COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Thursday is National Hot Chocolate Day, and with the frigid temperatures we’re having this week, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the best hot chocolate in the Columbus area.
Sure, you can stick with your packet of Swiss Miss if you want, but there’s nothing more heavenly on a cold winter day than a creamy, specialty hot chocolate from one of Columbus’ locally owned businesses. I asked NBC4 viewers what their go-to places are for a cup of chocolate-y deliciousness, and here’s what they said:
For the second year in a row, this hidden gem takes the top spot for NBC4 viewers. Their hot chocolate is made from real, hand-whipped melted chocolate and steamed milk. The café offers five different varieties: Chocolat Au Lait (milk chocolate), Chocolat Noir (dark chocolate), Chocolate Blanc (white chocolate), Choco Nutella (your choice of chocolate blended with Nutella) and Choco Peanut Butter (your choice of chocolate blended with peanut butter).
If you need a major chocolate fix, Chocolate Café is the place for you. Located on Northwest Boulevard, the shop offers a good variety of hot chocolates, including standard milk, dark and white hot chocolates and specialty hot chocolates like Cherry jubilee, LaSalle mint, caramel, Mexican, Kaffee Wien, peanut butter, Nutella and butterscotch.
Known for their exquisite French dishes, family owned La Chatelain Bakery and Bistro has been serving the Columbus area since 1991. With three locations throughout the capital city, you’re never far from a decadent meal or dessert, including hot chocolate. Try the signature ganache chocolat chaud (and if you want even more chocolate, order the éclair au chocolat to go with it).
If you’re looking for a cozy café that not only serves amazing hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows but also fantastic, made-from-scratch baked goods, Fox in the Snow is the place for you. Their hot chocolate will only set you back $4, so feel free to add on a salted dark chocolate brownie for the ultimate chocolate fix.
Pistacia Vera is best-known for their delicious hand-crafted pastries, but their hot chocolate one of the best items on the menu. Their Valrhona hot chocolate is absolutely divine. Pro-tip: Pair your hot chocolate with a mocha hazelnut macaron.
