Ghirardelli may be an iconic San Franciscan institution but IMO, there are more interesting chocolate makers worth visiting, like 🍫✨ Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission. . Ghirardelli has been around since 1852 and was very innovative for its time, often credited with creating the Broma Process, which enhances cocoa bean’s flavors and produces a smoother chocolate. This innovation set new standards for chocolate quality in America. But you won’t get much of that visiting Ghirardelli’s shop today, which is a bit of a tourist trap 😬 (albeit one many people still ♥️) and can get crowded. Instead, skip the crowds and visit Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission. Founded in 2010, they’re all about small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate—plus, they source their cacao directly from farmers! 🌍 All of their chocolate is just two ingredients, cacao and sugar, Tips: 🍫 There are two locations (just a few blocks apart): the shop/cafe on Valencia street + the factory on 16th street. ☕ The bars are the star but you’ll want to stay for a drink. I love the European drinking chocolate. 🚶‍♂️Visit the factory for tours, chocolate and drink pairings, and to learn how chocolate is made. 📍 Save this post for your next trip to San Francisco 🌴 Follow @wheresjessieb for more unique travel ideas in California. . #sanfranciscofood #sanfrancisco #visitcalifornia #chocolate #dandelionchocolate