Get ready. It’s hot chocolate weather.
I love the winter because my biggest problems usually involve my favorite fuzzy pajamas being in the hamper or running out of marshmallows for my hot chocolate. Thankfully, both can be solved easily.
Baltimore has some highly sought-after bakeries and cafes, most of which serve hot chocolate throughout the year if not seasonally. While some of them are meh, there are a few cups I’ve had that would hands-down win the Hot Chocolate Olympics. And if that’s not a thing it should be.
These cafes in Baltimore have some of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. Try one or try them all – you won’t regret it. Keep calm and get your hot chocolate on in Charm City!
Artifact Coffee
- Address: 1500 Union Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211 | Website
Imagine the delicious sweetness of your hot chocolate made infinitely better by having toasted marshmallows on top – Artifact Coffee can make it a reality. The best part is that you can have it your way. Want a double shot of espresso added? They’ll do it. Need a drop of CBD in there to calm you down for the day? They could do that too! I like to flavor my hot chocolate with a shot of their cardamom syrup for an unmatched sweet and spicy combo.
Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream
- Address: 1625 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 | Website
The homemade hot chocolate at Kilwins in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood will make you a fan for life. Concocted by chocolatiers and artisans, the hot chocolate has just the right amount of richness and sweetness. Don’t leave without also trying their creamy, hand-paddled fudge, perfectly-coated candy apples, or ice cream on their handmade waffle cones.
Charmington’s
- Address: 2601 N Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Website
If you’re in the mood for a classic hot chocolate, steady and sweet with none of the frills, then Charmington’s got you covered. Choose from an 8, 12, 16, or 20-ounce serving, pick your milk of choice, and add a dash of syrup for a little extra oomph – there are even sugar-free syrups if that’s what you prefer! They serve some delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches, but it’s always the made-from-scratch pastries that grab my eye.
Pitango Gelato Fells Point
- Address: 802 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 | Website
Pitango is the brainchild of Noah Dan, who wanted to recreate the delicious gelato from his childhood in Italy – the family-owned business now has six locations throughout the DMV. While they’re famed for their gelato and their sorbet, don’t overlook their other menu items like their sandwiches, house-made muffins, and seasonal scones – all of which needs to be paired with a delicious cup of their hot chocolate of course.
Sacre Sucre
- Address: 2001 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21231 | Website
Made with dark chocolate and topped with a marbled marshmallow, the hot chocolate at Sacre Sucre is immaculate. When I’m on a sugar binge, I like to pair it with one of their house-made treats such as the Pain au Chocolat. It’s made with butter imported from Normandie, France – need I say more?
Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop
- Address: 222 Albemarle Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
With reviews like “best hot chocolate in all of Baltimore” and “just get a hot chocolate, that’s all you need in life,” do you even need a description? Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop has been a Baltimore staple since 1956 and their hot chocolate topped with whip cream is *chef’s kiss*. Pair it with something sweet from their assortment of cookies, cakes, cannoli, and pastries.
Lucky’s
- Address: 601 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
Okay, while Lucky’s doesn’t have their own brand of hot chocolate, or any coffee drinks for that matter, they do have a Starbucks inside their ice cream shop that serves a mean mug. When can you go wrong with Starbucks? And while their hot chocolate is delicious, it’s their White Hot Chocolate Steamer that really makes me happy. Made with white chocolate sauce, steamed milk, and a healthy dollop of whipped cream, the drink is incomparable.
Miss Shirley’s Cafe
- Address: 513 W Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21210 | Website
Miss Shirley’s Cafe is a Baltimore staple and any visit to Charm City should have a meal at this award-winning cafe on the itinerary. If time doesn’t allow, wet your whistle with their exquisite hot chocolate that comes topped with their house-made whipped cream. The concoction is thick and frothy and will make you compare every other hot chocolate you have in the future to it.
Pure Chocolate Shop by Jinji
- Address: 529 E Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212 | Website
Pure Chocolate Shop by Jinji is a beautiful place where they aim to tell stories of nature and awareness through their chocolate-based products. All of their chocolates are made by hand, and everything is gluten and dairy free. Grab a pouch (or two!) of their liquid dark chocolate which can be used to make hot or cold drinks. Pair it with one of their delicious treats like the Peanut Butter Turkish Figs.
Emma’s Tea Spot
- Address: 5500 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 | Website
A modern and casual rendition of a British tearoom, Emma’s Tea Spot has more than their large variety of tea. Made with delicious Cadbury’s drinking chocolate, their hot chocolate is so good! It goes great with one of their desserts like the chocolate lava cake or the house-made bread pudding.
Spoons
- Address: 24 E Cross Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
Never underestimate the power of good hot chocolate, especially one that you get from Spoons. The cafe is renowned for their coffees and other drinks which includes cold coffee concoctions and herbal teas. The steaming cup is topped off with whipped cream – because what other way is there to serve hot chocolate?
The Charmery
- Address: 801 W 36th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 | Website
And last but definitely not least on our list is one of Baltimore’s best, The Charmery. This family-owned ice cream shop is a must-visit throughout the year, but on a cold winter’s day, you’re going to want to stop in for a mug of their seasonal hot chocolate. With just a hint of sweetness, you’ll
