Woodblock Chocolate — Restaurant in Portland

What an adorable chocolate maker store!

Let's be clear, there's a difference between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker. Woodblock is the latter, which means they source the beans and make the chocolate. A chocolatier is someone who already works with chocolate and turns it into other chocolate goods (like truffles, bonbons, etc).

This store is right on the corner of Oak St and SE 13th Ave, you can't miss it! As soon as you walk inside you are welcomed by a friendly worker and the wonderful smell of chocolate. Most of the store space is set up for the chocolate making, but they have a lovely little corner set up with all the goods they sell. There's a long wooden table with all their different chocolate bars and samples to taste said chocolates.

All of their chocolate is lovely! It really depends on what kinda you like. They have several dark chocolates that are single origin, and a few blends. They have a dark milk chocolate and some flavored chocolate bars. I got a taste them all and they are all amazing! The texture is perfectly smooth and creamy (as good chocolate should be) and you can really taste the different flavors coming from the chocolate grown in different countries. Some are bright and fruity, some more earth and soft...so wonderfully fun to give them all a taste and decide your favorite!

They have a bag called "Salty Seconds" which is crushed up bars that either broke or ended up being underweight. They sell 8 oz for $10, which mean you're getting about 4 bars worth for a lot cheaper!

Thankfully they sell their chocolate online too, so if you don't live in Portland you can still get this...

A 'bean' there! and going back again! chocolate cafe. The staff and the management are friendly and relaxed and promote their chocolate with love, attention and engaging answers to pretty much any chocolate question you ask.

Each visit has revealed a new chocolate taste in the countertop taster display they have available. Quality bites of chocolates (cacao magic) from all parts of the world. 'Sourced, roasted, cracked, winnowed, conched and aged here in Portland' (source Woodblock Chocolate). And a thoughtful selection of gifts relative to the points of chocolate-enjoyment.

Their cafe seating area is open and spacious. It combines an un-rushed, quiet spot to sit, with an uncluttered, pop-in bar style that allows you to inhale as you wait for your chocolate 'to go' alongside the viewing windows of the chocolate confectioners making-process on display daily.

Their menu is made in-house as much as possible, savoury and sweet selection, brasserie style counter display, portions are side-plate sized.

It is a cacao bean bar that focuses on making chocolate, and offers a window of opportunity to watch how that chocolate is made. (And yes it smells like chocolate!)

Location - tucked away on NE 17th Ave. between NE Broadway and NE Schuyler. (Open...

I come from Canada, where I lived in the French province and also had the chance to visit France a few times. Over the years, I’ve tried to find shops that make their own chocolate, but honestly, it’s not an easy art, and many times I’ve left a bit disappointed. But not this time—Woodblock is truly something special! Their chocolates are absolutely delicious—smooth, creamy, and bursting with fruity, complex flavors that feel like a little piece of heaven in every bite.

Since it’s also a bakery, I couldn’t resist trying a bran muffin, and let me tell you, it was hands down the best I’ve ever had—perfectly balanced, flavorful, and so tasty that I’m still thinking about it.

The service made the experience even better. The lady who helped me was so kind. At one point, I needed to use the washroom, but my dog was waiting outside. Without hesitation, she stepped out to keep my dog company while I was away—that kind of thoughtful gesture really touched me.

I can’t wait to come back tomorrow and explore more of the incredible treats this amazing place has to offer. Woodblock is a gem, and I’m so...