The Vermont Hole-In-The-Wall Coffee Shops Serving The Best Hot Cocoa In The State

Vermont wears winter well, and nowhere is that more evident than in the state’s tiny, character-filled coffee nooks pouring exceptional hot cocoa. This list spotlights small, independently run spots where the chocolate is thoughtfully sourced, the milk is steamed just right, and the vibes stay cozy without the crowds. Whether you are wandering Burlington’s side streets or warming up after a snowy trail near Stowe, these places show how Vermont turns a simple cup into a memorable pause. Read on to find where locals quietly send friends for the most satisfying cocoa in the Green Mountain State.

1. Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington & Stowe)

Lake Champlain Chocolates is a Vermont institution known for its premium chocolate and rich drinking chocolate offerings. Their Church Street location in Burlington and their Stowe shop both feature cafés where visitors can enjoy handcrafted hot chocolate alongside other chocolate treats.

The café offers several styles of hot chocolate, including “Traditional,” “Old World,” and “Intense Dark,” each made from high-quality, small-batch chocolate sourced by the chocolatier. While not a full bean-to-bar operation, the shop emphasizes artisanal techniques, small batches, and carefully selected ingredients, resulting in creamy, flavorful cocoa that appeals to both locals and tourists. The Church Street café also has an espresso bar, allowing for chocolate-based beverages like mochas or specialty chocolate drinks.

With cozy seating and an inviting atmosphere, Lake Champlain Chocolates makes for an ideal stop for a winter treat or a sweet indulgence on a rainy day. Their dedication to quality, Vermont-made products, and a welcoming café experience ensures that a visit feels both indulgent and locally authentic. The Stowe location provides a quieter, small-town setting, perfect for savoring hot chocolate after skiing or exploring the nearby trails.

2. NU Chocolat (Burlington)

Nu Chocolat is a boutique chocolate shop located at 180 Battery Street in Burlington, quickly gaining a reputation for its rich, handcrafted chocolate products. The café offers a selection of hot chocolate drinks made from high-quality chocolate, often garnished with whipped cream and shavings that highlight the depth of their craft.

The emphasis here is on small-batch, artisanal chocolate, and the flavors are intense, creamy, and indulgent without being overly sweet. Nu Chocolat’s approach focuses on the chocolate itself, ensuring that each cup is a genuine experience of pure cocoa flavor. The shop is compact and stylish, with an intimate, modern aesthetic that attracts chocolate enthusiasts looking for a specialized, high-quality beverage. Visitors appreciate the consistency of the drinks and the friendliness of the staff, making it a favorite stop for both locals and tourists.

Whether enjoying a cup on a chilly winter afternoon or grabbing a takeaway treat, Nu Chocolat offers an authentic, chocolate-forward experience. Its position near downtown Burlington also makes it easy to pair a hot chocolate with a stroll along Lake Champlain or a visit to nearby shops and cafés.

3. The Cosmic Grind (Burlington)

The Cosmic Grind, located at 104 Church Street, is a tiny, independent café with a quirky, eclectic atmosphere that has made it a local favorite. Known for its creativity and community vibe, the shop offers coffee, specialty lattes, and hot chocolate in a casual, friendly environment.

While their hot chocolate menu may rotate, visitors consistently praise the drinks for their richness and comfort factor. The café’s charm lies in its small size, artsy décor, and intimate seating, which makes it feel like a hidden gem in the heart of Burlington. Drinks are made with care, and while the café is best known for coffee and espresso-based beverages, its hot chocolate is a dependable choice for anyone seeking a warm, indulgent treat.

The Cosmic Grind is also recognized for experimenting with flavors and seasonal specials, meaning visitors may occasionally find unique variations of cocoa, though standard offerings remain reliably chocolatey and satisfying. Its location on Church Street, one of Burlington’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfares, makes it an easy and accessible stop for a sweet pick-me-up during shopping or sightseeing trips.

4. Muddy Waters (Burlington)

Muddy Waters is a long-standing, locally beloved coffee shop located at 184 Main Street in Burlington, known for its relaxed, community-oriented vibe. The café has a reputation for serving consistent, high-quality beverages, including coffee, teas, and hot chocolate.

Reviews highlight the hot chocolate as creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced – not overly sweet, but rich enough to feel indulgent. Muddy Waters’ interior contributes to its charm, with a cozy, slightly bohemian atmosphere that draws students, artists, and locals alike. Its emphasis on approachable comfort foods and beverages makes it ideal for casual meetups, study sessions, or a quiet place to unwind. While the café doesn’t heavily market itself as a chocolate destination, the hot chocolate consistently earns praise from regulars, pairing well with the shop’s baked goods and desserts.

Its convenient location in central Burlington, along with the welcoming, laid-back ambiance, ensures that Muddy Waters remains a staple destination for anyone seeking a satisfying hot cocoa experience in a no-frills, friendly setting.

