Today is National Hot Chocolate Day! We’ve rounded up our favorite spots around New York City to cozy up with a cup and celebrate the right way.
GLACE by Noglu (Upper East Side)
For nearly ten years, Noglu has offered Upper East Siders contemporary confections–particularly of the gluten-free variety–straight from Paris, thanks to owner Eli Zabar. Last year, Zabar’s son Sasha opened Glace within the space: the aptly-named French ice cream shop. During the winter, the bright, pink-trimmed space becomes a hot chocolate hub, with lines wrapped around the block awaiting their decadent hot chocolate topped with a scoop of housemade whipped cream, complete with a bruléed marshmallow fluff rim. Flavors range from Classic to Peppermint and even Cookies & Cream.
Bad Habit (East Village)
Touting some of the city’s most inventive scoops, this East Village ice cream shop also happens to offer a decadent cup of hot chocolate, especially when elevated to their signature Hot Chocolate Affogato. Keep it simple with their Madagascar Vanilla, or opt for one of their daily rotating flavors.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)
This quaint old-school ice cream parlor and soda fountain brings droves of patrons to Carroll Gardens. In keeping with modern times, there are numerous hot and frozen options, but we recommend keeping it classic. Served in a white mug with their beloved vintage-inspired logo, this light and fluffy hot chocolate should always be topped with their torched marshmallow fluff.
Angelina (Bryant Park)
Nestled throughout Manhattan, Angelina brings exquisite Parisian offerings to the Big Apple. While you can get a to-go cup, this hot chocolate is best enjoyed within their elegant tea room. Thick, velvety, and truly a class all its own, this hot chocolate is nothing short of indulgent. Good luck recreating it at home: their recipe has been closely guarded for over 100 years.
Via Porta (West Village)
This cozy café in the West Village is operated by the L’Artusi team. Those searching for a spicier, more bitter option will thoroughly enjoy their seasonal hot chocolate, spiced with cloves, nutmeg, and a touch of citrus. It’s topped off with a homemade marshmallow, which is torched in front of you. Grab your cup and go, or grab a seat and enjoy while people-watching.
Rigor Hill Market (Tribeca)
Don’t let this hot chocolate being served in a soup container fool you: the Michelin-rated team at this neighborhood market knows what they’re doing. Remove the lid to uncover a blend of rich dark chocolate and whole milk with a touch of cinnamon. An almost comical amount of soft, bouncy house-crafted marshmallows are placed atop with tweezers, then torched to perfection, giving way to a smoky yet sugary layer of flavor.
LYSÉE (Flatiron)
Dairy-free, yet just as delicious––we would expect nothing less from the baking masterminds who brought us the ever-famous “Corn” pastry. Made with buckwheat-infused oat milk and Valrhona dark chocolate, it’s finished with a toasted marshmallow. You’ll pay a pretty penny for this variation ($11.50), but we think it’s worth the splurge.
Bar Pisellino (Greenwich Village)
Italophiles will rejoice to discover this Greenwich Village institution’s take on hot chocolate. Composed of milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch, this traditional Italian recipe is reminiscent of a melted chocolate bar and even a bit like a pudding. Add a dollop of their housemade “panna” (whipped cream).
Frenchette Bakery (Tribeca)
Dark, bitter, and thick, this hot chocolate is the perfect swap for your typical morning jo in the heart of TriBeCa. Topped with a toasted house-made chartreuse marshmallow, this cup is best accompanied by one of their medley of croissants.
