Where's the Best Cup of Hot Chocolate?

It’s getting chilly out there and though there is no snow in the forecast, my attention has turned to a favorite cool-time treat—hot chocolate!

It can be milky, frothy, piled high or served frozen. With so many options, let’s take to the BR streets and see where the best cup of cocoa is made. For the first part of this list, the clear winner is Artfully Chocolate on Mt. Vernon Avenue. But there were some solid runners-up a few blocks away from the Del Ray's main drag. 


"Wow"—Just one word to explain the choices and the experience of a hot chocolate at Artfully Chocolate. When you walk in, there was a long menu of options—some crazy flavors and some classic combinations. We decided to test out two flavors and came back just a few days later for two more. The excitement continued with the presentation (piled high with whip cream) and the temperature was just right for both cups (piping hot but drinkable). The first sip did not disappoint—you knew you were enjoying a hot chocolate but each flavor really took a certain stage. My favorite so far is the Grace Kelly. I can’t wait to go back and try even more flavors. The cafe is small but would be lovely to sit in or take the cup and stroll down Mt. Vernon Avenue.

Cost: $$
Taste: Gourmet.
Pros: Extensive selection, good service and unique flavors that were very tasty.

Monroe's, a family-run restaurant specializing in classic Italian dishes, is owned by Del Ray natives and has been . I had to try their hot chocolate for dessert the other day. It was a good temperature and a solid taste. Nothing fancy here in presentation or flavor.

Cost: $
Taste: Standard.
Pros: Served hot and a nice end to a meal.

Our order had inconsistency: We ordered two cups of the same thing and they were completely different. I was thrilled to see the process start for the first cup: The guy behind the counter melted chocolate pieces into steamed milk and looked very focused making the drink. I turned my attention to paying the bill and have no idea how the second one came to be. The first cup had a chocolate flavor, but the second was very watery and downright disappointing. Even the first cup didn't have a robust or creamy taste. Both drinks were served on the cool side and I believe temperature is a key factor for hot chocolate. Another downside to this hot chocolate experience was that there were no toppings.

Cost: $$$$
Taste: Bland. We attempted to doctor them up once we got home.
Pros: Convenient hours (open late to midnight every night if you have a craving) and good selection around the hot chocolate offering. Plus, Buzz is a good place to sit and hang with friends.

East Potomac Golf Course
OK, this might seem a little random, but you never know when your craving for hot chocolate will hit. During our last time on the links on a recent warm Saturday, I decided to test out a hot chocolate. It came from a machine but it was well-mixed, frothy and hot. It had a good flavor and I would get it again. Of course, the major drawback here is that it is at the golf course. It’s a treat for a cold tee time but probably not a culinary delight to seek out. It actually reminded me of the hot chocolate you would get from the machines at the ski lodge as a kid, so it brought back good memories in its little paper cup.

Cost: $
Taste: Brought back childhood memories of getting hot cocoa from the machine in the ski lodge.
Pros: Overall the taste was solid and the price was right.

Creamery (Formerly known as The Scoop)
Toppings were whipped cream and chocolate sauce—just like the poster and very nice! The guy did not mix the Ghirardelli power. He just poured hot water on it. Once we ate the whipped cream and sipped a bit, we had to stick our fingers in the cup to mix the powder. Once mixed properly, the drink was lovely. We took ours to go since the Creamery is lacking in decor and ambiance, although the location on King Street is great for an evening stroll. All in all, I would go back if we were nearby, but will make sure they stir the powder.

Cost: $$
Taste: Once stirred, very smooth and rich.
Pros: Nice overall presentation.

This Del Ray spot is a favorite for breakfast, sandwiches and tasty treats. So many of their menu items are delightful and there is always a line, so you know it’s good. Unfortunately, their hot cocoa fell short. The presentation was great; it was served in a large mug with a bit of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The first sip was lukewarm if not chilly and the taste was just lacking. It wasn’t that it was too watery, it was just unfortunately dull.

Cost: $$
Taste: Cold and bland.
Pros: Large mug and nice visual presentation, plus the food is very tasty.    

Add your own hot chocolate hunting stories in the comments or tweet me at @YellowLadyBR.