Sabor y Cultura
For a bit of spice and that authentic bitter kick, try Sabor y Cultura's famous Mexican hot chocolate. This is one of our faves and we don't even need the temp to drop to crave it.
Sabor y Cultura, 5625 Hollywood Blvd (between N. Wilton and N. Gramarcy Place); Hollywood: 323-466-0481
Compartes Chocolatier
Known more for their exotic truffles than mainstream fare, swing by Compartes for a thick cup of old-school European hot cocoa. Using only cocoa butter to enrich it, this dense drink is best sipped, not gulped.
Compartes Chocolatier, 921 S. Barrington Ave (between Dorothy St and Darlington Ave); Los Angeles: 310-826-3380
La Imperitentia
For all our vegan friends out there, you must try the outrageous hot cocoa at Intemperantia in the Pacific Palisades. Though you can grab a cup to go, we like buying the cocoa mix to stir up at home with some almond milk.
La Imperitentia, 15324 Antioch Street (between Via De La Paz and Swarthmore Ave); Pacific Palisades: 800-982-0088
Tavern
Suzanne Goin's chocolate creation is just a churro away from sunny Spain. Thick and luscious, it's not for the timid.
Tavern, 11648 San Vincente Boulevard (at Darlington Ave); Los Angeles: 310-806-6464
La Mill
For a sip that's more latte than molten chocolate, try the hot cocoa at La Mill. Blended with frothed milk, it makes for an airy afternoon treat.
La Mill, 1112 Westminster Avenue (at 7th Ave); Los Angeles: 626-202-0100