Nothing warms the soul quite like a rich, velvety cup of hot chocolate, especially on a cold, wintry day. From artisanal blends to indulgent flavors, like red velvet and s’mores, we’ve found just what you’re craving on a frosty day.
Whether you’re a cocoa purist or looking for a creative twist on a winter favorite, here are some of the best hot chocolate spots waiting for you in the Northeast.
Connecticut
Norwalk
Caffe Social’s menu is sure to warm you up with its lineup of irresistibly delicious hot chocolates. From salted caramel to s’mores, you’ll find eight swoon-worthy hot chocolates that hit the spot. Don’t miss festive, seasonal flavors, like red velvet and peppermint bark. Enjoy a steaming cup on its own or pair with challah French toast or a creative eggs benny at this cozy cafe.
Wethersfield
Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre offers a standout hot chocolate experience. Made with locally sourced, organic ingredients, each cup reflects the market’s farm-to-table ethos. This warm drink is made for cold, snowy days. Settle in to savor the rustic interiors and historic ambiance as you sip on hot chocolate topped with a homemade toasted marshmallow.
Maine
Brunswick and Portland
Gelato Fiasco is known for its fresh gelato, but its coffee bar is a must-visit for hot chocolate lovers. Or, as this scoop shop likes to call it, “drinking chocolates.” Essentially, they’ve taken their rich chocolate gelato and turned it into a luscious, steaming cup of hot chocolate, which pairs perfectly with their house-made whipped cream.
Lubec
Monica’s Chocolates serves up splurge-worthy hot chocolates as decadent as the shop’s signature bonbons and truffles. This inviting shop is the place to warm up with a cup of ultra-rich hot chocolate as you browse unique Peruvian-inspired chocolates and gifts. For artisanal chocolates with a unique cultural background, this is the place. Come early, the hot chocolate often sells out.
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Boston
Caffe Vittoria delivers an authentic taste of Italy. Some consider their rich and velvety, Italian-style cioccolata calda to be the best hot chocolate in Boston. Certainly, it’s among the thickest, thanks to its secret ingredient: corn starch. Founded in 1929, the cafe exudes old-world charm and a welcoming atmosphere – perfect for savoring a hot drink.
Orleans
This hot chocolate place is for chocolate lovers, offering a variety of rich and creamy options made with their signature homemade fudge milk. The Hot Chocolate Sparrow is the shop’s signature hot drink that gets an extra flavor boost when paired with mint or coconut syrup. You’ll also find a white hot chocolate, as well as iced versions of both sweet, creamy hot chocolates.
New Hampshire
Hooksett and Epsom
Common Man Roadside may be a quick-service roadside stop, but the hot chocolates are worth the detour. Favorites include the Uncommon Hot Chocolate, made with real chocolate shreds, and the Dirty Hot Chocolate, which features a splash of vanilla syrup and a shot of espresso for an extra kick. It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge and re-fuel.
North Conway
Metropolitan Coffee House (The Met) has two locations in North Conway, including North Conway Village and Settlers Green. Stop in for breakfast sandwiches and locally roasted coffee. In fall and winter, hot chocolate jumps onto the menu. There are 15 unique varieties, like chocolate and orange, peppermint and cinnamon. Order a cup with homemade whipped cream.
New Jersey
Metuchen and Bradley Beach
Hatch 44 Cafe is a beloved brunch spot that warms with an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a rich cup of hot chocolate. Indulge in a classic hot chocolate that’s celebrated for its rich, velvety texture. Hatch 44 serves all kinds of hand-crafted drinks. When winter arrives, look for creative yet comforting takes, like a cardamom-sprinkled hot cocoa.
Asbury Park
For a sweet, creamy warm-up after a seaside stroll, make a beeline for Asbury Park Roastery. On the menu, you’ll find a classic hot chocolate, as well as favorites like the peppermint hot chocolate. You’ll want to top this treat with marshmallows or whipped cream (maybe even both). When winter weather rolls in, kick back with a steaming cup at this favorite Jersey Shore destination.
New York
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain may have opened in 2010, but it’s got all the nostalgic feel of an old-time soda fountain. On the menu, you’ll find a frozen hot chocolate with house-made toasted marshmallows. Choose from chocolate, double chocolate or mocha. Of course, you’ll also find a steaming hot chocolate, as well as creative takes, like a Chai White Hot Chocolate.
Binghamton
Strange Brew Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, but you can pop in any time for a delicious cup of their classic hot chocolate. You’ll find wildly delicious specialty versions of this frosty morning fave too, like peanut butter, peppermint and snickerdoodle. Every creamy cup of gourmet cocoa comes topped with both whipped cream and marshmallows. Yes, both!
Rhode Island
Narragansett
For delicious hot chocolate made with Ghirardelli dark chocolate, steamed milk and frothed milk, head to Fuel Coffee Bar. Their piping hot cocoa is even topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. For a refreshingly cold twist, the frozen hot chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. Order a cup to-go or settle in at this welcoming cafe with a fresh-baked muffin or a pastry.
Newport
At the Chanler, the seasonal hot chocolate bar is an experience you’ll want to mark on your calendar since it’s open only on select dates in December. The cozy firepit, mesmerizing Cliff Walk views and artisanal hot cocoa will make it worth your while. Indulge in a cup or two of hot chocolate that’s made with premium Valrhona chocolate from southeastern France.
Vermont
Burlington, Waterbury Center and Stowe
Lake Champlain Chocolates offers gourmet hot chocolates – by the cup or the tin – that have been celebrated as among the very best in the country. By the tin, choose from peppermint, traditional and dark, as well as several organic and vegan varieties. Don’t forget the vanilla marshmallows. In the flagship store on Pine Street, treat yourself to a steamy cup at the hot chocolate bar.
North Ferrisburgh
Vermont Cookie Love offers creamy classic hot chocolate options, as well as whimsical takes, like a Melted Snowman, which features a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder. Naturally, you’ll want to pair a hot chocolate with a selection of cookies, like triple chocolate chip and oatmeal with dried cranberries. They sell cookie gift boxes and ice cream, too.
What do you think is the best hot chocolate spot in the Northeast? Tell us about it in the comments!
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