Best Hot Chocolate on Long Island

Enjoying a mouthwatering hot chocolate on Long Island with the kids is a perfect way to warm up this winter. Adults and kids love this tasty treat, especially when topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. Some cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants offer unique hot chocolate concoctions with fun flavors, toppings, or even rich chocolate shavings to satisfy your sweet tooth.

We’ve rounded up some of the best spots across Long Island serving up delectable hot chocolates with incredible playgrounds nearby. Read ahead to start planning a day filled with wintry playground action topped off with an unforgettable hot chocolate experience. 

For even more seasonal outings, check out our Winter Fun Guide and our list of Long Island’s best family-friendly restaurants. 

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Best Hot Chocolate in Nassau County

1. Fresco Creperie & Cafe — Williston Park

Fresco Creperie & Cafe features a special hot chocolate treat made with rich Belgian dark chocolate and topped with delicious whipped cream. This restaurant also offers a unique twist on a traditional hot chocolate: The cafe’s Hot Nutella is made with warm milk, Nutella, and topped with a generous amount of whipped cream. For the adults, there are a lot of coffee drinks to choose from and the whole family will love the sweet and savory crepes selection. 

Where to Play: John D. Caemmerer Park in Albertson is located a few blocks from Williston Park. The playground has a great rubber surface with interactive climbing structures, slides, and swings for kids of all ages. A gazebo located in the center of the playground area is great for enjoying a snack or hot chocolate to go. This park also has restroom amenities and plenty of parking.

2. The Cup Coffeehouse — Wantagh

This cozy coffeehouse serves a variety of decadent hot chocolates, including a milk & cookies version and a candy cane-flavored hot cocoa that kids and adults will love. Adults looking for a caffeine jolt can try a flavored latte, coffee, or tea. If you prefer your drinks cold, try the seasonal gingerbread man milkshake. 

Where to Play: Wantagh Park’s Marina Playground is a destination-worthy spot with a nautical theme with equipment for toddlers and older kids to enjoy. The structures include a ship, slides both open-air and tube, swings, and rock climbing. There are benches with great sight lines for parents to sit and relax while watching all the fun.

3. Tulip Bake Shop — Floral Park

Treat the family to an unforgettable hot chocolate and a sweet treat at this local gem. The friendly atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for many and the bakery goods are made on the premises, including some delicious specialties. Spend some time sipping your hot chocolate drink and warming up at one of the bakery’s cute tables.

Where to Play: The nearby Ridder’s Pond Park Playground in New Hyde Park has a rubber safety surface and is a great location for little ones to run around and play. The fenced-in area has slides, swings, climbing, and more. The adjacent pond offers pretty views in a setting set back from the main roads.

4. The Witches Brew — West Hempstead

This family-friendly spot offers an eclectic vibe and warm drinks, including a delicious hot chocolate. The adults can enjoy a special coffee or tea drink off the menu along with an expansive array of vegan options for the family. The cozy couches and chairs offer a great spot to warm up and enjoy your hot cocoa and food. 

Where to Play: Cornwell Avenue Park nestled in West Hempstead offers an outdoor space perfect for an active day with the kids. The park has a playground with swings, paths for walking, and benches for the family to relax. 

5. Soul Brew — Bellmore

The Soul Brew makes a decadent mocha or white mocha hot chocolate, depending on your preference. If the kids or the adults are looking to elevate the hot chocolate experience, this is the place to come. S’mores, rainbow cookies, and peanut butter cups are a few flavors you can add to your hot chocolate creation at this spot. 

Where to Play: The impressive Newbridge Road Park Playground offers a great space for kids of all ages, especially those who love climbing and practicing their ninja skills. The playground surface is made of a soft sponge-like material and the structures include climbing areas, slides, ramps, and lots of fun ropes equipment. 

6. Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor — Massapequa

This neighborhood favorite serves a delicious hot cocoa each season. Kids will love the hot chocolate stacked with whipped cream and sometimes even shaved chocolate. Bring your appetite and try a bacon cheeseburger and fries with your hot chocolate. If you don’t feel like a hot drink, there are many other homemade ice cream and treat options. 

Where to Play: The nearby Brady Park has a large playground with a rubber surface for safe play. This spot has climbing structures and slides, and the park also has walking trails for the whole family and restrooms. The lakeside views, fields, and picnic grounds offer a lot of space for family-friendly fun. 

Best Hot Chocolate in Suffolk County

7. Beach Bakery — Westhampton Beach

This East End spot offers a delicious whipped cream-topped hot chocolate, sure to delight the kids. The charming bakery in the heart of the main street offers savory breakfast and lunch foods, pastries, baked goods, and homemade bread. Stay to enjoy the hot chocolate at one of the many tables or booths, or take it to go on a walk through the village.  

Where to Play: The Ria Del Bene Memorial Playground is a short walk from the Beach Bakery and offers an action-packed adventure any time of the year. The pirate ship playground offers fun for both toddlers and older kids with climbing structures, swings, slides, and a great rubber surface to run around and play.

8. Krispy Mango Cafe & Bakeshop — Huntington

This sweet spot in Huntington Village is perfect for a tasty, decadent hot chocolate treat. The cafe offers everything from warm drinks to crepes to baked goods and ice cream creations. Stay and sip your hot chocolate, or grab it to go and head to a nearby playground for some cold-weather fun. 

Where to Play: Heckscher Park is an expansive 18-acre park with something for all ages. The playground offers fantastic structures for climbing and sliding in a great fenced-in space. 

9. Cafe Portofino — Northport

This adorable cafe serves a decadent seasonal, special melted hot chocolate along with a classic hot cocoa with whipped cream.  Pastries, sandwiches, coffee, flavored lattes, and teas are all on the menu too. You can grab an unforgettable hot chocolate here and a savory breakfast or lunch before or after your playground fun. 

Where to Play: The Northport Village Park is a short walk from the heart of the village. The park has two playgrounds for little ones to run, climb, and play to their heart’s content. The location is right near the water so it also offers beautiful views in every season. 

10. Sagtown — Sag Harbor

This East End spot tucked away in Sag Harbor Village is a destination-worthy stop for hot chocolate and coffee when you are in the area. Sit and relax in the cozy atmosphere with your warm treat. Pastries, breakfast, and lunch are all served to pair with your hot cocoa. 

Where to Play: Mashashimuet Park is a family-friendly location in Sag Harbor with playgrounds, a soccer field, tennis courts, and more. Kids will enjoy the playground’s fun climbing structures and slides. 

This article was originally posted in 2017 and has since been updated.