14 Places In New York Where The Hot Chocolate Is Worth Savoring Including City Bakery

Winter in New York brings a special kind of magic, and nothing warms you up quite like a cup of exceptional hot chocolate.

The city’s cafés and bakeries have perfected this cozy beverage, turning it into an art form worth seeking out.

From thick, rich European-style drinks to creative concoctions with blooming marshmallows, I’ll guide you through the best spots where every sip feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

1. The City Bakery

February transforms this bakery into a chocolate lover’s paradise during their famous Hot Chocolate Festival.

Located at 3 W 18th St between 5th and 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, this spot serves what many consider the city’s most indulgent version.

The hot chocolate here isn’t just thick it’s practically pudding in a cup, crowned with a homemade marshmallow that slowly melts into the rich mixture below.

Every day of February brings a different flavor to try.

Past variations have included salted caramel, peanut butter, and even bacon-infused versions.

The bakery itself offers plenty of other treats, but regulars know the hot chocolate is the real star.

I recommend arriving early on weekends because the line can stretch out the door.

2. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

Sipping hot chocolate here feels like stepping into a European chocolate house from another era.

You’ll find this gem at 156 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, tucked into the charming streets of SoHo.

The recipe follows traditional European methods, using single-origin dark chocolate that creates layers of flavor in every sip.

Unlike the thick, sweet versions at other spots, this one leans sophisticated and complex.

The chocolate comes from carefully selected cacao beans, giving it notes you won’t find in mass-produced versions.

I suggest pairing your drink with one of their handmade truffles for the complete experience.

The small, intimate space makes it perfect for a quiet afternoon break from shopping or exploring the neighborhood.

3. Dominique Ansel Bakery

Creativity meets comfort in this bakery’s playful approach to the classic winter drink.

Located at 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, the same genius behind the Cronut has reimagined hot chocolate with his signature innovation.

The ‘blooming marshmallow’ starts as a tight bud floating on top, then slowly unfurls like a flower as the heat works its magic.

Watching this transformation happen is almost as satisfying as drinking it.

The chocolate itself is velvety and perfectly balanced not too sweet, not too bitter.

I love that this place proves dessert can be both delicious and entertaining.

The bakery gets crowded, especially on weekends, so I recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon when you can actually snag a seat and enjoy the show.

4. La Maison du Chocolat Rockefeller

Parisian elegance meets Midtown convenience at this luxurious chocolate destination.

Situated at 51 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020, right in the heart of Rockefeller Center, this outpost of the famous French chocolatier serves hot chocolate exactly as they do in Paris.

The recipe has been perfected over decades, resulting in a drink that’s simultaneously rich and refined.

Each cup is made with their signature chocolate blend, creating a smooth texture that coats your tongue without feeling heavy.

The setting matches the quality polished, sophisticated, and perfect for treating yourself after ice skating or shopping nearby.

I find the classic version absolutely perfect, though they also offer variations with different chocolate percentages for true connoisseurs.

5. Jacques Torres Chocolate

Mr. Chocolate himself created the recipe that keeps locals coming back year after year.

With locations including one in DUMBO, Brooklyn, this chocolate factory and café serves a version that strikes the perfect balance between decadent and drinkable.

Jacques Torres, a legendary pastry chef, designed this hot chocolate to showcase the quality of his handmade chocolates.

The result is incredibly smooth with a deep chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet.

You can actually taste the craftsmanship in every sip.

I recommend getting it topped with fresh whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.

The DUMBO location offers gorgeous views of the Manhattan Bridge, making it an ideal spot to warm up while taking in the scenery during a Brooklyn adventure.

6. Kee’s Chocolates

Small-batch perfection defines everything at this award-winning chocolate shop.

Located in SoHo, this intimate spot takes hot chocolate seriously, treating it as a showcase for their exceptional chocolate-making skills.

Owner Kee Ling Tong has won numerous awards for her truffles, and that same attention to detail goes into every cup.

The hot chocolate here is made to order using freshly melted chocolate rather than a pre-made mix.

This means you’re getting the freshest possible version, with flavors that pop.

I appreciate how they don’t drown the chocolate taste in sugar or milk the cacao shines through beautifully.

The shop is tiny, so many people take their drinks to go, but I prefer savoring mine slowly while browsing the gorgeous truffle selection.

7. MarieBelle

Aztec spices meet modern luxury in this stunning chocolate boutique’s signature drink.

You’ll discover this beautiful space in SoHo, where the hot chocolate menu goes beyond basic with options like the Aztec version featuring cinnamon and chili.

The space itself feels like a chocolate museum, with colorful ganache squares displayed like precious jewels.

Their classic hot chocolate is exceptional, but I always gravitate toward the spiced version for something more adventurous.

The subtle heat from the chili enhances rather than overwhelms the chocolate.

Everything here is Instagram-worthy, from the packaging to the presentation, but the taste backs up the beauty.

I suggest visiting during off-peak hours because the small Cacao Bar fills up quickly with people wanting the full experience.

