Kakawa Chocolate House
Kakawa Chocolate House
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
Be sure to visit Kakawa Chocolate House for your custom "Chocolate experience" with daily tastings of our world famous drinking chocolate elixirs. Stay in or take out a selection from our unique artisanal hand made chocolates, elixirs, baked goods and gifts.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
525 reviews
Excellent
410
Very good
77
Average
20
Poor
13
Terrible
5
Edward L
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
This place has some of the best chocolate I have ever tasted. Their caramels are luscious. Their hot chocolate drinks with different levels of chile heat are out of this world. Highly recommended. Have ordered on line multiple times already.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris O
Los Angeles, CA57 contributions
Nov 2020
Amazing beverages!! Owner let us safely try a few different ones. COVID safety precautions were very evident and made me feel safe. There is an outside area with spaced tables where we enjoyed the most amazing chocolate beverages I've ever had.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lhasamama
Sarasota, FL7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Truffles were fine (not anything more special than other chocolate houses though) I am not big on sweets but chocolates and truffles are something I love and go out of my way to try good chocolates.
They have inefficient and weird store flow which has display cases in 90 degree angle away from customer and oddly make you to wait a while after placing an Order. I don’t get why it’s not place your order -> pay.
Anyway, I ended up waiting by side display case and saw couple of things I wanted to add to the order. Finally it became my turn to pay, so I asked the lady who was taking my card if she could add couple things. She said ok but visibly annoyed. Hmm apparently the weird paying system that makes customer awkwardly standing next to cash register is ok but her adding couple of items to the existing order is the worst thing in the world.The display case was right next to her.
Anyway, i was standing 2 feet away from the cashier and out of blue this another tall blond store clerk yells at me pointing the cash register “You move here to pay”
WTF?
So after placing an order for nearly $100 worth of chocolate and truffles, I got yelled at because I was two feet right to the cash register, while the other store clerk is adding the last items to my order and I already handed my card to her. There were no one a couple other customers placing an order on the left side of Cash register and I thought I was being courteous not being in their way and staying on the right side.
She visibly had a different attitude towards other “white” customers. I am an Asian descendant and I thought for its diversity in SantaFe, race would be less of an issue.
Welp I guess some of these Karens think browns ones don’t belong in pricey chocolate place.
They have inefficient and weird store flow which has display cases in 90 degree angle away from customer and oddly make you to wait a while after placing an Order. I don’t get why it’s not place your order -> pay.
Anyway, I ended up waiting by side display case and saw couple of things I wanted to add to the order. Finally it became my turn to pay, so I asked the lady who was taking my card if she could add couple things. She said ok but visibly annoyed. Hmm apparently the weird paying system that makes customer awkwardly standing next to cash register is ok but her adding couple of items to the existing order is the worst thing in the world.The display case was right next to her.
Anyway, i was standing 2 feet away from the cashier and out of blue this another tall blond store clerk yells at me pointing the cash register “You move here to pay”
WTF?
So after placing an order for nearly $100 worth of chocolate and truffles, I got yelled at because I was two feet right to the cash register, while the other store clerk is adding the last items to my order and I already handed my card to her. There were no one a couple other customers placing an order on the left side of Cash register and I thought I was being courteous not being in their way and staying on the right side.
She visibly had a different attitude towards other “white” customers. I am an Asian descendant and I thought for its diversity in SantaFe, race would be less of an issue.
