I LOVE the Parrot! I found out I was allergic to dairy when I was 13, so most of my dairy-filled-confection memories are from back then, but there are plenty of non-dairy goodies to enjoy now! I grew up with the Parrot, when I was a kid my Mom and I would stop by (my Mom and Dad's office was just a block away), and get caramel corn, and a few candies. My sister would take me there sometimes for ice cream or a milk shake. I loved the milkshakes, I'd always get double chocolate. You can't beat the old-fashioned style, and the homemade ice cream sauces...TO DIE FOR! I also loved all of the chocolate candies, with a passion. I miss those goodies, but, as I said, there are still options! Nowadays, one of my favorite things there is the Chili. For my birthday, we got it for takeout and I had a half gallon of chili for everyone :). I like to get the Chili, put a lot of vinegar in it, and get a root beer soda (They make their sodas the old fashioned way, which I love, I'm not usually a soda drinker). On the way out, I like to get some wafer candies (they are dairy free), or the mixed roasted nuts....and a treat for my husband, of course. The service is maybe not something to write home about, but it's not a 5 star dining experience, it is an old fashioned candy shop/soda fountain! I've always gotten served, and it's always been pretty quick too. I will also note that the new owners seem to be great. I wrote to ask if there was dairy in something I like to order, and they wrote back within an hour (And it was almost 11 at night!) with the full ingredient list for the item I was asking about. Very friendly, and always able to answer my allergy related questions, which is really cool for me. Overall A+, one of my favorite spots. read more

The Parrot is another main staple venue I visit when I'm in Helena. The Parrot has been around for a long time and I was introduced to this shop when I was in college. My favorite are the box chocolates and the grape phosphate with a lemon scoop. I just discovered their various Turkish delights; mango and raspberry are quite good. I also tried the honeycomb (dark chocolate, of course). I enjoy walking into the Parrot because the decor and atmosphere is very friendly and nostalgic. They have a soda fountain bar and the booths are a little small but still cozy. The people there are friendly and always have a smile behind the counter. If you have never been to the Parrot, I suggest you head over to the Last Chance Gulch, take a walk and you can't miss the Parrot. They used to always them their front window and it's just a walk back in time with a modern touch (but you can't tell). read more

For those that love homemade ..... Lots and lots of homemade candy, chocolates, peanut brittle etc. Lines out the door good in the middle of the day. Very popular with locals it appeared from those waiting with me. It's not cheap that is for sure but high quality. read more

We came here for a snack of ice cream before we went out to dinner. I am glad that they gave me a small spoon to enjoy the ice cream. The ice cream and toppings were delicious. I also had a cherry phosfate to go with my ice cream. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a sweet treat. Also for sale are a variety of homemade chocolates and goodies. read more

Parrot Confectionery Store - The Parrot special with a cherry phosfate. - Candy Stores Near Me - Helena, Montana

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Parrot Confectionary Store made sure my friend on hospice received the best box of mixed dark chocolates! It put a smile on her face and brought her total joy! Thank you Parrot Confectionery Store! Thanks Johnny! read more

I wish I could give this place a five! My grandmother hung out here in high school. So did my parents. So did I. The new owers aren't like the old ones. They still use the old owners recipes though, so there is that. And last I checked they didn't mess up the decorations. read more

This place is a true destination for us the legacy is awesome. The service was horrible sat morning. The chili was cold. There were more employees bumbling around than customers. Our order was incorrect and the waitress didn't seem to care. The candy selection was great and while I enjoyed the selections we made my wife thought is was a little stale. We have hopes to go back and try this again as this experience may have been a one off. We were disappointed. read more

I don't understand the fascination with this place- went there once for lunch, sat down, waitress gave me a menu- I'm ready to order, but some buddies of hers walked in- they chatted, and then she proceeds to take their order and serve them, visiting with them and ignoring me- I walked out. Also, the chocolate is fair to poor- maybe that's a matter of taste, but I've met others who feel the same. My folks went there and had some soup- was definitely out of a can- you'd expect something homemade from a place like this. read more

Very poor communication of hours. The only indication that the fountain closes 30 minutes before the candy counter is in the store window. Not particularly useful when your daughters and their grandparents are standing outside at 5:35 pm on a Saturday. PLEASE make sure your accurate hours are posted online!!! read more

i used to always want to go there for the candy when i was young, but the workers were always grouchy, unhelpful, and they were always closed when i went there. the candy is mediocre and boring. i would not pay for candy like that when i can get it cheaper! read more

I was soooo underwhelmed with my last visit, which was also my first visit in a very long time. The milk shake was ridiculously small and had a funny aftertaste that hung around for quite a while after I finished it. The older blonde gal behind the counter was so rude and abrasive towards another customer that it actually made me feel uncomfortable. read more

