Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café - HOB 1st Street

It’s with great sadness that I write this review. I wish I had done so years ago when Choc·O·Pain was truly at its prime. After being away from Jersey for about seven years, I came back with high expectations and memories of pastries that once set the standard. The Kouign-Amann used to be the star—beautifully buttery, flaky, crunchy on the outside, and moist on the inside. Now it’s dry and lacking the rich flavor it once had. The madeleine was another disappointment: dry and forgettable. To add to the frustration, their policy of not accepting $50 or $100 bills feels unnecessary and inconvenient. The one saving grace, and the reason I’m giving them three stars instead of less, is their financiers. They remain excellent—moist, nutty, and full of flavor, just as I remembered. I truly hope Choc·O·Pain can return to its glory days, because when they’re at their best, few bakeries can compare.

Very nice cafe. The Latte was really good (very foamy). We had the Madeleine and they were a great choice if you want something small. The music is nice and not loud. Inside and outside sitting (but outside is very small). Definitely come by if you are around.

A dirty display case, stale desserts, unpalatable coffee, as if from a gas station, and they gave me the wrong croissant! The only thing French about it is the name.

Loved this coffee shop! Their choc almond croissant is TO DIE FOR 🤤, flaky, buttery, and loaded with rich chocolate and crunchy almonds. And let's not forget their amazing coffee - perfectly brewed and full of flavor ☕️. Highly recommend for any coffee and pastry lovers out there! 😊

Got the iced vanilla latte with almond milk and it was 💯 It was almost closing time when I got there so couldn’t really try other things on the menu. It did feel a bit gloomy inside however, not sure if it was the low lights or the weather outside. Anywho, coffee was great so clearly no complaints :)

Choc O Pain in Hoboken is a delightful French bakery and café that feels like a cozy escape to Paris. The pastries are delicious, the coffee is top-notch, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to work, study, read, or catch up with a friend. It’s more than just a café—it’s a place to experience community, and if you’re lucky, even practice a little French!

Perfect French breakfast spot in close proximity to Hoboken Path Train and Hoboken Ferry. I usually pick up sourdough/multigrain bread here and some pastries (this time of year, Easter brioche tops my list). Chill, relaxing atmospehere, friendly service. Not crowded even during morning rush hours. Merci, Choc O Pain🇫🇷!

It’s unfortunate that some of their pastries aren’t sold fresh and the coffee isn’t good, but I like how clean and quiet the cafe is. I do recommend trying their madeleines as they’re consistently good. Financier is very sweet so couple it with a coffee, makes for a tasty chewy snack. I did notice the quality of their croissants has gone down as it used to be good, but now it’s always a bit dry/stale. Don’t get Cappuccino too much milk and foam.

It's with great sadness that I write this review. I wish I had done so years ago when Choc·O·Pain was truly at its prime. After being away from Jersey for about seven years, I came back with high expectations and memories of pastries that once set the standard. The Kouign-Amann used to be the star--beautifully buttery, flaky, crunchy on the outside, and moist on the inside. Now it's dry and lacking the rich flavor it once had. The madeleine was another disappointment: dry and forgettable. To add to the frustration, their policy of not accepting $50 or $100 bills feels unnecessary and inconvenient. The one saving grace, and the reason I'm giving them three stars instead of less, is their financiers. They remain excellent--moist, nutty, and full of flavor, just as I remembered. I truly hope Choc·O·Pain can return to its glory days, because when they're at their best, few bakeries can compare.

While I have not spent much time at Choc O Pain, I know that the bakery has a dedicated following. I stopped into this original location the other day to meet a friend for coffee. We grabbed seats in their main dining area and managed to avoid being seduced by the crusty bread, buttery croissants, and other sweet desserts that lined the display cases next to us. Sticking to drinks only, I ordered a warm, almond milk cappuccino, which was rich, creamy, and well-balanced. There was apparently another floor of tables above us, which would make a great working space, though I did not see it myself. Overall, Choc O Pain is a lovely, charming French patisserie worth a visit.

