I love hot chocolate just as much as the next person, so believe me when I tell you I did my due diligence when searching for the best hot chocolate in NYC. With the weather cooling down and holiday season just around the corner, I knew it was time to retire my iced lattes. The only logical alternative is a nice cup of delicious hot chocolate.
Living in New York City for the last few years, I’m not sure I would have survived the brutal winters without cocoa to keep me warm. I know if you’re reading this list you’re here for one reason and one reasonly.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Hot Chocolate NYC
Table of Contents. Best New York City Hot Chocolate
Table of Contents. Best Hot Cocoa in NYC
Bar Pisellino
Website— Bar Pisellino
Neighborhood. Greenwich Village
Address. 52 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
In the heart of the West Village, chefs Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, known for their award-winning restaurants, including Bar Pisellino, offer a slice of Rome with a charming interior and an impressive menu. From fantastic coffee during the day to some of the city’s best cocktails at night, this Italian bar in Greenwich Village sets high standards for pastries and drinks.
Believe me, they whip up some of the best hot chocolate in NYC. Locals and visitors alike flock to. And what better companion to a doughy pastry than a rich cup of cocoa? Thick, dark hot chocolate crowned with fresh whipped cream spills out of the mug, making it one of the city’s finest.
No Chewing Allowed
Website— No Chewing Allowed
Address. Multiple locations
Now this next spot is a seasonal pop-up shop (they have four temporary locations during the holidays) that you can’t afford to miss. No Chewing Allowed was built off the idea that chocolate should be an experience reminiscent of your childhood.
Famous for their truffles and hot chocolate, No Chewing Allowed has one mission. Chocolate should be savored and melt in your mouth – not chewed (hence the name). With every cup of hot chocolate, No Chewing Allowed tosses in one of their premium chocolate truffles into the drink to guarantee a smooth cup of cocoa.
My go-to spot is in the Bryant Park Winter Village. Grabbing a cup of the best hot chocolate in NYC and wandering through the market is one of the most magical things to do in the city.
Jacques Torres
Website— Jacques Torres
Neighborhood. DUMBO & Midtown
Address. 66 Water St & 107 East 42nd Street Lexington, Passage
Jacques Torres specializes in chocolate and because of his mastery of the chocolate language (let’s just both admit that’s a real thing for the sake of time), the complexity of flavor found in the hot cocoa makes it one of the best hot chocolates in NYC.
For over 20 years, Jacques Torres has left his mark on the chocolate world and has created treats and drinks that could not be replicated no matter how hard you tried. One sip of this NYC hot chocolate and you’ll be hooked, I swear. This type of hot cocoa is velvety smooth when hot but solidifies to a soft chocolate bar when it cools.
Levain
Website— Levain Bakery
Address. Multiple Locations
Rarely, in a city offering so many food options, does a place stand so far above the rest there’s hardly any competition. And yet here we are. I can confidently tell you that the cookies you have from Levain Bakery are the absolute best cookies in New York City.
But we’re not here to talk about cookies, we are talking about the best hot chocolate in NYC. Levain continues to live up to the hype. The best part? It’ll cost you around $3.00 (that’s a win this pricey city!). If you are looking for a hot chocolate in NYC that isn’t too rich but still full of flavor, this the spot. Paired with one of their world-famous cookies you’re in for a treat.
Further reading. Levain is also featured in 15 Seductive Cookies in New York City Are (Easily) Worth the Calories
Li-Lac Chocolates
Website— Li-Lac Chocolates
Address.Multiple locations
Serving New Yorkers since 1923, Li-Lac Chocolates is the oldest chocolate house in Manhattan. Everything is hand-made in small batches and always fresh. The hot chocolate is living proof that when somethings not broken, don’t even think about fixing it.
For over 100 years Li-Lac has remained true to tradition and continues to make chocolate with their original recipes. With new cafes opening left and right, Li-Lac Chocolates has withstood the test of time. And continues producing some of the best hot chocolate in NYC.
Unpopular opinion. Hot take. this one of those NYC food experiences that tourists overlook but locals swear by.
