☕ Fort Collins Locals Crown the Best Hot Chocolate in Town
🍫 The Great FoCo Hot Chocolate Debate
Happy Weekend, FoCo !
Hey hey, it’s Ben — founder of What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins!
Sorry this one’s landing in your inbox a little late — I meant to hit send yesterday, but my newborn had other plans (and zero respect for deadlines 😅). Still, this cozy roundup was too good not to share. With chillier days settling in, locals have been buzzing about one thing: where to find the best hot chocolate in Fort Collins. Here’s what the community had to say!
We’re thinking about launching some lighthearted community contests — think Cutest Pet, Coziest Cabin Photo, or Best Snowman Build.
Click an option to vote
The Bulletin
Have something meaningful to share with the community? Showcase your business, event, opportunity, or announcement with a growing list of 4,900+ readers.
🍔 Who’s Got the Best Burger in Fort Collins?
From classic roadside burgers to chef-crafted patties piled high with local flair, FoCo’s burger scene is sizzling. We’re rounding up the juiciest contenders in town—now it’s your turn to crown the one that rules them all. 🍟🔥
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
🥞 Craving: Mountain Cafe
📍 226 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO
⏰ Opens at 6:30 AM | 💰 $10–20
A beloved breakfast and lunch spot nestled in downtown FoCo, Mountain Cafe serves up hearty omelets, classic American comfort food, and cozy diner vibes. It’s been a family-run gem since 1991—and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a seat near the window for some sunny morning people-watching.
🍫 The Great FoCo Hot Chocolate Debate
Nuance Chocolate
When the temps dip and your breath turns to fog, there’s only one question that truly matters: who’s serving up the best hot chocolate in FoCo? We stumbled on a local Facebook thread where folks were passionately debating their favorite cocoa spots — and let’s just say, the competition was steaming.
From rich European-style sipping chocolate to hometown classics that taste like nostalgia in a mug, here’s what locals had to say:
☕ Nuance Chocolate took the crown by far — locals raved about its decadent, thick sipping chocolate (the mint one got special shoutouts).
🍫 Kilwins had its loyal fans, though many called it more of a “chain treat.”
🍩 Ginger & Baker, Crooked Cup, Harbinger, and Café Vino all got nods for cozy vibes and creative spins on the classic.
🍦 And a surprising mention? Tandem Squared Rolled Ice Cream & Coffee, praised for a “sweet and creamy cocoa straight from grandma’s stovetop.”
No matter where you sip, one thing’s for sure — FoCo takes its hot chocolate seriously.
What's Happenin' in Fort Collins: Event Listings
Saturday, November 8
Sunday, November 9
🎃 The Final Fright Night
Between diaper changes and trying to remember what sleep feels like, I’ve found a new appreciation for anything warm and comforting — especially a good cup of cocoa. So thanks for letting me sneak this one into your weekend inbox. Keep those local recs coming… they’re the perfect excuse for me (and the baby) to get out for a little FoCo cocoa crawl. See you next week!
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Fort Collins even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
— Ben
Keep Reading with a Free Subscription
Get unlimited access to all newsletters, local guides, and exclusive content. Join our community!
Already a subscriber?