Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe

In the charming coastal city of Newburyport, Massachusetts, locals have long appreciated the delightful aromas and exquisite flavors emanating from Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe. More than just a bakery, this establishment has established itself as a beloved community hub, offering a unique blend of artisanal baked goods, expertly crafted beverages, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you're a Massachusetts resident with a penchant for high-quality treats, a visit to Chococoa is an experience you won't want to miss.

Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe is particularly renowned for "The Whoopie," their signature, smaller, richer, triple chocolate version of the classic New England whoopie pie. Made with all-natural ingredients, including dessert-quality chocolate, organic butter, and local, free-range eggs, "The Whoopie" exemplifies their commitment to quality. Beyond their famous whoopie pies, the cafe boasts a full espresso bar and a diverse selection of pastries, each crafted with care to provide a memorable culinary moment. This dedication to excellence has made Chococoa a standout in the local culinary scene, earning accolades and a loyal following.

What truly sets Chococoa apart is not just the delicious food, but also the passionate individuals behind it. Owners Alan Mons and Julie Ganong have poured their hearts into creating a place where deliciousness meets community spirit. Their journey from corporate finance to artisanal baking, inspired by a desire to elevate a classic treat, is a testament to their dedication. This overview will provide you with all the essential details about Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe, from its convenient location in The Tannery Marketplace to its extensive menu and unique features, highlighting why it's a must-visit for anyone in the Massachusetts area looking for a genuine taste of local craftsmanship.

Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe is ideally situated in The Tannery - Mill #1, at 50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA. This location places it right in the heart of Newburyport’s historic and vibrant Tannery Marketplace, a popular destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. Being part of this unique marketplace means visitors can enjoy a broader experience, often combining a bakery visit with Browse nearby shops like a bookstore or children’s store.

Accessibility to Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe is a significant advantage for locals. A key highlight mentioned by customers is the availability of "free parking lot," which is a considerable bonus in a popular area like Newburyport where parking can sometimes be challenging. In addition to the free parking lot, there is also accessible on-street parking available. The location within The Tannery also makes it easily reachable for those walking from other parts of downtown Newburyport, including the waterfront. The cafe is wheelchair-accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and even restrooms, ensuring that it is welcoming to all patrons.

The strategic placement within The Tannery Marketplace not only enhances its visibility but also contributes to a lively atmosphere, allowing customers to enjoy their treats amidst the buzz of local activity. This central and accessible location makes Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe a convenient and appealing destination for both a quick stop and a more leisurely visit.

Services Offered:

• Artisanal Whoopie Pies: Specializing in "The Whoopie," a gourmet, smaller, richer, triple chocolate version of the classic whoopie pie, available in various flavors including red velvet, lemon, maple, OG (Original), chocolate/vanilla, chocolate/chocolate ganache, chocolate/espresso, chocolate/salted caramel, chocolate/raspberry, lemon/lemon cream cheese, pumpkin/ginger, and seasonal options.
• Full Espresso Bar: Offering expertly crafted coffee and tea, including hot and iced espresso drinks like mochas, cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee/tea.
• Freshly Baked Pastries: A wide selection including plain, chocolate, apricot, almond, and raisin croissants (with dough flown in frozen from France and baked daily), cinnamon rolls with a unique glaze, muffins (Bran, Blueberry, Morning Glory), scones (Apricot, Blueberry, Cranberry/Orange, Lemon/Ginger, Raspberry/Lemon), fruit turnovers, and palmiers.
• Savory Options: Including quiches (Bacon + Cheddar, Seasonal Veggie) and savory croissants (Ham + Cheese, Spinach + Feta).
• Gluten-Free Offerings: A dedicated selection of gluten-free treats, notably their moist and delicious gluten-free whoopie pies, muffins, scones, and brownies (some vegan).
• Assorted Cookies and Brownies: Including double chocolate brownies and a variety of cookies.
• Cold Drinks: Available, such as Pellegrinos, water, and milk.
• House-Made Granola and Oatmeal: Healthier breakfast options.
• Catering and Corporate Gifts: Whoopie pies can be shipped nationally in insulated gift packs, and custom orders are available for events and corporate gifting.
• Custom Wedding Favors: Offering individually wrapped whoopie pies for weddings and other events.
• DIY Whoopie Decorating Kits: An at-home kit for decorating whoopie pies.
• Online Ordering: For convenient pickup or shipping.
• Dine-in and Takeaway: Both options are available for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights:

