The best chocolate shake in Southern California. Yum. Relocated to new location in different area of Idyllwild. Friendly, expert chocolatier owner family. read more

So... it's closed! I walked up to check it out but there was no one there and nothing in the display cases. A man working at another business (maybe?) said he could sell me chocolate but not make me anything. The was there during business hours so not sure what happened. Hope yall have better luck! read more

Omg idyllwild has sipping chocolate now! I accidentally came across this when I was checking who was open for late afternoon coffee and I'm so glad I stumbled across it. This place is located in the very charming and cute "funky bazaar". I ended up getting the mocha bc I still needed the caffeine fix, although I need to make another weekend trip back up to try their sipping chocolates. The mocha was rich, dense, and delicious. Of course, I had to grab some chocolate since it was staring back at me from the counter. I got the Turkish fig ensemble and it was the perfect companion treat for my mocha. Thanks for satisfying my sweet tooth, el buen cacao! read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolates at the counter - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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I came here as an additional experience when I visited a mountain top town, but next time I will visit El Buen Cacao first, and the mountain top town will be the additional experience. In simpler terms, I did not mean to discover this chocolate factory but now that I have, I feel like I found a gem of sweetness that I cannot wait to indulge in anew. And now I know to go there with more hunger, so I can sample more of their goodies, cause this time I allowed myself one chocolate- made with honey as a principle- and chocolate shake made with cacao nibs. The milkshake was their flavor of the month. I took a picture of how this place describe itself. Buen Cacao describe itself as "a small family run bean to bar chocolate factory." Moreover, they describe that they "craft [their] chocolate using ethically sourced and single origin cacao beans." They further state that they are "unapoletigically dark" which means that they do not use a lot of ingredients and it is all churned out in their "small factory in the sky." Not only was I happy to eat a dark indulgence, but also felt proud to purchase from folks who are responsible in the way they source their main ingredient, and folks who have whimsy and passion in their hearts. I did not take pictures or notes of the chocolate I tasted. But, it was a honey made chocolate. And the sweetness of the cacao and the sweetness of the honey did not fight each other for top billing. Instead they complimented each other, like two ballet dancers doing a move that required both to move in unison and poise. The sweetness of the moment, was pleasent and not cloying, which is high a compliment because sweetness squared can easily be annoyingly sweet, like a grandma who has not learnt that sometimes eggs crack from store to home. The place did something small but wonderful. They split, the milkshake into two cups, so we had a tasting. I regret that I did not enter this place with more understanding of what this place is. I am happy it was a pleasent surprise. I want to try more things now, but it is far away. I will try to go here again, do not know when or how, but that keeps me hopeful. I am jealous for those who can eat chocolate amidst the clouds of a mountain top. read more

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I've made it a point to stop at Buen Cacao over the last several years, when visiting Idyllwild , so thought I'd visit the new location. It was closed. This was a few weeks ago. No signs or anything, just empty display cases. While I was there, several other people stopped by looking to purchase items from El Buen Cacao. They were also disappointed to find it closed. Some signage or posts on their social media with updates of when they will and won't be open would be helpful. read more

House Cacao was excellent! Location was not updated on Maps yet. Happy we found the new spot! Super cute read more

El Buen Cacao - Outside view - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

The chocolate shake is probably the best chocolate shake I've ever had. Really friendly workers proud of their shop. read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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We came here via car on a Friday in late November 2024. There is a parking lot in the plaza it was in so it was super easy. We came here every single day we stayed in Idyllwild after that first time trying it. I got the House Chocolate with oat milk every single time. My friends tried a bunch of the other ones and also really enjoyed it. I usually don't like specialty hot chocolate but I really enjoyed this one. They said they're planning to open another local in the Arts District on DTLA. Their house made chocolates were also very good. Would highly recommend! read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

