Truly a hidden gem. NC Chocolatier has always been one of those places I drive by daily and say hey I'm going to stop by one day. Well that day came, and I'm forever grateful I did. Located in a small plaza and can be confusing with the Illinois Nut and Candy sign but when you walk in the sweet smell of chocolate fills the air. There are glass closures of bon bons/ truffles that I've learned are hand painted, chocolate covered everything, gelato and more. They also have taffy apples, some with just the caramel, some with nuts, some with chocolate chips. You can never go wrong! Their chocolate is kosher friendly and I'm obsessed with the cookie bark, I could eat that all day. Highly recommend going on one of their chocolate tours too that's available on sundays. Make sure you book first as I found out they do sell out. You get to learn the history of chocolate and make your own taffy apples and chocolate dipped goodies. They also ship nationwide, I am definitely going to order some goodies for birthdays coming up! read more

As you walk up, you'd think that it's just an average chocolate shop. But, this place is anything but average. Everyone was unbelievably kind. It felt as if I was appart of their family. The place was sparkling clean. There was chocolate as far as the eye could see. And, the chocolate fountain was amazing! I could swim in that stuff. Pure heaven! The bonbons were to die for! I got the blood orange one and it was decadent and delightful! It was zesty and sweet with a pop of bittersweetness from the rich dark chocolate. It was a dream. I couldn't recommend this place more! We started out the night with learning all about chocolate and how to make it. Then, we learned all about the history behind NC chocolate. Which, I found absolutely fascinating! After, we dipped cookies in chocolate and pretzels. Then, we got to decorate them! Which, I loved! It felt as if I was a kid in a candy store. Then, we got to make our own caramel apples covered in peanuts, cookies, or cereal. Which, was a blast! After, we were given lots of samples and treats to take home. Along, with a swag bag! Thank you, Kesha, and NC company for making this wonderful experience possible! read more

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It's a small chocolate shop. What sets them apart from others is the simple layout, their chocolate displays, their friendly staff, and of course their delicious sweets! Well, I guess there's a lot that separates them! They have unique chocolate dipped fruits, nuts, cookies, etc. Everything I tried was delicious. Give them a try if you have a sweet tooth! read more

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From the moment that I walked in, I knew that it'd be a great time! Everyone was super sweet! The place was sparkling clean. There was chocolate as far as the eye could see. And, the chocolate fountain was amazing! I could swim in that stuff. Pure heaven! The bonbons were to die for! It was a dream. I couldn't recommend this place more! We started out the night with learning all about chocolate and how to make it. Then, we learned all about the history behind NC chocolate. Which, I found absolutely fascinating! After, we dipped cookies in chocolate and pretzels. Then, we got to decorate them! Which, I loved! It felt as if I was a kid in a candy store. Then, we got to make our own caramel apples covered in peanuts, cookies, or cereal. Which, was a blast! After, we were given lots of samples and treats to take home. Along, with a swag bag! Thank you, Kesha, and NC company for making this wonderful experience possible! read more

This review is for the Chocolate Tour & Tasting. I signed up with my 5.5 year old son and I for a tour at noon on a Sunday. We arrived a few minutes before 12, greeted by our host Blanca, given aprons and hair nets, and waited until other members of the tour showed up. We had a total of 8 people on our tour. Once everyone was ready, 10 minutes past 12, Blanca gave us gloves. They had child size apron and gloves, so obviously, they cater to kids. First, we were introduced and shown the inside of the cacao plant. We were invited to taste the seed from the plant: both whole and in pieces. She then allowed the kids to measure certain amounts of coco powder and coco butter (and sugar) to make a chocolate bar, which we tried near the end of the tour. From there, we were invited into the back area. The place is small that we all literally had to walk in a line. But within that small space, we dipped pretzel sticks and a cookie into a vat of chocolate. Lots of sprinkles and other toppings were available to decorate our sticks. We then dipped an apple into some warm caramel and rolled it over nuts or fruity pebbles. After we all took turns and completed our tasks, we went back out into the store area to bag our creations. Blanca was great throughout! The whole tour took about an hour. The experience and take aways makes this worth the money. read more

NC Chocolatier - dipping the pretzel stick into the chocolate - Candy Stores Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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It is a cute place! Employees were attentive and friendly, kids loved seeing all the pretty packaged products on the shelf, I loved seeing themed and assorted products too! I give four because trays of candies or trays of chocolate items were quite pricey. They will make nice gifts for special occasions for loved ones though. read more

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I placed an order for our cousins in Florida for Passover! Everything looked so delicious, I decided to place a second order for us. OH MY GAWD! The chocolate almond bark is beyond outstanding! The care they took to put our orders together is amazing. They had everything sealed for Passover. They put in an ice package to protect the chocolate from melting out here in California. Every single step taken by these fine folks ensures we will be ordering from them again. Did I mention how delicious the chocolate was? Completely delicious! If there was a way to leave more than five stars, I totally would! read more

I really like their chocolate and other candies. And on Rosh Hashanah they gave me a honey cake.

