Eva Grall 
When the weather turns cold, there’s always a treat that will warm from the inside: hot chocolate. It’s perfect for after a hike, while watching a football game, or as a cozy treat around the evening fire. The first chocolate drinks originated more than 2,500 years ago in the ancient Mayan civilization. By 1400 AD, the drink was essential to Aztec culture and spread throughout the world for hundreds of years. Hot chocolate was even believed to cure stomach ailments. Today, there are all different chocolate drinks, from spicy to caffeinated, powder-based, or liquid. We’re fortunate to have a variety of chocolate drinks here in Montclair. Read on to learn about the best of the best hot chocolate spots in Montclair, New Jersey.
Applegate Farm | 616 Grove Street, Montclair
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Applegate Farm might primarily be known for its ice cream (or its 200-year tenure in Montclair), but this scoop shop is serving up some seriously decadent hot chocolates this winter. So decadent, in fact, that the family-owned biz has become something of a TikTok sensation for its over-the-top confections. The menu features all sorts of hot cocoa variations, including s’mores, cookies + cream, salted caramel, and of course, classic.
Eagle Rock Cafe | 202 Bellevue Avenue, #1B
Photo Credit: @eaglerockcafemc
This Bellevue Avenue Cafe and co-working space is a great place to stay warm and drink hot chocolate. Eagle Rock has the ambiance of Friends‘ famous Central Perk, and the hot chocolate is simply delicious. Served in a cozy mug while sitting in a comfy chair, patrons can enjoy drinks and also get some work done.
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Bijoux | 17 Church Street
Photo Credit: @jaycebaudryfrenchpastry
This French pâtisserie serves up delectable desserts that are sure to be the favorite part of anyone’s day. It also serves up a delicious homemade Valrhona hot chocolate, topped with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. We love how the high-quality ingredients transform a simple drink into a decadent treat.
Java Love | 244 Bellevue Avenue + 49 Church Street + 39 Glenridge Avenue
(Photo credit: @doyoujavalove)
Good, consistent drinks are what Montclair locals love about Java Love. The hot chocolate is perfect for kids and families because it is sweet and mild, stirred into the milk of the patron’s choice. Coming in a wide variety of sizes, hot or cold, and with or without whipped cream, even Goldilocks would be able to perfect her order here.
La Fontaine Cafe | 12 North Willow Street
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This women-owned cafe in downtown Montclair is known for its delicious treats and also serves up sandwiches, crepes, coffee, and non-coffee drinks — including hot chocolate. Customers can choose from a 12-ounce or 16-ounce hot chocolate here. If you like iced drinks all year round, there is also the option to get a 16-ounce iced hot chocolate.
Paper Plane Coffee Co. | 194 Claremont Avenue
Photo Credit: @paperplanecoffeeco
While the team at Paper Plane comes up with wild and wonderful coffee drinks, the hot chocolates are also creative twists on a classic. This includes their Mayan hot chocolate, which is inspired by spicy Mexican chocolate.
Raymond’s | 28 Church Street
Photo Credit: @raymondsnj
Imagine sipping a warm chocolate drink in a European city. That is just what it’s like to order Raymond’s Belgian Hot Chocolate. Decadent, filling, and ideal, this hot chocolate is rich with flavor and will certainly satisfy. On cold days swap out dessert for this cocoa drink, add a vanilla marshmallow, and enjoy.
Red Eye Cafe | 94 Walnut Street
Photo Credit: @redeyecafe
This little gem on Walnut has a wide variety of food and drink. On Saturdays, stop by after the Montclair Farmers’ Market and take a seat outside to enjoy a warm drink on a cold day. The hot chocolate is classically comforting and reminds one of the post-sledding treats at home. Whipped cream on top? But of course!
The Corner | 115 Grove Street
Photo Credit: @thecornermontclair
Is there anything The Corner can’t do? Probably not, and the hot chocolate is just as wonderful as you’d expect. With an option for homemade marshmallows and the occasional seasonal flavor addition, diners love the stomach-warming delight of the hot chocolate drink. Last we checked, The Corner offered its own version of the Belgian hot chocolate, meaning a richer, more tasty brew.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road, Suite 2
Photo Credit: @vestachocolate
Everything sold at Vesta originates from small-batch, organic chocolate, which is roasted and made in-house. Pop in for a petit cup of the classic, bean-to-bar hot chocolate, which is so rich and decadent patrons swear they’ve never tasted anything so good. Vesta also offers hot chocolate as a powder that can be purchased in-store or online to make at home. Fans say, “the first sip is like slipping into a warm bath.”
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