Bundle up and explore these family-friendly towns — hot chocolate in hand!
We can’t think of a better way to explore the NYC suburbs than with hot cocoa at the ready — especially now. And good news — our locals have rounded up some of their favorite hotspots to snag cocoa and, of course, a festive snack to power your search. Enjoy!
Long Island
#1. Coco Confections + Coffee (Sea Cliff)
Touring Sea Cliff? Don’t miss Coco Confections + Coffee. This local spot serves handcrafted hot chocolate alongside an extensive espresso menu. You can also pick up an amazing homemade cocoa bomb (or two) as a stocking stuffer while you’re here.
#2. Kiss My Cake (Huntington)
This specialty dessert shop sells everything from macarons to cupcakes. If you end up moving to town, you’ll want to keep this cafe in mind for birthday orders. The cafe menu offers five types of hot chocolate, including mint, matcha and masala.
#3. Fresco Creperie & Cafe (Williston Park)
Fresco Creperie & Cafe is in the heart of town, close to the public library and LIRR station. After exploring the neighborhood and getting a feel for what life could look like here, stop by this cafe to warm up. In addition to whipped cream-topped hot chocolates, they serve a selection of sweet and savory crepes, salads, and soups.
#4. Garden City Hotel (Garden City)
For a special day out, book a “Chocolate Tea” at this extraordinary hotel. During the holiday season, it’s decked out with festive lights and evergreen garlands. This wintery-take on tea includes “Callebaut” Hot Chocolate, pastries, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more.
Once you finish, wander along the nearby Franklin Avenue to see the shops and restaurants — they’re extra festive this time of year.
#5. Caffè Portofino (Northport)
This beloved staple just reopened after a year-long closure. The new cafe holds on to the original community spirit and now offers an expanded pastry menu. Bring the kids for a decadent Nutella hot chocolate before continuing to explore. You’re just a short walk from Northport’s waterfront parks. (Take that hot chocolate to-go to stay warm!)
#6. Babylon Bean (Babylon)
Babylon on your list? Stop by Babylon Bean for one of their specialty hot cocoas, mochas or espresso drinks while you’re here. If you visit during a weekday you’ll see how the town’s remote workers embrace this spot.
This laid-back cafe is more than just a hot chocolate stop. If you move to town, keep an eye on the events calendar for weekly open mic nights and concerts in the shop.
New Jersey
#7. Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe (Westfield)
This old-school bakery has been part of the community for more than 60 years. It’s right in the center of town (we’re talking minutes from the train station and Trader Joe’s) so it’s a perfect place to warm up. Order hot cocoa and maybe a box of assorted pastries for the road.
#8. Boxwood Coffee (Westfield and Summit)
There are two locations of this popular cafe and both are great options for hot chocolate. They even offer kids sizes of their festive sips. The Summit location is next to the train station (commuters, take note) and the Westfield location often hosts quiz nights and open mics (keep those in mind if you end up moving here).
#9. Sook Pastry (Ridgewood)
This French patisserie serves an impressive selection of crepes, macarons and tarts. Stop in for hot chocolate before wandering around Ridgewood. During the holiday season, you can check out the town’s Christmas tree in nearby Van Neste Square Memorial Park.
#10. Vesta Chocolate (Montclair)
For a sip of award-winning hot chocolate, make your way to Vesta. USA Today named their blend one of the top 10 in the country. Order some gourmet cocoa and then walk a few minutes to Anderson Park to let the kids run around and get some energy out.
Connecticut
#11. Las Vetas Lounge (Fairfield)
Stop into this quirky cafe to get a taste of daily life in Fairfield. You’ll likely see locals fueling up during an errand run or catching up with friends. The menu includes hot cocoa plus mulled cider and chai. They also offer a full breakfast menu if you want more than drinks.
#12. Lorca Coffee Bar (Stamford)
Bring the kids for hot chocolate — and let them pick how they want to sip and snack.
Inspiration for this cafe came from Brooklyn’s coffee scene and the incredible pastries of Spain. Order a mug of seasonal cocoa (hello S’mores hot chocolate) and some churros with a cup of warm dipping chocolate on the side.
#13. NEAT Coffee (Darien)
The huge windows that overlook the square make this a cozy spot to sip hot cocoa and people-watch. Order a hot chocolate, find a spot by the windows and enjoy the view. If you need more of a pick-me-up, select one of their excellent espresso drinks.
#14. The Granola Bar (Westport, Greenwich, Fairfield, and Stamford)
This modern diner was created by two Connecticut friends who dreamed of creating a community space with a menu of “healthy and indulgent” items. In addition to their namesake granola, you’ll want to try their hot cocoa or mocha latte.
#15. CFCF Coffee (Greenwich)
Along Greenwich Avenue, you’ll find this gourmet cafe serving specialty drinks and light bites. Get your hot chocolate to-go so you can continue strolling and checking out all the other retail options in the area. Make your way to the Greenwich Common to let the kids run around on the playground.
#16. Patisserie Salzburg (Stamford and New Canaan)
This is the place to go for European-style pastries, like kugelhopf and apple strudel. Warm up with a tasty hot chocolate before heading out to explore more of these Connecticut towns. Are you also considering Westchester? There’s another location of this cafe in Rye you can check out.
Westchester
#17. Bobo’s Cafe (Chappaqua, Somers, and Baldwin Place)
As you explore Westchester you might come across one (or more) of the Bobo’s Cafe locations. It’s a popular local chain with a great breakfast and lunch menu. You can build your own smoothie bowl or just pick up a few hot cocoas for your crew. Visiting on one of those rare warm winter days? Try their frozen hot chocolate for something different.
#18. Tazza Cafe (Armonk)
You’ll find Tazza right on Main Street. It’s steps away from the public library, which you could take the kids to for storytime after your hot chocolate break. In addition to their traditional creamy hot cocoa, you can order a hot cocoa coffee or cocoa blast (yes, it includes a shot of espresso).
#19. Bluestone Lane (Armonk)
Bluestone Lane is another favorite spot in Armonk. City families might be familiar with this Australian-style cafe. It’s a fun option for a relaxed brunch or you can pick up hot cocoa to take on the go. For a unique treat, order the hot milo, which is made with malted chocolate and steamed milk.
#20. Stanz Cafe (Larchmont)
Locals love Stanz Cafe’s toasted marshmallow hot chocolate. Stop by to see what the buzz is about and to get a feel for this community hot spot. The menu is packed with salads and sandwiches, so keep it in mind if you move to town and want a place to meet up with friends.
#21. BRRZAAR (Irvington)
This train-side cafe is known for its frozen yogurt, but stop by during the winter to sample their handcrafted hot chocolate drinks. They offer more than your average hot cocoa. You can choose from flavors like Nutella Salted Caramel and Unicorn Peanut Butter. Head to the outdoor garden if it isn’t too chilly.
Up for a little town tour — and cocoa? Let’s talk! Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy session and we’ll help you map out next steps.