Choc O Pain Downtown JC: Authentic French Bakery, Coffee, and Café Experience

Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café - JC Downtown Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For local residents and commuters in the heart of Downtown Jersey City, Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café stands as a genuine slice of French culinary tradition. It's more than just a bakery; it is a warm, inviting space where you can experience a little piece of France right here in New Jersey. Founded by Clémence Danko, who moved from France and struggled to find authentic French bread and pastries, Choc O Pain was born out of a mission to bring that high-quality, authentic experience to the local community. The bakery has since become a beloved spot, delivering on the promise of fresh, made-from-scratch pastries and artisanal breads using traditional French recipes and high-quality European butter.

The Downtown Jersey City location provides a cozy, rustic neighborhood feel, making it the perfect destination for a leisurely breakfast, a quick coffee break, or a satisfying lunch. Choc O Pain seamlessly blends the function of a high-quality patisserie with the comfort of a local café. Their extensive menu covers everything from flaky viennoiseries like the namesake Chocopain (Pain au chocolat) and award-winning croissants, to savory quiches, fresh daily soups, and robust lunch sandwiches. The commitment to freshness is absolute, with baguettes, for example, often baked at least twice per day because the owner firmly believes it’s not proper to eat a baguette baked in the morning for supper. This dedication to quality is why so many locals choose Choc O Pain for their daily dose of continental charm.

Whether you are seeking a place to sit, enjoy a rich cappuccino, and use the free Wi-Fi, or just need a quick, delicious item for takeaway, this café and bakery hybrid serves the needs of the fast-paced, discerning local population. It’s a complete French café experience, celebrated for both its exceptional baked goods and its welcoming ambiance.

Location and Accessibility

The Downtown Jersey City branch of Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café is situated at a highly accessible and central location, making it incredibly convenient for anyone in the neighborhood, especially those commuting or exploring the local area.

The specific address is:

530 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302

This location is noted for being just a few steps from the Grove Street PATH Station, which makes it an ideal spot for morning commuters grabbing breakfast or for local users meeting up for coffee. The café fosters a "neighborhood feel" and its convenience to major public transport and the residential areas of Downtown Jersey City is a significant advantage. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all local users can comfortably visit the space.

Accessibility features include:

Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

For quick stops, the location is easy to navigate, and for those planning a longer visit, the availability of seating and amenities like Wi-Fi encourages a relaxed, café-style experience in a highly desirable Downtown setting.

Services Offered

Choc O Pain offers a full range of services designed to accommodate the varied needs of its urban customer base, whether they are looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dine-in experience.

Dine-in Service: A comfortable dining room with suitable seating and a great atmosphere for eating, meeting, or working.
Takeaway and In-store Pick-up: Fast, efficient service for customers who need their pastries, coffee, or sandwiches on the go.
Delivery Service: Offering the convenience of bringing their fresh French goods right to your home or office.
Full Café Offerings: Serving a wide range of specialty coffee and iced beverages, including Espresso Over Ice, Rishi Iced Matcha Latte, and classic French café au lait options.
All-Day Dining: Providing quality meals and snacks from breakfast through lunch and afternoon treats.
Specialty Retail Items: Selling curated French gourmet goods like Alain Milliat jams, fine chocolates, specialty coffee beans (La Colombe Retail), and locally sourced items like Honey Oh Honey Apiaries jars.
Payment Flexibility: Accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a smooth checkout process.

Features / Highlights

The distinctive features of Choc O Pain that resonate most with the Jersey City community center on authenticity, quality, and a commitment to the craft of French baking.

