Warm Up This Winter with Astoria’s Best Hot Chocolate
This winter, warm up with a piping hot cup of hot chocolate—the perfect way to brighten a cold day. While enjoying mulled wine or a hot toddy is a highlight of the winter months, hot chocolate often gets overlooked. The holiday season may be over, but don’t miss out on the amazing hot chocolate Astoria has to offer. From traditional hot chocolate to creative flavors and frozen options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Il Bambino
Il Bambino is a neighborhood favorite, known for its top-quality ingredients and some of the best paninis in NYC. Standout menu items include the El Porko Royale, a panini with ginger-braised pork, cilantro slaw, scallions, and Kung Fu aioli, or classics like the Prosciutto, served with baby arugula, tomato pesto, and mozzarella. Their brunch paninis are also a must-try, with Sir Oink-A-Lot being a personal favorite! This winter, be sure to stop by for a comforting cup of hot chocolate. They offer two delicious flavors: peanut butter and Nutella hot chocolate. Both pair perfectly with the sweet treats at the counter, especially their brownie, which may just be the best in the world!
34-08 31st Ave / (718) 626-0087 / Instagram: ilbambinonyc
Sweet Scene
Located in the heart of Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, Sweet Scene is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC. With a relaxed atmosphere and cozy décor, you’ll be tempted to close your laptop and curl up with a good book and, of course, a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate is served in a generously large mug, topped with frothed milk, a chocolate syrup drizzle, and a dash of cinnamon. It’s the perfect balance—not too thick or too watery. Their hot chocolate is available year-round, and on those unseasonably warm winter days, stop by for their frozen hot chocolate!
35-13 34th Ave / (917) 832-7443 / Instagram: sweetsceneastoria
Bench Flour Bakers
As Bench Flour’s biggest fan, I couldn’t leave them off this list. This charming café, located in a slightly more residential area of Astoria on 25th Avenue, is a hidden gem. Bench Flour whips up incredible flavor combinations—my favorite is the bourbon chicken hash, which is out of this world! Their hot chocolate menu this year features a chai hot chocolate topped with ground cinnamon, and a rose cardamom hot chocolate topped with dried rose petals and brown cardamom. Made with their homemade chocolate ganache, it’s an absolute must-try!
43-18 25th Ave / benchflournyc.com
Mighty Oak Roasters
Mighty Oak is an Astoria gem. Bathed in natural light, this coffee shop is a fantastic place to work, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Mighty Oak offers impeccable coffees from around the world, roasted with wood to create a unique flavor (without being overly smoky). While it’s a haven for coffee lovers, don’t overlook their hot chocolate. They offer several flavors, including peppermint and mocha hot chocolate. For a more adventurous option, try the Turkish Chili Chocolate, made with sun-dried chili from Turkey for a bit of heat.
28-01 24th Ave / 718-777-9663 /www.mightyoakroasters.com
The Coffee Lab
The space on the corner of 35th Street and 31st Avenue was vacant for a long time, so as a local, I was thrilled when The Coffee Lab opened its doors. Since opening in September, it has already become a staple in the community. On nice days, you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee while taking in the sights of 31st Avenue’s Open Streets. In the winter, head inside to stay warm and cozy while enjoying a hot chocolate. A loyal customer recommended trying their pistachio hot chocolate, which pairs the delightful combination of pistachio and chocolate. If pistachio isn’t your thing, their traditional hot chocolate is also a crowd-pleaser!
34-20 31st Ave / Instagram: thecoffeelab_ny
Queens Room
Located on Ditmars Blvd, Queens Room is a stylish café with chic décor that still feels warm and inviting. The bar is stunning, and their cocktail menu offers unique options perfect for date night. For a grown-up twist on hot chocolate, try the “Dublin Coco,” made with Irish stout, Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, Irish cream, chocolate sauce, and milk. It’s topped with whipped cream and cocoa nibs, offering a perfect balance of sweetness. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, their traditional hot chocolate is also exceptional.
36-02 Ditmars Blvd / (347) 987-3994 / www.queensroomnyc.com
Ok Café
Tucked away on 33rd Street off Ditmars Avenue, Ok Café is a cozy, non-chain café that embodies everything great about small businesses. Though the space is small, it’s a delightful spot to grab a coffee and go, or stay for a while. The baristas are friendly, and the service is impeccable. Popular drinks include the lavender London Fog and their famous Mexican Spice Hot Chocolate. Made with guajillo chilies, this exceptional hot chocolate adds a little kick. If you’re in the mood for something classic, their traditional hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows is also a winner. Both are great with a shot of espresso!
22-04 33rd St / Instagram: ok_cafe
Café Sparow
When you walk into Café Sparow, you’ll immediately feel at home. This tiny café on 30th Avenue off 37th Street is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Recently under new ownership, Astoria native Stephany Mora, who worked in the local nightlife scene for ten years, decided to pivot to selling coffee after becoming a mom. And lucky for us, she has brought her expertise in crafting cocktails into the world of coffee. Their peppermint hot chocolate is a must-try—it features crushed peppermint and a matcha rim, with a chocolate bomb served on the side for a fun, interactive experience. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
30-08 37th St / 347-242-3137 / Instagram: cafesparrowastoria
Château Le Woof
Arguably the best dog café in NYC, Château Le Woof, founded in 2015, is the go-to spot for Astoria pups. With a separate play area for dogs to play off-leash, it’s always full of positive vibes and friendly dogs (and their owners). Their drinks are fantastic, but this winter, their “Dreamsicle” hot chocolate is a standout. Made with white chocolate, organic orange syrup, orange zest, and topped with a dehydrated orange slice, it’s a delicious twist on traditional hot chocolate and a true work of art.
31-01 Vernon Blvd. / (718) 626-9663 / www.chateaulewoof.com