You can never go wrong with Cho o pain. For this visit I tasted the galette des rols which is a custard flaky pastry with hits of almond. Ask to have it warmed up. Delicious

Stopped in for a quick breakfast on my walk. The employee was very cheerful and helpful. She did a great job tending to each customer's individual needs, greeting regulars, etc. There are front and back seating areas plus a small retail section. The passionfruit tart is delightful: creamy meringue and a fresh crust that's not too sweet. Coffee was prepared well, but the beans weren't necessarily something I'd purchase.

Good pastries but on the pricey side. Came here on a Wednesday morning and the place wasn't too busy. I got the croissant aux amandes and it was very filling for breakfast. The pastry was crispy with a generous amount of almond filling. It wasn't dry at all either. The place is spacious and clean. The service is fast too.

Babkas, chocolate croissants, madeleines, oat milk lattes, hot teas... one of my favorite Hoboken bakeries when my sweet tooth kicks in. They have a nice selection of pastries all baked fresh (you can catch them late at night prepping while the rest of Hoboken is still hopping between bars). Some of my favorites are the chocolate babkas & almond croissant, but I switch it up from something super sweet to super simple depending on my mood. I usually always get my classic oat milk latte but sometimes will get just a hot black coffee, hot tea, maybe an iced latte when it's hot out. Everything is always made just right. I don't live in the area anymore but find myself close by often enough to stop in. They also have a JC Heights location equally as lovely. *Other great things: super friendly baristas, lots of tables and an upstairs with more room and strong wifi. *They don't allow pups in so don't plan to come with your furry friend.

Fine idea, coffee and French pastries, but the iced tea tastes as if it had steeped in something smoky, and the pain chocolat is like a bread roll with little smears of chocolate. The showcase of baked goods looks lovely, though.

Me and my friend were walking around craving for some good coffee and stopped by on a Saturday around 5pm. It's cute little shop with a lot of pastries and sandwiches. By the time we arrived, there weren't much pastries left but the sandwiches looked tempting. We wanted our sandwiches heated and they refused to do so as they shut down their ovens an hour and half before. It was very disappointing. We ended up getting a regular latte with an espresso shot and an iced chai tea latte with oat milk. Both beverages were okay. Not sure if you want to stop by an hour and half before closing.. their ovens won't work. Not the best first experience I had.

We really enjoy this neighborhood spot! It hits the spot every time. Their croissants are flaky, fresh and delicious. Their loaves of bread, which they will cut for you if you ask, is also really good and high quality. We came for breakfasts and had their ham & cheese croissant and egg & veggie sandwich, and those we probably could've passed in. The egg & veggie sandwich especially was dry and not super flavorful unfortunately. The pastries are good though! We also tried samples of their chocolate and (I think) apple tarts and oh my gosh, so delicious!!! They have a rewards program that is 1 point for $1 spent, and you get a drink of choice after 25 points.

There's so much more to this cafe than what you see from looking in. They have a comfy sitting section upstairs where you can enjoy coffee and pastries. Btw, their pastries are GREAT.

Came here during the week while I was in the area. Went in for coffee. I ordered the mocha latte, which was recommended by the barista, and a croissant. The croissant was toasted. It was so buttery and soft yet crispy and flaky on the outside. Perfection. The coffee was good too. You have to add your own sugar and they have a small area with straws and sugar. They have a lot of pastry and cookie options that pair well with coffee or tea to choose from. Upstairs is a cute cafe area with tables and chairs. It is a good place to study or work.

Great coffee and great pastries. The service was very good, they were about to close and still served me - great people behind the counter !

