Laughing goal has started a monthly Book Club with a book discussion and a chocolate! So in! Great conversation and an opportunity to buy sweets after-hours. Perfect! read more

Stopped by to pick up our bag of goodies for a Virtual chocolate tasting. The store is small but full of yummy. The one shelf is chocolates around the world. I picked up a chocolate almond bark to try and it was Devine. The staff was friendly and helpful. The parking can be tricky with the snow piled high so be careful if street parking as not much room and the cars go flying by. Can't wait to learn more about their chocolate tonight with our virtual tour. read more

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Like most I found out about this small business and owner Lindsay from her time at the Public Market and than going for Chocolate Tasting Classes that she teaches thru The Brainery. If you have time and want to learn about Cacao and where it's from and how it is transformed into chocolate this is a fun and informative class. I've tried a few things, like the truffles, bark and hot chocolate all very good. You can also order sets for like let's say Valentine's Day and the like. Today was my first visit to the actual physical location and it was nice to finally see it. The inside is neat and tidy but it's small more than a few people inside and it gets crowded. I have no idea what the layout was prior to Covid so... Staff is pleasant, friendly and helpful! I had to pick up a bag of things for yes.. yet again another Chocolate Tasting Class that's virtual. Also it's been a week so I wanted to pick up a treat for myself. Yo Treat Yo-Self! So at first while I had looked at the website and thought about getting the hot chocolate mix I realized I'd use it only once so I thought maybe I'd try something else. I got the Milk Cranberry Orange Bark, I think I grabbed the wrong one as I thought I got the Berry one but no matter. It's tasty, perfectly smooth, a little sweet and not to intense on the flavorings. I'm not much of a milk chocolate fan but I liked this. I can't wait to taste our tasting samples at our class. Parking can be a bit interesting due to weather (i.e. snow) but it's pretty much street as it's residential and a few small businesses around. Support local and give them a whirl I'll be back. read more

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Overall a very nice woman owned business! The owners are amazing and I loved getting to chat with them and see how passionate they are about their business. They were extremely knowledgeable and able to help guide me through my selection of my samplings. I loved that they have offerings to support things they are passionate about. I haven't partaken but I hear they have monthly sample boxes which can be a fun gift! I ended up picking a hot chocolate mix for myself and a variety of bars and treat boxes for friends. My friends loved their little gifts and said they really enjoyed the new richer flavors of these chocolates in comparison to the typical store bought ones. I got the hot chocolate for myself and it was awesome! It says that you can make it with water or milk and highly suggest milk (I use 2%) , it really brings out the richness. Only small negative is that it takes a little bit of time to fully melt properly in comparison to your typical mixes but with the extra time comes a smooth cup of pure joy. The location is right off the main road right past the school so pretty easy to find. Only small negative is that there isn't really any direct parking for the location so you have to use the adjacent streets and if you go around school dismissal times it's a little chaotic. read more

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I first discovered Laughing Gull at a group tasting several years ago. The owners are passionate about great tasting chocolate and ethical/sustainable practices. They have expanded their selection over the years, currently offering a wide variety of truffles, bark, sauce, dipped fruit, and vegan offerings. My favorite section is "Inspired by Rochester" - chocolates inspired by Rochester businesses that benefit local charities. I was truly impressed with their recent delivery to a friend in the time of Covid. LG went out of their way to bring a gift to an office that is a pain to get to, and responded my to emails quickly. They can also ship items to that out of town friend or relative. I know I will be back for holiday gifts! read more

Laughing Gull Chocolates - Valentine's Day window - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I've heard tell of chocolate bombs (meltaways) but haven't had one so I was so happy to see them on the shelf. I'm a big fan of concoctions too so some blackberry ginger balsamic bites , pecan ginger bark and spiced honey bars went in the bag too. I was impressed that the person at the counter provided some details about where they get the balsamic and honey from...I've forgotten but it's local. read more

