The Brief

It’s getting cold outside. Sure, I can say that: I’ve spent almost all my life in sunny Los Angeles.

On a recent winter’s day, I stared down dismally at a sub-80-degree forecast on my weather app. I suddenly began to crave something. Something piping hot. Something delectable. Something that would lift me from the sorrow of a 4:30 p.m. sunset.

A cup of hot chocolate.

Anyone can “make” a microwaved, haphazard concoction of store-bought powder and warm milk. But there’s something extra festive about a real, delightful cup of chocolate goodness served in a ceramic mug. Extra points for a marshmallow.

So, where does one find the best hot chocolate in and around LA? Where does one even start?

With this list, of course.

A quick disclaimer: I am no expert here. Sure, I loved these hot chocolates — but there was no science to my process. It’d be irresponsible to claim these are the best of the best.

So, don’t come for me if your go-to cocoa didn’t make the list. Channel that energy to send me the address instead. I might even check it out and add it to this list.

With that out of the way, here’s my top picks:

Tierra Mia Coffee in Highland Park

The Chocolate Mexicano de Guadalajara at Tierra Mia is a light, simple choice for a sunny December afternoon.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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What to order: The Chocolate Mexicano De Guadalajara

Just a few blocks from Figueroa Street, wedged between Avenue 56 and Monte Vista Street, you’ll find a delightful little rectangular building accented with painted leaves and bold brown letters.

Tierra Mia is a perfect spot for a relaxing Sunday afternoon sip. Personally, I’m partial to the Highland Park location, but the beloved coffee retailer has over a dozen locations scattered across Southern California (including Echo Park, downtown LA, South Gate, and Lincoln Heights).

I ordered the classic Chocolate Mexicano de Guadalajara. Legend has it, they also have a mint and peppermint version, but I decided to keep it classic for the sake of this experiment. Let me tell you — I’m so glad I did, because now I have a reason to come back for more.

Tierra Mia’s hot chocolate was light and balanced, with notes of cinnamon lingering between sips. It was delightfully cozy without trying too hard. Compared to some of the more rich, overpowering cocoas I tried, I found it refreshingly simple and soft spoken.

Give it a try. If hot chocolate isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of delicious coffee blends to enjoy instead.

Tierra Mia Coffee Company serves Latin-inspired coffees and beverages — and some amazing hot chocolates.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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Demitasse in Santa Monica

A cup of hot chocolate from Demitasse pairs nicely with a day of holiday shopping in Santa Monica.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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What to order: The Lavender Hot Chocolate

Maybe you’re wrapping up a long day at Santa Monica Pier, or doing some last minute gift shopping on Third Street Promenade (good luck with the parking).

Promise me one thing: you won’t leave without stopping by Demitasse.

I ventured to this little spot on a chilly Tuesday afternoon, tired from sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Slightly hangry and fully frazzled, the atmosphere inside Demitasse brought me a needed sense of calm, warmth, and familial comfort.

I settled on the lavender hot chocolate, fully equipped with a large marshmallow on top. The first sip was exquisite — rich and velvety, with light hints of lavender extract most prominent in the aftertaste. My favorite part, of course, was the slightly crispy, half-melted marshmallow, like a sponge filled with chocolate that melted in my mouth.

The cup was tiny, but it worked; too much more of this rich concoction would have been overpowering. I savored each sip alongside a slight December breeze, watching tourists dart from store to store a block away.

Don’t want to drive out to Santa Monica? Lucky for you, Demitasse sells lavender hot chocolate kits online.

Demitasse serves creative takes on espresso and coffee beverages, as well as other cozy drinks.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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Café Santo in Montebello

The delectable Oaxacan hot chocolate from Café Santo in downtown Montebello.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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What to order: The Oaxacan Hot Chocolate

This charming, Oaxacan-style café is perfect for a lovely, outdoor breakfast on a sunny morning. Café Santo honors regions such as Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guatemala, and Columbia, and roasts beans locally in Los Angeles. Order the Oaxacan Hot Chocolate for a truly delectable cup, brought to life with cinnamon and almond flavors.

While waiting for my chocolate, I took a peak behind the little shop to find a courtyard full of tables. Turns out, Café Santo belongs to BLVD Market, a community food court with mouthwatering options from LA Burrito Company to Los Taquero Mucho. It’s a perfect place to bring your friends with different palettes, or grab some good food to accompany your cocoa.

There’s also plenty of seating out front, inviting you to relax and enjoy the ambience of downtown Montebello.

Café Santo highlights Oaxacan flavors and culture through a variety of coffee and chocolate options.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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Playa Provisions in Playa del Rey

A cup of hot chocolate served by the beach at Playa Provisions in Playa Del Rey.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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What to order: The Hot Chocolate

A great hot chocolate takes you back. I have fond memories sipping it on a Morro Bay beach with my grandma after a morning of sailing, warming my frigid fingers and tiny nose against the cardboard cup. Since then, there’s always been something about beach hot chocolate that feels like home.

For that reason, I couldn’t wait to try the cozy blend at Playa Provisions, which is literally across the street from Playa Del Rey beach. Ocean air and beautiful scenery complimented a perfectly creamy hot chocolate. Of all the options I tried, I’d have to say this one had my favorite milk-to-chocolate ratio: not too frothy, but not too heavy either. I also felt energized after drinking it, rather than sluggish and sleepy.

Despite Playa Provisions’ fairly large menu, its approachable ambiance makes it perfect for a quick coffee or tea. The pleasant outdoor seating, combined with the overall energy of beach-going customers, created a truly wonderful Monday afternoon.

If you’re tempted to try it, just remember to pack your sunscreen. Like I said, the beach is right there.

Playa Provisions is a beachside spot for anything from a quick coffee to an extravagant brunch.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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Amara Café in Pasadena

Amara Café is known for its Venezuelan style dark chocolate blend, especially popular during the holidays.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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What to order: The Venezuelan Hot Chocolate

A brownie in a cup. That’s the best way to describe the decadent magnificence that is Amara Café’s signature Venezuelan hot chocolate.

This one snuck up on me. Despite the little café being two blocks from LAist’s offices on Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, I’d never stepped foot in Amara. When I finally did, an otherwise routine lunch break was transformed into a scrumptious, transformative experience that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about hot chocolate.

Imagine a gourmet chocolate cake melted down, mixed by hand, and delicately poured into a cup, layer by layer. I’d never had a hot chocolate so rich, so bold in its flavor — yet defiantly simple in its presentation. The consistency was so thick that I lost my lunch appetite, but that’s more a compliment than a complaint.

I just wish I could experience this one for the first time again. If that’s you, count yourself lucky.

A word of advice: Never neglect the hot chocolate right under your nose. The best you've had could be right down the street.

Amara Café serves Venezuelan breakfast and brunch, but don't miss the hot chocolate.

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Ashley Rusch

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LAist

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