L.A.’s version of winter is more like fall to anyone from a city with actual seasons. While we’re not complaining about the warmer climate, we are partial to enjoying the seasonal treats even if it’s still sunny over here—which means winter calls for at least a few hot chocolates. Besides, numerous studies have shown that chocolate may help anxiety thanks to stress-reducing antioxidants. Not to mention its ability to increase serotonin levels! So after this year, drinking hot chocolate is basically just a necessary therapy.
Here are 6 places to get indulgent cups of pure heaven to get you through the season:
1. Cafe Demitasse
If you aren’t warming up with Liquid Lavender Hot Chocolate and a giant, house-made marshmallow from Cafe Demitasse then you’re not doing winter in L.A. right. Dipping the perfectly toasted sugar pillow into the thick hot chocolate offers the perfect amount of richness without being overwhelming. You can currently order for pickup or order a brewing kit online to make at home. Check them out here!
Location: 1149 Third Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.
2. Cacao Mexicatessen
L.A.’s proximity to Mexico means you get to choose from these decadent hot drinks with a Mexican twist. This Eagle Rock gem offers a delicious Abuelitas Mocha Latte made with Oaxacan Chocolate. Alternatively, you can spice things up with an Azteca Mocha. Try it here!
Location: 1576 Colorado Blvd (at Townsend Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday–Thursday 4 to 9 P.M. Friday & Saturday 3 to 10 P.M. Sunday 3 to 9 P.M.
3. Lady Chocolatt
Sip on pure Belgian bliss with these servings of liquid cocoa from the creators of all things chocolate. It’s L.A.’s direct link to Belgium’s finest ateliers and you can have it tailored to you every whim, whether that’s extra dark, sugar-free, white, or standard with a scoop of ice cream. Oh, and it’s all 100% natural. Grab yours here!
Location: 12008 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., Sunday 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
4. Guelaguetza
This is where hot chocolate (Chocolate de Agua) doubles up as dessert. And you simply can’t have it without the highly addictive Mexican sweet bread. Using authentic Oaxacan ingredients this James Beard Winner serving is a must for traditional servings of hot cocoa. Oh, and you’ll want to pick up some Mole while you’re at it. Follow them here!
Location: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours: Limited due to restrictions, check their social channels for updates.
5. ChocoVivo
It would be a crime to miss out on a cup of molten chocolate from the Cacao Experts! This happens to be LA’s first! Bean to Bar Chocolate Factory” and the all-woman establishment offers natural vegan goodness crafted using ancient stone-ground methods. Grab one here!
Location: 12469 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
6. Bardonna L.A.
The hot chocolate bomb craze isn’t going anywhere and these decadent balls from Bardonna explode into a mouthful of mini marshmallows to enjoy with every sip. They create new ones for every occasion, so if you know where to go for the perfect choclat treat. Learn more here!
Location: 1601 Montana Ave Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Featured Image: Lady Chocolatt