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This review is for a Chocolate Tasting event I attended with Laughing Gull Chocolates and two of the owners .... AND for their Peppermint Hot Chocolate that I treated myself to. First -- the event was *thoroughly* enjoyable!!! We learned SO MUCH about chocolate -- what it takes to go from tree to consumption. And all of the ways the owners of Laughing Gull Chocolates are helping the world -- starting with where they source their products, all the way to how they help Rochester -- and even what worldwide causes they support by bringing awareness (and humor!) As if all of THAT weren't entertaining and enjoyable enough ... their chocolates .... my goodness, THEIR CHOCOLATES. ***Soooooooo TASTY!!!!!!!!!!*** Each bite was better than the next! This event was a delight from start-to-finish -- the knowledge; the introduction to a fantastic local, small-business, women-owned company; the indulgence in exquisite flavors, textures & tastes! I know where I'll be doing a majority of my gift-buying for my loved ones ... and ME (hahaha!) in the future!!! Next -- a couple days after the event, I made myself a cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate. It is EXQUISITE! Huge depth of flavor! Not overly sweet. Took me about 5 minutes to drink it all down ... just couldn't stop taking gulps .... I mean sips. I would def buy this again -- and now want to try the Mexican Hot Chocolate! Hope you'll go to the shop or online-store soon -- or sign-up for one of their events -- and treat yourself! read more

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Laughing Gull is truly amazing. Their mission to make the world a better place through chocolate is amazing and their commitment to fair trade is what really makes Laughing Gull special. I see in Jessy's recent review that they offer a truffle club subscription, and I think I know what I am treating myself to this holiday season! The truffles are outstanding, and the options and variety make it easy for gifting and finding the perfect treat for anyone. Lindsay teaches classes through the Brainery and via other avenues as well! She is an amazing leader and is so thoughtful in her approach to teaching the community about fair trade chocolate. I can't wait to try one of her hot chocolate melt aways and am looking forward to supporting this tasty and educational business for a long time coming! read more

Yelp Elite Tasting Event via Zoom. We got a sample kit to try Cacao in the shell - broke open the shell and tasted the nibs of just cacao, no processing, no sugar. It was expectedly bitter but definitely hinting at greatness. We also tested minimally processed "raw" cacao and sugar from two sources. The Taza, Cacao Puro it's Stone ground with organic cane sugar. It has a more granular texture with the sugar separate from the cacao. It also has some ground shell. When you let the cacao melt in your mouth you get floral/fruity bites plus bursts of the cane sugar separate from the cacao. It leaves a bit of a gritty taste in the mouth but it is a power packed sample. You'll want to come back for more. Next up was the Sol Cacao from Ecuador. This has the same two ingredients - Cacao and Cane Sugar, but it is more finely processed. No shell, the cacao and sugar are dissolved into one another in a more homogeneous, more tightly grained product. Dark Chocolate was the flavor - it doesn't have the fruit notes of the stone ground. It melts in your mouth more and leaves your with a chocolate sensation. Next we had four samples in a gift box: There are pictures from the Zoom season posted that will help augment my review. Harper Macaw Milk Chocolate is a 68% cacao milk chocolate with organic cane sugar, milk powder, and cocoa butter. While a milk chocolate, it left notes of a darker chocolate in the tongue but melted oh so smoothly. Raaka Oat Milk it's 67% cacao made with organic Cacao, Maple Sugar, Oat Flour, Toasted Coconut, Cacao Butter, and Vanilla Bean. (All are organic, just to eliminate any confusion) This has a more complex flavor profile from the great list of ingredients. It, too was smooth and we traded the milkiness but still held up to the smooth dark side. Coffee Square: this is a funky layering of White, Milk, and Dark chocolate with a coffee bean piece. It has other ingredients to enhance the coffee including some grounds and coffee syrup. The last sample was one of their caramel bite truffles. Direct trade Chocolate encasing a smooth, almost ganache of Salted Caramel. It's not sickly sweet but it is decadent. That wraps up the formal tasting. I bought two more items - both are dark chocolate barks: Pecan Ginger Bark - wonderfully smooth, melt in your mouth dark chocolate with pecan bits all over and an infusion of ginger sneaking out from behind the chocolate. Orange Chai Bark - see above for the chocolate and replace the organs and finger with bits of organic ginger and Chai tea (black tea, cardamom, cloves) Both are melt on your tongue, savor if you can without chewing, ha ha, goodness. The staff member who waited on me when I came in to get my pack and buy more was very friendly and helpful, not pushy. The ladies who ran the Zoom presentation were helpful, eager to share their knowledge, and friendly. The shop is small and parking is limited, a bit tighter with our current abundance of snow. Brave the elements and check them out, try their products. It is all premium products well worth the price. read more

