French Broad Chocolate Lounge — Attraction in Asheville

I visited the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in Asheville during memorial day weekend and was absolutely delighted by the experience. From the moment I walked in, the cozy and inviting atmosphere set the stage for what turned out to be a chocolate lover's paradise.

Ambiance and Service: The lounge has a warm, welcoming vibe with a rustic-chic decor that makes it feel both elegant and comfortable. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their love for chocolate and provide recommendations.

Chocolate Treats: I indulged in a variety of their offerings and each one was outstanding: Truffle Shot: This was a revelation. Served in a tiny cup, it was rich, thick, and utterly indulgent. The perfect blend of smooth, high-quality chocolate made it a luxurious treat that I sipped slowly to savor every drop. Bonbons: The assortment I tried showcased the exquisite craftsmanship and quality ingredients. Each bonbon was beautifully made, with flavors ranging from classic dark chocolate to more adventurous combinations. They were all perfectly balanced and delicious. 3-Layer Chocolate Mousse: This dessert was a standout. The layers of dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse were light and airy, yet rich in flavor. Each layer complemented the others, creating a harmonious and decadent dessert that was a joy to eat.

Additional Highlights: Brownies: I couldn't resist trying a brownie, and it did not disappoint. Dense and fudgy, with a deep chocolate flavor, it was one of the best I've had. Liquid Truffle: This drink was another highlight. Served warm, it was thick and creamy, with an intense chocolate flavor that was both comforting and indulgent.

Overall, my visit to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge was an unforgettable experience. The quality of the chocolate and the care taken in crafting each item is evident in every bite. Whether you're a local or just visiting Asheville, this place is a must-visit for anyone who loves chocolate. I'll definitely be back to try more of their...

I lived in Asheville for five years and was so excited to visit this local gem when I was visiting this past weekend from Florida. I made sure my partner knew this was all I wanted to do while visiting Asheville. We ended up making it the last stop of our trip and went at about 9:20 after dinner. They close at 10 so we figured it wouldn’t be too much of an issue since we knew exactly what we wanted. When we got there, we waited for about 10 minutes to order with no line and were told they were all out of every beer on the menu and that they were no longer taking “for here” orders, all orders had to be “to-go”. Not a problem. After ordering very clearly a liquid truffle and some other items, the girl rang up our order and we paid. I noticed we didn’t get the liquid truffle and when I asked about it, it was never rang up. There was no apology for not ringing it, just an awkward “I didn’t ring it up”. We felt so uncomfortable and rushed out that we just walked out without it. My partner had mentioned that one of the other employees making the hot beverages had broken down the machine already and was very noticeably not willing to make it and was pissed off someone ordered a beverage on the menu that required this machine. I was obviously upset that I didn’t get it so my partner went back inside to order it, clarifying with the girl that they were open till 10 and then ordering it off the menu and paying for it. I understand it was late on a Sunday but maybe close earlier if this is the quality of service to expect.

This all seems so dumb over a liquid truffle but I have raved about this place and watched it grow from 2016 when I first moved there to now and felt so disrespected by this experience. It was very disappointing that I came all the way from Florida to make it a point to go back here and me, my partner and parents all were met with an unpleasant experience.

I’m sad to say I...

At the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, you can find your next Asheville vegan sweet spot if you look for it.

While they had a handful of vegan options from coffees & cookies to hand crafted chocolate bon bons, I opted for the two vegan ice cream options on the menu: Buddah Chocolate & Toasted Coconut!

Buddha Chocolate 🍫:

A bit icy & chalky, like an adult version of the milk chocolate malt frostie from Wendys. Not like a rich deep zanzibar but truly miky. Would love to see a fudge, brownie or some other layer in the future.

Toasted Coconut 🥥:

Slightly nutty, like a toasted almond. Full fat texture coats the tounge. If you use your imagination, you could easily pull notes of butterscotch or old-fashioned vanilla.

...Starting to wish I had gotten an oat cortato to wash down the sweetness...

Between the two flavors, the 🥥 coconut wins my vote for being slightly more inventive.

Friendly attentive service, speedy although you can expect there to be a line most days.

Clean inclusive atmosphere filled with chatty families and romantic couples at marble topped tables. Operatic & classical music elevates each spoonful. For some reason the theme track to Jurassic Park plays as I finish my bowl and write my little review. 🦖🦕 The only thing that's extinct here is that generous double scoop of ice cream. A cool escape from the heat, with just enough outlets for the office on the go. 🏳️‍🌈

Ultimately kuddos to F.B.C.L. for a great start to branching into vegan ice cream options. I would love to see them switch it up regularly with blackberry, cinnamon swirls or even my personal favorite: cookie dough.

As someone who grew up in Wisconsin on endless Summer trips to Culver's, a flavor-of-the-day kinda thing can go a long way to keep people interested in coming back often. Some secondary textures would elevate this from a 4 to a 5 star vegan ice cream! 🍨🍧🍨

Remind me to get one scoop...