4 hot spots for hot chocolate in Dayton

I am sort of a hot chocolate connoisseur. Rich, dramatic, dark-toned notes tickle your tongue and dance the dance of deliciousness for a party of one. Oh, and don’t forget burning the hell out of your mouth from time to time with the power of the sun itself. Fun Fact: I actually have never had a cup of coffee in my life. So, when people ask me to go out and grab a coffee, I always have to do a quick double-check to make sure that they have the cocoa in stock for Coco (the name I always tells Starbucks to write on my cup).

Below are my top Dayton spots to grab a cup of hot cocoa on these bitter cold days!

Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffees – HANDS DOWN the best bang for your buck in the hot chocolate scene here in Dayton. What you pay for a large hot cocoa, and the amount of ounces you receive in return, is a ridiculous ratio that no other shop can compete with. Not to mention they have locations all over the Dayton region (the Beavercreek location has a drive-through, which helps me stay warm).

Boston Stoker – Boston Stoker is my "go-to jam" for a ride on the hot cocoa express. Service is always polite, fast and on point. There have been several times I have arrived with a line out the door and only two folks working, and I've always had my cocoa in hand within 5-8 minutes, which I feel is a pretty impressive task.  Not to mention it is centrally located right in the heart of downtown Dayton. Seating is also a plus there. Plenty of table and window space for you to pull up to and have a great conversation with someone.

Ghostlight Coffee – Want to feel like you are in an episode of Friends? Then stop by Ghostlight and head to the back room. That is the first thing I thought about when I snagged this cup of cocoa. They serve it in a nice big cup for all that cocoa goodness to hit at once. The environment is perfect as well. I have had a few meetings there and it is always comfortable, complimented by their great customer service. I also like how on SUPER COLD days, the windows fog up and you can't really see inside or outside, which makes me a bit more productive not being distracted by any cars or people walking by. Most of the time I am like a dog when someone yells out SQUIRREL!

Press – Located right on Wayne Ave., Press Coffee if a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Oregon District drag on 5th street. I have to be honest, Press is not my top choice for a cup of cocoa. Don't get me wrong, the few I have had there have been very tasty, but the customer service and atmosphere has always left a sour taste in my mouth. I am chalking it up to maybe just a bad day or four. I am going to give it another try this week and see how it goes.

TO BE TESTED:

La Gota Coffee – I have yet to try this place, but have been hearing more and more good things about it from a few of my friends who have. I have gotten confirmation that they do sell hot chocolate there as well: Regular and Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Gem City Catfe - I am super excited to try this one! They open this week and I have been assured they will have the hot cocoa and many cats that I can pet.

How does this list match up to yours? Did I miss the mark on any of them? Where is your favorite cup of cocoa located at?