I love this establishment. We visited them at their old location over three years ago. This new location is Ada Friendly. Sipping Spanish chocolate is my go to. I close my eyes, inhale, and sip it's a delicious experience. Beautiful cacao rich in minerals is really better than regular chocolate with all that extra ingredients. As a chocolate purist I appreciate the little and organic ingredients this place uses. Most of their products are dark chocolate but you do have a couple of choices if you are not ready to venture out to dark chocolate. If you are feeling daring please try the chocolate covered figs. I still have an old T-shirt from here! That's how much I like this place I'm promoting in Los Angeles. Hoping they start selling T-shirts again. Thank you to this small business that always greets us with a smile and makes us feel welcomed. read more

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This place is a must-visit for chocolate lovers! Their hot chocolate with ghost pepper is unlike anything I've ever had!! rich, smooth, and with just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting You can really taste the quality since they use real cacao If you're looking for something bold and unique, this is the spot! owner is super friendly, the town is magically beautiful there are seats in and out of the store , very cozy read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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Must not be missed when in Idyllwild! My husband and I drove up to Idyllwild for a weekend getaway and decided to visit El Buen Cacao, as multiple online articles recommended them. I remember reading somewhere that they had the best mochas, and we love mochas... so we knew we had to stop by. The staff was super welcoming, friendly, and nice. The place was clean and they had a lot of tables, and there was plentiful parking as well. My husband ordered a hot mocha and I had it iced (it was super hot that day!).. and they did not disappoint! Oh man, they were really good, I am still thinking about it days after we left. The mochas were rich, creamy, and had just the perfect amount of sweetness. The hot mocha was a tad yummier (as I guess you can really taste it and it is not diluted by the ice). Highly, highly recommend, we think this was the best place we've visited in our few days in Idyllwild. We will definitely be back ifever we're in the area again! read more

El Buen Cacao - Iced Mocha... so good! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Some years back I had visited this store when they first opened in another shopping area of Idyllwild. They were friendly at that time and there customer service hasn't changed since. On this visit my sister and I made a visit when we were looking for hot chocolate with a kick on this cold and raining day. This popped up and it was perfect because we were already in the same parking lot. It was a little confusing when approach the business because it is adjacent to another store. We felt the sign wasn't obvious that we almost walked into the other business. We were greeted with a friendly employee as we entered. We let her know that we wanted to study the menu before placing our order. Plenty of drink choices and even a vegan option. We both ordered the Vegan Sipogado (vanilla gelato vs. vanilla ice cream) and to-go order were two Spicy hot chocolate. We were both surprised by the tart/bitter warm cacao poured over the gelato. But once you mixed it together it definitely complimented each other. The spicy hot chocolate had a nice kick to it! Both orders were very good and very rich in cacao. We would definitely like to return during warmer weather to try some of the shake options. There is a couple outdoor seats in front. Plenty of indoor seating. The decor is welcoming. The store is clean and I love how they incorporated the cacao bags in the table decor. Definitely friendly and helpful owners and employees. They can surely give you the run down of the entire process of cacao. They do their own cacao process in the back of the store! This location is in a shopping area that includes the library, post office, grocery store. Although there was parking available during our visit I could imagine parking could be an issue during the warmer days. Check them out! read more

El Buen Cacao - My chocolate selection. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Their chocolate is so tasty. We got the chocolate covered dates and chocolate covered figs. Delicious! The owners are so kind and talked to us like we have been friends for years. Small little place, but packed with lots of flavor. Their espresso is also really good. Definitely worth trying them out. read more

Family-owned chocolate shop was very welcoming! I really enjoyed the drinks I got here. Visited this place two days back-to-back when I was visiting Partner and I got the frozen mocha hot chocolate, chocolate milkshake, sipping chocolate, and ensemble collection. Frozen mocha hot chocolate: chocolate was rarely evident, mostly tasted coffee?/espresso? which is fine BUT I craved for more chocolate Chocolate milkshake: holy smokes this was so good! I was jealous at my partner getting it. Sipping chocolate: RICH and DEEP. It was great haha. I didn't even drink it, I ate it like yogurt since they gave the drink with a spoon. Ensemble collection: I believe it was the crunch stack, date, haystack, and Turkish fig. Unfortunately these chocolates didn't impress me, only because I wasn't BIG on the fillings inside, but each had their own texture which I enjoyed and luckily the chocolate covered it. Overall, no matter what we bought, there's something that we like in the end! read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolates behind the glass - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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This is a MUST stop when you visit Idyllwild. You have to try to sipping chocolate. It's is so good. We got some chocolate to go as well! read more

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Really friendly staff. I ordered the sipping chocolate and it was AMAZING. Perfect for a very cold rainy day in Idyllwild.

