The cold weather is here (every other day, at least), so it is time for bonfires and hot chocolate. A great cup of hot chocolate can make any winter day or night bearable. New Orleans has some great spots that serve hot chocolate during the winter and some that have it all year around. On Wednesday, December 13, grab yourself a hot chocolate from one of these local New Orleans shops to celebrate National Cocoa Day.
Best NOLA Places to Enjoy Hot Chocolate on National Cocoa Day
1. The Creole Creamery
Multiple Locations, creolecreamery.com
Simply one
of the best places to get frozen desserts in New Orleans is Creole Creamery. Although the shops' main focus is fresh ice cream and sorbets, they also serve
delicious hot chocolate during the winter. For only $4, celebrate National
Cocoa Day with a hot chocolate at one of their several locations. As delicious
as their ice cream is, you can bet that their hot chocolate is just as
satisfying.
2. Who Dat Coffee Café
401 Burgundy St., (504) 872-0360, facebook.com/whodatcoffeecafe
A great spot for breakfast and brunch in New Orleans is Who Dat Coffee Café. Their menu includes delicious breakfast, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. The café also has hot chocolate for customers to enjoy. This café is a great location to grab a hot chocolate with Sunday brunch on National Cocoa Day.
3. Willa Jean
611 O'Keefe Ave., (504) 648-6020, willajean.com
This popular restaurant and bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Willa Jean is a Southern favorite in New Orleans. On Saturdays and Sundays, the shop serves brunch. For National Cocoa Day, Willa Jean invites you to experience their fresh local ingredients and their fresh-made hot chocolate.
4. PJ's Coffee
Multiple Locations, pjscoffee.com
One of the most popular local coffee shops in New Orleans has a couple of hot chocolate options for customers to try. PJ's Coffee uses Ghiradelli chocolate to make their famous hot chocolate. Since we live in Louisiana, with the world's most unpredictable weather, PJ's offers a frozen hot chocolate as well.
5. Café Du Monde
800 Decatur St., (504) 525-4544, shop.cafedumonde.com
Since its opening in 1862, Café du Monde has always been a New Orleans favorite. Most people opt for chicory coffee or café au lait here, but you can't go wrong with their hot chocolate, either—and it combines deliciously with their fresh and hot beignets. Their French Quarter location, which is the original shop, is open 24/7 for all your beignet and hot chocolate cravings.
6. Piety & Desire Chocolate
2032 Magazine St., (504) 799-1709, pietyanddesirechocolate.com
Handcrafted in the heart of New Orleans, discover artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate bars, bon bons, and confections of the highest quality at Piety & Desire Chocolate. Every one of their chocolate-y creations is locally made by them and represents some of the best chocolate in the city. Visit their location on Magazine Street or have their delightful treats shipped right to your home.
7. Angelo Brocato's
214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-0078, angelobrocatoicecream.com
Since 1905, Angelo Brocato's has played a crucial role in the New Orleans community, weaving together Sicilian and local traditions. Founder Angelo Brocato, Sr. brought new and exciting flavors to the city upon his arrival, and his innovative techniques still influence the offerings in the shop to this day. Patrons can savor the experience of their hot chocolate—piping hot steamed milk and chocolate, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
8. Drip Affogato Bar Nola
336 Camp St., (504) 309-3291, facebook.com/dripaffogatobar
Drip Affogato Bar is ready to turn your dreams of an ice cream shop and cocktail bar fusion into reality. Situated right in the Warehouse District, Drip Affogato Bar expertly crafts delectable and inventive combinations of ice cream flavors paired with freshly brewed espresso. Their "Fancy Hot Chocolate" includes steamed milk and cocoa, whipped cream, marshmallow, and chocolate powder.
9. Lovage New Orleans
610 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3064, acehotel.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/lovage
Located right in the Ace Hotel in New Orleans, Lovage operates as an all-day coffee shop and cafe, offering responsibly sourced farm-driven fare. Known for their coffee, order up a mocha latte to get your hot chocolate and espresso needs met at the same time. If you time out your visit, you'll also be able to enjoy their pastry happy hour along with your chocolate-y drink. Pastries are half-off Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m.
10. The Vintage
3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com
A stylish cafe nestled right on Magazine Street, The Vintage offers a menu of coffee, beignets, cocktails, wine, and an array of small plates. They serve delicious beignets and pastries all day, along with small bites, provisions, and even a late-night menu. Head straight up to the bar to order a cocktail, a cup of coffee, or a hot cup of cocoa. Locals and tourists alike will love meeting up with friends over cocoa and a piping hot beignet at The Vintage.
Best New Orleans Establishments for Hot Chocolate
On National Cocoa Day, the possibilities of indulging in a delicious cup of hot chocolate are abundant. Whether you find yourself craving a classic and simple cup of cocoa or if you want to amp it up to involve whipped cream, marshmallows, and more—New Orleans' shops have you covered. So gather your friends and family and warm up your soul with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in anticipation of National Cocoa Day and the approaching holiday season in New Orleans.
