Well, the cold snap of New England winter is bearing down upon us, so what better time to talk about decadent hot chocolate? The good news is that a simple cup of hot cocoa can magically warm you right up on even the most brisk of Boston winter days. Check out our list of the best hot chocolate in Boston’s Back Bay near The Lenox Hotel.

Caffé Nero – 560 Washington Street
A small European chain of coffee shops, Caffé Nero’s first shop in the US was actually right here in Boston! A great spot to warm up while during a day of shopping in Downtown Crossing, Caffé Nero’s hot chocolate is rich and deeply chocolatey. Be sure to get it with whipped cream.

Thinking Cup – 85 Newbury Street
Only a couple blocks away on Newbury Street, the Thinking Cup serves Stumptown Coffee and offers a wide selection of amazing sandwiches and pastries. Most importantly for blustery winter days, they serve a delicious French hot chocolate – the epitome of a classic hot cocoa – perfect for grabbing on the go while perusing the boutiques of Newbury Street.

L.A. Burdick – 220 Clarendon Street
For a truly decadent chocolate experience, be sure to stop by L.A. Burdick, right off of Newbury Street, and try their heavenly drinking chocolate. Worlds apart from your average Swiss Miss packet, L.A. Burdick’s drinking chocolates are thick and velvety, and come in dark, milk, and white chocolates, as well as single origin varieties for the real chocolate connoisseur.

Max Brenner – 745 Boylston Street
Known for incorporating chocolate into almost everything they serve, you can’t pass up Max Brenner if you’re looking to infuse chocolate into every bite. Just interested in warming up with a hot chocolate? Max Brenner has their signature “hug mug” designed specifically for hot chocolate and to create the ultimate experience of coziness. To top it all off, they have unique hot chocolate flavors, from Mexican Spicy hot chocolate to peanut butter infused hot cocoa.