It’s hot chocolate season, folks.
It’s safe to say that there aren’t many of us keen on the bitter cold; however, the cold does provide a rare opportunity to get extra cozy. After all (real) winter only comes this way every once in a while, might as well use it to rejoice in the wintry splendors otherwise inappropriate for typical Houston humidity. For hot chocolate, the arguable symbol of coziness in the wintertime, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best spots to warm up in Houston.
1. Araya Artisan Chocolate
This Venezuelan family-owned confectionary has been gracing the City of Houston with their handcrafted chocolate creations for over a decade. Utilizing a tantalizing mix of cacao, spices, nuts, and fruits, their chocolates are some of the best in town. Araya makes their hot chocolate, available in small or large, by pouring rich blended chocolate into warm milk, resulting in one cup of pure joy.
2. Hugo’s
Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef, Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s serves a delicious spread of authentic, yet innovative, Mexican cuisine that has garnered a trophy case-worth of awards over the years.
In addition to mixing some magnificent margaritas, Hugo’s also makes one hell of a hot chocolate – get yours with a side of churros. Buen provecho!
3. Cacao & Cardamom
The highly-acclaimed confectionary uses chocolate as a medium for its dazzling array of exotic spices. Here, you can find an adventurous and aesthetically beautiful bonbons in flavors that encompass everything from Strawberry Szechuan and Guava Tamarind, to Peppermint Oreo Crunch, Gluhwein, and Maple Pecan.
In addition, Cacao & Cardamom’s hot chocolate is simply fabulous – you’ll want to bathe in it, it’s that good!
4. Chocolate Bar
Located in Rice Village at 2522 University Blvd., the Chocolate Bar trades in handmade chocolates, baked goods, and ice creams. Their hot chocolate is made European style, that is, thick and divinely rich. As one Yelp user wrote, their “hot chocolate drink should be a class A narcotic.”
5. Amorino Gelato
Set in Uptown, Amorino is a French-born Italian gelato parlor that creates spectacular ice cream treats. Their signature floral cones will make your taste buds fall in love. Come wintertime, Amorino serves authentic Italian hot chocolate sure to give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings inside.
6. Agora
Whether cozying up with a book, bearing down to grind out some work, catching up with a friend over a glass of wine, or fueling up to cruise the Westheimer thrift shops, Agora is the place to go.
Furnished with antiques, complete with ornamental replica art pieces, the cozy wooded anterior makes for the perfect atmosphere to sit by a window and watch the world go by.
In addition to an assortment of coffees, teas, and alcoholic libations, Agora offers a rich, sweet whipped cream-topped hot cocoa by which to pair perfectly with the cozy environment.
7. Dessert Gallery Bakery
If the delightfully decorated, and positively wonderful, cookies – not to mention their splendid array of cakes – weren’t enough to beckon you into Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe, their Hot Cocoa Bombs surely will. Just take a look at the short video above and tell us you don’t want that.
8. Antidote Coffee
The Westheimer cafe and patio hangout offers a laidback atmosphere to chill, study, work, and/or write articles about hot chocolate. In addition to excellent coffees, lates, beers, and wines, Antidote serves one killer hot chocolate as a sure remedy for a cold day.
9. The Coffee House in West End
Whether you’re in need of a place to study, spend a date, lounge with friends, or simply sip on hot delicious coffee – if you’re in The Heights, you’re in luck. The Coffee House at West End is now open at 802 Shepherd Dr., that is, a three-story coffee shop that features top-notch joe, a cozy interior, and a stunning rooftop with sweeping views of the Houston skyline. If coffee’s not your kick, opt for their hot chocolate made with steamed milk and chocolate syrup.
See also: Ward Off The Elements At These 10 Cozy Bars In Houston