Hot (and not so Hot) Spots for Hot Chocolate in Minneapolis
‘Tis the season to warm up with wonderful cup of hot chocolate. Lord knows, there are a thousand places to get a cup of chocolaty goodness but here are five spots that we tried in Minneapolis. We will let you know which spots are worth a shot and which ones are not.
Patesserie 46
4552 Grand Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55419
Patisserie46.com | 612.354.3257
This lovely coffee and pastry shop at the corner of 46th Street and Grand Avenue may not have the best hot chocolate in Minneapolis but has a decent cup along with plenty of vibes and comfortable seating. The best way to describe their hot chocolate is rich but subtle. It definitely warms you up and is pleasant going down but lacks the punch that chocolate lovers crave. And at $5.00 for a 10 oz. cup, it is a reasonable price for what you get.
Caffetto Coffee House
If you are looking for a great hot chocolate and love dive bars, this is the place for you. Out of the five places on this list, this was our favorite cup (and the cheapest). At only $3.75 for a 12 oz. cup, you are not paying for the ambience but just a great hot chocolate. Creamy, chocolaty, and delicious. Though the interior is a little rough and run down, for the price, you can’t get a better hot chocolate in Minneapolis.
Vivir
By far, the most memorable hot chocolate we’ve ever had. Getting to Vivir is an adventure in itself where the roads to it are half brick and half asphalt that will definitely test your suspension. Once you step into Vivir, your are met with a visual feast of pink and their Mexican spin on hot chocolate is completely unique. With the first sip, you are hit with a jolt of cayenne which then mellows down by the cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut milk. For the standard Minnesota palate, this is way too spicy but if you are adventurous and want to try a unique hot chocolate experience, the Mexican Hot Chocolate at Vivir will not disappoint.
The Buttered Tin
If any place could coast on vibes, it is The Buttered Tin. This prime location right off the Mississippi River offers a great retro diner atmosphere. The service is prompt and very nice without forcing (or even offering) a tip. However, the hot chocolate does not live up to the same standard. More reminiscent of a chai than a hot chocolate, we could not pick up any chocolate flavor. It was essentially steamed milk with a little cinnamon or chai flavoring. The smells of classic breakfast staples filled the space which I suspect are their bread and butter but hot chocolates are not.
Dancing Bear Chocolate
Ever wonder what drinking melted chocolate is like? Well, wonder no more. The Dancing Bear Chocolate is definitely more of a confectionery than a café. As you enter this small shop, it is abundantly clear that they are dedicated to the non-liquid versions of chocolates and other sweets. With only two chairs and a quick “Have a great day!”, Dancing Bear is for those that just want to grab and go. Their hot chocolate is by far those most chocolaty hot chocolate we have ever tried. Five sips in and my taste buds were already tapping out. For all the chocoholics out there, this is probably the closest to nirvana but for me it was a chocolate overdose.