• Signature "The Whoopie" Pies: A standout feature, praised as "absolutely addicting" and "simply THE BEST whoopie pies EVER," available in numerous flavors including highly-rated red velvet and lemon. "Yankee Magazine named The Whoopie its number one whoopie pie, and it was featured in O, the Oprah Magazine."
• High-Quality Ingredients: Utilizes "dessert-quality chocolate, organic butter, and local, free-range eggs" for their whoopie pies.
• Authentic French Croissants: Croissant dough "is apparently flown in frozen from France and then baked in shop everyday," offering a touch of European authenticity.
• Expertly Crafted Coffee: Iced mochas are described as "expertly crafted and delicious," with a full espresso bar.
• Extensive Gluten-Free Options: Praised for "many gluten free options," particularly the gluten-free whoopie pies, which are noted for being "moist" and indistinguishable from regular ones by non-GF guests.
• Welcoming Atmosphere & Unique Seating: Customers highlight the "amazing atmosphere" and "unique seating" within the Tannery Marketplace setting.
• Friendly and Kind Staff: Consistently receives praise for "awesome—super friendly and helpful" and "very kind" servers.
• Convenient Location: Situated "in the heart of NBPT" alongside other complementary businesses like a bookstore and children’s store.
• Free Parking: A significant advantage in Newburyport, offering "plenty of free, accessible on and off street parking" and a "free parking lot."
• Fair Prices for Quality: Customers note "fair prices for the quality" of their offerings.
• Community Involvement: Actively participates in community events, donates to local causes (e.g., Anna Jaques Hospital, ovarian cancer awareness), and supports local artists by displaying their exhibits.
• Woman-Owned Business: Identifies as a woman-owned establishment.

Contact Information:

Address: The Tannery - Mill #1, 50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA

Phone: (978) 499-8889

Mobile Phone: +1 978-499-8889

Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Massachusetts, particularly those in and around Newburyport, for numerous compelling reasons. Its location within The Tannery Marketplace offers a unique and engaging atmosphere, making it more than just a place to grab a pastry; it's part of a vibrant community hub. The significant bonus of a "free parking lot" and accessible parking makes it incredibly convenient, alleviating a common frustration for urban dwellers. This ease of access, combined with its wheelchair accessibility, ensures that Chococoa is welcoming to all members of the community.

For Massachusetts residents who appreciate quality and craftsmanship, Chococoa's dedication to using high-quality, natural ingredients in their famous "The Whoopie" and other baked goods is a major draw. The fact that their croissants' dough is flown in from France and baked daily speaks to an uncompromising commitment to authentic flavors. Furthermore, the extensive "many gluten free options," especially the highly praised gluten-free whoopie pies, caters thoughtfully to dietary needs, a feature highly valued by today's diverse local population.

Beyond the delicious products, the "super friendly and helpful" staff and the "incredibly warm and friendly" owners cultivate a welcoming environment that resonates deeply with the local community. It’s the kind of place where you feel appreciated, whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor. The fair prices for the quality offered also make Chococoa an accessible luxury. Moreover, the bakery's active involvement in local events and charitable initiatives showcases a genuine commitment to being a positive force in the community, further cementing its role as a cherished local gem for all of Massachusetts to enjoy.

Chococoa Baking Co. & Cafe

The Tannery - Mill #1, 50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA