You’ve been out in the cold all day, maybe sledding at the Central Park Winter Jam, curling in Prospect Park or perhaps you participated in the No Pants on the Subway event ( in which case you really need something warm to drink)? What better way to warm up than with a nice cup of hot chocolate. Here are three of my favorite places.
Max Brenner-Union Square 841 Broadway between 13th and 14th Street
At Max Brenner’s, the king of chocolate, you can get your classic cup of hot chocolate but what about trying something new, swiss whipped, peanut butter or my favorite Mexican spicy, hot chocolate with red chili, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper? Hot chocolate is so important here they designed a special mug called the Hug Mug, meant to be hugged in both hands to create the ultimate drinking experience.
The City Bakery- 3 West 18th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
The hot chocolate here is so rich, thick and chocolaty it’s like a candy bar exploding in your mouth. Not surprising it’s so delicious,they take their hot chocolate very seriously every February City Bakery hosts a Hot Chocolate Festival, serving a different hot chocolate every day.
Lexington Candy Shop 1226 Lexington at 83rd Street
Founded in 1925, Lexington Candy Shop is NYC’s reminder of a bygone era when soda fountains and luncheonettes were fixtures in every neighborhood throughout the city. The cocoa here is good old fashion Nestle, but the atmosphere is worth the trip.