Boston’s official first snow is on the horizon, the very official marker for the beginning of hot chocolate season. This tasty, chocolatey cup of absolute goodness is key to keeping warm during the cold New England winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! So because we cannot go through winter without this wonderful, decadent elixir, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots to discover the best hot chocolate in Boston.
1. L.A. Burdick, Back Bay
Hot chocolate comes in small doses at this popular Back Bay spot. But don’t be fooled by its small appearance, Burdick’s “drinking chocolate” is made with either their dark, milk or white chocolate blends, all mixed in a rich and creamy cup of chocolatey goodness!
Where: 220 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA; 52 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA
When: Daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2. Thinking Cup, Multiple Locations
One of the best places to grab coffee in The Hub, Thinking Cup also offers two excellent kinds of hot chocolate: a French-style one made with melted chocolate and a Tainori Valhrona. Yum!
Where: Multiple locations
When: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3. Tatte Bakery, Multiple Locations
Coffee and baked goods are pretty amazing at Tatte, but their Belgian hot chocolate is a total must try as well! Their drinking chocolate is hand mixed using Valrhona chocolate for a creamy, rich cup of some of the best hot chocolate in Boston!
Where: Multiple locations
When: Check Tatte’s website for the exact hours of the shop nearest to you.
4. Paris Creperie, Coolidge Corner
This Coolidge Corner spot takes hot chocolate to a whole new level with their decadent Nutella hot chocolate. Pair it with one of their amazing crepes for the ultimate chocolatey experience!
Where: 278 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
When: Sunday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m; Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Stephanie’s on Newbury, Back Bay
This Newbury spot has gone all out for hot chocolate season! Stephanie’s offers decadent rotating options such as a classic hot chocolate, a dark bittersweet, a dulce de leche and a toasted coconut hot cocoa.
Where: 190 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.
When: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
6. Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop, Fenway-Kenmore
All of Oakleaf Bakery’s hot chocolate mixes are made in house. Pick from a classic chocolate or a spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate with cinnamon, dark cocoa and cayenne pepper. Add a homemade marshmallow and you’re good to go!
Where: 12 Westland Ave, Boston, MA 02115
When: Daily, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7. Diesel Café, Sommerville
At this Sommerville cafe they make their hot chocolate using chocolate syrup in house with Dutch cocoa powder, sugar, and water for a rich and tasty cup of cocoa. You can snag a cup by making your order online and picking up it up curbside or stopping inside.
Where: 257 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
When: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Curio Coffee, Cambridge
At Curio they serve their Taza hot chocolate, a Somerville bred brand, with a side of the best waffles in Massachusetts — the perfect combo for keeping warm and cozy on a cold winter’s day!
Where: 441 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141
When: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9. FoMu, Multiple Locations
Are you dairy and gluten-free? Don’t worry, FoMu’s got you with its delicious vegan and dairy-free hot cocoa. All of the chocolatey goodness with none of the dairy, and of course they have some of the world’s best vegan ice cream!
Where: Find your nearest FoMu
When: Hours vary by location
10.Cacao, South End
This spot focuses on producing delicious combinations of nuts and chocolates, but with a shop entirely dedicated to selling the best cacao has to offer you can imagine they also have some pretty good hot chocolates. Cacao offers three types of drinking chocolate including a traditional one, a 70% dark chocolate mix and a spicy hot chocolate!
Where:570 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
For suburban folk, you can find their Newton location at 23 Lincoln St, Newton, MA 02461!
When: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11. Four Seasons One Dalton, Back Bay
The lobby at the Four Seasons One Dalton is now a chocolate lover’s wonderland. Stop by their seasonal hot chocolate bar featuring milk and dark bases with a a variety of extravagant toppings like vanilla swirl fluff and chocolate pearls!
Where: 1 Dalton St, Boston
When: Weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekends from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
12. Sofra Bakery, Multiple locations
The Halva hot chocolate is a seasonal delight Bostonians look forward to every winter. Find it in Cambridge or their newly opened Allston shop!
Where: 210 North Harvard St. Boston, MA 02134 and 1 Belmont St. Cambridge, MA 02138
When: Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
13. Woods Hill Pier 4
Arguably one of the best hot chocolates in Boston, the pastry team at Woods Hill Pier 4 takes hot chocolate to the next level with a tableside service. Build your perfect cup and finish it with a spoon made of chocolate to stir your fixings.
Where: 300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210
When: The cocoa cart will return in December 2024 or January 2025. Date TBA.