8. Chocolate Bar

Neighborhood charm and serious chocolate credentials combine at this Village favorite.

Located in Greenwich Village, this unpretentious spot has been serving chocolate-obsessed New Yorkers since 2001.

The hot chocolate menu offers several variations, including dark, milk, and white chocolate versions, plus seasonal specials that change with the weather.

What I love most is the relaxed atmosphere no fancy frills, just really good hot chocolate in a comfortable setting.

You can customize your drink with different toppings and mix-ins, making it fun to try something new each visit.

The prices are reasonable compared to some of the fancier spots, making it perfect for regular indulgence rather than special occasions only.

Grab a window seat if you can and watch Village life unfold while you sip.

9. Max Brenner

Theater meets chocolate at this playful restaurant where the drinks are as fun as they are delicious.

With a Union Square location, this Australian chocolate chain turned hot chocolate into an experience with their famous ‘Hug Mug’ a bowl-like cup you can wrap both hands around.

The menu features multiple hot chocolate varieties, from classic to salted caramel to dark chocolate with chili.

Some versions come with chunks of solid chocolate that melt as you drink, changing the flavor and texture as you go.

The whole place celebrates chocolate in every form, from the décor to the menu to the chocolate-making demonstrations.

I think it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants their hot chocolate with a side of entertainment.

Yes, it’s touristy, but sometimes touristy things are popular for good reasons.

10. Balthazar Bakery

Classic French technique produces a hot chocolate that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Located in SoHo, this beloved bakery attached to the famous restaurant serves a traditional French version that’s been perfected over years.

The chocolate is properly tempered and mixed with steamed milk to create a drink that’s creamy without being heavy.

What sets it apart is the quality of ingredients and the precision of preparation no shortcuts here.

I always pair mine with one of their incredible pastries, especially the croissants or pain au chocolat.

The bakery counter can get busy during morning rush, but the line moves quickly.

Grab your order and find a spot to people-watch through the large windows.

It’s quintessential New York, enhanced by that unmistakable French touch that makes everything feel a bit more special.

11. Caffè Reggio

History and chocolate come together at one of New York’s oldest coffeehouses.

You’ll find this landmark at 119 MacDougal St in Greenwich Village, where it’s been serving since 1927.

The hot chocolate here follows Italian tradition thicker and more intense than American versions, almost like drinking melted chocolate.

The vintage interior, complete with antique espresso machines and Renaissance paintings, transports you to another era.

Regulars have been coming here for decades, and you can feel that continuity in every detail.

I love that this place hasn’t changed much over the years, staying true to its roots while trendy spots come and go around it.

The hot chocolate is reasonably priced and generously portioned.

Sit at one of the small marble tables and imagine all the artists, writers, and musicians who’ve warmed their hands on cups in this exact spot.

12. Serendipity 3

Frozen hot chocolate sounds like a contradiction, but this famous dessert has been delighting visitors since 1954.

Located on the Upper East Side, this whimsical restaurant turned hot chocolate into a cold treat that’s become world-famous.

The original frozen hot chocolate is made with a secret blend of cocoas, blended with ice and topped with mountains of whipped cream.

It’s more dessert than beverage, rich enough to share but so good you might not want to.

The quirky, colorful décor adds to the fun this place doesn’t take itself too seriously.

I recommend going with friends and ordering a few different desserts to share family-style.

The portions are huge, the prices reflect the tourist-friendly location, but the nostalgia and pure enjoyment factor make it worthwhile at least once.

They also serve traditional hot versions if you prefer your chocolate actually hot.

13. Eataly NYC Flatiron

Italian cioccolata calda brings authentic European thickness to this massive Italian marketplace.

Located in the Flatiron District, this sprawling food emporium offers hot chocolate at several of its cafés and counters.

The Italian version here is notably thicker than American hot chocolate, almost like a warm chocolate pudding you can drink.

It’s made with high-quality Italian chocolate and minimal milk, letting the cacao flavor dominate.

The marketplace setting means you can grab your drink and wander through aisles of imported Italian goods.

I suggest pairing it with some biscotti or a pastry from the bakery section for a truly Italian experience.

The atmosphere is lively and busy, especially on weekends, but that energy is part of the appeal.

Multiple locations throughout the building serve it, so you can grab one wherever you happen to be shopping or eating.

14. Rocco’s Pastry Shop

Family recipes and neighborhood tradition have kept this Little Italy institution going strong since 1974.

Located in Little Italy, this old-school pastry shop serves hot chocolate the way Italian grandmothers have made it for generations.

The version here is dense, rich, and seriously chocolatey a far cry from the watery versions at chain coffee shops.

Everything in the display cases is made fresh daily, from cannoli to sfogliatelle to cookies.

The hot chocolate fits right in with that commitment to quality and authenticity.

I appreciate places like this that haven’t changed their recipes or atmosphere to chase trends.

The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers with warmth.

Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the whole experience feels genuine.

Visit during the holidays when the shop is decorated and even more festive than usual.