4/5 stars

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Georgetown’s 33rd Street may be famous for its cupcakes, but it could just as easily be known for it’s fabulous chocolates. J. Chocolatier stands on just the other side of M Street. Look for the blackboard sign on the corner of M and 33rd that leads to the quaint, yellow townhouse covered with poppy flower decorations. Step inside, and you will be pleasantly overcome with the rich aroma of cacao. Two display cases are filled with tempting cookies and chocolates. There are so many options that it’s almost overwhelming because everything looks so delicious.

J. Chocolatier specializes in artisanal chocolates made on site, offering both bars and truffles in a variety of intensities and flavors. The store prides itself on using the finest all-natural, seasonal ingredients and its truffle selection is constantly changing, so there’s always a new confection to try.
The truffles are simply divine. The fleur de sel caramel truffle oozes with molten caramel, and the subtle notes of salt balance the sweet caramel. Another favorite is the “ugly” butter chocolate, which is J. Chocolatier’s unique version of a whipped cream truffle. The whipped butter and chocolate filling is dense when you bite into it but smooth as it melts in your mouth. Other truffle flavors include spicy chipotle, rose and lavender.

Although J. Chocolatier specializes in chocolates, it also sells baked goods, offering about six different kinds of cookies, including classics like chocolate chip, oatmeal and snickerdoodles. For the true chocolate lover, the dark chocolate sparkle cookie is both crunchy and soft and will satisfy any chocolate craving.

Don’t worry if you have bakery-related health restrictions: Gluten-free cookie aficionados will go nuts for the flourless peanut butter cookie — a gooey cake with crunches of peanuts, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.

Aside from chocolates and baked goods, J. Chocolatier’s ice cream sandwiches, made by combining its cookies with homemade ice cream, are not to be missed. Selections include a classic chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream and a lemon cookie with strawberry ice cream.

Beyond everything edible, the classic Georgetown atmosphere of the shop, including exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, gives J. Chocolatier a coffee-shop vibe. Like most Georgetown shops, J.Chocolatier is small with limited seating, but if you’re lucky enough to get a seat at one of the two tables painted like cacao beans, it‘s definitely a good place to sip some hot chocolate with friends or finish a paper. The next time you find yourself on 33rd looking for something sweet, cross M Street and check out J. Chocolatier. Relax, indulge and enjoy some of the finest chocolate treats in D.C.