Hot Chocolate Quest

As fall slowly fades away, we invade the indoors in search of warmth and comfort. Keeping this feeling with me, I wondered around the campus in search of a good cup of hot chocolate. Here’s what I found:

Hubbub (3716 Spruce St.): $3.35 for a small. I appreciated the way they served the drink: in a small mug, similar to those found in Italy, complete with a design on top. It was pleasant, but it wasn’t quite the chocolate flavor I was craving. The atmosphere of Hubbub–Indie and French tunes playing in the background with a nice coffee date partner to boot–counteracted the  experience.

Wawa (3744 Spruce St.): $1.40 for 12oz, $1.51 for 16oz. I was promised Christmas, I was promised a liquid sensation of Nutella, I was promised something I would not forget. Alas, my expectations were too high. I tasted it on two different occasions–the second proved more satisfying–but I was disappointed overall. Fortunately, the drink was improved with hazelnut creamer.

Starbucks (3401 Walnut St.): $3.90 for a tall. Starbucks’ hot chocolate resembled what a hot chocolate ought to be. It was thick and sweet to the right amount and offered a satisfying way to dwell in the winter mood.

Saxby’s (4000 Locust St.): $2.91 for a small. Saxby’s is greatly appreciated for its coffee. I’m usually the one who finishes her drinks fast and completely, but I was unable to do so. The drink was too watery and tasted not like chocolate or sugar at all, but rather like something akin to plastic. Stick to Saxby’s coffee.

Metropolitan Bakery (4013 Walnut St.): $3.40 one-size-only. I asked for no whipped cream and skim milk, but I liked it as much as I liked Starbucks’ version. I would recommend taking comfort at this little bakery: the price is reasonable for the size of the drink, an intermediate size between a medium and a venti. Plus, its location makes grabbing a hot chocolate and sitting there for a few moments the perfect break before going on other adventures nearby.

I’m planning to give the hot chocolates at Lovers & Madmen (28 S 40th St) and Capogiro (3925 Walnut St) a try; the first is known for its innovative flavors (think Nutella) and the latter for its thick, European-style decadence. But that’s all the room my sweet tooth’s got for hot chocolate… for now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

–Diane Bayeux