Let me start off by saying that Li-Lac Chocolates is one of my favorite places in NYC. No joke. I worked in the meatpacking district for two years and once a week I would stop by post-work and buy myself a piece of Li-Lac’s legendary fudge. Handmade the old-fashioned way and unchanged since 1923, their fudge is outstanding. Buttery and rich it reminds me of life’s little pleasures. There are many flavors available (chocolate walnut, maple walnut, coconut, mocha and milk chocolate), but I never stray from my favorite: peanut butter. Each piece is the half the size of an iPhone and costs a mere $2.50.
A West Village icon since 1923 (they moved from their original location on Christopher Street many many years ago), Li-lac has been making old-world chocolates using only the finest ingredients, time-honored techniques and has eschewed the use of any preservatives. Nearly every recipe they was created by their founder over 88 years ago. Three generations later and nothing has changed, passing the recipes and production methods from one family member (or regular customer) to another. A regular customer (Edward Bond) bought the place years ago from the original owners but the tradition of chocolate greatness remained unchanged leading many to believe it was still under the original families ownership. When I heard that they still make everything in small batches and by hand in copper kettles and on marble tables, well I became a lifelong fan.
Other than Andre’s Confiserie Suisse in Kansas City, it is truly the best chocolate I have ever tasted. Venture in at any time of the year and you will find dozens of custom chocolate molds for the holidays like eggs for easter and trees for christmas or molds like airplanes, cars, new york taxi cabs and the like just for fun. Their best mold however has to be the chocolate letters; they have every letter in the alphabet and come in milk, white and dark chocolate. They are always a crowd pleaser and a great gift!
As a family run, local business (they have outposts in Grand Central Terminal and in Brooklyn where all production is done) it’s almost natural that the customer service is friendly, genuine and helpful. I’ve gone in hoping to get a few hostess or birthday gifts and come out with a bounty of chocolate goodies! Nearly every time I do buy a large purchase I am given a piece of chocolate for free to take with me on the go. They don’t make places like this anymore, it’s truly a one-of-a kind gem in a city overrun with Starbucks, Duane Reade’s, Subways and Dunkin Donuts!
*image courtesy of Li-Lac Chocolates*
The fudge is my personal favorite but they offer so much more and every one is guaranteed to satisfy! Don’t miss out on the kiddie pops (solid chocolate pops on a stick: available in dark, milk and white chocolate), caramel and nut bars, french style cream rolls, all-american bars (marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers and covered with chocolate) and mello mints (mint fondant covered in chocolate), they are outstanding!
A trip to Li-Lac must be on your food to-do list whether you are a New Yorker or a tourist! My recommendation is to enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants (Cafe Cluny, Philip Marie, or Bistro de la Gare) and then hit up Li-Lac for a sweet treat. You’re welcome 
Three Locations: West Village, Grand Central Terminal and Sunset Park
Hoping a certain Valentine will get me some fudge there!