This is a wonderful chocolate shop. It's small bit absolutely full of every blend of chocolates you can imagine. So far I've eaten a Spiced Honey Bar, Caramel Bite, Coffee Square, Harper Macaw Milk Chocolate plus other pieces of bars, each wi to different % of cacao from different countries. I have to admit my favorites were the caramel bites and coffee square. I also liked the Harper Macaw milk chocolate which is stronger than your average milk chocolate and so creamy. The owners are wonderful young ladies and they will answer any questions you have. Great service. There is street parking and a couple of spots behind the building reserved for them. It's well worth a visit! Especially with Valentines Day coming up! Wear your mask! read more

Laughing Gull Chocolates - Samples of many items at a tasting event. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Love these chocolates and the I really like the people who make them. They're always really friendly and helpful. My husband got me the quarterly subscription for Mother's Day and it's been really fun getting a box of special chocolates every few months. Need an idea for someone for a holiday gift? Hit subscribe on Laughing Gull chocolate subscription. I should also mention that these people take their chocolate to the next level to create innovative and delicious treats. Helloooo pepitas and spice in chocolate. They also have a new hot chocolate meltaway (pictured). Use really hot milk and it melts away to reveal hot cocoa and marshmallows. Love it! read more

Laughing Gull Chocolates - Laughing full hot chocolate meltaway - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Rochester, New York

I had the privilege of going to the Yelp event here last night. It was a good time with yummy chocolates and cheeses. The girls that work here really know their chocolate! I will be coming back here to get some truffles at Christmas time. They have a different variety of flavors each week. I will also be trying the hot chocolate flight, which is flavored liked the truffles. Sounds amazing!! I also like that they will use various milks, like coconut milk, and have vegan options for the things on their menu. And how could I not mention the cheeses!!! I really liked the cheeses! I'm not sure of the name of the one I liked the best, but I will update it here when I find out. (So I found out, it's the chevre! Yum!!!) I do wish they had some evening hours, but they are open on Saturdays, which is when I will go. Parking was not bad, and you can probably find some parking on the street pretty close by most of the time. If you are a chocolate lover, or want some gifts for a chocolate lover, be sure to check this place out. read more

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I love Laughing Gull! The store is small, but is packed with their own bark, truffles, hot chocolate melt aways, and high quality chocolate from other companies. The quality of the chocolate is great, and you can tell that they care about their craft. They also have a lot of vegan options! Definitely my favorite chocolate shop in the area! read more

I was not able to attend the Yelp event, but the best thing is they were willing to hold my chocolate kit. I came to the place the next day and I almost overlooked because I didn't expect that the place was between other stores as well. They have parallel parking spots for you to park. When I entered the store and I could smell chocolate!!! Yes I was in the heaven! I love chocolates so much!!! I came to the registry and the lady was very friendly. I told her my name and asked for the kit. She gave me the kit. When I went to home and tried them. It is definitely interesting taste with cocoa beans with chocolates combined. I quite like it. I would recommend anyone to try if they want something different from regular chocolates. This place has a great place with diversity of chocolates and flavors. Thank you for sharing the kits with us! I appreciate!! read more