A cute bakery in the neighborhood. They sell variety of items like bread, croissants, puffs, pastries, macarons, small sandwiches, hot and cold beverages. All items are named French, sometimes hard to tell the item from the name. I loved the chouquettes and madeleines. Soft and delicious. The lemonade was good too. They have a sitting area on the second floor, but it closes earlier than the store. Currently food consumption is not allowed at the bakery (1st floor). But I liked the esthetic of the store, very modern look. There only paid street parking around the store, if you are not local, prepare to drive around to find a parking spot.

Making it perfectly clear. Their products are great. On the expensive side but definitely worth it. Ambiance is nice. Service is my issue at the Hoboken location. I visit all of the location but Hoboken is my least favorite. Last time I was there, I told myself not coming here again, so I have not until today Saturday. I was in the area and I said let's give it a try. I did and again I was kicking myself in the butt. Food and Ambiance are fine. Service...the 2 gents behind the counter were just not that great. One was the least friendly person I've had in all the stores (not wearing glasses). The other gentleman was not great but had his moments. Felt like they were not happy working there. The other locations the team is usually friendly and smiles. I don't complain for the most part but hopefully this will help them figure it out. Thank you.

Chococroissants are delicious; service very friendly! Next time I'm in Hoboken will definitely go back.

Stopped by here for dessert after testing out the new Shake Shack on Washington. Had the Strawberry Shortcake cream puff and the Strawberry Sable Breton tart. Both were fantastic. I should've bought more puffs!

Expecting a lot more for some reason and it did not meet my expectations. The chocolate croissant choc-o-pain signature item was hard and cold and had to ask for it to be warmed up. The service wasn't the best and cappuccino was just ok. Really not lots of seating inside and just the vibe was off for the Sunday afternoon. I'll try the JC location and give another chance.

Recently moved to JC. This pastry shop is the best one I found so far. Their croissant is pretty good. Staff are always friendly. Cute and cozy place. Their olive cake was ok.

I used to love their baguettes. Twice I bought 'baguettes' that they should rather call it 'sticks'. First time I thought it's a mishap, but the second time I realized they cut the dough in half to pretend the price is stable. I rather pay the price for a real baguette. One could break their teeth in this new 'baguette/stick'. I'll bake my own bread from now on. We used to eat almost the whole baguette in one sitting it was so good. What happened with the quality?

I have been coming to Choc O Pain Downtown Hoboken for more than 5 years. The breads and pastries here are delicious 5/5. However, in the last year or so, the quality of coffee/drinks has gone down significantly 3/5. More importantly, the staff, that once used to be very cheerful and friendly, are now indifferent/ borderline smug/rude. They have seen a lot of turnover in the last year. The baristas at so many other café in Hoboken (including nearby Starbucks) are way friendlier than at Choc o pain. 1/5 These days I reluctantly go here for the bread and instead head over to other café. What an unfortunate decline of once my favorite café in town. Having said that, I have utmost respect for barristas here - they are trying hard to do their job when covid is still very much a reality. Breads and Pastries = 5/5 Coffee/Drinks = 3/5 Staff attitude = 1/5

not gonna lie, when i first moved to NJ all i looked at were italian bakeries. I never thought twice to visit choc o pain until recently (and ive lived here for years). One of my friends recommended choc o pain, saying it was a legit french bakery so i "begrudgingly" tried it. Oh. My. God. The wasted years i am totally in love with this place. Light, buttery, flaky pastries and tarts. Delicious cream and almond flavored fillings! Fresh fruit pastries. Fresh bread too. Everything they have is to die for. I even took my parents and my dad danced down the block as he ate an almond croissant. Youre best bet is to sample sample sample. My goto has become the cinnamon snail pastry with a coffee. The staff are super nice too so dont be shy to ask them questions about whats in the counter!

Yummy latte and sfresh crispy Madeline's .. A raspberry custard...a donut shaped Rice crispy cereal treat A petite bouloette

Incredible. They're now adding a service fee just for putting a croissant in a bag and giving it to you? We used to buy from there every day, but never again. It's better to pay employees fairly than to burden customers with extra fees.

