As owner and creator of the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar, Laura Reyer has re-established the concept of an "old-fashioned" confections store, but with an added twist. At this chocolate store, wine and coffee are also featured.
"The trio of chocolate, wine and coffee just made complete sense to me," says Laura.
At the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar, customers can indulge in three of life's greatest pleasures, all in one place! Located at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and State Street in the Village, the store's commanding location is getting a lot of attention these days and rightly so. The store is beautifully decorated and even has a caramel colored floor. Facing the customer upon entering are two massive glass candy cases. Add friendly service with a smile and a new Carlsbad tradition has been born.
Offerings at the Chocolate Bar include all types of chocolate candies, toffees, house-made fudge, caramel, as well as nut and fruit clusters. Customers can purchase candies by the piece and a large cordial selection is available by weight. If a gift box or gift basket is needed, they are made to order on the spot.
Best sellers include the peanut butter cups, fudge mountain, dipped toffee, and hand dipped nut clusters and fruit. Laura makes the fudge twice a week and her secret caramel recipe is used to make the pecan and cashew turtles which are always in high demand. If you like truffles, there are champagne, dark raspberry, or coconut, just to name a few.
"I hand dip many of my candies and all of my clusters," says Reyer. She is careful to select the rest of the inventory from top manufacturers from around the country to give customers the best selection.
Although chocolate dominates the store, floor to ceiling wine racks store a large selection of red and white wines, ports and champagne. "I really enjoy wine alone or with food. My restaurant background enables me have great knowledge on pairing wine with chocolate."
Not only are the wines excellent, they are also affordable with most value priced at $20 or less.
The wine is for retail purchase only, although many customers buy bottles and take them to Vintage Bistro, Laura's restaurant across the street. Any wine bought at the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar can be enjoyed at Vintage Bistro and no corkage will be charged.
"I want to encourage customers to take advantage of the retail price point and take up my offer to enjoy it with no corkage fee," she said. "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and Vintage has delicious gourmet quality food."
The Chocolate Bar also offers outstanding locally-roasted organic and french roast coffee. A full lineup of espresso-based drinks includes mochas, latte and cappuccino. Laura's authentic hot chocolate is a big hit and is made with cocoa powder and steamed milk. The coffee side of the bar was another way to offer an alternative to the chain and corporate coffee houses everyone is familiar with.
"My experience has been that most people are happy to support a local establishment, if the product is a good value, dependable, and available."
Seating is available as well as free Wi-Fi for those customers that want to relax and spend some time enjoying the atmosphere. As a Carlsbad Village resident and owner of multiple businesses, Laura's hope is that the Chocolate Bar will become a known village landmark for years to come.
For now, Laura Reyer is happy knowing her establishment has become the Village "Sweet Spot".
The Carlsbad Chocolate Bar is open every day, seven days a week. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"The trio of chocolate, wine and coffee just made complete sense to me," says Laura.
At the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar, customers can indulge in three of life's greatest pleasures, all in one place! Located at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and State Street in the Village, the store's commanding location is getting a lot of attention these days and rightly so. The store is beautifully decorated and even has a caramel colored floor. Facing the customer upon entering are two massive glass candy cases. Add friendly service with a smile and a new Carlsbad tradition has been born.
Offerings at the Chocolate Bar include all types of chocolate candies, toffees, house-made fudge, caramel, as well as nut and fruit clusters. Customers can purchase candies by the piece and a large cordial selection is available by weight. If a gift box or gift basket is needed, they are made to order on the spot.
Best sellers include the peanut butter cups, fudge mountain, dipped toffee, and hand dipped nut clusters and fruit. Laura makes the fudge twice a week and her secret caramel recipe is used to make the pecan and cashew turtles which are always in high demand. If you like truffles, there are champagne, dark raspberry, or coconut, just to name a few.
"I hand dip many of my candies and all of my clusters," says Reyer. She is careful to select the rest of the inventory from top manufacturers from around the country to give customers the best selection.
Although chocolate dominates the store, floor to ceiling wine racks store a large selection of red and white wines, ports and champagne. "I really enjoy wine alone or with food. My restaurant background enables me have great knowledge on pairing wine with chocolate."
Not only are the wines excellent, they are also affordable with most value priced at $20 or less.
The wine is for retail purchase only, although many customers buy bottles and take them to Vintage Bistro, Laura's restaurant across the street. Any wine bought at the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar can be enjoyed at Vintage Bistro and no corkage will be charged.
"I want to encourage customers to take advantage of the retail price point and take up my offer to enjoy it with no corkage fee," she said. "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and Vintage has delicious gourmet quality food."
The Chocolate Bar also offers outstanding locally-roasted organic and french roast coffee. A full lineup of espresso-based drinks includes mochas, latte and cappuccino. Laura's authentic hot chocolate is a big hit and is made with cocoa powder and steamed milk. The coffee side of the bar was another way to offer an alternative to the chain and corporate coffee houses everyone is familiar with.
"My experience has been that most people are happy to support a local establishment, if the product is a good value, dependable, and available."
Seating is available as well as free Wi-Fi for those customers that want to relax and spend some time enjoying the atmosphere. As a Carlsbad Village resident and owner of multiple businesses, Laura's hope is that the Chocolate Bar will become a known village landmark for years to come.
For now, Laura Reyer is happy knowing her establishment has become the Village "Sweet Spot".
The Carlsbad Chocolate Bar is open every day, seven days a week. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.