Coffee, Chocolate & Ice Cream in Orleans
Hot Chocolate Sparrow has been sweetening up Orleans since 1993, after starting as a small candy shop in North Eastham in 1989. This local favorite combines a coffee house, chocolate shop, and dessert spot all in one cozy space at 5 Old Colony Way (next to Orleans Market Square).
What Makes It Special
The shop stands out with its triple threat of treats:
- Hand-dipped chocolates like truffles, caramels, and nut barks
- Ethically sourced coffee from Equal Exchange (fair-trade and herbicide-free)
- Famous hot chocolate made with house-melted chocolate fudge (available hot, iced, or frozen)
Their signature drinks include the Sparrow Blend coffee (with a dark caramel finish) and the Mocha Sparrow (espresso with their house fudge sauce).
Ice Cream Selection
Hot Chocolate Sparrow serves premium Richardson’s Family Farm Ice Cream, a respected New England brand. Their menu features classics like Vanilla and Chocolate alongside tempting specialty flavors:
- Death By Chocolate for serious chocoholics
- Red Raspberry Truffle with fruity swirls
- Totally Turtle with caramel and nuts
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Moose Tracks loaded with mix-ins
For those watching calories, they offer 95% Fat Free Frozen Yogurt options like Mint Patty and Coffee Heath, plus Sugar Free flavors including Coffee and Black Raspberry. Their sundaes come topped with homemade hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts, making them a popular choice.
Beyond Sweets
The menu goes well beyond desserts:
- Gourmet paninis like Turkey with Pesto or Grilled Eggplant with Balsamic
- Breakfast options including egg sandwiches and oatmeal
- Fruit smoothies like the Cape Cod Sunrise with strawberries and orange juice
A True Local Hub
Unlike many Cape businesses, Hot Chocolate Sparrow stays open year-round (closed only on Christmas). With free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating, it’s become a social hub where locals and visitors connect over quality treats.