5. August First (Burlington)

August First is a spacious, community-focused bakery and café located at 149 South Champlain Street in Burlington. While primarily known for its fresh bread, pastries, and baked goods, the café also serves warm beverages, including hot chocolate.

The drinks here are appreciated for their homemade feel and approachable flavor, often enjoyed alongside freshly baked treats. August First has a bright, open interior with communal seating, making it a social hub for locals and visitors alike. Its commitment to local ingredients and artisanal baking extends to its beverages, providing a cozy, authentic experience without pretension. Though menu details for specific hot chocolate variants are not widely publicized online, customer reviews suggest a reliably warm, comforting cocoa, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

The café’s location near the waterfront and downtown Burlington makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city or seeking a relaxing spot to enjoy a treat. Overall, August First offers a welcoming environment where the combination of fresh bakery goods and warm drinks creates a satisfying, quintessential Vermont café experience.

6. Scout & Co. (Winooski)

Scout & Co., located at 1 East Allen Street in Winooski, is a charming, neighborhood café with a vintage feel, wooden floors, and cozy décor. Known for its approachable coffee and chai offerings, the café also serves warm chocolate-based drinks, appealing to visitors seeking comforting beverages in a relaxed environment.

Scout & Co. is a community gathering spot, popular with locals for its casual atmosphere and welcoming service. The café’s focus is on high-quality, simple drinks and light bites, allowing patrons to enjoy a leisurely moment away from busier streets. While it is not a chocolate specialty shop, their hot chocolate is frequently praised by customers for being satisfying and well-prepared, complementing the café’s artisanal and cozy vibe.

The location in Winooski adds to its charm, as it sits in a quieter neighborhood area with local shops and residential streets, making it ideal for a calm, intimate break. Scout & Co. combines nostalgic charm with consistent, well-made beverages, ensuring a comforting experience for anyone seeking warm chocolate or coffee.

7. Black Cap Coffee & Bakery (Burlington & Morristown)

Black Cap Coffee & Bakery operates in both Burlington and Morristown, offering a welcoming, neighborhood café atmosphere with a focus on quality coffee and baked goods. While not exclusively a chocolate shop, the café serves hot chocolate alongside its espresso and pastry offerings, making it a convenient stop for anyone craving a warm beverage.

Reviews highlight the cozy interior and friendly staff, which enhance the overall experience, and the combination of bakery items with chocolate drinks makes it a satisfying pairing. The cafés emphasize a homey, approachable environment where locals often gather, study, or socialize, making them staples in their communities.

While detailed hot chocolate menu options are not publicly listed, the drinks are consistently described as rich, comforting, and enjoyable, particularly when enjoyed with Black Cap’s fresh breads and pastries. Both locations maintain a similar aesthetic and ethos, focusing on simple, quality ingredients and community-focused hospitality. This balance of café and bakery offerings ensures that patrons can enjoy a complete experience, whether stopping in for coffee, cocoa, or a freshly baked treat.

8. Slayton Pasture Cabin at Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe)

The Slayton Pasture Cabin, part of the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, offers a unique winter experience for visitors who reach it via a three-mile ski or snowshoe trail. This rustic cabin serves as a warming hut and destination for hot drinks, including homemade hot chocolate, often enjoyed by the fireplace after outdoor activities.

The setting emphasizes cozy comfort in a natural, snowy environment, providing a rare “hole-in-the-wall” experience compared with typical cafés. While menus may vary seasonally, visitors consistently describe the hot chocolate as rich, warming, and a perfect reward after cross-country skiing or hiking. The cabin also offers simple snacks and soups, making it a self-contained retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Its remote location and charming ambiance make the experience both memorable and authentically Vermont, combining scenic winter landscapes with indulgent cocoa.

The Slayton Pasture Cabin highlights the Trapp Family Lodge’s dedication to recreation, relaxation, and hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy a uniquely immersive winter treat that goes beyond a simple café visit.

9. Daily Chocolate (Vergennes)

Daily Chocolate in Vergennes, Vermont, is a boutique chocolate shop specializing in dark chocolate and handcrafted chocolate treats. Though it primarily operates as a chocolatier, the shop also serves rich hot chocolate beverages, made from high-quality, small-batch chocolate. Customers praise the drinks for their depth of flavor, smooth texture, and the care taken in preparation.

The shop itself is small, often described as a cozy basement location, which adds to its intimate, artisanal appeal. Daily Chocolate is renowned for sourcing quality cocoa and creating both solid chocolate and liquid chocolate experiences, making it a destination for chocolate enthusiasts seeking something more focused and refined than a typical café. Locals describe the drinks as “killer” and a must-try for anyone exploring Vergennes or nearby areas.

The shop’s emphasis on craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and a welcoming, hands-on atmosphere makes it a unique stop, combining retail chocolate sales with the option to enjoy a handcrafted drink on site. Its dedication to pure chocolate flavor makes Daily Chocolate a standout choice for lovers of dark, indulgent cocoa.