Warm Up with the Best Hot Chocolate in Minneapolis
Nothing cures winter shivers more than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. From classic recipes to unique twists, Minneapolis’ cozy cafes and bakeries are pouring velvety, rich cups of hot chocolate. Visit these 10 local spots to find your favorite!
1. Dancing Bear Chocolate
You can get rich, sipping chocolate like what you would find in European cities like Paris and Madrid right in the north side of Minneapolis at Dancing Bear Chocolate. Order your drink through a pickup window then take it for a stroll along the tree-lined Victory Memorial Drive.
2. Edward’s Dessert Kitchen
For decadent flavored hot chocolate, Edward’s Dessert Kitchen in the North Loop is a must-visit. Choose between a cup of regular or peppermint hot chocolate. If you want a real twist, try their orange white chocolate hot chocolate. Then curl up in a booth and gaze out the windows at the urban wintery scene.
3. Third Space Café
Head to the Lyn-Lake neighborhood to find Third Space Café — a sunny, friendly neighborhood spot. If you’re with a friend who needs their caffeine, order a coffee flight to try a mix of their hot chocolate and unique lattes. Order a hot chocolate by itself for fun snowman latte art (if time allows for your barista).
4. Bellecour Bakery @ Cooks
Those who like to sip and shop need to get their hot chocolate at Bellecour Bakery @ Cooks. Enjoy the deliciously creamy texture of the hot chocolate while you peruse the expansive array of kitchen essentials.
4. Vivir
To try Mexican hot chocolate, go to Vivir, a Mexican café and bakery in Northeast Minneapolis. Order the spicy hot chocolate that’s rich and creamy and flavored with coconut milk, cayenne, cinnamon and vanilla, or a cup of the more bitter cacao, made sweeter with vanilla bean and milk.
5. Gray Fox Coffee
This coffee shop in Downtown Minneapolis has two locations both perfect for warming up with a cup of hot chocolate. The Deluxe Plaza café has a gorgeous atrium and elegant couches, and LaSalle Plaza location is outfitted with tall windows and café seating. Gray Fox is known for their cute, stamped latte art, so your hot chocolate may be accompanied by a fox, snowflake or other surprise. Or, get it topped with lots and lots of whipped cream.
6. Caffetto Café
Don’t be fooled by this café’s grungy interior — Caffetto Café makes one of the most delightful cups of hot chocolate in the city. Caffetto is a popular study and WFH spot if you want to be productive while you indulge.
7. Patisserie 46
Known for authentic French pastries, Patisserie 46 serves a rich and dark cup of hot chocolate with a sprinkle of spice. Settle in at this cozy, upscale bakery and order a croissant for dipping.
8. Isles Bun & Coffee
For those who don’t love a ton a sweet, check out Isles Bun & Coffee for just-sweet-enough hot chocolate. Pair this with a Puppy Dog Tail — their signature small, twisted cinnamon roll — for the ultimate treat.
9. Rustica Bakery
Rustica Bakery pours reliable, good old fashioned hot chocolate. It’s smooth and creamy without being overly sweet and syrupy. Order any of their delectable goodies made by some of the most experienced pastry chefs and bakers in town to go with.
10. Victor’s 1959 Café
Known for the best Cuban food in town, Victor’s 1959 Café serves a delicious chocolate con leche sprinkled with cinnamon and cayenne. You might as well order breakfast or lunch while you’re here — their traditional dishes aren’t to be missed.
