Are you planning a trip to New York City this winter? When those cold afternoons hit, there’s nothing better than stepping into a cozy café and warming up with a delicious hot chocolate.
Whether it’s raining or snowing, a steaming cup of hot chocolate is the perfect way to lift your spirits. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in NYC to enjoy this classic treat. Check it out!
1. Max Brenner
Max Brenner is a chocolate lover’s paradise and a true sensation in New York.
Located near Union Square and close to the famous Strand Bookstore, this large spot is a haven for chocolate fans, but don’t be surprised if it’s packed on cold days. The crowds are justified though, as Max Brenner is dedicated entirely to chocolate, offering a decadent experience like no other.
In fact, Max Brenner has become one of the must-visit stops on New York Food tour during the winter months. Its iconic status and prime location make it a perfect addition to any tour, offering visitors a cozy spot to warm up and indulge in sweet treats while exploring the city. It’s an essential stop to truly experience the best of NYC’s food scene.
Start your visit with a classic cup of hot chocolate, but with an unusual twist—think flavors like peanut butter, spicy chili, or hazelnut. If you’re still craving more, dive into their chocolate pizza topped with marshmallows, chocolate fondue with fluffy clouds of marshmallow, waffles with ice cream and chocolate, or even cocktails with a chocolatey twist.
It’s the ultimate spot for anyone with a sweet tooth, making it a must-stop during a New York Food tour.
2. Glace by nOGLU: The Viral Hot Chocolate
Sometimes, a café finds the perfect formula for success, and its products go viral, driving thousands of visitors. That’s exactly what happened with GLACE by Noglu, an ice cream shop located on the Upper East Side that has become famous for its viral hot chocolate. This standout beverage comes in a cup adorned with a crown of fluffy, toasted marshmallow—a spectacle that makes it a social media sensation.
GLACE by Noglu primarily focuses on ice cream, but with the colder months rolling in, they introduced this hot treat to their menu.
The owner creatively customized a meringue recipe they already had and incorporated it into their traditional hot chocolate. The final touch—flaming the marshmallow crown—creates a picture-perfect moment that’s impossible to resist.
The success has been staggering. On one Saturday alone, they served over 1,200 cups of this viral hot chocolate, setting a record for the shop.
The drink’s popularity is due in no small part to TikTok, where users have shared their experience, prompting others to try it for themselves. With its exceptional quality and Instagram-worthy presentation, GLACE by Noglu has made its mark on the NYC hot chocolate scene.
3. The Chocolate Room
Nestled in the charming neighborhoods of Park Slope and Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, The Chocolate Room is a stunning café dedicated to chocolate. This spot is a dream for chocolate lovers, and their classic hot chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you prefer traditional hot chocolate, dark chocolate, a spicy kick, or even a blend of hot chocolate and coffee, The Chocolate Room has you covered. And for an added challenge, the café offers a mouthwatering array of chocolatey desserts to pair with your drink. From rich cakes to brownies served with ice cream, peanut butter chocolate cheesecake, and cookies, there’s no shortage of indulgent treats to enjoy.
4. Angelina Paris
A few years ago, the iconic Parisian patisserie, Angelina, opened its doors in New York, right next to Bryant Park. This elegant spot is the perfect place to indulge in French delights, from freshly baked macarons and croissants to onion soup and croque monsieur.
But the real star is their legendary hot chocolate, which is one of the best in the city. If you’re looking for something a bit more formal, you can also enjoy their elegant afternoon tea, which includes savory finger sandwiches, sweets like macarons and pastries, and a choice of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Be prepared, though—this luxury experience comes with a price, as their hot chocolate costs around $15. Still, the rich, velvety flavor makes it worth every penny.
5. Martha’s Country Bakery
It’s hard to walk past the window display at Martha’s Country Bakery without stepping inside. With locations in Queens and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this charming bakery is famous for its endless array of cakes and desserts.
Of course, they also serve an excellent hot chocolate. You can go classic or opt for flavors like peanut butter or red velvet—whatever your sweet tooth can handle. And with daily specials like $1 cupcakes or $3 slices of cake, you can indulge without breaking the bank. Martha’s Country Bakery is a cozy spot to escape the cold while satisfying your chocolate cravings.
6. Mariebelle (SoHo)
In the heart of SoHo, Mariebelle offers a luxurious hot chocolate experience that blends tradition with contemporary flair. This boutique chocolate shop is the perfect place to satisfy your chocolate cravings with their selection of gourmet hot chocolates. From classic dark chocolate to more extravagant creations, each cup is a unique and delicious experience.
Mariebelle is an essential stop for chocolate lovers visiting SoHo, and their beautifully crafted drinks are just as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. With so many gourmet options to choose from, you’ll want to savor every sip.
New York City is full of incredible food and spots to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, whether you are exploring the streets of Wall Street or the charming neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
So, grab your coat and treat yourself to one of these hot chocolate havens on your next cold day in NYC!