Authentic French Baking Tradition: The bakery's core strength is its adherence to traditional French recipes and techniques, led by French-trained owner Clémence Danko, ensuring an authentic taste of a Parisian patisserie.
Award-Winning Viennoiseries: Known for using the highest quality European butter, their croissant has previously been recognized as one of the best in the NYC area. The Chocopain (pain au chocolat) is consistently a best-seller.
Daily Fresh Bread: The commitment to quality dictates that staples like the Baguette Traditionnelle are baked at least twice daily to ensure they are never eaten stale, highlighting a rare dedication to freshness.
Extensive Menu Variety: Beyond pastries, they offer substantial lunch options like the Croissant Jambon Emmental, Spicy Tuna Sandwich, and diverse breads like the Focaccia Baguette (a World Bread Awards USA winner), plus vegetarian and gluten-free style options like the Soup of the Day (V & GF) and Orange Olive Oil Cake (GF)*.
Comfortable Amenities for Patrons: The café space is highly rated for its atmosphere, providing free, reliable Wi-Fi and outlets near seats, making it an excellent spot for remote work or extended social visits.
Vegan & Inclusive Options: They consciously offer alternatives, including vegan pastries (often available on weekends) and vegan milk options for coffee, ensuring broader appeal within the local community.

Contact Information

For local users planning a visit, a takeaway order, or simply seeking more information, here is the essential contact information for the Downtown Jersey City location.

Address:

530 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Phone Number:

(201) 435 2462

Typical Operating Hours (Note: Hours can vary, especially on holidays. Always confirm directly or via their website for the most current schedule):

Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Note: Online ordering hours may differ slightly, closing around 5:15 PM, but the café remains open until 6:00 PM for dine-in and in-store pick-up.

What is worth choosing

Choosing Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café in Downtown Jersey City is a choice for uncompromising authenticity and quality in your daily routine. What is truly worth choosing here is the unparalleled experience of genuine French baking that is otherwise difficult to find outside of Paris. It’s the perfect blend of European excellence and local convenience.

Firstly, you are choosing award-winning baking. The quality of their laminated dough, made with high-grade European butter, makes the Croissant and the Chocopain must-try items. For bread aficionados, the dedication to baking the Baguette Traditionnelle at least twice daily ensures that every loaf you take home possesses the ideal crust and texture that defines a true French baguette. Additionally, their Focaccia Baguette is a critically acclaimed item that demonstrates their mastery of bread-making.

Secondly, it offers a complete, comfortable experience. Unlike many grab-and-go spots, Choc O Pain offers a welcoming dine-in environment equipped with free Wi-Fi, making it a great destination for both a quick visit and an extended working session or morning gathering. The ability to sit and enjoy a perfectly made coffee alongside a Quiche Lorraine or an Egg Spinach Ricotta Sandwich elevates the simple act of having breakfast or lunch into a mini-escape to a rustic French café.

Finally, the commitment to variety and inclusion is commendable. Beyond the core classics, the menu offers full meals, seasonal tarts like the Mixed Berry Tart, and mindful options such as the Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich and gluten-friendly pastries, ensuring that everyone in the diverse Jersey City community can find a satisfying option. When you choose Choc O Pain, you're not just buying a pastry; you are investing in a daily taste of meticulously crafted French tradition right in your Downtown neighborhood.

Choc O Pain French Bakery and Café - JC Downtown Menu

Quiche
Quiche Lorraine With Side Salad US$8.00
Individual-sized Quiche - Made with Ham, Bacon and Swiss ** For optimal freshness please do not have this item toasted before delivery. We recommend toasting this item at home for 5-10 minutes at 350F **
Ratatouille Quiche Individual Quiche W/Side Salad US$12.00
One of our summer favorite, made with the famous French veggie stew (eggplant, squash, zucchini, onions, red and yellow peppers + swiss cheese in a flaky and buttery crust) A large serves 4-6 people. Pre orders recommended Contains: Gluten, dairy