If you haven't been here, what are you waiting for? 1st of all, plenty of parking. 2nd, the NICEST lady waited on us and was so sweet and talked with us about all the local festivals and great things to do in the area should my kid end up there for college. 3rd, the chocolate is amazing! Last but not least is a combo...the Pride bark is delicious, and supports The Trevor Project and the little Pride truffle box supports the Human Rights Campaign....such a delicious way to support great causes!!! Highly recommend!! read more

I first met Lindsay of Laughing Gull when she was wedged in the back of the space that houses (or housed) Boulder Coffee in the Public Market. As I recall she was newly relocated to Rochester, pregnant with her first child, full of bubbly friendly energy, and on a mission to save the world with chocolate. Since then I have supported her wherever I have found her delicious truffles for sale; I have attended events at her new retail location, have tasted her delicious hot chocolate blends, have purchased numerous 'custom' boxes of truffles as gifts, and have spent hours talking to her about her vision and her journey. She is a beautiful soul and she is doing a beautiful thing with her shop and her dedication to building community with chocolate. I highly recommend you stop in to her shop, sign up for a class or workshop, and follow her on Facebook and instagram. And then go back often and just relax in the cute little space and hear what is new and inspiring to her. You might see me there! read more

My first experience at Laughing Gull was through a Yelp tasting event, which introduced us (the lucky bunch of Yelpers invited for the tasting) to the 3 lovely ladies of LG and their small but mighty chocolate shop. The store itself is super cute and cozy, with lounge furniture and art adorned walls, bookshelves and a kids' area. Their kitchen area is open to the front so you can see them preparing their products in the work space. Speaking of products, they have an assortment of truffles, chocolate covered fruits, chocolate barks, and a whole drink/ ice cream sundae menu. We got to taste the chocolate in the form LG receives it in (bars for the most part), as well as the finished products. The truffles were a stand out for me, and I want to go back to try all the many flavors! Following the event, I selected a chocolate chai (with Chai from the Chai Guy, a local Rochester presence) for a warm end to the cold autumn night. It was delicious! You'll never be able to go back to drinking Starbucks chai. It did have a caffeine kick though, fair warning. The best part of this shop to me though, is their ethical business practices. The environmentalist in me was over the moon listening to Lindsay, founder of LG, talk about their mission- using chocolate to make the world a better place and encourage social change. They use all fair trade or direct trade chocolate- meaning the farmers/producers of the cacao used in their chocolate are using their land and labor responsibly, and sustainably. This is a huge contrast to the vast majority of chocolate suppliers in the US and around the world. It may make costs a little higher, but the chocolate tastes that much better when it's eaten with a clean conscious! read more

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Super excited for my first yelp event this year!! What a great start. This place is so warm and cozy, literally haha. The staff is kind and inviting. It's cool outside so I'm glad the temperature inside was comforting. The smell of the chocolate fills the room. My first impression was delightful. The choices look endless here. One display after another full of yummy looking chocolate. It's tempting to want to try one of each. It was a complete honor to have a virtual event with the owners and learn all the history chocolate comes with. Where it comes from, and how it's made. This place has a heavy arsenal of high quality goodness. Homemade to perfection or shipped from highly rated sources. In conclusion, Laughing Gull chocolates don't joke around when it comes to their merchandise. You only get the best they can offer. There is chocolate for every pallet here whether you like dark or milk chocolate, soft or crunchy, the choice is yours. I encourage all to give this place a try, you may find something new you like. For me I can say that I will alway have a long debate whenever I consider buying hershey or commercial chocolate now that I've been exposed to the good stuff. read more

