Decided to check out the wharf on my last day in Santa Barbara. This place seemed inviting, so ventured in. Due to the weather, the store was empty, with maybe 1 or 2 other people coming in/out during my visit. I liked the vintage candy selections and the salt water taffy was nostalgic. I indulged with an assorted bag. I also picked up a few other childhood favorites as well. The taffy pieces were hit/miss. Some too hard, some too soft, some just right. The vintage candy items I bought were fine. At the check out counter, my taffy bag was tied off and all candy placed in a cute bag for my drive home. read more

Mother Stearns Candy - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Omgeee!!! This place was super cute and the gentleman there made the whole experience amazing!!! First time here! Small, cute little spot to get your sweet tooth going. The service was great by the gentleman, which I truly feel bad because I should have asked for his name. His energy was the best and smiling at all times. As I was walking out I saw a cute little turtle plush with a cute orange hoodie and instantly stopped to purchase. Again, the gentleman with a big smile took care of me one more time. Definitely will return but only because I loved his energy. read more

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This candy shop is always a fun stop, and since my wife is constantly on the lookout for candy shops wherever we go, we make it a point to swing by when we're in the area. They always have a solid selection of taffy and rotate the flavors which makes it fun to switch things up each time we visit. The store isn't huge by any means, but they pack a ton of variety inside. I also like grabbing some of the Mexican candy while we're there, and it's always cool to look at the massive gummies even though we never actually get them because they're just way too big. The sour belts are definitely a favorite too. Now, I will say the staff can be hit or miss, and unfortunately not the friendliest or most welcoming overall. The guy working the counter seemed more focused on his coworker's school drama and was talking pretty loudly and laughing while we were browsing. A little boy nearby was checking out the chocolates, clearly excited, and the guy actually snapped at him to hurry up and choose. His dad looked shocked and ended up not buying anything after that. It was honestly a bummer to see especially since the kid was just doing what any excited kid in a candy shop would do. All that said, the candy itself is great and the shop is worth stopping by for the selection, just don't expect much in the way of friendly service. It's kind of always been that way in our experience. read more

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I am a sucker for taffy and let me tell you, the taffy at Mother Stearns Candy was so yummy! Just the right amount of chew and the flavors were spot-on. I took ONE of the lavender flavored ones because sometimes it can be an overpowering flavor and man, I wish I would have gotten more! The girls working, Katie and Alexander were so friendly and helpful! I will definitely be going back whenever we make our way to Santa Barbara again. read more

Mother Stearns Candy - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A Santa Barbara classic! Mother Stearns Candy is one of my favorite spots on the Wharf. The nostalgic vibe, the incredible selection of treats--from saltwater taffy to old-school favorites--and the warm, friendly staff make it such a fun stop every time. It's got that perfect mix of charm and sugar. Whether you're visiting or live nearby, this little candy shop is a sweet slice of Santa Barbara you shouldn't miss. read more

Just another candy store I'm supporting. The chocolate covered almonds tasted stale. Lots of nostalgic candies. Service was nice. read more

Mother Stearns Candy - World Confections Candy Cigarettes - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Been grabbing candy and fudge for years hear. No more, so r ude I could not believe it. The older guy, he is a very angry individual even snapped at a child lighten up.. Get new Managment or what ever he is............ I dont care about the price of the candy i care about the Customer service. read more

BE AWARE I returned my bag after eating a chocolate mint that was stale and when I opened the next, I noticed discoloration. Ok, so the mints have been on the shelf to long, give the benefit of the doubt, but then when I couldn't even identify the saltwater taffy flavor my anxiety was beyond any enjoyment. I wondered where they are purchasing their candy from. My daughter was happy with her selection until she ate the Mexican candy and spit out the green part saying it tasted like soap. When your child spits out candy because it's gross - I'd say the store has problems. Today I noticed the clerk did not issue me a refund on my card like promised. read more

Very disappointed. Visited Santa Barbara for the first time and walked the Wharf - which was absolutely beautiful. As an added treat, we got to see whales!! Saw this candy store and went it. I bought some candy that I saw and used to love as a child. However, when I went to eat it, it was rotten. Do you have any idea how old the candy must be to rot? It was not just one type of candy, it was 3 out of 4 types that were bad/old. Unfortunately, I had to dispose of $30 worth of candy. If you must buy anything from this store, PLEASE make sure you TASTE each item you want before you purchase it. I will be filing a complaint with the county's health department. read more