Up until late this has always been a solid 5 star gem in Hoboken. Their tasty pastries and hot/iced coffees are amongst the best in Hoboken, and even in Jersey/NYC for that matter. Its a delightful cafe off of the hustle and bustle of Washington Street. When you step in you might as well be on a side street of Paris (not that I've been but its what I imagine it would look like). Highlights: the choc o pain, quiches, chouquettes, and the pleasant nature that they serve every item with. Their coffee is outstanding. Pretty much any food item you order will not disappoint. Lowlights: their service is haphazard. dining in they have forgotten to make my food a few times. The seating is right up against where the line is so its not exactly a relaxing place. Their mugs are chipped and the refrigerated display case isn't working still. They are out of coffee sleeves and instead are double cupping things. They could benefit from a re-worked traffic flow pattern and a little bit of reinvestment. Despite your flaws, you will always have my foodie heart in your hand Cho O Pain!

I like this place even though they are a bit pricey for what they serve. Their breads and pastries are often done to the point of being a little burnt, which really takes away from the taste and presentation. They occasionally have sandwiches I like, but unfortunately, they only sell them seasonally. I'm not sure what is seasonal about a BLT or a chicken curry sandwich though. It's not like you can't get bacon or chicken any time of the year and the other ingredients are available year-round as well. I walk in there ready to buy something only to find I'll have to wait another year.

I am always a sucker for a good bakery. They serve freshly made crossiants as well as baked goods. Their Macaroons are also worth a try! I wouldn't say they are as good as Laudrée but not bad either.

Was walking through the streets of Hoboken, enjoying my vacation and came across this little gem. The staff was so warming and nice and the smell of fresh bread filled the atmosphere. I got a little bit of various things and it was super cheap!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Choc O Pain is my favorite cafe in Hoboken. The baristas are so friendly. They also have tons of food to choose from. I highly recommend their quiche, almond croissant, and sandwiches. The space on the second floor is super cozy and not cramped at all. Great place for catching up with friends!

Good selection of breads, cakes and pastries. Coffee is good albeit slightly overpriced. Gets busy on the weekends and there are only two outdoor tables. Free WiFi though which is always a plus!

One of my favorite places when I was living in Hoboken! These guys always had the best coffee and great food. I always got the chocolate croissant or the ham and cheese croissant when I was looking for something easy to eat on my walk to the PATH. We can't forget about the spinach and ricotta sandwich though...it is so good and perfect for a Saturday morning breakfast. Wish I could move Choc O Pain with me to the Upper East Side!

One of the best almond croissants I've had in awhile. Their breads are also very good, we love the focaccia - usually have to get 2 loaves of it at once because we eat it so quickly.

I love the coffee here! Price could be a little lower. I love that they offer almond milk. The lattes are very good. Service is good and friendly. I'm a returning customer. Lattes are consistent and so is the service. Friendly and nice atmosphere. Love the creativity with the foam.

If you're in Hoboken and craving authentic French pastries, bread, sandwiches, quiches, and coffee: then come to Choc O Pain. The exterior is straight out of Paris, the food delicious, and staff are super friendly. Standouts are the chocopain $3.50 (I like mine heated) and due to covid, the ground floor does not offer any in-door dinning. Very limited outdoor seating is available.

Croissant was great! They also have several other flavors of croissants that give you a nice taste! Not best I've had but definitely good.

One of my favorite little rustic downtown spots in Hoboken, love their baked goods and soups. A very reliable service from their managers and staff. It's great for meetings downstairs or upstairs which is very toddler friendly (upstairs). I normally grab a la coluombe double espresso cortado with the $3.20 financiers (gluten-free) but their croissants $2.90, kouigns $3.35 or their Banana Creme tarte $6.75 are amazing! They accept cash/card/applepay and have gender neutral restrooms. They have free WiFi as well! Excited for their new shop opening up on 15th street by the Tea Building. Enjoy.

