Buffalo, NYHot Chocolate

Step Out Buffalo lists this downtown coffee roaster as a go-to for hot chocolate alongside its lattes and americanos, with seasonal spiced syrups often available to stir in. The write-up treats it as one stop among the roaster's Elmwood, Genesee Street and Williamsville locations rather than singling out one signature recipe. Order the hot chocolate with a seasonal spiced syrup added, since that customization is what the guide calls out about the shop.

Step Out Buffalo calls out this small-town Pendleton coffee shop for a hot chocolate made with Ghirardelli chocolate and steamed milk, one entry in what the write-up describes as a huge variety of seasonal drinks. It is set apart from the other Western New York spots on the list by naming the Ghirardelli base rather than a house-made mix. Order the hot chocolate on a stop through Pendleton, since the seasonal drink list is what the guide says the shop is known for.

Step Out Buffalo calls this regional chain's hot chocolate slightly legendary, ranking it among the season's drinks alongside cider, white chocolate and pumpkin-inspired options across its Western New York locations. The guide treats the hot chocolate as the anchor of the seasonal lineup rather than an afterthought next to the coffee menu. Order the hot chocolate on its own rather than working through every seasonal variation, since that is the one the write-up singles out by name.

Step Out Buffalo points to this Five Points cafe for hot chocolate among its seasonal drink choices, paired with what the guide calls a gorgeous interior and a perfect setting to sip and enjoy. The write-up frames the room itself as part of the draw, not just the drink. Order the hot chocolate and settle in rather than taking it to go, since the setting is half of what the guide recommends the stop for.

Step Out Buffalo sends chocolate lovers to this North Tonawanda chocolate factory for hot chocolate made from milk or dark chocolate, plus orange and white chocolate versions, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for what the guide calls the full package. During the holiday season the shop also runs a specialty cider alongside its chocolate menu. Order the dark chocolate version topped with shavings for the fullest flavor, and expect a working chocolate factory rather than just a cafe counter.