Breads
Focaccia Baguette US$4.60
World Bread Awards USA 2019 (Tiptree): Winner 2019 for the Best Focaccia in the United States.
Baguette Traditionnelle US$4.30
A light, airy bread with a crispy crust and light nutty taste and a sourdough starter made with King Arthur Flour and let to rest for 12 hours. VE. World Bread Awards USA 2018 (Tiptree): Winner 2018 for the Best Baguette in the United States (Baguette Traditionnelle). NYC Best Baguette (2016) from French Morning.
Chocolate Sourdough Roll (WE Only) Regular (150g) US$4.00
Our Bordelais sourdough in a small roll with chocolate chips (vegan), a favorite of our founder's household for breakfast! Only available on weekends Contains: gluten, soy
Rustic Miche Rustic Miche (1/4) US$6.50
A superb Sourdough, wheat flour, with a mix of rye and buckwheat. More of a tart flavor. A heartier texture. Perfect for toast, with a soup or stew, or just with a bit of salted butter! Available in 1/4, 1/2, and whole loaves. **If you would like a half loaf please order two 1/4's. If you would like a whole loaf please order four 1/4's. ** Contains: gluten (wheat) Vegan
Bordelais Sourdough Pullman US$16.10
Bordelais, our country style sourdough, a staple, made with a mix of wheat, whole wheat and rye flours. vegan Contains: gluten
Bordelais Sourdough Boule US$10.50
Bordelais, our country style sourdough, a staple, made with a mix of wheat, whole wheat and rye flours. vegan Contains: gluten
Five Grain Sourdough Bread Pullman (1500g) US$20.00
5 grain sourdough. A hearty bread made with oats, sesame, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds using the same base as our Bordelais. VE Perfect for avocado toast at home, or just with salted butter Contains: wheat (gluten), sesame
Five Grain Sourdough Bread Retail Loaf US$12.00
5 grain sourdough. A hearty bread made with oats, sesame, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds using the same base as our Bordelais. VE Perfect for avocado toast at home, or just with salted butter Contains: wheat (gluten), sesame

Tartes
Tarte Aux Fruits Rouges Et Mascarpone (Mixed Berry Tart) Small US$8.00
Find the colors of our summer celebrations (July 4th & Bastille Day 07/14!) in this delicious and fresh seasonal tart with strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, on a thin raspberry cake topped with a vanilla mascarpone dome. Available as of 06/30/25 Contains: gluten, dairy
Vegan Tarte Aux Pêches & Crumble (Peach) Small (Individual) US$10.50
Savor the deliciousness of a Vegan Peach Crumble Tarte. This dessert features a flaky crust filled with baked, juicy peaches and topped with a nutty oat crumble. The natural sweetness of the peaches and the crunch of the crumble create a delightful texture and flavor, perfect for any occasion This product will be available as of 06/30 Contains: gluten

Patisseries
Whole Flourless Chocolate Heaven Cake US$42.00
Intensely rich flourless chocolate cake. (serves 6-8)
Slice Flourless Chocolate Heaven Cake US$8.40
Intensely rich flourless chocolate cake.
Orange Olive Oil Cake (GF)* Slice US$8.40
Try our newest cake, a rich and moist olive oil cake with a deep orange flavor! *Made in a NON gluten free facility Contains: dairy, eggs
Orange Olive Oil Cake (GF)* Whole US$42.00
Try our newest cake, a rich and moist olive oil cake with a deep orange flavor! *Made in a NON gluten free facility Contains: dairy, eggs
Financier (GF)* US$4.60
Teacakes made with gluten-free flour, almond flour, and black currants. *Made in a NON gluten-free facility, not recommended for celiac patients or highly gluten intolerant. Contains: dairy, nuts
Madeleine US$1.15
Light, cakey, cookie with lemon zest
Chouquettes Individual US$1.75
Pastry puffs made out of “Pâte à choux” topped with pearl sugar. Perfect for Kids! Contains: gluten, dairy
Blueberries & White Chocolate Bread Pudding US$6.00
Try our newest delicious bread pudding creation, with white chocolate, dry cranberries and orange, so comforting! What once was croissant is now your new favorite dessert 💫 This Bread Pudding is part of our no-waste mission, using our croissants to create something très délicieux. Good for your taste buds and the planet. 🌍 ❤️ Every Day is Earth Day with Choc•O•Pain Contains: gluten, eggs, and dairy

