Scarves, hats, coats, gloves, and boots are starting to appear on the streets of New York City – it must almost be winter. On a cold day in the city everyone needs something to warm his or her chilled bones and the quickest way is with a nice cup of hot chocolate. The city offers a wide variety of hot chocolate vendors to choose from but here are some of the best.
3 West 18th St.; 212-366-1414
One of the most popular food destinations also holds one of the best cups of hot cocoa you can get in the city. The hot chocolate is so good that come February the bakery holds a hot chocolate festival featuring a different hot chocolate each day of the month. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon pastries and desserts, The City Bakery is a one-of-a-kind destination to warm you up.
225 East 60th St.; 212-838-3531
Craving something sweeter than hot chocolate? Look no further than Serendipity’s Original Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. Whether you are craving a burger and fries or one of the 10 sundaes they offer, Serendipity has something to please everyone. The restaurant speaks to what the title means: the art of finding the pleasantly unexpected by chance or sagacity. Some happen upon the crowded restaurant by chance walking down 60th street, while others come to New York for the novelty of the place. Whatever the reason, it’s a warm welcome from the cold outside.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to check out Jacques Torres Chocolate. With locations in Grand Central, SoHo, NoHo, the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, on 69th Street, Rockefeller Center, and in Dumbo, it’s reachable from anywhere in Manhattan. Step inside for an incredible collection of chocolate and take a sip of the rich hot chocolate they have to offer.
841 Broadway; 646-467-8803
Need a date night or an evening with friends? Max Brenner offers the perfect location for both with a menu featuring burgers and sandwiches to milkshakes and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate comes in a hug mug, a mug specially designed for the hot chocolate drinking ceremony. You hold it in both hands to create the ultimate amount of warmth and fragrance in your experience.
42 East 20th St.; 212-477-0777
Add some alcohol to your evening with Gramercy Tavern’s hot chocolate martini. Take a step into the tavern or dining room at 42 East 20th Street to experience this delicacy of Gramercy. The restaurant offers two dining experiences the tavern with an a la carte menu in a casual, walk-in setting or the dining room with fixed-prices and tasting menus.
