Try heavenly hot chocolate in Halifax

For those who crave the comfort of something hot and sweet on a cold day, Halifax has you covered: Hot chocolate options here are countless. Take one to go at The Old Apothecary and stroll Barrington Street, or find a seat at the Fire & Ice Bar and get a little tipsy.

Try heavenly hot chocolate in Halifax
James Gregor By

Uncommon Grounds

1
1030 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3H 2W3

Descend out of the snowstorm and find a place in the bunker-like space of Uncommon Grounds on South Park. It's the most reliably open coffee shop in Halifax and is always packed on storm days. They've got the traditional hot chocolate happening here but will top it off with whipped cream at no extra charge. The staff are lovely and accommodating, and you can linger for hours if need be.

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The Bicycle Thief

2
1475 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z2

The Bicycle Thief is a seen-and-be-seen kind of place, and what better place to parade in your new winter wear than at the Fire & Ice Bar in their patio space? The staff bring out heat lamps and give you blankets and faux fur shawls to keep you warm. There's a whole range of boozy hot chocolates, including such dangerously sweet classics as the Bailey's and chocolate.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Smiling Goat Organic Expresso Bar

3
1551D South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 4B4

Another great spot for those fortunate downtowners, Smiling Goat makes a delicious hot chocolate with organic milk and chocolate syrup. Wait! If chocolate syrup sounds unappealing, know that this hot chocolate tastes rich and velvety. However, if you simply must have whipped cream on your hot chocolate, go elsewhere – they only offer foamed milk here. But if that's not an issue, take a stool by the window and enjoy the wintry green spectacle of the Public Gardens across the street.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Steve O Reno's Cappuccino

4
1536 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 2G2

Steve O'Reno's has often been called the best hot chocolate in the city. While that is, of course, a debatable proposition, it is certainly in the running. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it's sweet but not cloying, and it always comes with a design showcasing the talent of the resident barista. Drop in to the warm, comfy space on Brunswick, snatch one of the newspapers lying around and take a seat.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Two If By Sea Bakeshop

5
1869 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S9

Come to the Halifax outpost of the beloved Two if By Sea empire if you find yourself in need of some warming up while walking the harbour boardwalk. Their hot chocolate is milky and foamy, and they always put some kind of adorable design in the froth. Pair it with one of their insanely gigantic chocolate chip cookies, which are more like small, flat pies than cookies. Everything is over the top here, in the best way.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Julien's Patisserie, Bakery and Cafe

5517 Young St, Halifax, NS B3K 1Z7

The coffee and pastry star of the Hydrostone, Julien's Patisserie also offers a delectable hot chocolate to its lucky patrons. It's among the heaviest, creamiest hot chocolates available in Halifax, a reflection of the skill evident in everything on offer here – bread, croissants, sandwiches, etc. A true neighbourhood spot and, if you can find a seat, it's a great place to curl up with a book and your favourite hot drink.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Nook on Gottingen

6
2118 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS B3K 0C5

The Nook is a fine spot to go with friends or your favourite laptop. There are little "nooks" along one wall where you can sit on pillows and close a curtain to enjoy your hot chocolate in cozy privacy. Or why not sit at the window and watch the vibrant life on Gottingen go past? The hot chocolate here comes piping hot, milky and chocolatey. It's a wonderful recent addition to the Gottingen scene.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from James Gregor James Gregor
A native of Halifax, James Gregor can usually be found hauling laptop around to various coffee shops. He can never decide what kind of coffee he wants, so he tries them all (though he prefers dark roast). If he's not in a coffee shop, he's probably in a bookshop, or on a plane to New York City. James holds a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University, and is also a fiction writer.
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