Choc-O-Pain is still one of my favorite hangouts in Hoboken. I agree that it can be hit or a miss if you're getting anything other than a croissant or pastry. Mornings are pretty rushed and the two ladies behind the counter try their best to meet the barrage of mommy groups, out and about professionals and everyone else in between. Still nothing can come close to their chocolate tart, chocolate croissant and almond croissant. The upstairs can be a refuge in the afternoons if you manage to snag a spot. I like that they are very family friendly and have space for babies to crawl and a bunch of toys to keep them occupied. #winning Other pluses: clean restrooms, free WiFi and water jugs aplenty. Wait - did I just send more people their way? May be they can head to uptown Hoboken where a new branch is opening shortly!

Decent but disappointed. Thought it would be like la Bouche but at 4 limited options for dining and less than expected baked goods available. Nice atmosphere. Delicious dessert. Come here for tea and dessert, not lunch if you're looking for a sandwich.

I'm pretty sure this place is fairly new but let me tell you they are amazing! They have outdoor seating so you can take advantage of the nice weather while getting a little work done. They have a great selection of small sandwiches and quiches. The curry chicken sandwich looked so delicious it almost made me forget I already ate ;) We gabbed two large lattes, one hot and one cold. Both were awesome. They have a bunch of diff types of milk products so if you are in need of soy they have it, or skim milk like my preference :) The lattes were well made and the barista was quick, I hate long waits for lattes. They totally have a new customer in me. Oh and try the macaroons, they look amazing. So colorful and enticing. Oops guess what I was told they were here for 3 years.... I need to get out more :)

Bonjour Choc O Pain! OUI! OUI! Finally tried this place my lover constantly raves about. YOU SURE I haven't taken you to Choc O Pain?!? I'M SURE. YOU SURE? CHOC O PAIN? I'm sure......... And so we end up here. My intention is to get an iced Americano and nothing more but even with a glass case half full of pastries on a Sunday afternoon holding on for dear life, the pastries were enticing. And since my lover is on a not-so-secret mission to make me fat despite my love of fitness, he probed me to get the gluten-free chocolate cake. Um OK, OK. Maybe it didn't take much probing. I kept looking at it salivating. HELL YES I want chocolate cake. Anyway, the Americano was great. Good espresso. I think they serve one of my fave coffee brands (Colombe). However I didn't like the ice they use.. It's tiny and melts awfully quick. The cake was rich but not overwhelming or overly filling. Just right & light. Delish! Ambiance is relaxing. The french music playing in the background (Is that French Pandora?!) and the ample seating makes this place a lovely idea cafe to sit and have a great chat with a friend or a lover- your choice! Definitely a good place for coffee. Iced Americano: $2.70.

Fresh pastries in the morning. The almond chocolate croissant was fantastic. There were also some French people picking up pastries so I assume it's pretty authentic. I have heard from friends they have not had the same experience in the afternoon. Apparently they run out of pastries or they are not as fresh later on. Something to just be aware of when planning a visit. As for the coffee: While my almond latte was delicious, my boyfriend just ordered a regular coffee and it was so bad. Like bad bad. It tasted like coffee grounds in water. When he let the servers know behind the counter, they just poured the first one out and gave him a refill to try again. It was still really bad, I also gave it a try to make sure..we didn't bother to ask for a refund, just threw it away. So while the espresso drinks and pastries were good, something is up with the regular coffee.

Maybe I am biased because I live on this block, but I love this place! Coffee is strong, and you will be happy with any pastry you choose! Can't go wrong with any croissants. You can even get to-go kits for making bread or croissants which is a great family activity. Especially in the current climate, Choc O Pain has been great to visit and know they're taking necessary precautions for safety and health. My only recommendation is to look at the menu online as the posted menus are on the other side of the room and I have terrible eyesight. Shout out to the man who read the menu for me one time! Awesome staff and service.

Great local coffee spot in Hoboken. I've been here a few times. Iced coffee and cappuccino are great selections. They also have a ton of pastries and crossiants. The chocolate and almond crossaints are so good.