I am deeply disturbed by what we just experienced here. The racism is INSANE. My friend was buying a bottle of water that didn't hit their $5 credit minimum, and instead of being a decent human, this white male cashier pointed to a small sign that indicated the credit minimum and said "can you even read english" in an offensive stereotypical 'asian accent'. I can't even describe how nasty this was. If you want to be dehumanized, feel free to stop by. Be prepared to be treated like garbage. The casual racism is unbelievable. This type of behavior is unacceptable, and should NEVER be tolerated. read more

Perfect place to get a caramel apple since there's not many offered elsewhere in the area. My friend and I bonded over our matching caramel with peanuts apple. Customer service was great, the 2 girls who were working around 1:30pm were so sweet and deserve a promotion! read more

Mother Stearns Candy - Caramel with Peanuts Apple - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I understand that it is a tourist area so prices are quite high, but their truffles were very bad. Spending $60 on candies that didn't even taste good was disappointing. read more

What a fun place for satisfying ones sweet tooth (or teeth). And it's all about location, location, location. Out here on Stearns Wharf it's a must-visit after wine tasting at Deep Sea Wines or lunch at Shellfish Fish Company. Thanks Fabiola for walking us through all this little sweet shop has to offer. And right now walking out with my fix of Salt Water Taffy, Whoppers, and reacquainting myself with old friends Mike and Ike. read more

Nice little cans shop in the pier. I would say it the candy is over priced. In addition to the candy I also got a Carmel apple with nuts. The Apple didn't taste like it was fresh. I do appreciate the option of getting candy and treats while visiting the pier. read more

It was really expensive. Most candy is dusty and old, like not many people buy it and they dint dust shelves. A tiny little jar was $14.99. Even drink was $4. The lady was nice, though, so plus one star for her being kind. read more

Katie and James are so professional and helpful!!!! They are both so friendly and outgoing. Thank you!!! They are above excellence a 10+

Spent $30 on candy I could have gotten at 7/11. The service was horrible. The cashier was making sexual innuendos in front of my kid and my boyfriend about the chocolate balls. Whether or not I liked big balls, "oh yeah? You like the big balls?". Also I saw he was being rude to a child asking what price an item. As a local of SB, very disappointed that tourist are getting this service read more

Katie and Ava were very friendly and brought so much joy to my day. I bought a few candies and am looking forward to trying them. read more

Cute cute cute store Candy is high-quality! The employee James is amazing. He was so welcoming. We would encourage everyone to check this out and visit with James. read more

Visited this pathetic little candy shop with my sister a while back - this is a long overdue review but still haven't forgotten as 6 months later, this experience still makes me roll my eyes. First of all, I'm 165% sure this isn't the candy shop 50 Cent was referring to. Second of all, someone needs to give the girls running the store a Basic Manners 101 course. You'd think working around so many sweets would make some of the sweetness rub on them but unfortunately that's not how it works. The girls at the front were - well one was mute and the other was rude and together they were unhelpful. Walked in, no greeting, meh whatever. Shortly after, my sister asked if they carried Old Faithfuls (chocolate bar) and this beep had the audacity to tell her "I don't know, look for it" - now this is the part that really upset me, I know toddlers that would have a more appropriate response then that. Don't bother wasting your time, money, and patience here. read more

A good variety of sweets and apparently quite popular, but very narrow aisles make for tight maneuvering in and out of this place. Jackie was on a taffy hunt which they more than have enough flavors to choose from, and we chose more than our share. The one flavor I've tried so far tasted just fine, however, Jackie thought her choice tasted a bit old. We'll have to sample a few more today. read more

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Another tourist trap!! Avoid this place! Severely OVER-PRICED!!! I wonder if this is the same owner as the nearby Great Pacific Ice Cream Company? Honestly wouldn't be surprised, both seem to be taking advantage of tourists. I also have an inclination that this place took advantage of the COVID PPP money, because they had made some updates and changes after COVID. I just hope they took care of their employees as well. This place has random and miscellaneous candies, and up-charges them 300-400% than what you can get just about anywhere else. Also, the candy is old and not fresh, careful to check the expiration dates here. Some candy that should be soft, is hard as a rock. Forget customer service, you won't get any of that here! You won't be greeted nor asked if you need any help. Instead you get employees who stare you down intently as they think you are going to steal something. This place is so bad, I often walk by hoping that another better store will take it's place. read more

What a fantastic selection of chocolates and taffy and beverages. The store is beautifully curated and the manager James was so engaging and helpful. We treated the kids to some yummy buttery, popcorn, and toffee peanuts. I will definitely be back. read more

Great staff! Fun unusual candy options. My kids love this place! Great location on sterns warf.