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I've now done THREE virtual events with Lindsay at Laughing Gull! I was an attendee at the first one through work, then organized two personal events. Lindsay and co were a pleasure to work with, hence why they became my go-to zoom activity for business, family and friends in Dec and Jan! Lindsay personalized each truffle making and chocolate tasting event for each group's dietary restrictions and general preferences. Not only was each event super fun, but the chocolates were delicious. I loved that all the products are unique and ethically made. I learned a lot, tried a bunch of delicious chocolates, and now know how easy making truffles are! Thanks Laughing Gull! read more

There are so many different types of chocolate at Laughing Gull! You could definitely find something you'll love there. The owners are very nice and extremely knowledgeable. The caramel bites are amazinggggg! read more

What. An. Awesome. Shop. Chocolate "happy hour" with cheese plates? YES. Sign me up. (They're Thursday evenings.) the selection of delectable truffles and other delights (house-made salted caramel sauce - what?!). I went home with some gifts and some treats for us at home. The cheese plate is insane and I'd highly recommend it. The truffles have a stone ground chocolate in them which makes the texture really unique and absolutely to die for. I loved the spicy Aztec one, but the peanut butter and the salted caramel had to be my favorites. They also do classes! We are going to be giving some as holiday gifts. The women who run this shop are also absolutely awesome. They just really seem supportive of each other and of other women and families. Really love supporting a local business like this - plus they make it easy with the deliciousness of their products! read more

Not only are the Women behind Laughing Gull Chocolates AMAZING, they are on a mission to SAVE the WORLD one chocolate truffle at a time. I really enjoy the truffle variety and the seasonal truffles keep me coming back for more. Did you know? Any truffle can be turned in to hot chocolate? read more

This place awesome! The ladies who run the shop are clearly VERY passionate about what they do-it shows in the product they create, the knowledge they share, and how they operate their business. Everything they sell is locally an/ or ethically sourced-from the chocolate to the ice cream and even the pasta, jewelry, and photography they have for sale in the shop as well. They have truffles, chocolate bark, dipped dried fruit, hot chocolate (non-dairy options!), salted caramel chocolate sauce, ice cream sundaes (non-dairy options!), espresso, chai, and even cheese plates. They also offer chocolate tastings from all over the world, catering, and chocolate making workshops right in the store. Its a great little place to have right here in Rochester and I can't wait to come back! read more

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Oh my goodness! This place is my lifeline! Delicious truffles, ethically sourced no less, AND local cheeses, AND local ice cream and other local products for sale too. On top of the deliciousness, the overall vibe and energy is amazing! These women bring their beautiful babes to work with them so it really couldn't be more baby friendly!they have a toy filled playpen for babies to enjoy while their grown ups enjoy some treats of their own. I highly recommend the chai! I think it's the best in town! Hot, cold, chocolate, dirty, with or without ice cream.... any way you have it, it's soooo good! My sweet babe and I hang out here all the time! It's our Regal Beagle (totally dating myself with that comment, but it's true!) Check it out! You'll be so happy to discover this little gem! read more

Love this chocolate shop! They have this to die for salted caramel sauce my boyfriend puts on everything - ritz peanut butter crackers, ice cream, in his White Russians.. that sauce is heavenly. Truffles are super yummy. My favorites - salted caramel & peanut butter. They have new truffles monthly that match well with seasonal flavors. Their bark has an amazing snap - well tempered with delish combos. They serve the Chai Guys Chai and have a good selection of coffee and drinks. Vegan ice cream.. and regular ice cream.. just yummy! read more

Locally sourced when available, fair trade, organic chocolate and the Salted Caramel Truffles are TO DIE FOR!

Laughing Gull Chocolate checks so many boxes for awesomeness! Delicious, ethically sourced chocolates - check! Cheerful and knowledgeable staff - check! Tasty treats ranging from local cheeses to assorted ice cream flavors - check! Family friendly environment where you can relax and enjoy previously mentioned tasty treats - check! Our family stops in weekly and we are never disappointed. Such a great business to have in our community. read more