Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Hot Chocolate

A good cup of hot chocolate can warm you up on a cold day, and we’ve got a list to help you find the best mug in Champaign-Urbana

There’s one thing that we know for sure: Hot chocolate is NOT just a treat for the kids. Sure, it’s great to know where the best cocoa is around town for those lazy mornings when the grown-ups need a cup of coffee. But we’re going to let you in on a little secret — it’s perfectly OK to splurge for the hot cocoa yourself. Some days just call for a cup of warm chocolate, hot cocoa, or whatever you call it in order to keep a smile on parents and children alike.

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Courier Cafe, Urbana: Referred to as the perfect accompaniment to Courier’s delicious breakfast, readers eagerly noted this hot cocoa as a crowd pleaser.

Espresso Royale, multiple locations: All sorts of yummy flavor shots and milk choices available for your hot chocolate order. Friendly baristas have been known to customize the temperature for picky chambanakids. (“Hot chocolate, but more like warm chocolate, cuz I don’t like it when it’s hot.”)

Geschenk Coffee, St Joseph: Make sure to pick up a hot cocoa with your baked goods order. Enjoy a flavor shot of cinnamon, caramel, white chocolate, hazelnut, pumpkin, peppermint, raspberry, or toasted marshmallow, just to name a few.

The Original Pancake House, Champaign: Our kids love Original’s hot chocolate because the mugs are so big. The whipped cream on top is the best! (Pictured at the top of this list.)

Hopscotch Bakery + Market, Champaign: Try its hot cocoa with house-made marshmallows.

Mad Goat Coffee, Champaign: Very satisfied young customers any time we order hot chocolate here!

The New Sweet Indulgence, Champaign: Offering both white and milk chocolate cocoas, Sweet Indulgence’s cinnamon rolls and scones pair beautifully with its hot beverages.

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, food truck: When you need the hot chocolate to come to you, Travelin’ Tom’s hits the spot

Whisk Coffee and Wine Bar, Mahomet: Try its European sipping chocolate, “a rich dessert in a cup with your choice of syrup flavor.” Yes please.

YoYo’s Coffee & Bar, Mahomet: Yo Yo’s offers a high-quality chocolate mix with steamed milk in order to please the chocolate-loving crowd. As if that wasn’t enough, Yo Yo’s tops its hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped outdoor seating area or bring your laptop to work inside.

And if you’re in charge of making it yourself, check out the hot chocolate mix that’s made in-house at Columbia Street Roastery (24 Columbia St., Champaign) at any time of year. Look for special gift packs at the holidays as well.

Did we miss someone? Email us and let us know who has the best hot chocolate around Champaign-Urbana and what makes them delicious.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Hot Chocolate

A good cup of hot chocolate can warm you up on a cold day, and we’ve got a list to help you find the best mug in Champaign-Urbana

Looking for favorite foods around Champaign-Urbana?