Providence’s Best Secret Bars and Speakeasies
5 Shops for Hot Chocolate in Rhode Island
Warm up this season with a cup of warm, creamy hot chocolate.
Sweater weather has quickly turned into coat, scarf and gloves weather. The perfect way to combat the harsh cold is with an irresistible cup of hot chocolate from local cafes and coffee shops.
Coffee Connection
Warm up your hands and your soul with Coffee Connection’s creamy hot chocolate. For that extra kick in your drink, add an espresso shot, a flavor shot or nondairy milk including soy, coconut or almond milk. Grab a hearty breakfast sandwich or a nutritious acai bowl while you’re there to jumpstart your day.
Hours: (North Providence) Monday to Friday, 6 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; (Cumberland) Monday to Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; (Woonsocket) Monday to Friday, 6 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; (Providence) Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (Smithfield) Daily, 6 a.m.–6p.m.
Details: 1744 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, 401-383-6040; Adams Shopping Plaza Shopping Center, 2364 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, 401-658-2400; 100 Bernon St., Woonsocket, 401-766-8800; 412 North Washington St., North Attleboro, 508-695-1800; 32 Custom House St., Providence, 270-1801, coffeeconnectionri.com.
Ellie’s
Ellie’s rich and tasty hot chocolate is made with its decadent housemade chocolate, your choice of milk and an optional marshmallow garnish. Pair it with a chocolate croissant or a box of macarons. Enjoy your cup during breakfast or lunch in their cozy downtown digs, or order it to-go online.
Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Thursdays through Sundays, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Details: 250 Westminster St., Providence, 401-226-0510, elliesprov.com
The Nitro Bar
Warm up your hands and soul with a cozy cup of hot chocolate from the Nitro Bar at any of its locations. Explore the wide-ranging menu for items like the avo toast, the breakfast burrito with chorizo and scrambled eggs, or a cowboy cookie to enjoy with your drink.
Hours: (Providence) Daily, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; (Newport on Pond Ave.) Daily, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; (Newport on Thames St.) Daily, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Details: 228 Broadway, Providence, 401-563-8578; 2 Pond Ave., Newport, 401-301-5275; 404 Thames St., Newport, 401-324-7294, thenitrocart.com
Hot Chocolate Bar at the Chanler
Stop by the Chanler for a firepit-filled afternoon or a winter stroll along the Cliff Walk with a decadent cup of hot chocolate in hand. The Chanler’s Hot Chocolate bar offerings use the finest milk or dark Valrhona chocolate and also offers an adult upgrade (read: spiked).
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 12–4 p.m.
Details: The Chanler, 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 401-847-1300, thechanler.com/explorenewport/events/hot-chocolate-bar
Crepe Corner
Does it get any better than your choice of savory or sweet (hello gingerbread crumbles) crepe paired with a homemade cup of steaming cocoa? We think not, but you’ll have to stop by the Corner yourself and let us know.
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sunday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Details: 2170 Broad St., Cranston, 401-461-2170, crepecornerri.com
