Build-a-Bar Tasting Experience
The experience
A peek behind the scenes
- $53 per person
- About 90 minutes
- Ages 8 and up
During this 90-minute interactive class led by expert chocolate makers, you will discover where chocolate comes from, learn how we craft our award-winning chocolate using premium Ecuadorian cacao beans, and taste your way through various chocolates. Each participant creates their own personalized chocolate bar, starting with white, milk (46%) or dark (73%) chocolate as their base. Then they choose whatever toppings and seasonings they would like, before sealing and packaging them to take home.
Perfect for chocolate lovers, foodies, families, tourists exploring Portland, or anyone seeking unique things to do in the city. Appropriate for ages 8 and up, this educational and delicious activity makes an ideal family outing, friend gathering, or special occasion celebration.
Start to finish
What happens in 90 minutes
Four things, in this order, led by the people who make the chocolate.
Taste your way in
You will taste roasted cacao beans, flowing chocolate and several Creo bar flavors, sometimes including the research-and-development batches we are still testing.
See how it is made
Our chocolate makers walk you through the complete bean-to-chocolate process and show you how Creo turns raw Ecuadorian cacao into award-winning chocolate.
Build your bar
Start with white, milk (46%) or dark (73%) chocolate as your base, then choose whatever toppings and seasonings you like. The dark base is dairy free and vegan friendly.
Seal it and take it home
Seal and package the bar yourself, then carry it out with you. It is yours, and nobody else made one quite like it.
Other ways to Build-a-Bar
Same experience, shaped around who you are bringing.
Portland's most beloved chocolate tasting and hands-on chocolate-making activity
Good to know
Where it happens
The Chocolate Lab, 100 NE Farragut, Portland OR 97211. Our newest location, and where every Build-a-Bar runs.
Parking
Ample parking behind the building. Navigate to the right when you arrive and follow the driveway around. ADA accessible parking is right out front when you pull through the gate.
Accessibility
The facility is walker and wheelchair friendly, with ADA accessible parking right out front.
What to wear
Closed-toe shoes, for safety. We provide a hairnet that needs to cover all of your hair for the duration of the visit, plus beard nets, free for every guest.
Allergies
The chocolate and toppings have no added gluten, soy, nuts or eggs. We do manufacture on shared equipment with products containing eggs, wheat, milk, peanuts and tree nuts. Tell us ahead of time and we will work to accommodate you.
How many people
Public sessions are generally capped at 36, which keeps it a fun, communal room. For something more private, look at the Team and Private editions below.
Tickets
Everyone taking part needs a ticket, children included. Infants may come along in a baby sling.
Photos
Still photos are welcome, so take all you like. We do ask guests to refrain from audio and video recording during the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What will I learn and do during the Build-a-Bar experience?
You will learn where chocolate comes from and explore the complete bean-to-chocolate process. Our chocolate makers will show you how Creo transforms raw cacao beans into award-winning chocolate. You will taste roasted beans, flowing chocolate, and several Creo bar flavors, sometimes including our research-and-development creations. Then you will design and make your own chocolate bar with the toppings and ingredients you choose, to take home.
How long does the experience last?
Approximately 90 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to learn, taste, and create your custom chocolate bar.
Is this experience appropriate for children?
Yes. The experience is designed for learners ages 8 and up. Children who are eager to learn, ask questions, and participate respectfully will love the hands-on nature of the class. Tickets are required for all participants, including children. Infants may accompany adults in a baby sling.
Will there be chocolate samples?
Yes. Guests typically sample roasted cacao beans, flowing chocolate, several different Creo bar flavors, and when available, the current research-and-development flavors we are testing.
What kind of chocolate can I make?
Guests can choose among white chocolate, milk chocolate (46%) and dark chocolate (73%) as the base of their bar. The dark chocolate option is dairy free and vegan friendly.
Is this a good gift idea?
Build-a-Bar makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any chocolate lover on your list. You can purchase gift certificates through our online booking system.
What if I have questions during the experience?
Please ask. Our chocolate makers love answering questions. We want you to be engaged learners and to understand the craft behind our award-winning chocolate.
Can I book the experience for a group or special occasion?
Yes. For groups, team building, or private celebrations, we offer Build-a-Bar Team Edition and Build-a-Bar Private Edition. These customized experiences are perfect for birthdays, corporate events, family gatherings, and more.
Come make a bar
Ninety minutes at the Chocolate Lab. Book a spot, or give one as a gift.
