Hot Chocolate in New York
Hot Chocolate in New York

Hot chocolate! Is it the silver lining of the cold weather months? Whatever your feelings about winter, there’s no denying that one of its most comforting aspects is a steaming mug of cocoa. Since New Yorkers walk around so much, regardless of the temperatures outside, they understand this better than anyone – so as a public service, New York Habitat now presents an introductory guide to some of the most dependable sources for hot chocolate in the city.

(This is by no means a comprehensive list, and obviously tastes will vary. But trust us when we say that any one of the following options is better than the Swiss Miss or Nestle packet you’d be stuck with at home!)

Arguably the Holy Grail for New York chocoholics is Jacques Torres Chocolate. Dubbed “the city’s own Willie Wonka” by New York magazine, Torres has won the loyalty of New Yorkers for years now with the thick, dark confection that’s his signature blend. If you’re in Manhattan, you’ll want to visit the Tribeca location at 350 Hudson Street, just below West Houston, and if you’re in Brooklyn, don’t miss the beloved Jacques Torres sister shop down in DUMBO, not far from the East River (66 Water Street, near Main Street).

Another contender is Max Brenner at 841 Broadway (near 13th Street, just south of Union Square). Max’s plain hot chocolate, rich and creamy with a layer of foam on top, qualifies as a dessert all by itself, but you can also get your fix with a flavor shot, and more exotic varieties like the Italian Thick Hot Chocolate and Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate (sweet but with an bracing dash of chili pepper) also tempt the adventurous.

Not far away, meanwhile, City Bakery on West 18th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) offers more frothy fun—in addition to the regular portion, their hot chocolate is available in a nifty “shot size” in case your New Year’s resolution has you counting calories. (But don’t overlook the house-made marshmallows, either.)

Finally, over in Brooklyn, The Chocolate Room at 86 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope offers a hot chocolate made with Belgian dark chocolate that’s so rich you’ll need a spoon to finish it. Luckily, the space’s comfy sit-down atmosphere means you won’t mind dawdling over your cup.

Planning to visit New York City this winter? New York Habitat has a wide range of furnished rental apartments in the City to suit every taste. Below are a few sample listings to give you an idea of what’s available.

– A fully furnished one-bedroom apartment (NY-15100) in Battery Park, in downtown Manhattan features building amenities like a health club and a rooftop deck with a landscaped sundeck, along with a 24-hour doorman. Inside the apartment you’ll enjoy wood floors, wide windows to allow in plenty of sunlight, and a fully equipped kitchen. Since the building is only a block from the Hudson River, you’ll enjoy strolling along the recently renovated Hudson River Greenway.

– Further uptown in Greenwich Village is a furnished two-bedroom apartment (NY-12919) in a 14-story luxury doorman building. Bustling Union Square is two blocks north, and several cafes and music venues are just blocks south of the building. The apartment kitchens and bathrooms have been newly renovated, and many of the building’s apartments enjoy city views. A gym is available for all residents.

– In Brooklyn, a furnished five bedroom apartment in Park Slope (NY-15084) . This triplex apartment rental is situated in a lovely brownstone. Featuring five decorative fireplaces, hardwood floors and moldings, this apartment has a private deck on the parlor level and a recreation room in addition to the five bedrooms, making this rental perfect for families.

Do you have a favorite hot chocolate destination in New York City? Please feel free to share your recommendations with fellow New York Habitat readers in the space below.