Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a rich cup of hot chocolate.
So, to help Massachusetts residents find the best hot cocoa in the state, we consulted readers, staff, social media and online reviews.
Below you can find a list of some of the best places to grab a cup of hot chocolate in the Bay State.
Eastern Massachusetts
Cocoa: MassLive readers love Cacao’s hot chocolate, which is a blend of high-quality chocolate and warm spices inspired by the owners’ Dominican roots. Boston Magazine included Cacao in its list of “Where to find the greatest hot chocolate in Boston” in 2019. Cocoa has locations in Newton, the South End of Boston and downtown Boston.
Café Vittoria: Not only is Caffe Vittoria known for being Boston’s first Italian coffee shop, it’s also known for hot chocolate. Customers have praised the cafe’s cocoa, with a Written by Yelp reviewer“This was literally the best hot chocolate my daughter and I have ever had!! I live an hour away and will drive into town just for this hot chocolate and amazing treats. Caffe Vittoria is located at 296 Hanover St., Boston.
The big cactus: The Fat Cactus is the place to eat Tucks Truffleswhich appears in the winter markets, incl snow port Holiday Market and SoWa Winter Festival in Boston. Gourmet Cocoa has become a favorite among content creators, including Massachusetts Meatless Gatherings i samsknowhow2eat. You can see The Fat Cactus lineup at Tucks Chocolate’s web site.
Hot Chocolate Sparrow: Customers have left positive reviews of the hot cocoa at Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans on the Cape in both TripAdvisor i Yelp. “The hot chocolate was amazing – smooth, strong and almost buttery,” wrote one person on TripAdvisor. “Probably the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted.” Meanwhile, someone on Yelp said the business had “delicious hot chocolate, coffee and treats!” Hot Chocolate Sparrow is located at 5 Old Colony Way, Orleans.
LA Burdick: LA Burdick’s award-winning hot chocolate, which some compare to a cup of molten chocolate, is just one of the brand’s many chocolate creations. The company has garnered international accolades from outlets such as Time Out, Food and winei Bloomberg. LA Burdick has seven locations throughout the countryincluding three in Massachusetts a Back Bay, Harvard Square i Brookline.
Boston Snack Box: Snacks Box Boston is gone viral on social networks for its hot chocolate with toasted meringue. A content creator he said the cocoa is “smooth and perfectly balanced,” adding that they “enjoyed its rich dark chocolate flavor, while the meringue added a fluffy, aesthetic touch without being overly sugary.” Snacks Box The Boston Truck makes regular appearances at the Seaport near the Boston Medical Center, Charlestown (Navy Yard) on 3rd Ave and Brighton.
central massachusetts
BirchTree Bread Company: MassLive readers and online reviewers suggest trying the hot chocolate at BirchTree Bread Company in Worcester. “My group enjoyed lattes, Thai coconut soup, pain au chocolat, country toast and hot chocolate, all delicious,” one. TripAdvisor review read “Amazing hot chocolate! Always love the atmosphere,” a The Yelp review is read. BirchTree is located in the Canal District at 138 Green St. in Worcester.
The Dogfather Food Truck: MassLive readers hope The Dogfather’s famous hot dogs, chili and hot chocolate will keep them warm all winter long. The food truck makes regular appearances at Worcester Common Oval. You can find The Dogfather’s schedule by looking at the truck schedule Facebook page.
Mrs. Moriconi’s ice cream: Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream in Worcester offers hot drinks, including hot chocolate, at its food truck during the winter. The food truck is popping up around town, including at the Worcester Common Oval and Ecotarium. The storefront is located at number 3 Brussels St. Suite 140 in College Square.
N&J Donuts: People often stop by N&J Donuts in Oxford to shop very decorated fritters. But MassLive readers also called out the business for its hot chocolate. N&J Donuts is located at 315 Main St. in Oxford.
Western Massachusetts / Berkshires
Ana Bandiera Chocolates: Customers say Ana Bandiera Chocolates is “a really nice place to sit and relax with a hot chocolate,” according to a Yelp review. The store sells tons of gourmet chocolates, pastries, drinks and more. Ana Bandiera Chocolates is located at 48 Main St., Northampton.
Chocolate Springs Cafe: MassLive staff and customers alike agree that Chocolate Springs Cafe is a great place to grab a hot chocolate. one Yelp reviewer said the hot chocolate is “smooth and strong,” while another said the cafe is “the best chocolate place in town.” Chocolate Springs Cafe is located at 55 Pittsfield Road in Lenox.
Donut Dip: MassLive readers suggest going to Donut Dip for the donuts and staying for the hot chocolate. The West Springfield shop was named the best donut spot in Massachusetts Food and wine in 2021, but Donut Dip Hot Chocolate is also something to write home about. “We also had some hot chocolate and it was great,” one Yelp review read.” read Donut Dip is located at 1305 Riverdale St., West Springfield.
Fire type chocolate: Firetype Chocolate in Northampton carries imported chocolates from around the world and sells hot chocolate that has been approved by the MassLive staff. An Instagram post of the company indicates that Firetype makes the chocolate for the mochas and Túnica Coffee’s cocoa as well. Firetype Chocolate is located inside the Thornes Marketplace at 150 Main St. in Northampton.
Bread and Dolcetti: Pan’e Dolcetti in Wilbraham is known for great coffee, cakes and artisan breads. But the MassLive staff thinks people should stop by the store to see the hot dark chocolate. Pan’e Dolcetti is located at 2133 Boston Rd in Wilbraham.
Chocolate Tangle: Tangle Chocolate in Williamsburg has a full coffee and hot chocolate bar that the MassLive staff thinks is worth a try. The store is located at 5 Main St., Williamsburg.
Did we miss a place? Email reporter David Cifarelli at dcifarelli@masslive.com for suggestions.