Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Cafe, New York

Tucked safely away from the bustle of Midtown, Lily O’Brien’s energizes visitors with a refreshing repertoire of espresso-based drinks and elegant chocolates. The café’s passionate approach to pick-me-ups was set in motion two decades ago by founder Mary Ann O’Brien, whose roots stretch back to Ireland and who began by selling her treats out of the trunk of her car. Today, Mary Ann’s homespun recipes have blossomed into a full menu of comforting concoctions, including signature hot chocolates that provide warm reprieve from winter wind and vengeful air-conditioning units. Alongside the café’s batch of beverages, breakfast and lunch spreads offer to further fill bellies with specialties such as sandwiches and soups of the day.