Baby it’s cold(ish) outside! Bundle up your little sweeties and toast the season at one of our favorite spots for the best hot chocolate in San Diego. From colorful unicorn hot cocoa to drinking chocolate, these are our favorites.
LessCan't decide on just one decadent cup of cocoa? Then try several unique flavors at Morning Glory. You're spoiled for choice of tantalizing flavors at this cute Little Italy bistro. Choose between classic cocoa or caramel to strawberries and cream, orange and vanilla and maple cinnamon. Sounds glorious!
Warm-up at this Little Italy favorite with a cup of Italian hot chocolate and a quick bite to eat like the breakfast croissant. Even more, a grown-up fave is the espresso with added Nutella. Further, little ones will delight in picking a pastry or dessert from the well-stocked display case. You can even take a few home to share later!
Here you'll find melt in your mouth hot chocolate for the littles. It's topped with luscious whipped cream and a Ghirardelli chocolate square on top. Or try the sea salt caramel hot cocoa with caramel drizzle, or the frozen hot chocolate, a local favorite. Add in a warmed chocolate brownie and your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied. Sweet note: Savor free pieces of decadent Ghirardelli chocolate while you wait in line.
With a hip and friendly vibe, this is a sweet hot chocolate pit stop for the kiddos (and you too!) They call their house hot chocolate "PG-13." You'll also find good-tasting pastries like the croissants and the blueberry cream danish (yum!). It gets crowded on weekends, so go early!
Stop by and warm up at this cute spot with a Mexican hot chocolate (includes nuts). Your half-pint will be delighted that it comes with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Further, the casual, artsy vibe and friendly staff make this a go-to spot anytime. Even more, there are many Mexican pastries to choose from to go with your drink.
Your crew can order up their chocolate drink hot, cold or blended with dark, white or Mexican chocolate at this rustic La Mesa cafe. Not to mention, grown-ups rave about the lavender latte that's decadent but not too sweet. If undecided, a plethora of coffee drinks with a drink diagram helps you choose.
Stir up your morning routine and head to the newish Baba Coffee in Carlsbad Village. Indeed, they whip up a good hot chocolate (plus lattes, espressos and mochas). With an open-air feel and pastries from The Pannikin and VG donuts, this outing will delight your whole crew. Good to know: we've heard their avocado toast is fresh and yummy.
Nibble is an organic vegan chocolate shop that fits perfectly into walkable Old Town. After that savory chicken enchilada with margs, mosey the fam over for a hot chocolate dessert. Their cocoa, which is sourced from Peru or Brazil, satisfies when served with almond, coconut or soy milk. Drink up and feel good.
Come for the hot chocolate with a housemade marshmallow, whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top and stay for the Nutella-Nuts French toast! With a spectacular looking hot chocolate presentation, it's sure to get slurped up fast. Even more, the casual ambience and excellent breakfast items make this local La Jolla spot a win!