As the winter months approach and the weather gets colder, cozying up with a warm hot chocolate feels like the perfect remedy. Three locally-owned cafes offer hot chocolate for purchase, but which is the best?
Each venue is rated by scoring the overall atmosphere of the place from 0-3, and hot chocolate from 0-7.
GOOSECUP-10/10
Opened in January of 2021, Goosecup offers an inviting environment with a boho aesthetic and calming atmosphere with lots of seating and drink prices ranging from $1-10. Additionally, Goosecup has longer hours, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m., which is ideal for students who want to work after school.
Walking in, the holiday decorations, abundance of plants, and overall calm atmosphere was very pleasing. It seemed to be the perfect spot to relax.
Upon the first sip of my drink, the cream blended well with the chocolate and was not too powerful, which is a common mistake with hot chocolate around town. It was also warm, but not hot enough that it would burn my mouth, allowing me to sit down and enjoy it immediately. Every single sip of this hot chocolate was enjoyable, and the hints of cinnamon made it even more addicting.
As I was ordering, I noticed a variety of menu items, which would be perfectly paired with a warm drink. They offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner snacks which are sure to appeal to both those who prefer either sweet or savory.
Because of the welcoming environment, the distinct creaminess and tastiness of the hot chocolate, I have no choice but to give Goosecup a 10/10. As I write this review, I only want this hot chocolate ten times more.
SR COFFEE CO- 9/10
SR Coffee Co, opened in Leesburg in 2021, has lots of traditional coffee options, as well as fun limited time holiday options, such as gingerbread matcha to appeal to all of your coffee wants and needs. SR Coffee Co also has many of breakfast and lunch meal options, and drink prices ranging from $4-9. This shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
The overall atmosphere of this shop was somewhat surprising, as I was expecting a warm, inviting kind of shop. However, the bright white walls threw me off, creating more of an office-like atmosphere, rather than the calming coffee shop vibe I’m used to. I will say, however, that the holiday decor and the wooden accents toned things down a little.
The hot chocolate was straight out of your classic Hallmark Christmas movie. It was picture perfect and most importantly, it tasted like your average chocolate milkshake. It was sweet, and had a rich chocolate taste, with just the right amount of cream, adding to the overall milkshake taste. By far, it was the best hot chocolate I’ve had to date.
Unfortunately, the store closes before school even ends, but is open early on weekends. But the breakfast and lunch options would be perfect for a Saturday study day.
Due to the slightly unwelcoming environment, but the addictive taste of the milkshake-like hot chocolate, I give SR Coffee Co a 9/10.
SECOND NATURE COFFEE- 4/10
Taking the spot of recently closed King Street Coffee, perhaps Second Nature Coffee hopes that their wide variety of drink and snack options create a warm, inviting atmosphere designed to make you feel right at home. Second Nature Coffee is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., has limited seating if you choose to dine inside, and drink prices ranging from $1-10.
Because this place is rather new, I had heard no big news about this shop’s items, and was excited to get a hot chocolate. Upon walking in, the staff was very friendly while I was ordering, and the atmosphere of the shop was especially cozy given its holiday decorations, wooden furniture, and smaller space.
Upon first sip of my hot chocolate, however, the whipped cream, which was very creamy and sweet, overpowered the taste of the hot chocolate, which was lacking in flavor. This hot chocolate was overly watery, and it severely diminished any sweet chocolate flavor that is essential to a hot chocolate. If anything, the whipped cream was the thing that added most to the beverage.
Hot chocolate aside, this place would be perfect for an after school study spot, especially given its location and hours.
Despite the cozy atmosphere of the shop, the severely water-down and tasteless hot chocolate leaves me to give Second Nature Coffee a 4/10.
