Woodblock Chocolate

For Oregonians with a discerning palate, Woodblock Chocolate has long been synonymous with the pinnacle of American craft chocolate. As Portland's original bean-to-bar chocolate manufactory, the family-run business—founded by husband and wife team Charley and Jessica Wheelock—has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, single-origin chocolate with just two ingredients: cacao and pure cane sugar. This rigorous, artistic, and patient process, which they’ve proudly pursued since 2010, has established Woodblock as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s artisan food scene.

However, the experience at their beautiful NE Portland location has recently become even richer. Now, the space is not merely a chocolate shop and cafe but a dual-concept destination, functioning as an exceptional bakery as well. The addition of a skilled veteran baker and team brings an array of fresh, high-quality pastries and savory goods that flawlessly complement Woodblock’s robust chocolate and coffee offerings. This combination creates a truly unique and compelling local establishment.

The atmosphere itself is as thoughtfully crafted as the chocolate. Situated in a “splendiferous and comfy” manufactory/cafe, Woodblock is a welcoming small business that actively supports community and inclusivity, identifying as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace. Visitors are invited to relax, enjoy the artisanal chocolate, world-class espresso, and scratch-made baked goods, all while perhaps catching a peek at the intricate bean-to-bar process happening right behind a glass wall. This unique fusion of an active craft chocolate factory and a cozy, top-tier bakery is what makes Woodblock Chocolate a must-visit Oregon gem.

Woodblock Chocolate is perfectly situated in a vibrant and historically rich area of Northeast Portland, specifically within the Irvington-Broadway district, a locale known for its beautiful architecture, engaging local businesses, and central accessibility.

The specific address for this landmark cafe and manufactory is:

1715 NE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97212, USA

This close-in NE Portland location makes it highly convenient for residents across the city. The neighborhood is celebrated for its community feel, with a mix of lovely residential streets and bustling commercial avenues nearby. The proximity to NE Broadway ensures excellent connectivity.

Accessibility and Parking: Understanding the importance of convenience for local users, Woodblock has made the visitor experience straightforward and welcoming.

• Parking: The business offers the advantage of Free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, an important feature in a busy urban district.
• Access: The setup is conducive for patrons seeking a quick visit to grab their morning coffee and pastry, while also providing a pleasant Dine-in environment for a leisurely break.
• Payments: All major payment methods are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments, making transactions seamless.

The locale itself provides a perfect backdrop to the Woodblock philosophy: a place rooted in craft, quality, and a deep appreciation for the community it serves.

Woodblock Chocolate & Bakery offers a carefully curated blend of services, combining a traditional cafe experience with the unique opportunity to interact with an actual chocolate factory.

• Retail and Takeout: Customers can purchase freshly baked goods and chocolate products, including their single-origin chocolate bars, for Takeout.
• Dine-in Service: A comfortable cafe setting offering Dine-in service for enjoying coffee, sipping drinking chocolate, or savoring their renowned pastries.
• Full Espresso and Beverage Bar: A comprehensive menu of handcrafted drinks, including Espresso, Caffè Latte, Cappuccino, Cold Brew, and specialty items like the unique Chocolate Cream Soda.
• Signature Chocolate Drinks: A focus on rich, house-made chocolate beverages such as their intense Drinking Chocolate, Hot Cocoa, and the Italian-inspired, layered Bicerin.
• Onsite Services: While not fully detailed, the mention of Onsite services alludes to the ability to hold small events, tastings, or perhaps even catch a glimpse of the chocolate-making process, often visible through a glass wall.
• Inclusive Community Space: The establishment provides a genuinely welcoming environment, proud to be designated as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.

Woodblock Chocolate's appeal to the Oregon community is driven by several distinctive features that fuse culinary excellence with a strong ethical and local identity.

• Portland’s Original Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Maker: The foundational feature is the Manufactory itself. The business meticulously handles every step of the chocolate-making process—from sourcing high-quality cacao beans and roasting them in antique drum roasters to refining, conching, aging, and hand-wrapping the final bars. This control ensures the complex, pure flavors lauded by critics and customers.
• The Unforgettable Bran Muffin: The bakery aspect has quickly gained a devoted following. One international reviewer declared the bran muffin to be "hands down the best I’ve ever had," praising its perfect balance and flavor, a testament to the bakery team's skill.
• Savory Baked Goods Distinction: Beyond sweets, the cafe is highlighted for its savory items, with strong recommendations for the Savory Scone and the Pesto Roll, proving their expertise extends across the bakery spectrum.
• Complex and Fruity Chocolate Flavors: Their single-origin chocolate is noted for its high-quality, unadulterated taste, often described as "smooth, creamy, and bursting with fruity, complex flavors," a stark contrast to more mass-produced chocolates.
• Thoughtful, Genuine Customer Service: Reviewer anecdotes emphasize the personal and caring nature of the staff, citing exceptional moments like a staff member stepping out to look after a patron's dog while they used the restroom—a level of hospitality that deeply resonates with local community values.
• Unique Specialty Beverages: The beverage list is centered around their primary product, featuring luxurious treats like the Drinking Chocolate, Affogato (with gelato), and the unique Bicerin, a layered chocolate, espresso, and whipped cream drink that is a must-try.

Residents of Oregon wishing to visit this unique cafe, purchase craft chocolate, or inquire about their baked goods should use the following contact information:

Address: 1715 NE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97212, USA

Phone: (971) 430-3383

For an Oregon resident looking for a truly exceptional local destination, Woodblock Chocolate & Bakery offers a value proposition that is unmatched. What is worth choosing here is the opportunity to engage with world-class, bean-to-bar quality. In a state that highly prizes craft and transparency, the Woodblock process of starting from the raw cacao bean and overseeing every detail is a significant draw, ensuring a product that is pure, ethical, and superior in flavor. The deep, complex flavor of their drinking chocolate alone is enough reason to visit.

Secondly, the shop successfully bridges two artisanal disciplines: the precision of craft chocolate and the soul of a high-end bakery. The reviews confirm the bakery’s quality is not an afterthought, with items like the savory scone and bran muffin receiving passionate, world-class praise. This means a quick visit offers a perfect pairing: a highly recommended espresso or a single-origin coffee with a flawlessly executed pastry. The option to enjoy Pfrein IPA, a local beer, also showcases a commitment to other Oregon craft partners.

Finally, choosing Woodblock is a choice to support a small, ethical business that is a deeply positive part of the local social fabric. Their genuine commitment to customer kindness, inclusivity as an LGBTQ+ friendly space, and a dedication to high-quality ingredients with minimal processing aligns perfectly with the conscious consumption values prevalent across Oregon. It is more than a purchase; it is an experience of quality, craft, and authentic Portland hospitality. "Walk, run, and roll to the new Woodblock Bakery!" is the final, enthusiastic endorsement from the local community, and it is a suggestion worth following for any Oregonian seeking a truly exceptional treat.

Woodblock Chocolate

1715 NE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97212, USA