Messy and Picky

The first time we decided to go to Naked Chocolate, the place was packed full of people with no place to sit down, so we decided to skip it. Our mistake! Naked Chocolate is not to be skipped, ever. We went back the next day and it was still packed, but we had the genius idea to take home some treats. They were so good that we went back again, the same day. And again the next.

Naked Chocolate has become a go to spot for quick, yummy desserts at all times of the day - they're open until 11pm during the week! You can't count on always getting a seat, as the secret has long been out about this place. On the corner of Walnut and Juniper Streets, it's not exactly a hidden treasure, especially with full length windows facing Walnut Street that offer a tantalizing view of what's inside.

Naked Chocolate has so many offerings, it's impossible to put them all into one post - we've tried numerous times, but have given up - so we're going to start off on their classics and branch out from there. They're probably most well known for their their hot chocolate. It's not your supermarket Swiss Miss powder with hot water and dehydrated marshmallows. It's melted pure, rich chocolate served up with whipped cream and a rolled wafer (or a plump marshmallow, if you wish). The sizes start off small, espresso-size, and go up. You may balk at the tiny portion at $3.50, but remember, it's all chocolate. The first time we tried the hot chocolate, we both had the middle size, which they call "Indulgent" ($5) and it was too much for Messy; Picky finished off his and gladly sipped up the remainder of hers as well. The espresso-size "Petit" will most likely be enough for most, even the especially sweet-toothed.

And then there are their nudos. An ever-changing lineup of inverted, pyramid-shaped brownies with frosting on top ($2). We've done our best to have them all, but they keep thinking up new ones and there are also many other treats to test. To date, we've tried their chocolate chocolate (with walnuts), chocolate chip, peanut (pictured below), blondie and peppermint. Of these, we agree that the peppermint is best.

They have much, much more in their store (cupcakes, tarts, and Messy's favorite "Junk in the Trunk" bar will be featured later in their own post) and yes, they do also make their own chocolates in house, sold individually and by the pound.

We've become something of Naked Chocolate addicts, and it's especially hard to resist with the current PhillyCarShare promotion: buy one treat, get one free (under $6, baked goods only).

Messy: ****1/2
Picky: ****

The final word: Don't worry if there is no place to sit down — grab a stack of treats to take home with you!

Naked Chocolate Cafe
Mon - Th: 10am - 11pm
Fri - Sat: 10am - 11:30pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm
1317 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-7310