Stay away! Rode my bike from Jefferson Park, Chicago and when I stopped in to purchase some goodies - THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CASH - Well that's all I had on me and they would not accept it! I received a rude answer when I said that's all I have on me so that means your not going to sell me anything! I said - well you just lost my business and walked out Sadly I would have been a regular customer - I love chocolate! Apparently they didn't read George Orwell's "1984" ---which sadly if feels as if that's where we're headed. read more

I'm giving them a 3.5 Star. It looks cute, def has a ton of variety in candies, chocolates, nuts and dried fruits. We only tried the English toffee which was good, nothing crazy... I've had better during the holidays when an aunt makes homemade but for a quick stop, there toffee is good. I didn't try anything else so maybe they're known for something that I didn't try. The service was friendly. There was a woman getting a candy basket made, so good to know if you want to gift that for someone. I was driving by and it happened to catch my eye so I never yelped it prior to going in. read more

This is my favorite candy store in Chicago! They have so much variety and they have the best customer service ! They also have an amazing gum ball machine to take your kids to see. Been going here for years! read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place! I originally came in for a Shiva Basket and while the selection was lovely, nothing was quite fitting for the somber occasion. The woman behind the counter kindly offered to put one together for me with chocolate covered raisins, dried apricots, candy, and a few other items. I am somewhat familiar with Shiva customs, but she was available to answer any questions I had. She attached a card for me and wrapped it in a tasteful way as opposed to something that would be loud and festive. Customer service is A+. The Candy Land-esque exterior is whimsical and eye-catching and the inside is where all your Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory dreams come to life. You won't be able to leave without purchasing a few chocolates and candies and I cannot wait to go back for some sweet treats for myself! read more

On the one hand, everyone likes a candy shop, right? On the other hand, the interior is sort of dim and uninviting, and the first time I went in, there wasn't a clerk to be seen. But most importantly of all, the bulk jelly beans which they sell are Gimbal brand! It's hard to discern the difference with the naked eye, because besides the numerous common shared flavors, Gimbal cribs several Jelly Belly classics such as Buttered Popcorn and Strawberry Cheesecake. In a few cases they change the name just a little (presumably to skirt the copyright laws?)--"Roasted" Marshmallow, "Perfectly" Pear, and "Spicy" Cinnamon. Come on. They even copy the speckled and marbled coloring of many Jelly Belly flavors. The semi-legible, hand-lettered signs denoting the jelly bean flavors are a perfect reflection of what this place is selling--a second-rate product. Why don't they just sell Jelly Bellys? The branded materials alone would brighten up their store by several notches. For the record, I did try the jelly beans, and they don't taste nearly as good as Jelly Belly. read more

Went there for the first time and was very disappointed. Chocolates were not good at all, plus the person who waited on me was not very friendly. I recommend Belgian Chocolatier Piron in Evanston, the best chocolates ever. read more

I called late on Tuesday afternoon. I asked if they had any baseball themed baskets. Nicole called me back within minutes and designed an awesome basket of baseball themed items with a great variety of candy, chocolate and nuts. It was delivered first thing Wednesday morning. Nicole was super helpful and creative. The recipient of the basket called me to say how great it was too. Highly recommend! read more

If your looking for Quality Candy at great prices with great customer service Illinois Nut & candy is it they have made each and every one of our parties sweet and special David goes above and beyond to make sure that we get exactly what we wanted for a great price there have been plenty of times where I come in last second and he makes my vision come to life going to Illinois Nut & candy is extra special because you go in and you feel like a kid again it we use Illinois Nut & candy for every party we have all year round big and small read more

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Have been ordering from them for several years now. We live in CA so have never been to their store. Because they carry non-dairy chocolate, I can safely provide my observant guests some sweets with their meat meals. I just received my non-dairy chocolate turkey for Thanksgiving several days early (thanks!) and was helped with tracking the shipment by David (who seems to live there). Everyone is very helpful in my experience and the turkey was packed perfectly for the journey to CA. I will continue ordering from them with complete confidence. read more

Just dropped by this candy store for the first time in years and its much better than I remember. The selection is vast and varied and everything I tried was great. I wanna give special mention to the very helpful employee who helped me out on my visit; Sam! She was what the old-school candy shop experience is all about. She was super friendly, had an incredibly sunny disposition, and all her suggestions were spot-on. Plus, as an added bonus she custom designed my order in a fantastic little gift wrapped package! Great experience made all the better by the staff. Will definitely be back soon. read more