Welp I guess some of these Karens think browns ones don’t belong in pricey chocolate place.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trvl2learn
New Mexico30 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A nice little shop with a variety of chocolates, truffles, chocolate beverages and house made ice creams to choose from. We visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was pretty busy. Be sure to try a sample of the chocolate drinks and consider having a chocolate flight. Staff was very helpful and pleasant.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eran R
Overland Park, KS209 contributions
Dec 2022
Small place with unique chocolates, a bit expensive but worth a visit for chocolate lovers. Not many seats. Most of the chocolates taste like dark chocolate even when marked milk chocolate.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca C
2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Great chocolate and even better customer experience! Thought this place would be touristy and it kinda is but that does not take away from the experience at all!! Even if you come for just the hot chocolate, get a truffle or other treat as well. Goat cheese and sage truffle is only of many absolutely DELICIOUS and unexpected combos. I’ll continue to come back and enjoy a hot glass on a cold day.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
historykev
United Kingdom25 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Hmm. I can't say I share the enthusiasm of some of my fellow visitors. We expected some sort of chocolate specialist who discussed it in every detail and perhps gave us a tour of where it all happened. What we got was a poky little shop, a surprisingly limited selection and
some serious self-promotion. We bought a selection of 6 chocolates for 23 dollars (!), some of which were excellent but others of which were either unpleasant or just average. The samples of drinking chocolate were the same; one really very good and the other (with something like ginger) unpleasant. The manager ordered us to 'Stop! Taste this' and gave us a spoonful of coffee ice cream. 'isn't that the best thing you ever tasted?' He pushed us for an answer and looked put out when we said no. To sum up: hit and miss chocolate, slightly hectoring staff, expensive and a shop more than an attraction.
some serious self-promotion. We bought a selection of 6 chocolates for 23 dollars (!), some of which were excellent but others of which were either unpleasant or just average. The samples of drinking chocolate were the same; one really very good and the other (with something like ginger) unpleasant. The manager ordered us to 'Stop! Taste this' and gave us a spoonful of coffee ice cream. 'isn't that the best thing you ever tasted?' He pushed us for an answer and looked put out when we said no. To sum up: hit and miss chocolate, slightly hectoring staff, expensive and a shop more than an attraction.
Written June 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lora m
none1 contribution
Dec 2011 • Business
Do not waste your time or money going there, we were clearly in line waiting and completely ignored and someone who was not in line they decided to check out ahead of us and tried to be fake and snooty when we spoke up about it, this hole in the wall, junk place had no room to be snooty, also overpriced and unimpressed
Written December 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silvernoodle
san francisco2 contributions
The reason I gave two stars because I want people to read it and should know what to expect. Since as a traveler like me; I really rely on tripadvisor reviews.
I was so excited about this place since I read all the rave reviews. I check ed out their website before so I know what to I order.
First of all they don't have all the elixirs. So don't expect you will get certian elixirs when you get there. And that is totally understandable because they are handmade and fresh. I did not expect them to have every single items. But out of 17 or more selection of Elixirs. They probably have about 7-8 Elixirs available in certain days. Since I am not a local every place I go; I just wanted the most experience (if that possible.) If I were a Santa Fean, I probably don’t mind to go back other days. But with so many things to see and do you kind a have to weight in what places is worth my time to go. I had my heart set on ‘Mayan full spice’, ‘colonial spanish’ and ‘Atole’ as other yelper mentioned. The shop did not have of them on that day.
The lady who work there; she was so unfriendly and not so helpful when you ask for recommendations. I read a couple reviews from tripadvisor who claimed that the shop is very 'generous' with samples. I actually have to ask for it because they will not offer you anything. She (finally) gave me one (and only) sample. I was afraid to ask for more sample. And I was a only customer at the counter. Again, I would understand if she’s busy with other things. I never felt so awkward to try or ask for samples like today. By the way, I had such a great experienced at ‘Chocolatesmith’ with more that 10 kinds of samples and friendly staffs. Since both of them were recommend as a part of chocolate trail in Santa Fe .
I,also, asked her since it was my first time trying this kind of elixir how should I prepare it if I buy some drinking chocolate ‘wafer’ to take home. I saw her pour premix of the liquid elixir out of a glass jar. She told me ‘the instruction is on the package’ I was stunned with the answer I don’t know why but just felt like I was so stupid.(may be I am since I came to your shop.) I thought to myself, did I ask a wrong question. So my mood actually went down to the drain. I didn’t attempt to looking for any other kind of chocolate. It doesn't matter you can't sample them anyway.
So I decided to try Chili Elixir; since I am already here. It came in 2-3 oz cup for a price of $3.80 (I couldn’t remember exactly). It is very rich and pretty good. They are worth to try. It was very very rich and had to drink a glass of water after that; not because it is spicy. I can handle the spicy part. I guess drinking chocolate is not my thing. I left the shop with empty handed because the whole experience turned me off. Probably better if I just order online (so there would be no people’s attitudes adding to it).
