Goooood Morning!!! Before continuing on this blog, I just want to say thank you to those who shoveled the stairs this morning. That was so kind and it is much appreciated!!
On cold, snowy day like this, sometimes it’s great to grab a hot post-workout beverage. I know many of you are fans of coffee or tea. My beverage of choice, however, is a hot chocolate (I’m sure this comes as no surprise if you’ve previously heard of my love for chocolate milk).
There are many great local places near our workouts where you can pick up a post-workout hot chocolate. In today’s blog, I’d like to give you my top five.
The following five local shops are ranked from #5 (fifth best) to #1 (the best of the best). In judging these, I’ve taken into consideration proximity to workouts, hours of operation, vibes, and of course, quality!
#5. Transcend (Ritchie Market, 124 Street): This one may have placed higher on the list, but they closed their Garneau location that was at the top of Walterdale Hill, and they don’t open until 8am, making it difficult for post-NP beverages. That being said, the hot chocolate is good, and this local company has lasting-power, having been open since 2006. They are opening a new 124 Street location soon, so let’s hope that one opens earlier!
#4. Iconoclast (Oliver Exchange): The hot chocolate at Iconoclast is similar to Transcend, in my opinion. They similarly don’t open until 8am. However, this one is ranked higher due to location. Housed in Oliver Exchange, a repurposed historic telephone exchange building, it is a unique and beautiful spot. Compared to Transcend, this location is also slightly closer to the RG Stairs and Walterdale Hill.
#3. Credo (104 Street, 124 Street, Enbridge Centre): Okay, we’re getting to the good ones now! Credo is a staple in Edmonton and makes the most interesting tasting hot chocolate on this list. It’s a darker hot chocolate and less sweet than the others. While it’s usually the sweeter the better for this sweet tooth, I do think this hot chocolate is tasty and unique. Also, while these rankings focus solely on hot chocolate, it is worth noting that they make great muffins to go with your hot chocolate. Bonus for being open early at 7 am and having three convenient locations.
#2. The Columbian (Glenora, French Quarter, Parkallen, Mill Creek): The Columbian is a rapidly-expanding local business with four locations. Their shops are beautiful, but can get slightly crowded. The factor though that puts this one above the the three others, is that you can opt for getting marshmallows on your hot chocolate! Bonus points for being open early at 7am and having four locations in various areas of the city.
#1. Stop Gap (Oliver/wîhkwêntôwin): Stop Gap is a family owned business, operating out of a beautiful historic house just north of the RG Stairs. When you arrive, you’ll meet Caleb, who both owns the business and makes the beverages. Caleb and family are the kindest, loveliest people and have created a great community of customers who regularly come to their shop. If you’d like, he’ll even serve a hot chocolate “chilled” (so basically a chocolate milk!). To order that, just tell him Eric sent you for a chilled hot chocolate – he’ll know what you mean! Bonus points for extremely close proximity to RG stairs and pretty close proximity to Walterdale Hill. This one is by far the best, and is my go-to! Be sure to check it out and say hi to Caleb for me!!
Lift each other up,
Eric
- Tonight @ 7pm – Race Day Refuel – Bubble Tea at Tea Bar Cafe; see Facebook NP Social page for details
- Friday – Walterdale Hill
- This Weekend – NP Ski Trip in Jasper; see Facebook NP Social page for details
