Denver gets cold. Really cold. Luckily, the city has developed a foolproof way of defeating Jack Frost: cozy, indulgent, ridiculously delicious hot chocolate. Whether you’re coming to the Mile High City to go skiing, see the sights or visit family, make sure you stop by at least one of these 10 places to get a hot chocolate. From chocolatiers to cute cafes, they’ll have you warmed up in no time.
Dietrich’s Chocolate and Espresso
Owned by Erich Dietrich, who trained in Germany under a master chocolatier, Dietrich’s Chocolate and Espresso is a boutique, artisanal chocolate shop and café. Located near the University of Denver campus, this spot attracts both students and cocoa fiends with its warming mugs.
From freshly made cakes to a selection of hot toddies, the Market at Larimer Square serves a plethora of wintery bites and sips. Still, our favorite is the hot chocolate, which is fair-trade and organic on top of being delicious.
The Yuffa family fled the former Soviet Union in search of the American dream, which eventually resulted in Dazbog Coffee Co. We’re glad they did. While coffee is the main focus here, there’s plenty of that pioneering spirit in the hot chocolate too. A mocha is the perfect way to combine the two.
Open 24 hours a day, Leela attracts a late-night crowd with its hot sandwiches and all-night snacks. Among its most indulgent offerings is the Bellagio sipping chocolate, topped with whipped cream, naturally.
The true hot chocolate fiend should head to D Bar Restaurant, which is noted for its prowess with all things sweet. Regular mugs of hot chocolate are served with a homemade, toasted marshmallow on the side. Hot cocoa flights are also offered.
Stella’s Coffee Haus
Walking inside Stella’s, you’ll find an intimate, cozy space, while outside is a lively terrace where people gather around heat lamps. Both are great places to enjoy a hot chocolate made from steamed chocolate milk.
A supporter of local artists and musicians, Paris on the Platte is a cozy community favorite. The café’s hot chocolate can be bought in a small or large pitcher, perfect for sharing with friends. In the late-night hours, Paris on the Platte turns into a bar — during this time we can only recommend ordering the Godiva Espresso Tini for a nighttime tipple.
Crave Dessert Bar & Lounge is an oasis of indulgence. Dig into a mug of rich hot cocoa alongside a chocolate dessert trio, complete with hazelnut flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache and espresso dark chocolate ice cream.
Locals head to the retro-kitsch Snooze in the mornings for satisfying breakfasts and metabolism-boosting lunches. Alongside the mimosas and bloody marys, the rich hot chocolate tempts those sheltering from the cold.
Ink! Coffee
Founded by Keith Herbert, a former ski bum, Ink! Coffee has grown a dedicated following thanks to its delicious coffee and other hot beverages. The cocoa menu here is diverse – we like the white chai, which blends chai tea with white chocolate. The white coffee pairs java with white chocolate powder. Yum.
(Image: © MrKornFlakes/iStock/Thinkstock)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