I usually don't rate a place without purchasing. Went with my daughter mid week, it wasn't very busy. There was only one employee working, she was pretty slow, and never greeted anyone at the register who was waiting. We got there while she was making a drink and there was one person in front of us. We waited for more than 15 minutes without even being looked at. All we wanted was chocolates. I can understand not staffing up on a weekday, but train your employees to greet customers so they don't feel ignored. read more

I have heard so many good things about this place and left disappointed The highlight here is easily the atmosphere and the reason for the higher review. I love seeing all the chocolates in the shop and see that they are making right in house is always a good thing to see. However, the service was not so kind to me. They were not helpful to what I wanted to get and almost didn't even seem to care for my business when I was the only one in there at the time and felt like I was being a nuisance. Also, the chocolate was only "okay" and for such a small chocolate bar being $10+ you really do expect a higher quality for what you are getting. Each chocolate (basically a sees candy size) was $3-5 each! And based on what I had with the chocolate bar, I'd rather go to sees candy. Although I do love to support local businesses and enjoy seeing freshly made chocolates, I personally am not coming back for the overpriced chocolate with poor customer service. read more

El Buen Cacao - Hacienda Jesus Maria - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

We were greeted once we walked in and found out we were first time customers and gave us a full run down of the menu. We opted for a handful of truffles, sipping chocolate, and a chocolate bar. It was my first time with a sipping chocolate and it was delicious. I will say I was taken aback that it was more scooping than sipping. No marks off for it because the texture and taste was All of the truffles were great but my standout winner was the date-truffle. I've never had a chocolate covered date before and it was outstanding. Haven't had the chocolate bar yet but can't wait to try the 100% Lastly, we asked for some water and they gave us a water bottle! I asked if I could pay for it and it looked like I offended them, oops. 10/10 service and snacks. Can't wait for my next trip up to Idyllwild to try it again soon. read more

Cute little place, and if you are a chocolate lover this is the place to visit. The dark chocolate and coconut is delicious!!! The staff is so friendly. read more

I love the concept of this place but I personally didn't like the flavor although I do think that you should at least try it once just for the experience and perhaps you'll find yourself loving it. I'm an absolute chocolate lover so I was really excited to check this place out but as far as flavor goes, it wasn't to my liking - though my boyfriend enjoyed it. We had gone on a week day so it wasn't busy at all, the cashier was nice and helpful. And there was some history, art pieces, and news articles on the wall that were nice to read. read more

El Buen Cacao - Art piece - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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I love this family operation. I will miss them in the mountains. I will find them in LA. hugs. jim read more

GLUTEN FREE ALERT El Buen Cacao is a small chocolate shop and cafe located in downtown Idyllwild. The shop specializes in handcrafted chocolates and other sweet treats, as well as coffee and tea. The atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, with a rustic decor and friendly service. Some of the popular items at El Buen Cacao include their artisanal chocolate truffles, chocolate bark, and hot chocolate. They also offer a variety of baked goods, including croissants, muffins, and cookies. Many customers also praise their coffee and tea selection, as well as their vegan and gluten-free options. read more

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I drank the best chocolate shake I've ever had here. The service was great and the store associate was knowledgeable. There was cacao pods all around the store and the tables had burlap bags from previous shipments of cacao pods (I assume) as tablecloths. It was a great experience overall. read more

Delicious coffee, there house mocha we as delicious. Love to see small businesses change things up . read more

El Buen Cacao - House mocha - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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Oh my gosh! The Chocolate flight is a once in a lifetime experience!! I've had chocolate. I've had good chocolate...but not like this. This is an experience. This is a panoply of chocolate experiences in the perfectly curated package. read more

Amazing service and products! Ordered the ice mocha! Soooo good. Definitely recommend! read more

