European-style hot chocolate is so thick and decadent, it might as well be a dessert. (Because American hot chocolate isn't?) And the Eastern European hot chocolate at Boulettes Larder in the Ferry Building is no exception. This hot chocolate is made for slowly sipping, since it's much like eating a bar of liquid chocolate (and since it's a little pricey at $6.50, you'll want to savor it). In fact, it's so thick, you might want to split it with a pal, or order the maple sugar beignets for dunking. Or both.

The Valrhona hot chocolate at Craftsman is described as "sipping chocolate" because it's so thick and intense that it would be a disservice to do anything but savor it slowly. Each cup is served on a wooden block with homemade dark chocolate spearmint marshmallows that are both fluffy and divine, and perfect for delicate dunking.

Dandelion's house hot chocolate is the perfect classic version of American hot chocolate you drank as a kid... only way, way better. It's creamy and sweet (but not too sweet), comes with a little cookie, and delicious housemade marshmallows if you want them (you want them). And, if that's not enough, they also have a Mission hot chocolate (foamy, spiced, and spicy), a European drinking chocolate (Italian-inspired and thick), and, wait for it: a frozen hot chocolate, which is totally over the top in the best way possible.

Jane's hot chocolate comes with latte art and a big homemade marshmallow, which might make it one of the most attractive hot chocolates on this list. It's also just as tasty as the others, thanks to a recipe that uses half Guittard 63% chocolate (a local institution) and half Valrhona 72% chocolate, a combination that lends to a perfectly balanced cup of hot chocolate ideal for enjoying on a cold, rainy day.

There are three things to know about the Mexican hot chocolate at La Oaxaqueña. First, is that it's made from pulverized blocks of cacao that are mixed with almonds and cinnamon, dissolved in steamed milk, and then frothed so that it's light and airy. Second is that you should add the guajillo chile powder for a kick of heat that doesn't overpower the drink. And third, is that it is served in a pitcher that fills two mugs, which makes it by far the best value on this list.

Once you commit to the wait at Tartine, you might as well also commit to enjoying as many delicious treats as possible, which includes the silky hot chocolate made with Valrhona chocolate. Be sure to ask for the homemade whipped cream because at this point, why not?

You'll find some of SF's best spiced hot chocolate at a kiosk on the second floor of The Westfield Shopping Centre. This intense hot chocolate is so thick it almost has the consistency of a melted chocolate bar, but considering it's TCHO chocolate, that's a good thing. The cinnamon adds just enough kick to balance it all out, with the additional satisfaction of knowing that TCHO's chocolate is organic, fair trade, and made from scratch.

Yes, Tosca calls it a house "cappuccino," but the famous cocktail starts with Dandelion chocolate ganache and organic milk and omits the espresso, which sounds a whole lot like hot chocolate to us. Add in Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac and Buffalo Trace Bourbon and you've got yourself one of the best adult hot chocolates in town.