Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Washington, DC

Baked by Yael

As is the M.O. for Baked by Yael, DC's first cakepoppery®, which doles out sweet delights on a stick, the hot chocolate here also gets similar treatment. Forget cocoa powder – stir a block of delicious gourmet Belgian chocolate on the end of a wooden spoon into the hot beverage of your choice: milk, water, or coffee. The interactive element to this hot chocolate makes it taste that much sweeter.  While you're at Baked by Yael, be sure to check out their nut-free and kosher baked goods, made from scratch in their bakery across from  the National Zoo.

 

 

 

 

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With six locations throughout the capital region, including three in the District, you’re never too far from an authentic Italian gelato fix. But this Baltimore-based chain offers more than just the frozen treat. Pitango takes hot chocolate to a whole new level with its traditional sipping chocolate, an elixir straight from Torino, Italy. This thick, intense, bittersweet concoction has the consistency of pudding or melted chocolate. Packed full of low-fat, additive-free, pure cocoa, Pitango’s sipping chocolate makes for a smooth treat. Some enjoy it with steamed milk, whipped cream or even straight up.

 

 

 

 

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The handmade churros from the vibrant 14th Street eatery were made for dipping into a cup of Cuban hot cocoa. The sweet cinnamon sugar swirls perfectly with the Spanish-style chocolate, making for the perfect combination sure to please your taste buds. With a new location at the Wharf, you can sip this classic Cuban hot chocolate with spectacular waterfront views.

 

 

 

 

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Known for its custom latte art by talented artisan baristas, this charming café in historic Georgetown now offers peppermint hot chocolate as part of its holiday menu. This hot drink at Café Georgetown is sure to glam up your ‘gram and get you ready for the season with colorful candy cane artwork floating on top.

With seven locations in the DC area, including five in the District, Busboys and Poets offers plenty of spots for you to satisfy your cravings for hot chocolate and beyond. And when we say “beyond,” we mean it. In addition to the classic hot chocolate, their menu includes epic items such as a thin mint latte and café medici (think chocolate plus espresso, topped with whipped cream and orange slices).

In addition to its expansive outdoor seating options, the firepits at Wunder Garten are the perfect complement for the ultimate cozy experience this winter. What makes it even better? Treating yourself to their spiked butterscotch hot chocolate, which is as delicious as it sounds.

Sweeten up your brunch at Stable with a unique spin on a boozy hot chocolate: the Schoggi Twist. This beverage is made using hot caotina chocolate with Godiva chocolate and mint liquors, and made complete with a topping of whip cream. Warm up with one of these before exploring the rest of DC’s vibrant H Street neighborhood.  

With dine in and to-go options, you can enjoy the “Hot Chocolate in Paradise” at the restaurant or at home! Located in Dupont Circle, McClellan’s Retreat offers this unique hot chocolate made with dark rum, crème de cacao and other delicious ingredients. Be sure to check out their full menu when you order for pick-up, delivery or while dining in.