New Yorkers are known for their love affair with coffee shops, from espresso bars to cozy corner cafes. But when the temperature drops and the city turns into a winter wonderland well into February and sometimes March, there’s another warm indulgence that steals the spotlight: hot chocolate.
In a city that prides itself on culinary creativity, it’s no surprise that NYC is home to some of the most decadent and delightful hot chocolates you’ll ever sip.
After countless cups of hot cocoa all in the name of very official research, here’s where to get the best hot chocolate in New York City.
Where to Find The Best Hot Chocolate in NYC
Angelina
Hot chocolate from Angelina feels like a nice little trip to Paris. You can try to walk in for a table if you’re looking for a meal in addition to hot chocolate. However, the line is typically long, and they don’t take reservations. If you don’t want to spend time waiting in the cold weather, the to-go line typically moves much quicker, and you can order at the front of the restaurant.
This is one of the best places for a hot chocolate, and it’s easily one of my top three favorite spots in Manhattan. It’s thick and rich, creamy and balanced, but it also doesn’t taster overly sweet or artificial.
In true Parisian fashion, Angelina offers the option with or without whipped cream. For me, the whipped cream is an absolute must – it’s very rich, but that’s because it’s real, not fake whipped cream.
Various Locations
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Although he may be known for the world-famous Cronut and Kouign Amann, Dominque Ansel’s Soho location also serves up fabulous hot chocolate.
If you’re looking for more of a dark chocolate taste to your hot drink, this is where you’ll find it. It has a slightly bitter dark chocolate aftertaste and it’s not as sweet as other versions.
Upgrade the Chef’s Hot Chocolate to the Blossoming Hot Chocolate, which features a marshmallow flower that “blooms” when it touches the liquid. It’s a fun, solid choice, especially if it’s your first time in New York City.
Location: 189 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
Butterfield
Butterfield is a gourmet market with two locations on the Upper East Side. Both locations are great spots to warm up before or after a visit to The Met Museum.
The hot chocolate at Butterfield is great, classic hot chocolate that feels fancy, and during the holiday season the stores basically feel like the market from The Holiday because they’re so cute inside. I like to add a marshmallow to my hot chocolate here because they are the square gourmet kind, and they melt perfectly into your drink to add a subtle creaminess.
1114 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10075
1150 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028
Maman
There are several Maman locations all around the city (and all along the east coat), and I love coming here for their lavender hot chocolate. They use rich cocoa powder, then add the lavender flavor via lavender syrup. It’s subtle and isn’t too sugary while also offering a nice change up from other hot chocolates. While you’re there you can pick up some of their famous delicate confections. I love the almond croissants.
Various Locations
Bar Pisellino
In my opinion, Bar Pisellino, located in the West Village, is hands down the best hot chocolate in NYC. It’s unlike any other in the city because it’s super thick and creamy hot chocolate, made even creamier thanks to the dollop of fresh cream they add to the top. Like, think pillowy fluffy hot chocolate.
In the mornings you can grab a cup of this hot cocoa to go, but I personally love cozying up inside or at one of their tiny outdoor tables (heated in the winter) and grabbing a few tiny sandwiches for a light apéro moment.
52 Grove Street, New York, NY 10014
Rigor Hill Market
The hot chocolate at Rigor Hill Market in Tribeca easily ranks as my number two spot. And honestly, if it wasn’t so rich, it would be my number one.
As first glance the serving looks like a small cup, but I assure you it does not need to be larger. The hot chocolate here is super rich, it’s basically like drinking a melted candy bar. And on top, a few perfectly roasted, sticky marshmallows that melt perfectly into the cup for extra sweetness.
227 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Serendipity3
I haven’t been to Serendipity3 in ages, but it will always be a special place to me, as it was one of the places I visited on my first solo trip to New York City in college. And of course, I love the movie Serendipity, so this is a definite must if you love it, too.
If you haven’t heard of this place, it’s home to its famous frozen hot chocolate, so this is a cold drink, not a hot one. Serendipity3 is actually a restaurant and reservations are required. There’s a location in Times Square, but I prefer the original Upper East Side location.
225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
57 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Glace
Glace is an ice cream shop, but you’ve probably seen their hot chocolate all over social media because of the roasted marshmallow fluff they pipe onto the rim of the cup.
You can grab several different flavors here, from milk chocolate to white chocolate. And although I think the presentation of this hot chocolate is super cute, fun to photograph, and fun to eat, I personally find it a bit too sweet.
The main Glace outpost is on Madison in the Upper East Side, along with a truck in Rockefeller Plaza. However, if you want to visit, I’d recommend sharing it, as I couldn’t finish it by myself.
Various Locations
Laduree
In case you can’t tell from my list, I think the French do hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) very well, and Laduree is no exception.
The hot chocolate here isn’t as thick as Bar Pisellino or Angelina, but it has the same rich flavor, and it’s a solid choice for a classic rich hot chocolate. The one thing to note here is that although delicious, this has a stronger sugary aftertaste than some other hot chocolates on this list.
My favorite location is the one in Soho – make a reservation for lunch or an early dinner and enjoy some food with your hot drink.
Various Locations
Jacques Torres
You may recognize the name Jacques Torres from the original Gossip Girl series. There’s one at Grand Central terminal and another in DUMB, Brooklyn, both with amazing chocolate goodies. You can find everything here, from chocolate truffles and bon bons to cookies and brittle. And of course, hot chocolate!
This was one of the first hot chocolates I tried in NYC many years ago, and it’s still one of my favorites.
Various Locations
Daily Provisions
Daily Provisions is a great spot for breakfast, with a few outposts sprinkled in the city and one location in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
This is your classic hot chocolate – not too thick, not too watery, just right.
