The winter is the perfect time to indulge in 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 get a cup of hot chocolate in the Bay State.
Eastern Massachusetts
Cacao: 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 on its list of “Where to Find Greater Boston’s Greatest Hot Chocolate” in 2019. Cacao has locations in Newton, Boston’s South End and Downtown Boston.
Caffe Vittoria: Caffe Vittoria is not only known for being Boston’s first Italian cafe, it is also known for hot chocolate. Customers have raved about the cafe’s cocoa, with one Yelp reviewer writing, “Literally this was the best hot chocolate my daughter and I ever had!! I live an hour away and I will drive into the city just for those hot chocolate and awesome goodies.” Caffe Vittoria is located at 296 Hanover St., Boston.
The Fat Cactus: The Fat Cactus is the food stand from Tucks Truffles, which pops up at winter markets, including Snowport Holiday Market and SoWa Winter Festival in Boston. The gourmet cocoa has become a favorite amongst content creators, including Massachusetts Meatless Finds and samsknowhow2eat. You can see The Fat Cactus’ schedule on Tucks Chocolate’s website.
Hot Chocolate Sparrow: Customers have left positive reviews about the hot cocoa at Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans on the Cape on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. “The hot chocolate was amazing — smooth and strong and almost buttery,” one person wrote on TripAdvisor. “Probably the best cup of hot chocolate that 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.
L.A. Burdick: L.A. Burdick’s award-winning hot chocolate — which some liken to a cup of melted chocolate — is just one of the brand’s many chocolate creations. The company has earned international praise from outlets such as Time Out, Food & Wine, and Bloomberg. L.A. Burdick has seven locations nationwide, including three in Massachusetts in Back Bay, Harvard Square and Brookline.
Snacks Box Boston: Snacks Box Boston has gone viral on social media for its toasted merengue-rimmed hot chocolate. One content creator said the cocoa is “smooth and perfectly balanced,” adding that they “enjoyed its rich dark chocolate flavor, while the meringue added a fluffy, great aesthetic touch without being too sugary.” Snacks Box Boston’s truck makes regular appearances in Seaport, near Boston Medical Center, in Charlestown (Navy Yard) on 3rd Ave and in 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 a latte, Thai coconut soup, pain au chocolat, toasted country bread and hot chocolate, all delicious,” one TripAdvisor review reads. “Amazing hot chocolate! Always love the vibe,” a Yelp review reads. BirchTree is located in the Canal District at 138 Green St. in Worcester.
The Dogfather Food Truck: MassLive readers are looking forward to being kept warm by The Dogfather’s famous hot dogs, chili and hot chocolate all winter. The food truck makes regular appearances at the Worcester Common Oval. You can find The Dogfather’s schedule by checking the truck’s Facebook page.
Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream: Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream in Worcester offers hot beverages, including hot chocolate, at its food truck during the winter. The food truck pops up around the city, including at the Worcester Common Oval and Ecotarium. The storefront is located at 3 Brussels St. Suite 140 in College Square.
N&J Donuts: People typically stop by N&J Donuts in Oxford for the shop’s highly decorated doughnuts. But MassLive readers also shouted 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 good place to sit down and chill out with a hot chocolate,” according to one Yelp review. The shop sells tons of gourmet chocolates, pastries, beverages and more. Ana Bandiera Chocolates is located at 48 Main St., Northampton.
Chocolate Springs Cafe: MassLive staff and customers 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 heading to Donut Dip for the doughnuts and staying for the hot chocolate. The West Springfield shop was named the best place for doughnuts in Massachusetts by Food & Wine in 2021, but Donut Dip’s hot chocolate is also something to write home about. “We also had some hot chocolate and that was fantastic,” one Yelp review reads.” Donut Dip is located at 1305 Riverdale St., West Springfield.
Firetype Chocolate: Firetype Chocolate in Northampton carries imported chocolates from around the world and sells hot chocolate that’s been approved by MassLive staff. An Instagram post from the business indicates that Firetype makes the chocolate for Tunic Coffee’s mochas and cocoa as well. Firetype Chocolate is located inside Thornes Marketplace at 150 Main St., in Northampton.
Pan’e Dolcetti: Pan’e Dolcetti in Wilbraham is known for great coffee, pastries and artisanal breads. But MassLive staff thinks that folks should swing by the shop to check out the dark hot chocolate. Pan’e Dolcetti is located at 2133 Boston Rd in Wilbraham.
Tangle Chocolate: Tangle Chocolate in Williamsburg features a full coffee and chocolate bar with hot chocolate that MassLive staff believes is worth trying. The shop is located at 5 Main St., Williamsburg.
Did we miss a spot? Email reporter David Cifarelli at dcifarelli@masslive.com for suggestions.