I told what I have been experienced. I really had a high expectation of this place both products and service regarding to all of your reviews. You could think I am crazy. You don't have to agree with it. May be it was a bad day for me or the lady who worked there.
If I go back to Santa Fe again I would spend my time with other places but not kakawa.
BUT If you have a plenty of time in Santa Fe , like to drink chocolate, don’t care much about the service, don’t mind uncertainty, like to try something different; kakawa might be the place for you.
I was so excited about this place since I read all the rave reviews. I check ed out their website before so I know what to I order.
First of all they don't have all the elixirs. So don't expect you will get certian elixirs when you get there. And that is totally understandable because they are handmade and fresh. I did not expect them to have every single items. But out of 17 or more selection of Elixirs. They probably have about 7-8 Elixirs available in certain days. Since I am not a local every place I go; I just wanted the most experience (if that possible.) If I were a Santa Fean, I probably don’t mind to go back other days. But with so many things to see and do you kind a have to weight in what places is worth my time to go. I had my heart set on ‘Mayan full spice’, ‘colonial spanish’ and ‘Atole’ as other yelper mentioned. The shop did not have of them on that day.
The lady who work there; she was so unfriendly and not so helpful when you ask for recommendations. I read a couple reviews from tripadvisor who claimed that the shop is very 'generous' with samples. I actually have to ask for it because they will not offer you anything. She (finally) gave me one (and only) sample. I was afraid to ask for more sample. And I was a only customer at the counter. Again, I would understand if she’s busy with other things. I never felt so awkward to try or ask for samples like today. By the way, I had such a great experienced at ‘Chocolatesmith’ with more that 10 kinds of samples and friendly staffs. Since both of them were recommend as a part of chocolate trail in Santa Fe .
I,also, asked her since it was my first time trying this kind of elixir how should I prepare it if I buy some drinking chocolate ‘wafer’ to take home. I saw her pour premix of the liquid elixir out of a glass jar. She told me ‘the instruction is on the package’ I was stunned with the answer I don’t know why but just felt like I was so stupid.(may be I am since I came to your shop.) I thought to myself, did I ask a wrong question. So my mood actually went down to the drain. I didn’t attempt to looking for any other kind of chocolate. It doesn't matter you can't sample them anyway.
So I decided to try Chili Elixir; since I am already here. It came in 2-3 oz cup for a price of $3.80 (I couldn’t remember exactly). It is very rich and pretty good. They are worth to try. It was very very rich and had to drink a glass of water after that; not because it is spicy. I can handle the spicy part. I guess drinking chocolate is not my thing. I left the shop with empty handed because the whole experience turned me off. Probably better if I just order online (so there would be no people’s attitudes adding to it).
I told what I have been experienced. I really had a high expectation of this place both products and service regarding to all of your reviews. You could think I am crazy. You don't have to agree with it. May be it was a bad day for me or the lady who worked there.
If I go back to Santa Fe again I would spend my time with other places but not kakawa.
BUT If you have a plenty of time in Santa Fe , like to drink chocolate, don’t care much about the service, don’t mind uncertainty, like to try something different; kakawa might be the place for you.
Written April 25, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MARIPOSITAVIAJERA
Vancouver, Canada239 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Like many people, we love chocolate so going to Kakawa Chocolate House was a must for me and I am glad I did. Kakawa is heavenly and the staff very friendly. Overwhelmed with the many choices a young girl gave me some samples to try of their hot chocolate. I bought a small one and could not resist their truffles so bought 6 to go and share with my husband. I also bought a small bag (200 grams) of powder chocolate to make hot chocolate back home. Did not ask prices as I was too excited to be there. The bill came to $45 which felt a bit high for such a small purchase. I would have given Kakawa 5 stars if the prices had been a bit more reasonable. Do recommend this place just don’t get carried away before knowing how much each item is.
Written October 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I visited last month. I had a cup of hot chocolate and took home a pound of candy. I believe i was misled about how expensive the candy would cost. $66 for a cup of hot chocolate and a pound of candy? Very delicious for sure but was never told how much it would cost. I phoned and spoke to someone who assured me I would receive a call back. It never came. Highly disappointing. Leslie Loomis
Written May 24, 2015
Leslie
Please call me at the shop. I did not get your message!
505-982-0388
Tony
Written June 1, 2015
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