Angelina Paris NYC
Website— Angelina Paris NYC
Neighborhood. Midtown
Address. 1050 Sixth Avenue New York, NY 10018
Not all hot chocolate is created equally and Angelina Paris a testament to that. If you are looking for a classic all-American cup of hot chocolate (Swiss Miss I’m looking at you), this may not be the spot for you. Angelina’s is more of a European style drinking chocolate that is intense and rich.
Famous for their old fashion hot cocoa, you can expect to drink straight up melted chocolate with just enough milk to thin it out and make it drinkable. Angelina Paris for true chocolate lovers with an appreciation for the finer things in life. Angelina’s is some of the best hot chocolate in NYC and possibly in the country (I said what I said).
Local tip. Insider move. ask for the off-menu special.
L.A. Burdick
Website— L.A. Burdick
Neighborhood. SoHo
Address. 156 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
If you like your hot chocolate how you like your bank account, then this next spot is for you. L.A. Burdick’s hot cocoa is RICH and some of the best in NYC. In fact, they don’t even call it hot chocolate, they call it “drinking chocolate” and it lives up to its name.
Founded in 1987 by Larry Burdick, who trained as a chocolatier in Switzerland, the mission was clear. to. Create true chocolate delights with exceptional-quality cocoa beans as the star ingredient, not sugar. The menu at L.A. Burdick is straightforward, offering various chocolate options (dark, milk, and white).
I recommend getting a the Burdick Blend Hot Chocolate with the dark chocolate. Be warned, the hot chocolate is thick and super rich (feels like you’re drinking a melted bar of chocolate). Getting a small might be your best bet.
Venchi
Website— Venchi
Address. Multiple locations
I stumbled across Venchi on complete accident a while ago and have been back an embarrassing amount of times since. I usually come here for the dreamy gelato but on a cold day I opted to try their hot chocolate instead.
Venchi is an Italian chocolate company that’s been in business for more than 140 years and is found in over 70 countries. I couldn’t tell you why it took me so long to try their hot cocoa, but now that I have – the bar has been raised.
Using authentic rich Italian chocolate to create their hot cocoa, we get the masterpiece that is some of the best hot chocolate in NYC. You’ll want to scarf down this New York City hot chocolate, even at the expense of burning your tongue- it’s that good.
Dominique Ansel
Website— Dominique Ansel
Neighborhood. SoHo
Address. 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
If you’re looking for the best hot chocolate in NYC make a beeline for Dominique Ansel. I first visited for the world-famous cronut and left with a handful of irresistible baked goods and a picturesque hot chocolate.
The hot chocolate is not only incredibly tasty, it’s beautiful to look at too. It’s topped with a marshmallow in. When the chocolate melts, a blossoming flower appears atop your cocoa. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more charming hot chocolate in NYC.
Serendipity 3
Website— Serendipity 3
Neighborhood. Midtown
Address. 225 E 60th St, New York, NY, 10022
There’s no shortage of great treats to be had in New York City, especially when it’s chilly out and thankfully calories don’t count on vacation or so I’m told. One of my personal favorite hot chocolates in NYC is the incredible Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (not a typo) from Serendipity. I know it’s weird, but give it a shot!
This unique NYC hot chocolate experience isn’t a secret by any stretch of the imagination. Heck, at this point it feels rather touristy, but you know what? It’s the best hot chocolate in NYC And this list doesn’t feel complete without mentioning this treat, so go all in!
Ladurée
Website— Ladurée
Address.Multiple locations
Laduree’s macaroons have a cult-like following for a reason. they’re some of the best in the city. But what if I told you they had one of those places you only hear about from locals here? The hot chocolate! It’s some of the best hot cocoa in NYC. The decor is perfectly Parisian and makes for a great spot to slow down and relax in the midst of the bustling streets.
The hot chocolate at Laduree is the happy medium for those who like to taste real chocolate in their drink but don’t want the overwhelming richness. Regardless of what you’re stopping by for, you’ll be rewarded with the perfect sweet treat.
Daily Provisions
Website— Daily Provisions
Address. Multiple Locations
Daily Provisions was opened by Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack, and now proudly has multiple locations in the city. Most folks come to this cute New York City bakery for the crullers and find themselves returning to try everything else on the menu.