I arrived in Hoboken in the middle of one of those friendly February snow storms during which they close schools and stuff. Choc O Pain was like a little oasis of delicious coffee and baked goods. Jonathan, the barista, was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. The almond latte and chai tea he served me were both perfect to take the edge off of the wintry day. Another nice surprise is that they offer vegan options (like soups and sandwiches)! The place seemed perfect for kids, and everything was kept very clean and tidy (including the restrooms). It's a great place to work, as they offer free wifi and plenty of outlets. Overall, an adorable place for both lunch and dessert cravings- they serve La Colombe coffee and a great selection of delicious teas. The cherry on top is that the service is impressive, and they have little fresh flowers on the tables. I can't wait to visit again.

The chocolate croissants This is my "special treat" spot, they are to die for! When COVID got rough and they needed to close their doors, we bought two boxes during their freezer sale and they were just as heavenly baked at home. Mother's Day & my mother's birthday are no longer a true celebration unless I bring her one of these home. Trust me - treat yo self & get a "choc o pain" ASAP.

Service is friendly and fast even when they're busy on weekend mornings. The quality and variety of the pastries is high. The coffee drinks are good also. I wish they had more of a variety of non-sugar sweeteners other than stevia but that's really just looking for something to gripe about.

The coffee and pastries here are so good! This is a solid spot in downtown. I usually get the iced coffee and you can taste the quality in the coffee

Choc Au Pain is ALL CLASS. From the lovely china & patterned mugs to the cutesie wood tables on the sidewalk, the ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed Parisienne. Let's not even TALK about their incredible spread of pastries & yummies...the worst part about coming here is the internal battle as you try to decide which to get! We ended up coming here almost every morning for breakfast so we could try a variety -- everything was delicious. QUICHE: WOW - we tried the Wild Mushroom and the Ham&Cheese Quiches - extremely generous portions (in fact, I only ate half of mine and saved it for later) and the perfect balance of herbs, egg, and crust, so you get wonderfully subtle flavors. (SEE PICS) CHOC AU PAIN - of course we had to try their signature item - each one was totally perfect. Chocolate croissants are one of my favorite things in this world, and I have to admit: these were the best I've ever had (hence the 5th star!) Ham & Cheese Croissant - The cheese is baked into the croissant and the ham/cheese filling is just right, not too heavy at all. Very filling. PARFAIT -- this was the only item that was lacking. Points for using fresh strawberries & blueberries, but the yogurt was very watery (perhaps homemade?) and the balance of honey:nuts:yogurt was off, IMO. Disappointing. SERVICE -- this again pushed this to a 5 star review. The owner is a lovely French lady who very sweetly welcomes you - and stands up for her beautiful place (to the disappointment of a couple sitting outside munching on baked goods from Carlo's !!!, gracefully asked to put the competitor's products away and simply enjoy COP's treats). Everyone working there was very nice and I feel great supporting this quality local biz!

It's really just an okay bakery and cafe. On most days of the week they barely even have any pastries. If you walk in and it looks bare it seems that they have a limited selection, do yourself a favor and turn around and walk out. Whatever they have left will be stale. I have tried to learn when they bring fresh pastries in, but I don't think it's a very consistent schedule. One Sunday it will be packed to the brim with all sorts of pastries, the next Sunday the cases will be empty. I went in today (Monday) and there wasn't much to choose from. In the event that you happen to get there on a day that's full of pastries, the chocolate almond croissants are a nice indulgence. If you're not from Hoboken, there are much better French bakeries in Manhattan or across NJ that are more reliably good. As other older reviews suggest, if another French patisserie opened up in Hoboken, they would run this place to the ground.

I enjoyed my ever visit of this place. It's located not too far from the Hoboken PATH station. The croissant is to die for. I have also had the quiche and sandwiches. If I have time, I liked to sit in the cafe and enjoy the food and beverages.