Lunch
Soup Of The Day (V & GF)* US$10.00
Housemade delicious soup, varies daily. Soup of the day will be mentioned on social media. www.instagram.com/chocopainbakery If not please contact your local store. 57 First Street, Hoboken, NJ - (201) 710-5175 1500 Hudson Street, Tea Building, Hoboken, NJ (201) 683-3300‬ 530 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ - (201) 435-2462 30-332 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ - (201) 420-7111 244 St Pauls avenue, Jersey City, NJ - (201) 994-4170 *GF but made in a non gluten free facility
Croissant Jambon Emmental US$6.00
Fresh made Croissant with Ham and Cheese baked inside ** For optimal freshness please do not have this item toasted before delivery. We recommend toasting this item at home for 5-10 minutes at 350F **
Spicy Tuna Sandwich US$13.00
Creamy tuna salad with tomato, red pepper and avocado on ciabatta
Jambon And Emmentel Sandwich US$13.00
Fresh Baguette with Butter, Ham and Swiss Cheese ** For optimal freshness please do not have this item toasted before delivery. We recommend toasting this item at home for 5-10 minutes at 350F **
Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich US$13.00
Our Choc O Pain vegan take on a fabulous classic! Roasted cauliflower, jalapenos, cucumbers, cilantro, spicy vegan mayo, pickled carrots & radish on demi baguette Available as of 06/03/24
Tomato Mozzarella Pesto On Foccacia US$13.00
Our take on the classic Italian marvel, mozzarella, Tomato and pesto, on focaccia baguette, simple yet unforgettable! Contains: gluten, dairy and sesame
BLT On Miche US$13.00
Bacon Lettuce and Tomatoes with Herbed Mayo on Miche sourdough bread Contains: gluten, eggs
Egg Spinach Ricotta Sandwich US$10.00
Our original egg sandwich, the classic baked egg with a creamy ricotta, some spinach, on a 5 grain slice smeared with salted butter! Available as of 08/04/25 Contains: gluten, dairy, eggs and sesame

Viennoiseries
Chocopain US$5.40
Our best seller! The namesake of the Bakery/Café, Pain au chocolat (as it is called in France) is made with European butter of the highest quality and two Belgian dark chocolate batons.
Croissant Aux Amandes US$6.60
Filled with almond frangipane topped with confectioner’s sugar & almond slivers. Best Croissant (2018) from French Morning.
Chocopain Aux Amandes US$7.20
Filled with almond frangipane and chocolate, topped with confectioner’s sugar & almond slivers.
Babka US$4.60
Walnuts/pecan and chocolate babka mix rolled into Croissant dough. Our French touch on this East European delicacy. Contains: gluten (wheat), dairy and nuts
Croissant US$4.80
This quintessential breakfast - and beyond - pastry is crispy on the outside and airy in the inside. Made by hand with the highest quality European Butter, its flaky layers of dough guarantee a delicious smell and taste! Contains: gluten (wheat) and dairy
Escargot Citron Lavande (Lemon & Lavender) US$5.75
Indulge in the delight of our "Escargot au Citron & Lavande" pastry, a heavenly swirl of flaky, buttery dough enveloping a comforting lemony cream with delicate lavender flowers. Each bite is a journey through layers of freshness and zestiness, perfect for a summer indulgence. Contains: Gluten, dairy Available as of 06/02/25

