Boston’s best hot chocolate spots, according to WBUR staffers

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: “Hot chocolate is to winter what ice cream is to summer.”

WBUR isn’t just journalists, technical engineers, donation specialists and more — we’re also your neighbors. We live, eat and drink hot cocoa here, too.

So, while we’re not food critics, we wanted to share some of our favorite spots for a warm winter treat. (And, yes, one spot in particular seems to hold a special place in our staff’s stomachs). We hope you enjoy them.

Editor’s note: No business paid to be included in this list.

52 Brattle St., Cambridge

“I LOVE the dark hot chocolate from L.A. Burdick in Harvard Square. It tastes like someone melted a bar of the best quality dark chocolate and then just handed it to you in a cup. But get a small! A little bit goes a long way.” — Tiziana Dearing, Morning Edition host

“You can only have one a year because it's like drinking molten chocolate from a chocolate volcano. Like, the most chocolatey hot chocolate in all of chocolate land. Not for the weak.” — Barbara Moran, environmental correspondent

“The best vegan hot chocolate in Boston? I didn't have an immediate answer (which is surprising given the ferocity of my sweet tooth), but I knew who would: Erica Korff, AKA @vegan_kween. She recommends L.A. Burdick and offered up this pro tip: ‘If you have some left over, put it in the fridge, and since it's so thick, it'll basically turn into chocolate mousse overnight.’ “ — Amory Sivertson, host and senior podcast producer

278 Harvard St., Brookline

“These days I’m partial to the Nutella hot chocolate at Paris Creperie in the heart of Brookline’s Coolidge Corner. It’s the scrumptious essence of simplicity: milk, or in my case oat milk, mixed with Nutella, in perfect proportions, just exactly hot enough, and served with a smile in a cozy café. Should you pair this with a tasty crepe? Purely optional. But, I mean, come on. Live a little.” — Sharon Brody, Weekend Edition host

274 Shrewsbury St., Worcester

“Meraki’s coffeeshop and full bar offers the aptly named ‘decadent hot chocolate.’ Concocted with Italian hot cocoa powder, steamed milk and vanilla syrup, it tastes as rich as you’ll feel drinking it — and somehow costs less than most lattes. And if it’s that kind of wintry day, add a splash of booze. The bartender will recommend vanilla vodka.” — Lisa Creamer, managing editor for digital news and audience

2265 Massachusetts Ave., Boston

“The Hot Cacao mix is the perfect blend of spicy and chocolatey to warm my hand and my spirit on chilly winter days. And, when I make it, the surface will always be covered in marshmallows.” — Tina Safford, On-Air fundraising manager

41 Mile Hill Road, Westminster

“It’s an indisputable fact that hot chocolate tastes best on a mountain after a day of skiing. You’ll find this franchise at the base of many slopes, from New Hampshire and Vermont to Colorado. But to sip its chocolatey glory close to home, head to Wachusett Mountain. Best paired with a plain sugar waffle for the perfect midday sugar buzz.” — Meagan McGinnes-Bessey, managing editor for digital audience and community engagement

173 Essex St., Salem

“Try their drinking chocolates 'elixirs.' A number of them are supposed to be based on historical recipes, from potent drinks drawn from preColumbian indigenous cultures to those based on 17th century European recipes. Kakawa also offers contemporary concoctions, playing with spice and herbs in novel ways. It’s interesting to contemplate the long, complicated history of chocolate, and fun to experience it with flavors you don’t typically find in New England." — Amelia Mason, senior arts & culture reporter

561 Windsor St., Somerville

“For a rich (and spicy) hot chocolate, drop a disc of Somerville-based Taza's Guajullo Chili into your mug with milk or water, and stir to cocoa perfection. And if you're lucky, in the colder months you can head over to Taza for a tour and you might even get to taste the brew from the source (along with other samples).” — Steven Davy, senior producer of CitySpace

Various locations around Mass.

“This is a little basic but I love the Caffé Nero oat milk hot chocolate. Truly my favorite, even if it is from a chain.” — Kalyani Saxena, Here & Now associate producer

Various locations around Mass.

“Don’t sleep on this hot chocolate! In the winter of 2021, my dear friend Jessica convinced me to have a distanced outdoor hang on the patio. She brought J.P. Licks hot chocolate (with whipped cream, obvi) as an extra incentive. It was the first time I ever had it, and it was deliciousss. Kept me nice and warm in the cold as it snowed.” — Candice Springer, assistant director of CitySpace

Various locations around Mass.

“It's basic, but my kids are huge fans of the hot chocolate at Dunkin'. It always hits the spot after a chilly afternoon of playing soccer, and they like to feel extra grown up drinking out of a to-go coffee cup.” — Meghan Kelly, senior editor for audience engagement and platforms