On a cold day, nothing hits the spot quite like a cup of hot chocolate. Avoid the caffeine shakes in favor of this delicious and soul-warming drink with one of the 27 best cups of hot chocolate in NYC.
See also: The 11 Best Croissants in NYC
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
With traditional, red velvet, peanut butter and Mexican hot chocolate to choose from, Martha’s Country Bakery is sure to please everyone. The abundance of locations makes this NYC staple one of the most reliable and accessible hot chocolates in the game.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Chances are you’ve seen this world-famous Belgian wafel shop all over social media. And while the wafels are incredible, the hot chocolate is also a can’t-miss. The hot Belgian cocoa is proprietary to the brand and is crafted with imported Belgian cocoa powder, whole milk and half-n-half. To finish? Real whipped cream and imported chocolate garnishes, of course.
View this post on Instagram
156 Prince St. / 212.796.0143 / Website
Hot chocolate is the name of the game at L.A. Burdick. This shop even sells its drinking chocolate mixes, meaning you can take the deliciousness home with you. We recommend the white drinking chocolate for a fun twist on the classic.
View this post on Instagram
189 Spring St. / 212.219.2773 / Website
This famous bakery only delivers perfection, and the hot chocolate proves to be no different. The blossoming hot chocolate features a marshmallow flower that blossoms when placed into the warm drink, revealing a chocolate bonbon inside. As tasty as it is beautiful, this cup of cocoa is sure to please.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
With fabulous cookies and pastries to match, Mah-Ze-Dahr’s hot chocolate is the quintessential example of the classic. The drink is topped with a homemade toasted marshmallow and served at the perfect temperature. Grab a scone while you’re at it, you won’t regret it!
View this post on Instagram
436 W. Broadway / 646.476.8149 / Website
Considering this shop’s specialty in all things chocolate, it comes as no surprise that they’ve perfected their hot chocolate. Made with different dark chocolates from around the world, this hot chocolate is decadently sweet.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Another specialty chocolate shop, Venchi has been delivering the best of the best since 1878. A chocolate lover’s dream, this cup of cocoa is perfectly thick and can be topped with hazelnuts and whipped cream.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
There’s a reason this bakery is an NYC favorite year after year. Maman offers multiple iterations of hot chocolate, including lavender hot chocolate and, of course, the original. There’s even a kids' version for a smaller portion served less hot.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Crafted with extra dark bittersweet Valrhona chocolate, this decadent cup is simple yet delicious. Naturally, we recommend pairing it with one of Levain’s world-famous cookies for the perfect afternoon treat.
View this post on Instagram
1050 5th Ave. / 585.438.5347 / Website
If you’re in search of a cozy, beautiful atmosphere in which to enjoy your hot chocolate, look no further. Insanely creamy and thick, Angelina Paris’ hot chocolate recipe is top-secret but has been pleasing guests around the world for over a hundred years.
View this post on Instagram
253 W. 51st St. / 646.649.5116 / Website
Easily one of the cutest cups of hot chocolate in the city, Bibble & Sip’s version of the classic is topped with a marshmallow that pairs perfectly with animal-shaped baked goods. This cup is totally Instagram-worthy, so be sure to snap a pic!
View this post on Instagram
28 E. 13th St. / 917.265.8737 / Website
This wine shop and cafe considers cacao a superfood and delivers all the benefits of cacao fruit in its products. The hot cacao is consistently ranked as one of the best in the city for good reason. Perfectly creamy and sweet, we can’t get enough of this hot chocolate.
View this post on Instagram
841 Broadway / 646.467.8803 / Website
One could hardly talk about chocolate in NYC without mentioning Max Brenner. This chocolate shop serves famous Italian thick hot chocolate consisting of melted chocolate blocks mixed with fresh vanilla cream. We also love their Oreo, hazelnut, peanut butter and salted caramel iterations.
