In search of the best cup of hot cocoa around town? Check out these local coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, and more! You might be surprised to see how many menus offer a warm cup of hot chocolate for both kiddos and adults who are young at heart. Whether you enjoy dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate — find your new favorite treat in Steamboat Springs!
Winona’s Restaurant and Bakery
Where? 617 Lincoln Avenue
Try the gourmet hot chocolate at Winona’s Restaurant and Bakery and you won’t be disappointed! The rich decadence of the first sip will have you coming back for more. Not in a hot chocolate type of mood? Try the regular dark French roast or something from the assorted hot tea selection. Specialty drinks feature white chocolate mochas and caramel macchiatos or you can opt for the Havana cappuccino. Additional treats on the menu at Winona’s include the famous homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting or the breakfast sandwich. You can even get two eggs any style for breakfast with green chile grits, hash browns, and toast for a meal that will get you through even the longest day. If your little one is craving hot chocolate, pair their sweet beverage with a kid’s eggs and toast breakfast or an order of oatmeal!
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Cafe
Photo courtesy of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and Cafe
Where? 68 9th Street
Off the Beaten Path doubles as both a bookstore and a coffee shop, what could be any better than that? The menu at the coffee shop includes hot chocolate, making this a perfect spot for parents with young kids. However, there’s no judgment if you yourself are craving a cup of hot cocoa — so go ahead and order it! Other menu items include the Black Scottie house chai, the single origin cold brew, Italian sodas, milk steamers, matcha lattes, mochas, and specialty lattes like the East of Eden (dark chocolate and lavender) or the Mr. Darcy (vanilla and cinnamon). Tea lattes include Great Expectations (Earl Grey with vanilla and honey) or the Out of Africa (Rooibos with vanilla and honey). Opt for alternative milk such as oat, almond, coconut, or half and half, or choose extra espresso shots or even a liquor shot if you’re of age! Looking for a flavor boost? Try syrups like vanilla, cinnamon, raspberry, lavender, white chocolate, and even sugar-free options!
Causeway Coffee House
Where? 427 Oak Street
Causeway Coffee House has hot chocolate on the menu that’s served with whipped cream on top! After all, who doesn’t want their hot cocoa topped with the delicious creaminess of whip? Sizes range from the classic 8 ounces to the large 20 ounces. Other teas and drinks on the menu feature milk steamers, matcha, chai, and taro nut tea with creamy black tea and toasted coconut. If it’s more of a coffee day, try the sopapilla latte with espresso, steamed milk, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon or the maple breve with steamed half and half, grade-A maple syrup, and espresso. Alternative milk options on the menu include oat, almond, and coconut for a $1 charge or you can add a flavor or extra shot of espresso to your beverage. Not just a coffeehouse, Causeway also offers a range of boba teas on the menu such as the Tiger with black milk tea, brown sugar stripes, and tapioca or the Lychee Bluebird with creamy lychee, blue curaçao, tapioca, and lychee jellies.
Johnny B Good’s Diner
Where? 738 Lincoln Avenue
No all-American menu would be complete without hot cocoa and whipped cream. Johnny B Good’s Diner has just that for just $2.99! Other fan-favorite beverages include the cherry lemonade, iced coffee, flavored sodas, and chocolate milk. For patrons 21 and up, there is also a selection of cocktails and adult milkshakes. Visitors of all ages can dig into hand-scooped ice cream, in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, and seasonal variations. Enjoy a root beer float or mix it up with a chocolate ice cream soda. The lunch and dinner menu at the diner features fried pickles, onion rings, chicken tenders, and more on the starter baskets and a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and melts. Enjoy a burger or a “Belly Stuffer” like the homemade meatloaf dinner or the fish and chips served with homemade tartar sauce.
Dusky Grouse Coffee
Where? 1585 Mid Valley Drive #4
Dusky Grouse Coffee mixes a mean hot chocolate, served with whipped cream and sprinkles for both children and adults who are young at heart. The drink is made with steamed milk, as well as dark chocolate and vanilla for a complex, layered flavor profile that is sure to delight. Aside from hot cocoa, the coffee shop also offers golden milk, London fogs, and even a “Warm Hug” with rooibos tea, steamed oat milk, honey, and vanilla — all topped with cinnamon! Want something stronger? Enjoy a pour-over featuring a rotating variety of single-origin and blended roasts or the coffee version of a hot chocolate – the mocha with dark chocolate, espresso, steamed milk, and even whipped cream if you desire! There’s also a white chocolate mocha option for those who don’t like the flavor of dark chocolate.