I stopped in here about a week before Purim, which meant that there was a pretty big crush of people for a weekday afternoon. The shop is large and well lit, and the selection is fairly wide. There's an enormous selection of bulk candies, like Jordan almonds, mints, jelly beans, and chocolate covered what-have-you. As far as nicer chocolates, the selection was somewhat more limited. Loads of options for anyone with allergies or looking for sugar-free candy. The service wasn't that great, hence the three stars. I understand being swamped with orders for a holiday, but it really felt like the manager/owner didn't want me there. I was there for about half an hour trying to get a small order filled, and while the young woman helping me was very polite, I saw the owner snap at four or five customers in the time that I was there. The rudeness I saw from him and another woman made me somewhat loath to go back. read more

Wonderfully friendly and accommodating staff. They're enthusiastic about letting you sample as many things as you'd like. And they give free lollipops to kids. Selection is extensive. Dairy products on one side, and dairy free I the other. Chocolates made in house. Lots of retro candies. Closed Saturday, as is typical in Skokie. read more

I have seen this place so many times driving down Dempster so I was happy to stop by last week for an event held there. The owner is very friendly and accommodating. But now lets get down to business. The dark chocolate /bittersweet chocolate items are all very good especially the chocolate covered fruit. They probably have the best taffy apple/ chocolate covered taffy apples on the planet. The brownies were good as well but I might take a pass on the cookies. I think most children would kill to go rampant in a place like this. I highly recommend coming here for a chocolate craving and going wild. You might be like a humming bird but they do have sugar free and gluten free products and their stuff is kosher too. I have heard good things about the english toffee but I did not have the opportunity to try it- I guess that means I have something to look forward to next time. read more

My review is the first for this candy company ??? For serious? It was a gem when it was in my hood. Obviously the move was wasted, I hope they come back to Chicago. ********* Not since they moved from the location in Chicago have I been able to manage a time to stop and visit. When a business is out of the way, you just forget about it. Its Chicago location was the most convenient for me and is why it was a place I might frequent; when candy was a necessity. Their current store layout is a bore, I liked the old shop. The old place, you walk into a store lit up in fluorescent lights and the layout was like a U-shape. So you're surrounded in candy, just like the counter set-up of a typical jewelry store. It was overwhelming seeing all this candy and not knowing what to try first. At the new store the lights were dimmed, that could be for any reason. Couple employees moving about, very eager to help me, maybe it was a slow day. Nothing is priced except the soft serve ice cream, which I learned you can have dipped in any candy of your choice. Not sure if it's a flat charge or by the pound. Interesting, better than just the regular offering of sprinkles or something random like m&m's. Most candies are sold by the pound, unless it's a candy stick which they have a great assortment of. If you are planning a visit you should check out their website first and make a plan of attack. It's overwhelming the number of candies they offer. I purchased a few truffles for a party I was surprised to find them packed into a plastic baggie on top of one another. No neat box like other finer chocolatiers might offer. Their truffles are meh and much too costly, Fannie May does a better job in this comparison. If you work for a corporation, may like to check on your employee discounts. I have one. WoOt! read more

Illinois nut has become my favorite place to get my sugar rush. They have plenty of sugar-free and gluten-free and everything-free as well. The owner even ran a table display of Apple dipping for my daughters bat-Mitzvah that went off without a hitch. he had patience, he was prepared, and he dealt with 50 screaming girls wonderfully. His selection of candies and chocolate is superb. His staff is always helpful and quick to correct any problems. Remember it's a kosher candy store. they aren't going to be as inexpensive as non-kosher places. read more

Was excited to go to a candy store. Maybe I caught the employees on a bad day... Thought the customer service was okay. Didn't feel a real warm genuine friendliness - owner or manager gentleman seemed a bit condescending. He was short with us and didn't really smile - he seemed impatient while we were trying to decide what we wanted. Customer service is important to us and we just didn't get it that day we came in. The bulk candy is all behind the counter so it was difficult to see the candy when picking it out, unlike a place where you get to scoop yourself. Had the caramels and sour cherry balls and can say I have had better. The volume and selection of candy is good, otherwise. read more

I somehow tripped over this store and book-marked it this summer. I happened to be driving by and swung in to see what they had. I fairly decent selection of kids candies and also the adult chocolate fare. I didn't buy a whole lot, just some "bark" for the kids. The owner was meeting with some customers and seemed very involved with his clients. Bravo to what seemed genuine customer service. The clerk who waited on me was also extremely pleasant and helpful. I didn't see anything that interested me, but the kids liked the "bark". read more

Wonderful service and beautiful, fresh lovely trays of candy and baked goods delivered to the North suburbs without a hitch! Its pleasure doing business with David and his wonderful team at Illinois Nut & Candy. David you Rock! Sharyl R. read more

Love their candies and gift baskets. A local place focused on great quality treats and commitment to the community.

