Eat & Drink

Who makes the best hot chocolate in Kansas City? This poll will decide

Who makes the best hot chocolate in Kansas City? Our readers shared their favorites, and now it’s time for you to vote.
Who makes the best hot chocolate in Kansas City? Our readers shared their favorites, and now it’s time for you to vote. NYT

It’s time to pick Kansas City’s favorite cup of cocoa! Last week, we asked for your hot chocolate recommendations on The Star’s social media accounts, and you delivered a smorgasbord of suggestions.

We compiled the results and found that some choices were recommended by multiple people. You can find the top six locations in our poll below, ranging from well-known institutions like Christopher Elbow Chocolates to brand new spots like Jinkies! Coffee and Hangout.

Vote for your favorite with a simple click, and see the results below once your vote is cast!

If you can’t see the poll above, click here.

As great as your suggestions were, we couldn’t fit them all into this quiz. But never fear— here’s a crowdsourced list of hot chocolate lovers’ favorite spots in and around Kansas City:

The Pantry KC in Lenexa

The Littlest Bake Shop in Brookside (all gluten free & vegan)

High Hopes Ice Cream near UMKC

Westport Cafe in Westport

Panache Chocolatier in Leawood

Missouri Mud Co. in Raymore

Winstead’s in the Plaza, Overland Park and Leawood

Aixois in Crestwood

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream in River Market and Waldo

Parisi Coffee in Union Station and Overland Park

Cafe Ollama in downtown KC

Herban by Laya, online only

Broadway Cafe in Westport

Broadway Roasting Co. in Waldo

Bizz & Weezy Confections in Crossroads

Made in KC Trolley Cafe in River Market

Messenger Coffee Co. in multiple locations

Of course, there’s only one way to know the best hot chocolate in Kansas City for sure: embark on an epic quest to sample them all! The Star’s investigative team is proud to announce—no, I’m just kidding. But this reporter will certainly be testing these recommendations on the weekends this winter.

Do you have more questions about local businesses or other great spots to visit in and around Kansas City? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.

This story was originally published January 20, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Natalie Wallington
The Kansas City Star
Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.
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