The Best Hot Chocolate In NYC

Cure those cold-weather blues with a sweet treat

When the average temperature doesn't exceed 35 degrees, it's the perfect opportunity to head indoors and treat yourself to something rich, creamy and perfectly sweet. And nothing does the trick quite like a good, old-fashioned hot chocolate.

These are the seven best hot chocolates in New York City.

① The City Bakery

You can't beat homemade marshmallow. Plus, you know a bakery is serious about its cocoa when it dedicates a whole month to the special treat. Swing by throughout February to try a new flavor each day.

② Dominique Ansel Bakery

No hot chocolate list would be complete without a decadent cocoa from chef Dominique Ansel. And these marshmallow flowers are so mesmerizing, we can't take our eyes off them. 

③ Jacques Torres Chocolate

Duck into Jacques Torres's "chocolate factory" and treat yourself to a cup of the legendary chocolatier's classic creation.

④ Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery

Go for the hot chocolate; stay for the pastries and choose from a variety of beautiful cakes, tarts, cookies, doughnuts and more. 

⑤ L.A. Burdick Chocolate

True chocolate fiends are guaranteed to fall in love with L.A. Burdick Chocolates' velvety hot chocolate. Options include dark, milk, white and single-source varieties. Pick your favorite or try them all.

⑥ El Rey Coffee Bar & Luncheonette

This Lower East Side café's "brownie batter" hot chocolate takes the cake. The cafe swirls their signature brownie mix into the light, frothy beverage (minus the egg, of course), then finishes it with a sprinkle of sea salt. 

⑦ Maman

Only Maman would be bold enough to pair lavender with chocolate, and it turns out to be a match made in heaven. This experimental take is sure to blow your chocolate-loving mind. 

This month, our hearts belong to the people, places, ingredients and nostalgic favorites doing it all For the Love of Food.