The Paramount
Where? 1865 Ski Time Square Drive
The menu at The Paramount features all of your favorite breakfast dishes, such as breakfast sandwiches, burritos, chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, and even Nutella and toast! You can grab sandwiches for lunch, like the pesto chicken, roasted turkey, corned beef Rueben, or the crab BLT. Looking to keep things light? Stick with a salad, like the tasty hazelnut goat cheese, or the marinated flank steak salad with arugula, queso Fresco, and a red wine vinaigrette. The menu includes cocktails, like mimosas, the Paramount Mule, the Greyhound Punch, and the Tequila Sunrise! Want to enjoy a warm beverage sans the alcohol? Try the hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles for a tasty treat that delights patrons of all ages! There are also chai lattes, French roast coffee, cappuccinos, and americanos on the menu if you need a caffeine boost to get you through the day.
Emerald
Where? 700 Yampa Street, Unit A105
Emerald is proudly serving organic hot chocolate, crafted with steamed milk and raw organic cacao. The warming drink comes in 8-ounce and 12-ounce options and is not only a favorite of the kids — it’s also a delicious adult treat for those who want to skip the caffeine and enjoy a rich dose of chocolatey goodness. Emerald allows patrons to add a serving of organic mushroom powder or collagen peptides to their drink for an additional $1.50! Aside from their hot cocoa, Emerald also has iced turmeric lattes, organic golden milk, bullet-proof coffee, espresso con panna, affogatos and so much more! You can even try their organic grass-fed beef brisket quesadillas or breakfast wraps if you need a bite to eat. The menu includes house-made muffins and breads, including keto and gluten-free varieties. Keep an eye on the menu for seasonal additions, such as pumpkin spice during the fall months!
Creekside Cafe and Grill
Where? 131 11th Street
The beverage menu at the cafe features an array of coffee drinks, as well as hot chocolate and juice options for the kiddos! Try a cup of the local fresh brewed coffee or sweeten up your morning with a latte. Creekside classics include The O.G. Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, cheddar jack cheese, potatoes, black beans, green chili, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and green onions or the corned beef hash topped with two eggs. Grab something to go if you’re in a rush, such as the griddled to-go breakfast burrito or the breakfast sammie on a toasted English muffin. You can even snag a brunch cocktail at the cafe, such as the award-winning bloody marys or a Creekarita with 100% De Agave tequila, mango-infused vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry, lemon-lime, fresh mint and bubbles.
Lil’ House Country Biscuits & Coffee
Where? 2093 Curve Plaza
Lil’ House Country Biscuits & Coffee is a little bit of North Carolina on the west side of town. Enjoy the southern-style biscuits with the friendly small-town atmosphere or dive into the popular chorizo breakfast burrito! The menu features a variety of hot drinks, including hot chocolate! Enjoy your indulgence in either a 12-ounce cup or a 16-ounce cup if you’re feeling extra feisty. Aside from hot cocoa, patrons can also order mocha lattes, chai tea lattes, iced tea, cappuccinos, and americanos. Enjoy a treat from the bakery as well, such as gluten-free brownies, freshly baked biscuits, granola parfaits, or cookies! Savory options include biscuits with cheese, sausage gravy, or sandwiches with eggs, bacon, atomic hot sauce, and more.
Big Iron Coffee Co.
Where? 635 Lincoln Avenue, Suite C
Aside from its expansive coffee lineup, Big Iron Coffee Company also sells hot cocoa! This is great news for those chilly winter evenings when you just want something warm and sweet to get your day started off on the right foot. Extras on the menu include alternative milk, flavored syrups, extra shots of espresso, and more. If you want to continue on the hot drink route but aren’t in the mood for a hot chocolate, try the mocha latte or the chai! There is a range of baked goods on the menu as well, such as scones, muffins, bagels, chocolate chip cookies, and more. If you have a little one in tow, nothing pairs as well with a cup of hot cocoa than a muffin for a midday pick-me-up.
Good Luck On Your Hot Chocolate Adventure!
Whether you’re in the mood for a hot cup of cocoa once the weather gets chilly or you want to find a new coffee spot where your kiddo can enjoy a treat as well, these local Steamboat Springs coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants are the best joints around town for everybody’s favorite childhood beverage!