Whether you look in one of Seattle’s farmer’s markets, or in a specialty store, searching for candy is a great way to explore the city and try out some of its unique flavors
Candy hunting is a great way to explore and discover some of Seattle’s hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors, exotic delicacies, or something truly unique, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. And while we know that Seattle families make healthy eating a priority, every once in a while, you’ve got to trade organic veggies and plant-based meals for a trip to a Seattle candy store, right? And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to indulge your family’s sweet tooth. Read on for all the spots you can make like a kid in a candy store and score a sweet treat for you and your little when you’re there.
The Best Candy Shops in Seattle
Lolli & Pops
From artisan truffles to champagne flavored gummy bears to nostalgic candy from your youth, Lolli & Pops offers unique and one-of-a-kind sweets from all over the world. Items change daily with batch size and availability which makes each visit to the shop just as fun as the last. In addition to rows and rows of immaculately displayed candies and confections, Lolli & Pops candy consultants are always on hand to answer questions, suggest the best candy for your palate (and your sidekick's sugar tooth) and even provide samples, so you're sure you know what you're getting no matter how exotic or expensive the treat is. Bulk candy is sold by the pound, or you can get a refillable mason jar that cuts down on cost. Sweet!
Sweet sensation: If you're looking for candy you found on an overseas adventure, chances are you'll find it at Lolli and Pops. The shop is known for stocking its shelves with the finest candies and confections from around the globe, including those obscure Japanese candies your kids crave.
Locations: Westlake Center, Bellevue Square, Westfield Southcenter and Alderwood Mall
Online: lolliandpops.com
Sweet Mickey’s
Named for owner Randy Brinker’s grandmother and built around a sense of community, Sweet Mickey’s has quickly become an institution in Ballard, an area with no shortage of sugary options. They host regular activities for neighborhood kids—think Halloween costume contests and readings of How the Grinch Stole Christmas—but it’s what's inside that matters: beautiful truffles, drawers of gummies, an assortment of licorice (lots of salty selections for Ballard’s Norwegian contingent) and gorgeous gift baskets put together in-house for every occasion.
Sweet sensation: Fudge is one of those sweets that’s generally not worth the toothache, but not so at Sweet Mickey’s. Here, it’s made fresh in-house—soft, smooth and addictively delicious—in about a dozen seasonal flavors that rotate throughout the year.
2230 N.W. 57th St.
Seattle
Online: sweetmickeys.com
The Confectionery
This old-timey candy shop has been family owned and operated in University Village for more than 40 years, and a local favorite for just as long. The shop is a candy-coated dream worthy of Willy Wonka, with 100 different gummies, 30 types of imported licorice (both salty and sweet), 60 kinds of nostalgic candies like Ring Pops and Necco wafers, and more chocolate than you can imagine. And no matter what the holiday, the seasonal assortment of treats can’t be beat.
Sweet sensation: Consider The Confectionary your one-stop shop for special occasions. They’ve got piñatas for birthdays; teacher, hostess and wedding gifts; and an amazing selection of seasonal goodies for every holiday on the calendar.
University Village Shopping Center
4608 26th Ave. N.E.
Seattle
Online: theconfectionery.com
Seattle Chocolates Factory Store
For over 25 years, Seattle Chocolates has been making, packaging and shipping more than a million pounds of decadent truffles and chocolate bars, plus seasonal and special occasion products out of its 60,000-square-foot Tukwila warehouse. Although you won't find an old-school vibe here, you will find a variety of truffle bars (the dark chocolate peanut butter is our favorite), Jcoco chocolate tasting boxes that explore the different cacao percentages of dark chocolate and origins of chocolate, individually wrapped truffles, seasonal bars and Valentine's Day chocolates that will make your kids (or your sweetie) smile. The Sunshine Collection brings light (and playful chocolate combos) to Seattle's grey winter days, as does Seattle Chocolates' spirit of giving back—10% of net profits goes to Girls Inc.
Sweet sensation: It's got to be the Experience Chocolate tour. During the tour, families (kids must be at least 6 years old to participate) will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Seattle Chocolates makes their divine confections. They'll also learn about the history of chocolate and get a chance to taste Seattle Chocolates' signature recipes.
1180 Andover Park W.
Seattle
Online: seattlechocolatefactory.com
Husky Delicatessen
OK, so technically it’s not a candy-only store, but unless you’re on a candy-only diet, we don’t think you’ll mind. Aside from making some of the best sandwiches in West Seattle and offering a killer lineup of homemade ice cream, Husky Deli has a delightful assortment of international candies—plus chocolates from brands like Cadbury, Milka, Ritter Sport and Kinder—near the back of the store. And much of it is behind a display case, so you’re less likely to deal with sticky-fingered bandits who end up with a handful of treats in their pocket.
Sweet sensation: Sometimes simple is best, and a baggie full of chocolate-covered goodies can’t be beat: raisins for the kiddos, espresso beans for you.
4721 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle
Online: huskydeli.com
Johnson Candy Company
Want to experience a real-life history lesson with your sweet-toothed tot? Head to Tacoma. Johnson Candy Company isn’t made to look like the retro sweet shops from the ‘40s and ‘50s—it is that place, preserved in all its vintage charm. Unlike other shops, Johnson is still making their own chocolates, dipping some of them by hand even, on decades-old equipment. It’s a delicious trip back in time.
Sweet sensation: Though you’ll find all the usual sugary suspects here, the real draw is the chocolates. You won't find any foodie flavor combos here, but simple, delicious candy that's clearly made with love is sometimes all that you need.
924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Tacoma, WA
Online: johnsoncandyco.com
