Hot Cocoa in Indianapolis: Best Hot Chocolate According to the Kids

My kids are just getting to the age where we can enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. Of course, the kids usually want to wait until the hot chocolate is more lukewarm, rather than hot. At least that gives us some time to enjoy the coffee shop and bakery atmosphere!

There are many reasons to seek out the best hot chocolate in Indianapolis. Maybe you’ve just finished riding the best sledding hills, or maybe you’re all done ice skating. During the holidays, we love to grab a steaming cup of cocoa before driving around to see the city’s best Christmas lights. No matter why you’re ready to warm up, here is our family’s list of favorite hot chocolate places in Indianapolis and beyond.

If you’re looking, here’s where to buy hot cocoa bombs in Indy.

Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Indianapolis

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

8685 River Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis

This chocolate shop is full of confections that will make your heart race with happiness. Specialty chocolate drinks are among the famed menu items that you must try. During a warmer day, cool off with a delicious, chocolatey ice cream treat!

South Bend Chocolate Company

30 Monument Circle, Indianapolis

This is our favorite place to go when we’re downtown in the evening. Try the Mexican Hot Chocolate or the Dark Hot Chocolate—they won’t disappoint! This location also makes for a perfect setting during the holidays: a cup of hot chocolate with the kids, surrounded by the twinkling lights on the Monument!

Best Friends Coffee & Bagels

1060 E Main St, Brownsburg

Kids love the hot chocolate finished with dreamy marshmallow foam and fun flavor add-ins like caramel, cheesecake, French toast, and pumpkin pie. Their cold brew flights are a favorite for parents, letting you sample a new quad of flavors each month.

Caffè Buondi

11529 Spring Mill Road, Carmel

Famous for its Lavazza Italian Hot Chocolate, this European bistro serves breakfast and lunch. While you’re there for the hot cocoa, try the Nutella stuffed french toast with chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce, and whipped cream.

Moo & Lou Frozen Treats

5645 N Post Rd Ste. B, Indianapolis

Kids can build their own cocoa with up to three toppings or order specialty cocoas like Unicorn, Baby Shark, Dino, or Peppermint. Plus, you’ll never want to leave this cute ice cream shop that has games, toys, and interactive wall art. Moo & Lou is a true hangout for families and the community.

Hitherto Coffee & Gaming Parlour

1558 N State St, Greenfield

The hot cocoa is rich and not overly sweet at Hitherto Coffee. Everyone can sit with a warm mug while playing a game from the large game library at Hitherto. It’s a great stop on a lazy, cold day.

Rosie’s Place

1111 W Main Street, Carmel
10 S Main Street, Zionsville
68 N 9th Street, Noblesville

Rosie’s Place is a wonderful stop for breakfast and baked goods. Their hot cocoa is some of the best hot chocolate in Indianapolis and pairs beautifully with Rosie’s Gooey Butter Cookies. Try the Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies if you really need a cocoa fix.

The Cake Bake Shop

6515 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis
799 Hanover Place, Carmel

The Cake Bake Shop may be best known for the fancy, HUGE slices of cake that adorn the bakery case, but don’t miss the Unicorn Hot Chocolate or the S’mores Hot Chocolate. Try any one of these perfect hot chocolate treats and you’ll never drink a powdered hot chocolate mix again. Not to mention, you’ll feel like royalty during your visit. It’s no wonder this local gem is opening a location in Disney World!

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

351 Marketplace Mile, Unit 160, Plainfield
53 Boone Village, Zionsville

Schakolad hot cocoa is made from the melted chocolate used to make their remarkable chocolate confections. Choose from dark chocolate and milk chocolate.