Retail
La Colombe Retail Corsica (Bean) US$14.95
Our collection brings the artisanal quality and exquisite flavors of our coffee to your home or office. Explore our wide range of carefully selected beans and expertly crafted blends, meticulously roasted to perfection. Whether you prefer whole bean or ground coffee, our retail offerings are designed to elevate your daily coffee ritual.
La Colombe Retail Nizza (Bean) US$14.95
Our collection brings the artisanal quality and exquisite flavors of our coffee to your home or office. Explore our wide range of carefully selected beans and expertly crafted blends, meticulously roasted to perfection. Whether you prefer whole bean or ground coffee, our retail offerings are designed to elevate your daily coffee ritual.
Saratoga Sparkling Water US$3.00
Stay hydrated with our refreshing sparkle or still water
Saratoga Still Water US$3.00
Stay hydrated with our refreshing sparkle or still water
Honey Oh Honey Apiaries Small Jar (6 Oz.) US$12.00
Discover the golden sweetness of our Honey Pot, made locally, nature's purest treasure.
Chips - North Folk Mesquite BBQ US$3.00
Chips - North Folk Salted Potato Chips US$3.00
Honey Oh Honey Apiaries Large Jar (1lb.) US$22.00
Discover the golden sweetness of our Honey Pot, made locally, nature's purest treasure.
Jams - Alain Milliat Blonde Orange (LG) US$15.00
Pure fruity bliss in every jar – discover our exquisite selection of jams. Alain Milliat jams highlight the richness of our French terroir. The fruits used are fresh French fruits grown by local producers located in the Drôme. The fruits are picked at maturity and rigorously selected, favoring seasonality to reveal all their aromas. So that their jams have a tasty and unique taste, they ensure a traditional homemade method of preparation in old-fashioned copper cauldrons in small quantities. They are distinguished by their high fruit content (63%), in those jams, there is happiness for morning toast, pancakes, cottage cheese but also to accompany inventive and daring cuisine.
Jams - Alain Milliat Jam Small Raspberry US$2.40
Pure fruity bliss in every jar – discover our exquisite selection of jams. Alain Milliat jams highlight the richness of our French terroir. The fruits used are fresh French fruits grown by local producers located in the Drôme. The fruits are picked at maturity and rigorously selected, favoring seasonality to reveal all their aromas. So that their jams have a tasty and unique taste, they ensure a traditional homemade method of preparation in old-fashioned copper cauldrons in small quantities. They are distinguished by their high fruit content (63%), in those jams, there is happiness for morning toast, pancakes, cottage cheese but also to accompany inventive and daring cuisine.
Jams - Alain Milliat Jam Small Blond Orange US$2.40
Pure fruity bliss in every jar – discover our exquisite selection of jams. Alain Milliat jams highlight the richness of our French terroir. The fruits used are fresh French fruits grown by local producers located in the Drôme. The fruits are picked at maturity and rigorously selected, favoring seasonality to reveal all their aromas. So that their jams have a tasty and unique taste, they ensure a traditional homemade method of preparation in old-fashioned copper cauldrons in small quantities. They are distinguished by their high fruit content (63%), in those jams, there is happiness for morning toast, pancakes, cottage cheese but also to accompany inventive and daring cuisine.

Iced Beverages
HM Lemonade Organic Lemonade US$4.50
Fresh Lemon Juice with Agave and Filtered Water
Kennesaw Cold Pressed Orange Juice Kid's Size (8 Oz) US$3.45
Bursting with vitamins and packed with vibrant energy, Natalie's Orange Juic is the perfect companion for a bright and invigorating start to your day. Treat yourself to the unparalleled freshness and goodness of Natalie's Orange Juice, where every drop is a taste of pure sunshine.
Kennesaw Cold Pressed Orange Juice Regular (16 Oz) US$4.60
Bursting with vitamins and packed with vibrant energy, Natalie's Orange Juic is the perfect companion for a bright and invigorating start to your day. Treat yourself to the unparalleled freshness and goodness of Natalie's Orange Juice, where every drop is a taste of pure sunshine.
Rishi Iced Matcha Lemonade US$8.40
A refreshing blend of vibrant matcha and tangy lemonade, served over ice for a crisp, energizing drink with a citrusy twist Please let us know if you want it sweetened Ceremonial grade Matcha
Rishi Iced Matcha Latte (Unsweetened) US$8.40
A smooth and creamy blend of premium matcha green tea and milk over ice, for a vibrant and earthy latte. Please let us know if you want it sweetened Ceremonial grade matcha
Saratoga Sparkling Water US$3.00
Stay hydrated with our refreshing sparkle or still water
Saratoga Still Water US$3.00
Stay hydrated with our refreshing sparkle or still water
Moshi Sparkling Water Asian Pear & Ginger US$3.00
Asian inspired sparkling waters with natural ingredients only
Moshi Sparkling Water White Peach & Yuzu US$3.00
Asian inspired sparkling waters with natural ingredients only
Moshi Sparkling Water Fuji Apple & Concord Grape US$3.00
Asian inspired sparkling waters with natural ingredients only
Espresso Over Ice. US$4.50
The simplicity of our outstanding double espresso Nizza from la Colombe poured over ice cubes. Add milk to your liking