Welcome to Van Otis Chocolates
Van Otis Chocolates, established in 1935, is a cherished gem in Manchester, NH, known for its delectable handmade confections. The warmth of its inviting store, coupled with the enticing aroma of chocolate, creates an unforgettable experience. Customers rave about the rich Swiss fudge and delightful pecan turtles, often returning for more unique offerings like chocolate-covered snacks and even gourmet dog treats. The knowledgeable staff enhances the experience with friendly service and sampling options. With a cute café on-site serving paninis and gelato, Van Otis is not just a chocolate shop but a destination where sweet memories are made.
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341 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101 Hotline: (603) 627-1611
Welcome to the sweet world of Van Otis Chocolates, an iconic purveyor of divine confectionery nestled in the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire. Established in 1935, this cherished establishment has become a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers near and far, drawing locals and travelers alike to its charming shop located at 341 Elm St. With a reputation built on quality and a passion for creating delightful treats, Van Otis is not just a chocolate store; it's a sweet adventure.
Upon stepping into the shop, you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of rich chocolate and warm fudge, a sensory invitation that sets the stage for your taste journey. The remarkable range of offerings includes specialty chocolates, fudge, and unique souvenirs like maple candies and charming chocolate mice filled with Swiss fudge—favorites recommended by satisfied customers such as Kate P. who adored the latter for their smooth, rich texture.
- Swiss Fudge: A standout item that has won the hearts of many, including Owen R., who mentioned the “fantastic” smell and quality behind each bite.
- Pecan Turtles: As highlighted by Claire L., these chocolates are a decadent must-try that exemplifies the delicious and fairly priced offerings at Van Otis.
- Kanine Kookies: Another delightful surprise—a special treat crafted for your furry friends, showing the brand's commitment to inclusivity.
Customer experiences speak volumes; Emily H. recounts a memorable detour while traveling, praising the knowledgeable and friendly staff who offer samples and firsthand insights about the confections. The sense of community and personal touch defines Van Otis and elevates it beyond a mere shopping experience to a shared love of chocolate.
For those looking to enjoy a more substantial bite, the attached Cafe Van Otis offers a cozy setting with grilled paninis, salads, and homemade gelato bursting with flavor. As described by Ian W., the cafe complements the chocolate shop perfectly, making it an essential stop for a delightful midday treat or a leisurely afternoon snack.
Whether you're buying a box of chocolates as a gift or indulging in their renowned fudge while watching the world go by, Van Otis Chocolates stands as a testament to fine craftsmanship and customer care. Call them at (603) 627-1611 for inquiries or to reserve a spot for their fascinating chocolate factory tours.
Experience the magic of Van Otis Chocolates for yourself, and you’ll quickly understand why it holds a special place in the hearts of chocolate enthusiasts everywhere.
Delicious and fair prices for specialty chocolate. A great place to grab souvenirs including maple candies and fudge. The pecan turtles are so good!
Yup, back in town and the wife to get her chocolate fix here. Best chocolate around, hands down.
After receiving Van Otis Swiss fudge as a gift years ago we detoured to stop here while driving across the country. The two young women working could not have been nicer. They offer samples and showed us around the store. Chocolates were delicious. Somehow we didn't eat everything on the drive home.
Some nice quality chocolates. The place smells fantastic, almost 100 years I believe? 1935 (do the math...) We threw down 6 mini chocolates in about 85 seconds. Nice !
We were actually going to go to dancing lion for some of their delicious drinking chocolate but they were closed. We happened to drive by so thought we would pop in and take a look. This is a really cool little shop. They have much more than just chocolate and they were even playing a kids movie in the back room for the little ones. We found the guy that was working there very knowledgeable in the chocolates that they sold. He answered every question without looking anything up and really seemed to enjoy his job. Everything looked amazing, but I found myself particularly interested in the Swiss fudge. They had some really adorable chocolate mice which had the Swiss fudge inside. I had to try these! Got one for my daughter and daughter in law as well. Yes, the chocolate is a bit pricey, but the quality is the reason. The little mice, if they still have them, I highly recommend you try. The chocolate is so smooth and rich! Very delicious! I hope to go back for more!
Need to review this DEVINE chocolate. I was given a box of their gourmet fudge for Christmas and my husband kept refering to them as truffles because the box wasn't label but they were smooth, creamy & perfect! I did my own research and found their company is in NH. (We live in NY). I dropped the ball this Valentine's Day and haven't had time to shop between being pregnant with our second and juggling our 16 month toddler. I remembered that my husband LOVED these chocolates and placed an order today, 3 days before Valentine's Day. I called their shop and without even explaining anything, I asked how long shipping normally takes. The incredibly sweet woman on the phone offered to prioritize getting my order out because the postal service already picked up their orders for the day. She let me know, with the holiday that it still might not make it in time but I am so pleased with this unbelievable customer service. I'm sure we will be a return customer!
Must stop every time we fly in the Manchester. They Swiss fudge is amazing and love their Van Oreos. We always try something new every time we go. This year it was the chocolate covered Devil Dog. My oldest tried one of their candy bars and enjoyed it a lot. My youngest got the solid chocolate letter with sprinkles. They love both! Also got a dog treat for the girls daycare dog when we arrive home. I'm sure he will love it! The girls love how it looks like a real s'mores but is meant for dogs.
Out of all the NH chocolatiers, Van Otis is definitely the best. And they are my favorite chocolate brand, period. Their jellies and swiss fudge are out of this world, and everything else is fantastic too. Their store layout is really nice also. They also do fun activities for adults and kids on a regular basis, and have great sales after holidays.
I love stopping at Van Otis Chocolates to pick up chocolate gift boxes for friends and family. Van Otis makes all of their sweet confections on the premises at this Elm Street factory location and also stocks dessert wines and Stonewall Kitchen items. The Swiss fudge is very good!!! They even make Kanine Kookies for Fido!! Van Otis Chocolates can also be purchased online at: http://www.vanotis.com Chocolate factory tours are given on Tuesdays (call for reservations). Attached to the store is the Cafe Van Otis, which is an "order at the counter" place, takeout or dine-in (small area with table seating). This cute cafe serves great grilled panini sandwiches, salads, baked goods, Starbucks Coffee drinks, tea, bottled drinks, and homemade gelato & gelato shakes. My favorite sandwich is the Smoked Turkey Panini ($5.75-turkey, fresh mozzarella, pesto spread, sliced tomatoes & sundried tomatoes on ciabatta bread), which is full of flavors and served with Wise potato chips and watermelon slices. The homemade gelato comes in two sizes: Small ($2.90-choice of 2 flavors) and Large ($3.50-choice of 3 flavors). My favorite gelato flavors are the tiramisu, peanut butter, cappuccino, and chili chocolate, rich, creamy, and very refreshing on a hot day. The Starbucks Coffee brew here has a smooth taste and doesn't have that burnt taste that you'd find at an official Starbucks company store.