Me? I keep coming back for their killer hot chocolate – seriously, it’s one of the best in NYC. It’s a dangerous slope for me. The hot chocolate, topped with a homemade vanilla marshmallow, is so good I’ve caught myself daydreaming about it.
It’s become a routine to grab a cup before I kick off my Central Park stroll. Because, really, what’s better than wandering around the park with the best hot chocolate in NYC in hand?
Mah-Ze-Dahr
Website— Mah-Ze-Dahr
Address. Multiple Locations
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, if I could marry you, I would. Opening in 2014, Mah-Ze-Dahr is like the new kid on the block. But within a mere seven years, they became known as one of the best bakeries in New York City. No easy feat in a city chock-full of bakeries.
The owner, Umber Ahmad is a James Beard Award semi-finalist (a huge deal in the food world) who left the lofty confines of the financial world to purse her dream of baking. She’s lovingly called a banker-turned-baker, and we’re all better for it, she’s incredibly talented.
La Maison Du Chocolat
Website— La Maison Du Chocolat
Address.Multiple locations
A common theme with this list of the best hot chocolate in NYC is that many of these joints are chocolate shops. La Maison Du Chocolat is no different. Chocolate shops know the name of the game best I suppose (and I am not mad about it).
La Maison Du Chocolat stands apart simply because of their commitment to sustainably sourcing their chocolate. Since 1977, La Maison Du Chocolat. The hot chocolate is very filling and runs more on the dark side. If you’re looking for a more dense consistency this NYC hot chocolate shop is your spot.
Max Brenner
Website— Max Brenner
Neighborhood. Midtown
Address. Multiple locations
Specializing in all things chocolate, it’s no wonder Max Brenner makes our list of best hot chocolate NYC has to offer. Max Brenner is both a chocolate shop and a restaurant, the menu is sizable with a tons of options like pizzas, pastas and burgers. You can enjoy a meal and finish with something sweet all in the same spot.
The hot cocoa menu is exciting, offering anything from a classic cup of cocoa to fun flavors like Oreo. This some of the best hot chocolate in NYC. Made with the highest quality cocoa. So don’t expect any of that watered down cocoa mix you make at home.
Best Hot Chocolate New York City (Post Summary)
- Max Brenner
- Jacques Torres
- Levain Bakery
- Li-Lac Chocolates
- Angelina Paris NYC
- L.A. Burdick
- Venchi
- Dominique Ansel
- Serendipity 3
- No Chewing Allowed
- Ladurée
- Daily Provisions
- Mah-Ze-Dahr
- La Maison Du Chocolat
- Bar Pisellino
Best Hot Chocolate New York City Map
Helpful (Related) Links
Christmas in New York City. 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
Winter Packing Tips. What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
Where to Shop for Christmas— 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City (Worth the Visit!)
Ice Skating in New York. 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City (+ Where to Skate For FREE!)
Christmas on a Budget. 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
Where to Drink on Christmas— 10 Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in New York City
Festive Cocktails. 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City (Worth Waiting in Line For)
Restaurants open on Christmas. 20 Toothsome Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City
The Capital of Christmas. 10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center during Christmas
Prettiest Window Displays. 10 Wonderful Window Displays in New York City (Local’s Guide)
Dyker Heights Guide. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide
Best Christmas Decorations. 15 Epic New York City Christmas Restaurants You’re Sure to Love
What to Gift a New Yorker. New York Gifts | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Best Hot Cocoa. 20 Best Cups of Hot Chocolate in NYC (Local’s Guide)
Hope you enjoyed this list of the best hot chocolate NYC as much as we enjoyed creating it. Let us know if you think we missed a spot.
Cheers!
Want more NYC recommendations? Check out my 17 Best New York City Cafes (Serving Great Coffee in NYC). you won’t be disappointed.
I want to hear from you. What would you add to this list? I want to hear your personal favorites.
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Just FYI to update or edit your post of
8 months ago…
Levain Hot Chocolate is not $3.00,
but rather $5.45, and more with specialty milk. (Almond. Etc)
Thank you 😊