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So excited to have found this little gem. Interesting flavors and a lot of dairy-free options if not all dairy free. I did ask and was told they didn't use milk in their chocolates but they had dairy for their coffees I believe, as vegan options were clearly labeled. You won't be disappointed if you try their vegan affogato and if you're a fan of dark and semi-sweet chocolates this is the place! They're happy to answer questions and you can clearly see these confections being made right behind the glass. Staff were friendly and they have a restroom, which can be tricky to find if you're not local. I recommend this for gifts and to anyone who desires the guilty pleasures of the cocoa bean. read more

Craft Chocolate Shake!! OMG!! After this, there is no other shake! Fast, friendly, Amazing Good! read more

El Buen Cacao - Craft Chocolate Shake! I promise, you have never had a chocolate shake like theirs! I was like OMG!! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

The shop was actually bigger than i thought it would be! They have their production and sacks of beans there as well and that was very interesting to watch. We tried an assortment of their truffles and everything tasted so good and so smooth! My personal favorite is the coconut clusters and the classic dark chocolate. Cashier was friendly and helpful, she answered all our questions to help us figure out which ones to get. Parking was not a problem because its one of several shops in an area with a shared large parking lot in the middle. read more

El Buen Cacao - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Whenever we are in Idyllwild this is our first stop! This family owned small business makes their chocolate on site from scratch. They're producing unique high quality two ingredient chocolate. I say unique because they fly around the word to small privately owned cacao farms in search of the product that they feel is best. When we visit, they're always welcoming. The environment feels like home for us. They sell coffee as well, but they're a chocolate store. If you like spicy I recommend the Mexican Hot chocolate, I add espresso to mine. My teenager loves the sipogado! It really is delicious. Everything is amazing, so don't be afraid to explore the coffee with their homemade unique high quality two ingredient chocolate. Definitely recommend! #YAKI24 Teppanyaki Catering read more

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The craft chocolate milkshake is the most sophisticated and decadent milkshake I have ever had. The chocolate they make in house for all of their treats is outstanding. read more

Husband wanted to visit this shop and we bought a bit of everything. Ordered: 1) Fig chocolate - yum 2) Madagascar guajillo chocolate - yum 3) Honey chocolate - yum 4) Peanut butter chocolate - yum 5) Haystack chocolate - ok 6) very rich Chocolate drink / shot glass size - so good!! 7) India ghost pepper chocolate - super spicy read more

El Buen Cacao - Madagascar guajillo & India ghost - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

The mocha was AMAZING! Bought some chocolate and melted it with espresso at home, and it was just as delicious. Workers were very nice as well. read more

Whenever I visit Idyllwild, I always have to visit this place. They have amazing hot chocolate, that is not too sweet but just perfect and smooth. Their chocolate shake is also amazing. 100% recommend. read more

I Critique hot chocolate HARD! As a grown-up I'm not satisfied with water-based packets of cocoa anymore and am so over the super icky sweet glammed up concoctions sold at most coffee shops. This is the real deal. It's been a long time since I have had a really good and satisfying cup of hot chocolate. Their basic hot chocolate hit all the right notes for a symphony of delectable yumminess for me. I both regret and am somewhat relieved that I live out-of-town their hot chocolate is that good but I will definitely return to try out the rest in the menu. If you are in Idyllwild go now! No regrets! read more

The best chocolate shake I have ever had. Service was good too, owners were super sweet read more

El Buen Cacao - Amazingly rich chocolate shake - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Excellent clean products all artisan made. The taste is a smooth exquisite one. We tried the pistachio chocolates, the hot cocoa and the variety pack. We loved everything so much we brought home a chocolate spread, hot chocolate bar to prepare hot cocoa at home and another variety box. The owners a very knowledgeable in the trade. They are friendly and go above and beyond to service their customers. If in Idyllwild, this is a must stop for sure! read more

Delicious chocolate, and great chocolate drinks too! A must if you like chocolate and are in Idyllwild

Amazing cacao treats and coffee Friendly service Take home or enjoy your treats there. read more