate cartel sorted it out, then let us reorder correctly. Absolutely fantastic customer service,! If the chocolate is anything like the kindness the shop showed us, they deserve 10 stars! Thanks so much! We will visit next time we're in Albuquerque read more

What an amazing spot. I had always seen it reviewed in national publications, and I couldn't figure out where exactly it was. Do not let the store front scare you. This is well worth the trip, and the people working there are equally great and helpful. read more

I don't think it could get any better than this! I was surprised yesterday with a delicious piece of their 73% dark chocolate which was so rich in flavor that I couldn't finish the whole piece! I love that they keep their ingredients simple organic and certified fair trade. My favorite of the sorbets was the pomegranate & strawberry which was so sweet! You could takes the strawberry flavor the sugar and that hint of pomegranate. Better than anything it's all handcrafted locally so definitely going back soon for some more amazing chocolate and sorbet ! read more

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Great and quick service! Got a peanut chocolate bite and hazelnut and cinnamon! I love peanut butter but the hazelnut cinnamon was soo good!!! We also got hot chocolate try since my husband loves hot chocolate as well as Toffee and salt and lavender bars. read more

Chocolate Cartel - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Second time I've tried to come here and they are closed when their store hours say they are open.

Small shop but plenty of options. Four stars here cause one of the items I wanted was not in stock. I stopped in to purchase chocolates for a family member who was having a birthday. He loves dark chocolate. If it is on display then it's in stock. If it is not on display you can ask and they will check in back. Prices are fair. Quality is very good. The young man manning the counter was very good at his job. Overall good experience. read more

What?.....there are only 5 stars I can give?..... I tried....I really tried to make it last....hey, the box was in my posession for a whole 3 days, and there were only 4 fragrant, delectable selections....the dark, rich truffle filling......the hint of honey.....the punch of espresso.....it was a much appreciated white elephant gift from Christmas.....but, alas, like the holidays, they are gone much too soon.... Seriously delicious, hand crafted, gotta treat yourself, treasure..... read more

I love The Chocolate Cartel and they are nicely tucked away on Juan Tabo. Very friendly, can use delivery service, high quality chocolates with beautiful designs and amazing flavors. My favorite is their biscochitto gelato sandwich! The best biscochittos I have ever had, with creamy gelato is worth the cheat!!! read more

Chocolate Cartel - Strawberry Cheesecake, Maple, Cinnamon, Cherry, Blueberry, Lavender, Bee Pollen (my favorite), Dark Caramel, Light Caramel, PB, Pistachio - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Tiny shop with some of the best chocolate and best service I've ever run into. Ambience just small sop - nothing pretentious.

We are long distance big fans of Chocolate Cartel. We have ordered many types of products for the last four years. Our last order was the first one that was incorrect in the four years. It was made right quickly and handled with grace and professionalism. I am so very grateful for the staff and chocolate makers. I appreciate the action as my diabetic husband depends on your 90 percent dark for a safe healthy sweet fix. So very grateful our cousins in Albuquerque introduced us to you!!!! read more

We're from Abq, living in San Francisco. Friend from home brought the milk chocolate covered almonds out on a visit. AMAZINGLY good! How have we not been buying a multitude of these since 2001? So many years of missed joy. We'll be coming home in July and will be 1) enjoying and 2) readying for gift giving in support of our home town chocolatier. read more

This review is way too late in the game, and I also need to revise reviews of other companies throughout the metro, because my chocolate snob self proclaims the following: there are two great chocolate companies in Albuquerque, the Chocolate Cartel, and Eldora. Those other guys (sorry, Dude), just don't hit the 5-star mark. Chocolate Cartel is honestly the narcotic dealer of the industry. Essentially all about dark varietals, the Cartel infuses chile and basic citrus into crisp, heavy bites that make you savor each bite quite a while (which is good, because their bars are kinda teensy, but they last). Get a sack of chocolate almonds for a breakfast of champions, and before you leave this tiny store... Don't forget to grab some gelato. They only handle a handful of flavors and they nail 'em. Located just off the freeway at I-40 and Juan Tabo, this is a must stop if you're headed to hike the Sandias, buy yourself a reward for climbing the peak. Or just go because, well, it's some of the best in the city. read more

