Best Places to Grab a Hot Chocolate in Washington D.C.

I don't think there is a bad time to visit Washington D.C. but the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. From Christmas tree lightings to holiday markets, there is plenty to see and do that will put you in a joyous holiday spirit. Unfortunately, many of these events take place outdoors and D.C. is cold in December, especially at night. What can you do when you need to warm up fast?

Grab a Hot Chocolate

There is nothing better than a steaming hot cup of cocoa to take the winter chill away. There are a few places in Washington D.C. that have raised the simple chocolate drink to an art form. Here is a list of restaurants and coffee shops that take hot chocolate to the next level. I have personally tried two places on the list, Co Co. Sala, and Chinatown Coffee Company.

Dark CoCo from Co Co. Sala

Co Co. Sala (929 F St NW) is the offspring of the artisanal chocolate boutique next door with the same name. Everything on the menu is inspired by and infused with chocolate. I was expecting the hot chocolate here to look and taste more like dessert than cocoa and I was correct. There are several different varieties of hot or frozen chocolate. You can choose dark, white, or milk chocolate, or perhaps peanut butter and salted caramel are what you are craving. The tall cup of chocolaty goodness came topped with a skewered marshmallow for dunking.

Chinatown Coffee Company (475 H St NW) is a coffee shop on the east end of Chinatown. Unlike the decadent treat at Co Co. Sala, their hot chocolate was a more traditional drink. It was served in a plain white paper cup which made it perfect for walking and sipping. The rich, slightly bitter Omanhene Chocolate and perfectly warmed milk came through with every sip. I could easily replace my morning latte with this hot chocolate and not feel like I was cheating myself.

Hot chocolate form Chinatown Coffee Company

As you visit your favorite holiday events this year, I hope that you take a moment to indulge in an excellent hot chocolate. What is your favorite hot chocolate in the D.C. area?