Nicole was absolutely wonderful! When we called to order a special gift, she immediately suggested a fresh box of chocolate to be made, beautifully gift wrapped and sent out the next day. All done to perfection and to the delight of our Mom! Excellent quality, they have the best Peppermint Patties we have ever tasted. When Covid forced a delay to our April order, they sent us an extra pound of chocolates as a Thank You for being patient. We will always order from them when we need something special...and for ourselves as well! Naomi from Carlsbad, CA read more

I am so grateful for this company. As an individual with a disorder that prevents me from metabolizing any dairy (by-products) this company is ideal for me. If only there were other shops like this in other cities. I have found the service to be wonderful and the management to be very friendly. read more

Illinois Nut & Candy made brownies as part of my wedding favors and they were delicious! They were moist and chocolatey and had a hint of mocha. They also managed to deliver them on time despite the flooding we had the week of our wedding. They went above and beyond and we were very happy! Would recommend to anyone looking for custom chocolate or packaging or just yummy brownies! read more

NC Chocolatier - Illinois Nut and Candy made our wedding favors - super yummy mocha brownies. One friend hoarded 7 to take home! - Candy Stores Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I stumbled on this candy shop online when searching for wedding anniversary gifts for my wife. They personalize chocolate truffles and the store is located in Skokie. Excellent in store service and over the phone. Their candy selection is incredible and free samples in store. Highly recommend if you're in the Chicago area read more

I have to say in the past couple of years the customer service at Illinois Nut & Candy has greatly improved. Whenever I call the ladies all sound happy and fun. They never have a problem answering questions for me. They came up with the cutest personalized baby shower favor for me, and always deliver my candy on time. Everything always tastes great, the chocolate and nuts are always fresh, and I get compliments from my guests whenever I have a party tray from them. They wrap everything to look appealing and I am always happy to have them for my party and daily needs. This shop is a little gem and I hope it never changes. read more

Wonderful customer service! Best chocolate I've had! Very creative as well!

I placed a large order for custom chocolates and could not be happier with the quality and accuracy of my order. I happened to stop in their store for pick-up on a busy Jewish holiday and their staff was very friendly and patient with all of the customers ahead of me. I will be ordering from Illinois Nut & Candy again and highly recommend them based on their pricing, customer service and quality. read more

This place is amazing! I went in for the first time and was just lost in the choices as well as the displays! After about a half hour I finally came out with some treats and will be back again. Although they have few gluten free items they are cross contaminated and not that great if you have a friend like mine who is a vegan, gluten free and has nut allergies. read more

I just went to this candy store for the first time today around 10:30 this morning. I was very impressed with the selection, and everything smelled delicious, so I am sad to report it will also be my last time. The woman working behind the counter was so unbelievably rude hat I left without buying anything an have no intention of returning. I wanted to buy some chocolates for my husband for Christmas and I am in the area of this store 2-3 times and week and had been meaning to check it out. It was exactly like I expected and reminded me of a candy store my mother used to take me to when I was a little girl. The problem arose when I asked the young woman behind the counter what the espresso chocolates were. She responded in the most condescending, irritated tone I have ever encountered and informed me that they were espresso beans covered in chocolate. Her tone, combined with the withering stare she gave me, was enough to tell me that additional questions would not be welcome. I looked at her for a moment, and then responded that I was sorry for inconveniencing her with my question and that I would be taking my business elsewhere. No one working, including her, made a move to stop me. So I guess if you know what you want and don't need any assistance from the sales clerks this would be a fine store, but if you have any questions, and don't want to be made to feel like a piece of shit for asking them, this is not the store for you. read more

most uncomfortable experience I have ever had in a store. although there were multiple people in the store, it was more quiet than a library and it felt awkward to ask the sales person about a particular candy. All of the candy is behind the counter and difficult to see and the store is all around unfriendly. and to top it all off after being told they didn't have the candy I was looking for I saw it on my way out! but by then I had no desire to give them my business. read more

Huge selection, fantastic trays. The owner David aims to please. Would highly recommend the chocolate barks; there is a wide selection, and they are all fantastic. read more

YUMMY would best describe my experience with Illinois Nut & Candy. David, the owner, is always at the front of the store helping clients with their orders. I often buy chocolates and flavored popcorn for clients and referral partners as a token of my appreciation. They have a huge selection and even cater to those with food allergies and diet restrictions. David gives back to the community through his annual Lifesource blood drive. There's nothing more rewarding than working with someone who helps others in need. How sweet :) read more

Wonderful, friendly, sweet, patient, caring staff!!! I was in with my son for two hours, trying to figure out what to get as party favors for his party. The girls were so helpful, they let us try everything, asked questions, were doing everything they could to stay within my budget and still have a wonderful outcome. WOW!!!! WONDERFUL PLACE!!!! read more