New Jersey's 12 Best Hot Chocolate Destinations

Whether you like it classically rich or piled high with homemade marshmallows, here is a guide to the best hot chocolate in New Jersey:

The Gourmet and Expertly Crafted

These spots are celebrated for their quality ingredients and specialized focus on the chocolate itself.

• Vesta Chocolate (Upper Montclair): This North Jersey standout has been ranked by USA Today as one of the Top 10 best hot chocolates in the nation. Visit this luxurious café for their bean-to-bar Classic hot chocolate, or order it online to enjoy at home.
• Mazur Café & Chocolate Lab (Hackettstown): Dedicated to crafting chocolate that meets the highest standards, this cozy cafe caters to chocolate lovers with cups of exceptional hot chocolate and signature drinks that always include a chocolate twist.
• Jersey Java & Tea (Haddonfield): This South Jersey favorite is known for its creamy hot cocoa, as tempting as its small-batch specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries.
• Bluestone Lane (Hoboken): Bringing Aussie coffee culture to New Jersey, Bluestone Lane serves a deliciously rich hot cocoa, poured into a pitcher with steamed, silky milk and topped with chocolate shavings.

The Fun and Over-the-Top Creations

Perfect for families or anyone seeking a dessert experience in a mug.

• Turning Point (Multiple Locations, including Princeton): Turning Point is a hot chocolate lover's dream, offering four "Heavenly Hot Chocolate" options: traditional, s'mores (with toasted marshmallow syrup), peppermint, and a decadent cookie explosion topped with caramel and Oreo pieces.
• Milk Sugar Love (Jersey City): This acclaimed ice cream shop also serves off-the-charts delicious handmade hot chocolate. Enjoy handmade chocolate syrup and handmade marshmallows in fun flavors like Pink Peppermint.
• Sugar Factory (Atlantic City): If you are a fan of extreme sweets, the Sugar Factory is the place to be, with choices like S'More Hot Chocolate (with toasted marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs) and Pink Unicorn Hot Chocolate (made with pink white chocolate and shining star sprinkles).
• The Pop Shop (Collingswood): This popular retro-style eatery, reminiscent of a 1950s soda fountain, serves a creamy cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Cozy Cafés and Community Hangouts

These spots combine a great drink with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Grooveground (Collingswood): This contemporary coffee bar, record store, and café offers a casual, cool vibe. While the hot chocolate is excellent year-round, look out for their special Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar with limited-time seasonal flavors.
• The Union Market (Tuckerton): Take the chill off with a cup of "Dreamy Hot Cocoa," which supports David's Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation with every cup sold. The market also offers an extensive menu including plenty of vegan options.
• Streetwaters Coffee & Tea (Newark and Toms River): This shop serves a blizzard-worthy cup of hot chocolate, described as rich chocolate blended with perfectly steamed milk and topped with house-made whipped cream.
• Hatch 44 Cafe (Metuchen): Located on a top street in America, this excellent eatery serves a rich, creamy hot chocolate that is absolutely perfect on a brisk winter day.

New Jersey's hot chocolate scene proves that winter is the sweetest season, offering a perfect way to warm up and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Traveler's Note: Before visiting, always check the official website or social media pages for your chosen destination for up-to-date hours and seasonal specials.