The forecast says snow, meaning it's the perfect weekend for grabbing a hot chocolate and walking in a winter wonderland. Here's where to indulge uptown:
111 Central Park North at Lenox Ave
This indie cafe is just across the street from Lasker Rink in Central Park. There's a lot to be said for unlacing your skates, taking a scenic walk past the Harlem Meer, and warming up with an artfully prepared hot chocolate served in a bright yellow cup.
156 E 117th St between Third and Lexington Aves
Just a year old, this teeny East Harlem bakery has a way of gilding the lily when it comes to its many sweet treats. The hot chocolate is no exception–it comes with a perfectly roasted marshmallow served on a stir stick.
184 Lenox between W 119th and W 120th
Doing it what it does best, this ice cream shop adds a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip to its hot chocolate–a mix of chocolate ganache, milk and cream. Oh, and there's roasted marshmallow fluff on top.
22 E 125th St between Madison and Fifth Aves
At this beautiful cafe and shop specializing in African-grown teas, cocoas and honeys, the hot chocolate is made from beans harvested in Ghana and Liberia. And, yes, you can buy a pack of cocoa to make at home.
2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr between W 138th and W 139th Sts
This boutique specializes in handcrafted chocolates so you can bet its hot chocolate is good. Buy a cup of its rich brew in store–served with handcrafted marshmallows–or take a mix home and make it yourself. There are chocolate chip cookies and many other treats, too.
•1961 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between 118th and 119th Sts
•1730 Amsterdam Ave between 145th and 146th Sts
While this jungle-themed coffee shop's hot chocolate recipe is simple–they use Hershey's dark cocoa–it's finished off with the cafe's signature animal art, including monkeys, bears and bunnies. Bonus: the Amsterdam location is a ten-minute walk from the ice rink at Riverbank State Park.
4996 Broadway between W 211th and 212th Sts
Inspired by the pastries of France, Italy and Austria, this Inwood shop makes its hot chocolate with a blend of dark and milk chocolate, whole milk, cream, and, yes, love (that's according to the menu).