Bring your little Eloise to the Palm Court at the Plaza for the classicafternoon tea experience. Options include Eloise Tea, of course, complete with a themed menu. 768 5th Avenue, theplazany.com
Another whimsical, child-friendly tea room (with multiple locations) is Alice’s Tea Cup. Check out Wee Tea for children ages 10 and under, which serves scones, kid-friendly tea sandwiches, chocolate mousse, herbal tea, and juice. Various locations in Manhattan, alicesteacup.com
Think of Teavana as part tea bar, part relaxation emporium. The distinctive name is meant to reflect the unique experience each customer—regardless of age or drink preference—has with their tea choice. Various locations in Manhattan and Queens, teavana.com
The Pembroke Tea Room, located in the Lowell Hotel, has become a New York social staple where children have their own special tea menu. 28 East 63rd Street, lowellhotel.com
For hot chocolate served in a specially designed “hug mug,” Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man is the place. The kids’ “secret” chocolate menu features Noisy Hot Chocolate complete with crunchy waffle marbles. Though, the “secret” isn’t safe for long, since just about everyone leaves with a chocolate mustache. 841 Broadway, maxbrenner.com
If you want to know how to say “great hot chocolate” in Italian: it’s Eataly. Their cioccolata con panna—served at the Lavazza café—is rich, dark, and sweet. Add a swirl of fresh whipped cream and just call it what it really is: dessert. 200 5th Avenue, eatalyny.com
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream may be renowned for their ice cream, but their hot chocolate is the true talk of the town when temperatures start to drop. It’s one of the few places that boasts hot chocolate made with Michel Cluizel 99 percent Infini Noir chocolate. Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, vanleeuwenicecream.com
Petite Abeille, named after “little bee” in French, offers hot chocolate made from 70 percent Callebaut chocolate, which is shaved, melted down, and mixed with whole milk and half-and-half. No wonder everyone is always buzzing about it. Various locations in Manhattan, petiteabeille.com
