Best Hot Chocolate in Richmond

With the increasingly cold weather we’ve been having this winter, we’re all looking for ways to warm up. And what better way to add a little warmth than a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Of course, making hot chocolate at home is easy enough. Just open a packet, add hot water, throw in some marshmallows…and voila.

And that’s fine for the everyday. However, there are times when the weather calls for an extra special cup of hot chocolate – the kind that isn’t just a warm beverage, but a food group in and of itself. That’s when you know you need a special treat and fortunately, Richmond is just the place to find it.

We took at look at some of the places in Richmond that are known for their especially spectacular hot chocolate. And while there are many places to find a great cup of hot chocolate, there were a few places that stood out above the rest.

To pick our favorite cups of hot chocolate, we looked for a few things in particular. We looked for options that included:

1. House recipes (i.e., no powder and water mixes here!)
2. Special options or features that made it unique
3. Other options available for those who may not want chocolate

It didn’t take long to identify the following five places as hot chocolate masters. Take a look at our list and we think you’ll understand why! In the meantime, if you know of a place that serves hot chocolate that’s a cut above the rest, let us know! Drop us a line any time at [email protected].

5. Can Can Brasserie

This French restaurant in Carytown serves up chocolate-y goodness that Style Weekly called “dessert in a cup” when they named it the best hot chocolate in Richmond. And we’re happy to say, it does not disappoint. Can Can’s hot chocolate, or Chocolat Chaud as it’s properly named on their menu, is comprised of house-made chocolate ganache and steamy milk, then topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. You may not want to serve this to toddlers right before bed, but there’s no questions that Can Can’s hot chocolate is a treat the whole family will love.

Address:
3120 W Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 358-7274

4. Stir Crazy Cafe 

Located in the Northside of Richmond, Stir Crazy Cafe is a neighborhood favorite for warm beverages, great food, and community connections. With its relaxed vibe and cozy feel, it’s the perfect place to bring the family for a winter warm-up. Choose from their extensive drinks menu, which includes a wide range of coffees, lattes, teas, smoothies, and of course, their signature hot chocolate made from creamy chocolate blended with steamed milk. If, for reasons beyond our understanding, chocolate isn’t your thing – try a steamer made with steamed milk and your choice of Stir Crazy’s housemade syrups.

Address:
4015 MacArthur Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 864-0264

3. Cafespresso 

This West End gem is a coffee shop and taste of Italy all in one. Featuring homemade breakfasts, sandwiches, pastries, and more, Cafespresso puts their signature touch on everything they do, including their hot chocolate, of course. Their Italian hot chocolate, a blend that is much thicker and richer than traditional hot chocolate, is a combination of chocolate blended with milk then topped with foam “art” to make a treat that is as fun to drink as it is delicious. And for who want to kick their chocolate up a notch – try the Dante’s Inferno, a creatively crazy blend of espresso, spicy milk, raspberry syrup, and chocolate. If that’s a little too daring, go for a mix of hot chocolate and espresso with Cafespresso’s Espresso Coco. You really can’t go wrong.

Address:
1127 Gaskins Rd.
Richmond, VA 23238
(804) 750-1099

2. Ironclad Coffee Roasters

If craft breweries are where you go to get beer that has been lovingly and carefully created as opposed to mass produced, then Ironclad Coffee Roasters is where you go to find the same attention to detail and thoughtful preparation of your favorite coffee. When Ironclad Coffee Roasters opened in a 130-year old firehouse this past July, they were already experts in their field after having run a coffee roasting and wholesale business out of Manchester for two and a half years. So really, it’s no surprise that in addition to some of the city’s best coffee, they also make a killer hot chocolate – or “drinking chocolate,” which sounds even better as far as we’re concerned. Stop in for a warm cup of chocolate paired with their fresh baked goods and warm up at one of their large farm-style tables, kick back on a comfy couch, or once the weather improves, enjoy the view from the outdoor patio.

Address:
1805 East Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 709-0998

1. Shyndigz

If you’re familiar with our Best of Richmond series, then you’ll already know, when it comes to finding the best sweet treats in Richmond, Shyndigz is a winner time and again. In fact, when Livingly, an online lifestyle resource, named the best dessert in every state, it was Shyndigz’s Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake that took the prize for the state of Virginia. So as you might well imagine, if there’s anyone who knows how to make a supreme cup of hot chocolate, it’s going to be the experts at Shyndigz. With their ever-rotating menu of cakes, pies, cookies, and more, you’ll always have a delightful pairing of desserts to go with your hot chocolate – or you can simply enjoy it as a treat by itself. You’ll find the perfect cup of chocolate at their full-service cafe and Shyndigz Market & 2go Cafe just next door.

Address:
Shyndigz Café
1903 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 938-3449

Shyndigz Market & 2go Café
1831 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 938-3449

For more amazing family-friendly resources, locations, activities, and ideas, be sure to check out our complete Best of Richmond series – only at Richmond Mom!