Who doesn't enjoy some quality chocolate from time to time? Show me this person and I'll show you some kind of pinko commie! So, needless to write, every level headed, red blooded, flag waiving American should love chocolate, right? Murica! Having this written, we stopped in recently for something a little "Special" for the Mrs. come Christmas stalking stuffer time. And these guys definitely filled that need! Wow! Granted, a little pricey! Especially if you're accustomed to the Russell Stover-type line up you usually buy in the Walmart Candy isle, but hey, every now and then you gotta say, "What the Chuck," right? Everything is made right there on location, and they don't restrain themselves; the creative flavors they churn out are really unique! In addition, they also make their own gelato with some very unique flavors as well. The place is off the beaten path, and if you blink while driving by you just might miss them. However, do yourself a fave', hang that u-ey and take a second run at em'. You'll be glad you did. read more

Yum, yum, yum gotta get cha some chocolate from the Chocolate Cartel! We were greeted with kindness, samples, & intricate details of what these delectable chocolatey goodness gems contain ! Everything we tried & bought was delicious! Planning to go back for some gelato & of course CHOCOLATE! read more

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High time I back up the already great rating my favorite local chocolatier has. The Chocolate Cartel store is inconspicuous, industrial and dimly lit but rest assured these people are serious about their craft. At the core is Venezuela Cacao, the base for the Truffles and other flavor combinations they offer like toffee bars or covered nuts. I think this Cacao stands tall on it's own as well. Recently I read something on the health benefits of chocolate and it was suggested that you should have 70% or more Cacao to really get much other than pleasure out of the chocolate. The Cartel sells a 73% bar that is quite smooth and a 90% bar that doesn't have the bitterness you might expect for this level of purity. They also offer Gelato widely praised for its creative, delicious flavors and richness. I like to swing by and get a few Truffles in the hand and make a box as a gift. The box has always been well received! Chocolate Cartel is one of those rare examples where everything offered is done to a high standard. read more

The term "don't judge a book by its cover" has never been more applicable than to this place. Their location and outside appearance is a tad bit unconventional for a chocolate place... I felt like we were going into some drug lord / crime place because it was dark and not very inviting. However, upon walking in... all that changed when the chocolate maker introduced himself to us and walked us through their process... oh did I mention he was cute! I mean come on! Chocolate + chocolate maker that's cute... that alone is a recipe for disaster! Anyways... going back to their chocolates... I ended up buying $50+ worth and (Alex?) not sure of his name... boxed it up for me for easy transport. Outcome: the people that I gave the chocolates too... loved it. I loved it. It wasn't too sweet... creamy but not too creamy... it was just right. Check it out folks! Sweet tasting... for the buds as well as for the eyes =) read more

Fine chocolate, artistic presentation, very friendly and prompt service. Very fair price. Live well! Eat their chocolate! read more

Chocolate Cartel - How to live a fine life - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Wow, I really enjoyed the chocolate here - excellent quality with great flavor! I purchased a few bars and enjoyed gelato and nothing was disappointing. This will be a go-to spot on all my future visits to Albuquerque. read more

Won't find a better place with better chocolates. I have been coming here for 4years now. I expect this chocolate every year for Valentines and my boyfriend knows not to get me anything other than this. They import their chocolate in from Venezuela and it has a creamy, fresh, chocolaty taste like no other. The location is random and hard to find so I think it's easy for this place to go over looked, but it's definitely the best chocolate place in town! My favorite is the lavender chocolate! Like really, where else are you going to try that! I have driven across town for this chocolate, simply because I was craving it! read more

Happen to be driving by. Learned all the chocolate is hand made with local ingredients. Got the 73% dark chocolate with lavender so good. Also chocolate with bee pollen. Pollen from Moses Kountry. Amazing service as well read more

I live in New York City and LOVE New Mexico. I discovered Chocolate Cartel via the website, New Mexico Nomad. I visited in person during the summer of 2018 and brought several things, with the intention of bringing some home to share with my family. One taste and over the next few days I finished all the chocolate in my hotel room. I just ordered some for my Sister as a Mother's Day gift (and I am standing over the box and filled with temptation...) and was truly impressed with the speed that it arrived and the great care that was taken to make sure that it arrived as fresh as if I had purchased it on location. read more

The chocolate is wonderful! The service is friendly and they were glad to let us try their different chocolates. This is a small location. But I see their chocolate at places like Whole Foods. read more

