Louisa’s Chocolate Bar

There’s nowhere quite like Cape May at Christmas—when this seaside town sheds its summer energy and takes on a whole new identity—one that feels straight out of a storybook. Twinkling lights line the historic homes, carolers wander the streets, and shop windows glow with festive cheer. And Washington Street Mall becomes the centerpiece of it all.

While the sights and sounds of the season are part of the magic, the flavors play an equally important role. Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without confections—cookies, caramels, candy canes, and most of all, chocolate. For many locals and visitors, there’s no better place to indulge than Louisa’s Chocolate Bar, a whimsical little shop that captures the sweetness of the holidays in every detail.

A Shop with Heart

Louisa’s Chocolate Bar was born as an offshoot of Louisa’s Café next door, a Cape May dining staple. Since 2012, when Will Riccio purchased both from the original Louisa, the Chocolate Bar has been winning over customers with its cozy charm and carefully curated offerings. Today, Will’s sister, Ava Riccio, manages the shop full-time.

“I’ve worked here and in the restaurant on and off over the years, since my brother Will bought them from Louisa in 2012, but started this full time position a year and a half ago,” says Ava. “I take care of the day-to-day tasks of running a small business, but the main part and best part is ordering all of the beautiful chocolate!”

That “beautiful chocolate” is what makes Louisa’s special. “We are a little shop but we have a huge selection of artisan, small batch chocolate from all over the world,” Ava explains. “Currently we are carrying bars from over 75 different chocolatiers. It is all thoughtfully crafted with ingredients you can feel good about.”

A Whimsical Experience

The holidays amplify the atmosphere inside Louisa’s, but whimsy is present year-round. For a little shop, it is packed full of personality, with a vibe that’s at once cozy and whimsical as well as festive and sparkly. “We love a little whimsy,” Ava says. “With their unique personalities, each one of our wonderful team members adds something different to the customer experience too.”

Visitors notice immediately. “My brother has the gift of creating beautiful spaces…just walking through the door puts a smile on people’s faces,” Ava says. “It’s colorful and bright and always smells like chocolate—it’s hard not to love! Hopefully people feel comfortable to relax and browse and enjoy their time there. People are always surprised by our selection. We truly have something for everyone. We make sure to have nut free, gluten free, sugar free, and vegan options. I’ve been focused on finding fair trade and organic bars. We also have functional chocolate with adaptogens!”

Favorites for Locals and Visitors

Cape May’s year-round rhythm is reflected in the shop’s clientele. “In the busy months, we definitely see more tourists, but when things quiet down the locals return for their favorites,” Ava says. “Our signature Louisa’s bars are the most popular right now.”

Those signature bars are more than just chocolate—they’re part of the town’s fabric. “Will created our signature Louisa’s chocolate bars with JoMart Chocolate of Brooklyn,” Ava explains. “They’re made by Michael, an award winning, third generation chocolatier. He drives from Marine Park to deliver our order himself…every time. He’s the coolest.”

But the shop’s variety means there’s always something new to discover. “Our Louisa’s bars say Cape May and make great gifts. If you can’t choose which ones to get or are in a hurry, we offer a gift box of three, wrapped with yellow ribbon ready to go,” Ava says. “JoMart also makes bags of pistachio butter crunch and nonpareils that are delicious and great to share. Oh, and Jodi’s baked goods of course! We have cookies, brownies, and macaroons made with love next door at Louisa’s restaurant.”

Holiday Must-Haves

December brings its own specialties—items that shoppers eagerly await year after year. “JoMart makes amazing Santas and snowmen every year, and we always have holiday truffles and gifts by other makers,” Ava says. “We offer a Louisa’s gift bag with red tissue paper and ribbon, so customers can cross one thing off their list in this busy time!”

Some treats practically beg to be part of holiday traditions. “Our macarons made by French macaron maker Thierry Atlan are a must have. They come in a gift box and we always look forward to the fun holiday themed ones. They are delicious,” Ava says. “A bag of Bequet Celtic sea salt caramels from Montana make a beautiful gift also—look for the green satin ribbon! You can’t go wrong with a box of our delightful hand painted bon bons either.”

To make the shopping experience even sweeter, Louisa’s offers daily samples and—starting in November—cups of organic hot chocolate. It’s not just shopping; it’s an indulgence, a pause in the middle of the holiday rush.

Decking the Halls

Like Cape May itself, Louisa’s gets dressed up for the season. “Decorating seems to start earlier every year,” Ava says. “We’ll at least have some greens around the top of the shop and some sparkly lights to start the magic right after Thanksgiving.”

And magic is exactly what happens. “You can’t really be in a bad mood in a chocolate shop, so people are always having fun with their friends and families, making their choices. Strangers often start chatting and everyone chimes in,” says Ava. “In a shop this small it really reminds you that we’re all in this together. It’s just a happy sweet little place that anyone and everyone can enjoy.”

That sense of community mirrors the larger Cape May holiday spirit—festive, neighborly, and full of joy.

A Sweet Escape

Ultimately, the shop offers something simple yet profound: a chance to step away from stress and into sweetness. “Leave your worries behind and drift away into a sea of chocolate for a few minutes. And try something new each time, why not?” Ava says.

For those hoping to keep tabs on new treats and special promotions, the shop shares updates regularly. “Follow us on Instagram for the most up to date info,” Ava notes.

So, whether you’re strolling the Washington Street Mall on a chilly December evening, ticking off the last names on your gift list, or simply craving a piece of chocolate to savor by the fire, Louisa’s Chocolate Bar is waiting. In a town where Christmas feels like magic, Louisa’s makes sure it tastes like it too.