Ool Taller de Cacao
New York
Óol Cacao is a specialty SoHo cafe dedicated to ancestral Mesoamerican cacao rituals and Mexican drinking chocolate traditions, set in a warm, minimalist space. Founded by Ilana Gutierrez, the shop serves single-origin cacao drinks (ranging from 70% to 90%) hot or iced in handcrafted ceramic vessels, featuring custom spice infusions like ginger and cardamom. Guests can also enjoy single-origin tasting flights alongside exclusive cacao-infused pastries, including a special chocolate chip cookie made in collaboration with Breads Bakery.
Public reaction is largely eager and enthusiastic, with many praising the exceptional customer service and calling the chocolate flights a delicious, unique New York City experience. However, sentiment is mixed regarding value and flavor execution, with some customers reporting underwhelming tastes and steep pricing. Practical complaints also center on severe wait times that can exceed an hour, alongside debates regarding historical claims and regional origin selections.
- Order the single-origin cacao tasting flight to compare origins from Belize, Colombia, and Ecuador
- Pair your drinking chocolate with the exclusive cacao chocolate chip cookie from Breads Bakery
- Expect severe wait times during peak hours—some customers have reported waiting over an hour
- Customize drinks with different percentages (70%–90%) and milk bases like oat milk, whole milk, or water
- Try adding ancestral spice-infused syrups like cardamom or ginger for complex flavor profiles
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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