An odd first impression of the owner battling a swarm of flies by swinging around a plastic tennis-raquet shaped electrical fly swatter. With the direction the store was facing the flies get trapped there's not much you can do, put up a cloth barrier like Japanese sushi places or a beaded curtain from the 60's? Electrical fly swatter it is... I'm glad that add the candy is under sealed display case, from the wall where you scoop out your own and pay by weight, to the fudge and chocolate covered treats by the counter. There's quite a selection of old timey candies and salt water taffy and then the novelty. If your a tourist with a kid I say avoid this store, or you'll be spending a bunch of money on pricey sugar or maybe you can pull a fast one and just appease them with a colorful gumball. read more

Mother Stearns Candy - Chocolate sweets - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The worst sweets I've ever had. I bought taffy and fudge, and both were old and lacked any normal taste. The taffy was melting on the outside, and was just disgusting. I don't mind paying the high price for good quality, but this was absurd. read more

Best Candy store in town. All their gummies and chocolates are so fresh. The owners are so kind and caring and give the best customer service. If you're on the pier it's the best place to get some dessert or snacks after your meal. Thanks again guys, will be back! read more

Definitely topped our afternoon after just dining at the fabulous Santa Barbara Shellfish Company just down the end of the wharf. We were stuffed from our meals, not wanting anything heavy for dessert, so this little candy store perfectly suited our needs. They had their walls full of colorful salt water taffies, gummies, rock candies, jelly beans, pop rocks, nerds, immense jaw breakers, mineral rock candies, candy cigarettes, chocolates, lollipops, skittles, m & ms, rope candies, you name it. They also had cookies and popcorn for sale. We all took a little plastic bag and made a selection of what we were in the mood for. All at pretty reasonable prices. We will definitely be back. read more

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Located at the end of Stearns Wharf. Surrounded by other fun gift & souvenir shops. Came in and bought some fudge! They have all sorts of sweets, salt water taffy, roasted & coated nuts, and assortments of candy. read more

I recently was at this candy store. There is a young man named James working there. We talk and laughed . He is great for your store and I hope u keep him . I do think he should be a comedian . Well anyway I hope to come by and see him again and to buy me some yummy candy. Thanks for making me smile. It made my day read more

I'm not a connosiuer(sp) of taffy, or a lot of candy for that matter, but, after lunch on the pier, I needed a sugar rush. I had noticed this place walking through the pier. They had a million different flavors of taffy being sold by the weight. I don't know if the prices were good, but, I knew I needed sugar. I bought about a pound. Cost about $5-6. Yummy in my tummy, is the only thing I can really say. I spread the love to my friends who were in need of similar fix. I still have some a week later. Good times. read more

Mother Stearns Candy - excellent - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Not impressed by with this candy store. Over priced candy. They wanted $22.00 for a pound of candy. I got a 1/4 of salt water taffy. The taffy stuck to the paper and it was not fresh. I also wanted cotton candy but the cotton candy container was covered in dust. read more

way over priced candy... plus some of the candy is old the Mike and Ike's I picked up a box and you could tell it was a big pile stuck together not something I wanted to pay $5.00 for... the salt water taffy small bag the cashier(not friendly at all) said it was $7.95, gave me change for my $20 only $10.05 she had a strange look on her face and then said sorry I meant $9.95. I should have asked for a receipt. I buy taffy all over the US by far this was the most disappointing taffy I ever had. Check out the pictures. I will not being going back ever... read more

Mother Stearns Candy - old water salt water taffy - Candy Stores Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Tiny cute shop on the pier packed full of goodies. I got fudge in several flavors and it was all good. (Rocky Road is always my favorite.) Lots of fun touristy stuff, just a bit crammed in. In this day and age it would be uncomfortable to be in there with more than a couple other customers. read more

2.5 ounces of chocolate fudge costing $11.50? - seriously, who are you fooling... block wasn't weighed - significantly overpriced

Roaches and dead Bugs Should be the name of this place No care and Horrible service dead bugs and flies in the display and no one seemed to care, and read more

The "manager" here is rude and when we told her she shouldn't be rude to customer she proceeded to argue with us. Instead of being on their phones they should learn how to speak to adults. Never coming back here again. read more

Good variety of candy and fudge. There is a self serve candy section. During COVID times, the self serve candy section doesn't allow you to choose your own candy. These candy are pre-packed in a small ziploc bag. read more

To start off, the male employee helping us was extremely rude and seemed to not care about much. On top of that, they charged my card two times for the same exact purchase even though I questioned it. Shady first experience, better candy stores all over read more

Had the best experience in the little shop in the back, the captain was fun and delightful and we got a Harry Potter keyring set from Comiccon 2017 we will cherish forever. Thank you for the memories from the couple celebrating 3 years. Congratulations on the baby on the way! read more