Warming up after a long day with a creamy cup of hot chocolate is one of my favorite ways to keep me cozy and safe from the brutal cold during the winter time. Recently, I’ve been on the search for the best place to get hot chocolate in Queens that is affordable yet delicious. I have compiled my favorite locations, and I urge you to visit them with your friends and family to start off the holiday season with cheer!
First of all, let’s evaluate what I would consider a good cup of hot chocolate. I love the rich flavor of cocoa mixed in with the silky smooth texture of steamed milk. Although, I wouldn’t want the flavor to get too overbearing, because I would be unable to finish the entirety of my drink. Finding a good balance between flavor and texture is my main goal.
My first stop is Martha’s Country Bakery. This place has been one of my favorite places growing up and I really enjoyed visiting again. They have multiple locations in Queens, including Astoria, Bayside, and Forest Hills. I went to the Forest Hills location because it was nearest to me, and I had a very pleasant time. The ambiance of this cafe is inviting and warm. It can get pretty busy, and I had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated, but I would say it’s worth it. I ordered a red velvet hot chocolate, because my friend had recommended it to me, and I was enticed by this new flavor option. It was extra creamy, which I absolutely loved. They included red velvet crumbs on top, which looked very pretty, and appetizing. I appreciate how it maintained the mouth-watering taste of chocolate while not being overwhelmingly clouded by the red velvet flavoring. The hot chocolate was a total of $6.25, which is on the pricier side.I also purchased a napoleon fruit cake slice, which is my childhood favorite, and I savored every last bite of it. The nostalgic feeling brought me back to my happiest youthful memories.
My next stop is Rego Park Cafe. This is a local business that I frequently visit due to its proximity to my home. My favorite part of this cafe is that it is budget friendly. For only $2.37, I got a large cup of hot chocolate that was filled to the brim with whipped cream. I personally love the addition of whipped cream, but if you’re not a fan, you can order without it. This hot chocolate was not my favorite because it was kind of watery, and lacked the chocolatey flavor that is loved. However, the service was quick, the staff was friendly, and the cafe experience was overall enjoyable.There are several breakfast and lunch specials available as well. If you’re in a time crunch, and prioritize affordability, I would definitely recommend Rego Park Cafe.
Moving towards Fresh Meadows, Lulu’s Bakery is the best after-school spot for Francis Lewis students. It is less than 15 minutes away, with the Q30 bus. When I first walked in, I immediately noticed the beautiful holiday decor. I ordered a peppermint seasonal hot cocoa, and was amazed with how rich the drink was. It was definitely one of the more thick hot chocolates I’ve tried though, and it can get pretty overwhelming to finish due to the consistency. It reminded me of a traditional European style hot cocoa since it was exceptionally rich and luscious. It was a total of $4.50 for a medium, which is not too pricey compared to other places I’ve tried. They also have a wide array of pastries, cakes, and cookies which all looked quite tasty, and I will m
ost certainly return to try some of them.
Overall, I had a great time taste-testing these hot cocoas, supporting small businesses, and getting to know my neighborhood better. My absolute favorite was Lulu’s Cafe, because it was my first experience there, and from the moment I walked in, I was immediately entranced by the illuminating decor of the bakery. The joyful atmosphere really put me in the Christmas spirit, and the hot chocolate was by far one of the creamiest and richest tasting I have ever tried in Queens.