View this post on Instagram
241 W. Broadway / 212.334.3883 / Website
Frenchette’s Chocolat Chaud is perfectly thick and features a chartreuse marshmallow that melts into the perfect creamy topping. Frenchette’s food is equally delicious, making this hot chocolate the perfect post-dinner treat.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Breads Bakery’s housemade hot chocolate is a local favorite, and pairs exceptionally well with the bakery’s delicious breads and croissants. With multiple locations throughout the city, this cup of hot chocolate is always within easy reach.
View this post on Instagram
513 Henry St. / 718.522.6260 / Website
Nostalgia lovers, this one’s for you. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain serves both hot cocoa and specialty cocoas such as Milk + Cookies and S’mores flavors within their classically outfitted diner. The milkshakes are equally as delicious, so indulge in both!
View this post on Instagram
120 Hudson St. / 212.219.0666 / Website
This famous NYC brunch spot is comfort food at its finest. The pancakes and burgers always hit the spot, particularly when you indulged in one too many vodka sodas the night before. The hot chocolate, made with Valrhona chocolate and a homemade marshmallow, is just as good. Be sure to arrive early, as Bubby’s often attracts quite a line.
View this post on Instagram
484 Broome St. / 212.925.6999 / Website
This European-style cafe serves delicious chocolate in an elegant setting. Their thick, signature hot chocolate is made from pure cacao shavings, and has been named one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” MarieBelle serves four flavors of the classic drink: Aztec, milk hazelnut, spiced chocolate and white chocolate.
View this post on Instagram
52 Grove St. / Website
This Italian bar serves excellent Cioccolato Caldo, or hot chocolate, prepared the traditional Italian way. We recommend grabbing a croissant and an outdoor table for some excellent people watching while you sip.
View this post on Instagram
42 E. 20th St. / 212.477.0777 / Website
Hurry over to Gramercy Tavern to experience Miro Uskokovic’s famously delicious hot chocolate, as the James Beard nominee for outstanding pastry chef will be moving on come March. Featuring perfectly balanced sweetness and topped with a gorgeous homemade marshmallow, this cup isn’t to be missed.
View this post on Instagram
1030 Amsterdam Ave. / 212.866.4230 / Website
This Eastern European shop serves delicious coffee, pastries, Hungarian treats and, of course, hot chocolate in its dimly lit space. Located in Morningside Heights, this bakery has been a neighborhood staple for over 60 years.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
This NYC staple serves an Italian-style dense semi-sweet hot chocolate perfectly enjoyed alongside their breakfast menu. The food is excellent and each location is beautifully decorated, meaning tables fill quickly, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Locals abound in this NYC staple serving coffee, bagels, pastries and more. The bakery’s seasonal hot chocolate features Guittard chocolate ganache with vanilla whipped cream and a marshmallow for the perfect finish.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Every Upper East Sider swears by Butterfield Market for good reason. This family-owned one-stop-shop never fails to deliver delicious food, wholesome and fresh ingredients and friendly service. The sinfully sweet hot chocolate is topped with a homemade marshmallow.
View this post on Instagram
269 Court St. / 718.246.2600 / Website
Located in Brooklyn, the Chocolate Room’s dark hot cocoa is crafted with 61% Belgian chocolate, while their classic hot chocolate is made with 28% milk chocolate, ensuring an option to please everyone. Be sure to grab a brownie while you’re there!
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
There’s a reason Ralph’s Coffee has taken NYC and social media by storm. Gorgeous interiors, delicious coffee and excellent hot chocolate awaits. Be sure to visit when you have some time on your hands, as this shop tends to draw quite the crowd!
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Offering vegan hot chocolate, Wicked hot chocolate with spices and classic hot chocolate, Jacques Torres is famous for its decadent drinks crafted with premium Belgian dark bittersweet chocolate. Be sure to grab a mix to take home and enjoy whenever you please!
Let us know which of these NYC hotspots has the very best hot chocolate, and happy sipping!
Photography by: Maddi Bazzocco / Unsplash