Very well crafted chocolates. Such a wonderful treat for any time of year . Staff was friendly. The only downside is location parking isn't super Convenient but everything else wonderful read more

I walked in the other day to pick up some gelato. We have been to Italy and crave the real stuff. I walked in and tried the blueberry lavender gelato and it was amazing. I brought home a pint for my husband for Fathers Day. He thought it was delicious. Go check out there gelato. I now need to try their chocolate! read more

Amazing little chocolate store hidden in Albuquerque. The service was unbelievably good and all the delightful treats they sell were even better. I recommend hitting this place up if you're looking to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours. Lastly, they offer more than just chocolate goodies...but you have to go check it out for yourself to find out. read more

I'm so glad to have found a chocolate place in Albuquerque. The gelato is also very yummy. Well worth the trip to the out of place store front. read more

My boyfriend bought me some beautiful and delicious chocolates from Chocolate Cartel for Valentine's Day a few years ago. This was a life changing experience and I will tell you why. The chocolates are aesthetically pleasing and take your taste buds on a trip to "flavor town". During Valentines Day season, they also make chocolate covered strawberries and berry boats that would make any love grow. I recently had the chance to try their Mayan drinking chocolate and was warmed down to my soul. Support your local chocolatier, ya'll. read more

Nice little store, really nice guys. The chocolates were unique & good. But I have to agree w/ some of the reviewers that you will like this shop more if you are into the more bitter or dark chocolates. I like mine a little sweeter. But my mom who is a dark chocolate lover loved everything. I will come back to try the gelatos that everyone keeps raving about. Hoping the owners read the reviews here & make a few sweeter chocolates for people like me. With all the different flavors they had, I'm surprised they didn't have any. read more

Simply the best gelato! Unique flavor can't be found elsewhere! They make them in small batches, freshness is a big plus! Diary free options are very tasty, too! read more

I didn't believe in the powers of chocolate until I went to the Chocolate Cartel. As you walk in you see chocolate deliciously packaged as if you were in Willy Wonka's factory, while aromas awaken your senses and instantly make you crave chocolate. The chocolate inside is top notch and comes in a variety of different flavors. You won't be disappointed. read more

I used to live in California and I loved going to the fancy chocolate shops there when I craved something authentic and a little (lot) better than the typical Hershey bars found at the supermarket check out. Ghirardelli was a favorite, as was See's and even Rocky Mountain Chocolate Co in the malls but all of them are chains albeit smaller with more care put into the products versus a Hershey bar. When I got to Albuquerque, I found the Chocolate Cartel and made the trip to see what they were all about. It's a teeny little shop that you'll miss if you blink tucked away in an industrial area off Juan Tabo. Man...was I glad I did! Chocolate Cartel serves Instagram worthy high end chocolate and candy. The chocolate is absolutely beautiful and has the taste to match. All the chocolate is from South America (finest in the world in my opinion) and tastes great. My favorite is the dark chocolate chile bars (yes it's a thing!) that gives you a luscious dark chocolate taste that fades into the bite of the chile. There's also gelato and other candies and even chocolate you can take home for your own recipes. I've sent chocolate gift boxes to family all over the country and they all rave about the Chocolate Cartel. Lastly, if you're on a budget or just want to sample a chocolate they have without breaking the bank, they have a basket of "oops" chocolates that don't make the grade for their aesthetics and offered at a discount. A couple tips-Use your GPS to find them, they're a pretty tiny shop. Also check their hours, especially since Covid as they've always had limited times of operation even before the virus. Bottom line, check out the Chocolate Cartel for some KILLER chocolate! read more

My take on the "cartel" part of the name is that everything here is heavy on cocoa. If you like a strong cocoa flavor, then this is the place for you. Personally, I'm a big fan of dark chocolate and the slightly bitter taste you get from unsweetened cocoa. Chocolate Cartel has a lot of that. My wife prefers sugary sweet milk chocolate and she wasn't quite as impressed with Chocolate Cartel as I was. read more

This place is pretty unbelievable. My favorite chocolate place of them all -- and I live in Virginia. The truffles are all amazing, and the chile chocolate bars are dynamite -- they're New Mexico hot rather than, say East Coast hot, so be prepared for some serious heat. These guys don't mess around. read more