San Diego’s 12 Sweetest Spots for Hot Chocolate

Creme & Sugar

Little ones will delight in the Instagram-ready and colorful unicorn hot chocolate! This white hot chocolate comes with whipped creme, marshmallows, sprinkles and gold flakes––believe us, it's a crowd-pleaser. Even more, there are 10 different equally amazing hot chocolates to choose from. Each is like a work of art. Our faves are and the Cookie Monster and the Snow White. There are fancy lattes and teas too!

2646 Del Mar Heights Rd.
San Diego, CA 92014
858-925-7868
Online: cremeandsugardelmar.com

Morning Glory

Can't decide on just one decadent cup of cocoa? Then try several unique flavors at Morning Glory. You're spoiled for choice of tantalizing flavors at this cute Little Italy bistro. Choose between classic cocoa or caramel to strawberries and cream, orange and vanilla and maple cinnamon. Sounds glorious!

550 W Date St.
Ste. #C
San Diego, CA 92101
619-629-0302
Online: morningglorybreakfast.com

Pappalecco

Warm-up at this Little Italy favorite with a cup of Italian hot chocolate and a quick bite to eat like the breakfast croissant. Even more, a grown-up fave is the espresso with added Nutella. Further, little ones will delight in picking a pastry or dessert from the well-stocked display case. You can even take a few home to share later!

Little Italy Neighborhood
1602 State St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: pappalecco.com

Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop

Here you'll find melt in your mouth hot chocolate for the littles. It's topped with luscious whipped cream and a Ghiradelli chocolate square on top. Or try the sea salt caramel hot cocoa with caramel drizzle, or the frozen hot chocolate, a local favorite. Add in a warmed chocolate brownie and your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied.

Sweet note: Savor free pieces of decadent Ghiradelli chocolate while you wait in line.

Downtown, Gaslamp District
643 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-2449
Online: ghirardelli.com

The Forum Coffee House

With a hip and friendly vibe, this is a sweet hot chocolate pit stop for the kiddos (and you too!) They call their house hot chocolate "PG-13." You'll also find good-tasting pastries like the croissants and the blueberry cream danish (yum!). It gets crowded on weekends, so go early!

4340 Genesee Ave, Ste. 110
San Diego, CA 92117
858-384-6020

Online: theforumcoffee.com

Por Vida

Stop by and warm up at this cute spot with a Mexican hot chocolate (includes nuts). Your half-pint will be delighted that it comes with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Further, the casual, artsy vibe and friendly staff make this a go-to spot anytime. Even more, there are many Mexican pastries to choose from to go with your drink.

Barrio Lagoon Neighborhood
2146 Logan Ave.
San Diego, CA 92113
Online: porvida.com

Brew Coffee Spot

Your crew can order up their chocolate drink hot, cold or blended with dark, white or Mexican chocolate at this rustic La Mesa cafe. Not to mention, grown-ups rave about the lavender latte that's decadent but not too sweet. If undecided, a plethora of coffee drinks with a drink diagram helps you choose. 

La Mesa Neighborhood
6101 Lake Murray Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-713-6698
Online: brewcoffeespot.com

Chi Chocolate

Cozy up to this dark chocolate cafe for a cup of cocoa. Crafted from freshly made chocolate ladled into a cup, add-in steamed milk and top it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Also, adventurous drinkers can spice it up with cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg. Psst: we recommend the caramel mocha for the grown-ups.

Liberty Station
2690 Historic Decatur Rd.
Point Loma, CA 92106
619-546-0650
Online: banyankitchensd.com/drinks

Baba Coffee

Stir up your morning routine and head to the newish Baba Coffee in Carlsbad Village. Indeed, they whip up a good hot chocolate (plus lattes, espressos and mochas). With an open-air feel and pastries from The Pannikin and VG donuts, this outing will delight your whole crew. Good to know: we've heard their avocado toast is fresh and yummy.

Carlsbad Village
2727 State St.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-994-0666
Online: babacoffee.com

Nibble Chocolate

Nibble is an organic vegan chocolate shop that fits perfectly into walkable Old Town. After that savory chicken enchilada with margs, mosey the fam over for a hot chocolate dessert. Their cocoa, which is sourced from Peru or Brazil, satisfies when served with almond, coconut or soy milk. Drink up and feel good.

Old Town Neighborhood
2754 Calhoun St.
San Diego, CA 92110
858-200-7689
Online: nibblechocolate.com

Eclipse Chocolate

Touted by Travel and Leisure as one of America’s best hot chocolates, Eclipse Chocolate Bar and Bistro knows a thing or two about satisfying a sweet tooth. Above all, little sippers will toast the drinking chocolate that comes with two large square marshmallows. They’re known for infusing chocolate with herbs and spices, so don’t be afraid to get daring.

Sweet note: If the kids are hungry they also have a full brunch and dinner menu. Eclipse Chocolate is a place you may never want to leave.

South Park Neighborhood
2145 Fern St.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-578-2984
Online: store.eclipsechocolate.com

Sugar & Scribe

Come for the hot chocolate with a housemade marshmallow, whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top and stay for the Nutella-Nuts French toast! With a spectacular looking hot chocolate presentation, it's sure to get slurped up fast. Even more, the casual ambience and excellent breakfast items make this local La Jolla spot a win!

7660 Fay Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-274-1733
Online: sugarandscribe.com