I am on a candy kick whilst up in Big Sky country, so while in Helena, I had to stop by Parrot Confectionery. They had a wide selection of chocolates, turkish delights, and assorted candy. I got lime turkish delight and lemon. I wish I had gotten more, it was so good! I also got dark chocolate lemon cremes, dark chocolate coffee cremes, almond butter toffee, dark chocolate honey comb, and dark chocolate peppermint patties. I have partaken of all except the honey comb. I love the ambience of this place. It reminded me of a 1940's diner with it's high-backed green wooden booths and vintage jukebox. Apparently, they also do soda fountain stuff, which I will have to try another time. The staff were helpful and accommodating. read more

The Parrot is a unique taste of the past. From the handmade candies to the hearty lunches and the sodas and ice cream treats...The Parrot is just an amazing voyage back to simpler days. read more

Worst chocolates I have ever had! I was hoping they would be good, but I was sorely dissapointed. I ordered the milk chocolate box and the soft center box. If I can give this less than 1 star I would. I was really trying to support a business in Montana, but this will one will not be one I will be supporting. Really bad tasting, you'd be better off just getting a box Russell Stover chocolates at least they will be a consistent product that you know will taste good. read more

It's pretty good, but the prices are crazy. For 6 pieces of small chocolates and a very small bag of gummy worms, it was almost $15. On the flip-side, the chocolate is really good. read more

Great family owned Helena staple! Amazing candies (the caramels, turltes (they call them parrots), & haystacks are my favorites) and the milk shakes, fountain drinks and chili are also great as well! read more

Definitely worthy of a stop if you're in the area. It's located on a pedestrian strip in downtown Helena, relatively close to Firetower Coffee House and Reeders Alley. The huckleberry milkshake, with homemade vanilla ice cream, is delicious though a bit small for the price. I guess I'm used to getting the partially filled tumbler with a glass to boot. We also brought home a pound of chocolates too... one pound had already been eaten at a couple of family house dinners. read more

An absolute classic in every definition of the term. The Parrott lived up to expectations. The chili was excellent the milkshakes are fantastic and the candy oh my goodness the candy is delicious. This place is the real deal a complete throw back in place and time. We are very glad we went out of our way to pay this place a visit you should pay it a visit as well. read more

This place is so quaint and it's always such a treat to grab some chocolates here! Highly recommend stopping by.

I've been a Parrot customer since the 50's. It's a Montana treasure! Don't miss the chili. The chocolates are all hand-dipped, a real rarity in this day and age. read more

I took my 84 year old mother here thinking she might enjoy an old fashioned sofa fountain. She did, but the service was terrible. Once we were seated, a waitress brought over water was very rude and then proceeded to ignore us for 20 minutes while others were served - even people who received 15 minutes after we did received their food before we even ordered. I was embarrassed and very disappointed. Great candy! But I will NEVER sit down to eat there again. read more

Recently visited and purchased several boxes of chocolates as gifts. We tried the peppermint patties, sea salt caramels, and a mixed box. All were very good and prices were reasonable. Employees were friendly and helpful, and efficient. read more

As one that loves candy a little too much, this place is one I'll be coming back to as often as I can and when I can't...well thank God they will ship too. read more

Parrot Confectionery Store - Parrot Confectionery Store - Candy Stores Near Me - Helena, Montana

It's so cute inside, and their Malts are amazing. Its definitely one of the older businesses in Helena. Their candies are kind of expensive, but that's what I would expect from a place who makes all of their own chocolates on site. Loved it and will definitely be a regular. read more

Love the Parrot! Great candy and love the historical ambience. A Helena institution. Their malts are life-changing!

Customer service here is worse than bad...it doesn't exist!! My husband ordered a pound of mints, travels 4 hours home & finds the employee has given him the wrong product. After a call to the store to explain &, hopefully, resolve the problem, the response was NOTHING! I emailed then....STILL NO RESPONSE. He spent $35 there that day but never again. The product is good....but certainly not that good! read more

Good candy but to get it you must stand in a line that has no form aka complete and utter chaos. I didn't try the chili or the hot dogs.

The Parrot is a must see in Helena. The decor is so original to the building, it almost feels like you're going back in time to a candy shop. The chocolates are amazing, and a real treat! Anything handmade at a location is great, but if it tastes amazing, it makes it a true gem. If you want to thank somebody, get them a box of chocolates from the Parrot, they'll love it! read more

Ehhh.... eh? Okay, I guess... overpriced ice cream treats... go to the Big Dipper down the street instead...

The most recent owner seems like a real grump. He was reprimanding an employee right by the candy counter.

The three stars are purely based on the wonderful candy...the missing two stars are due to the fact that the staff that fills your order do not wear disposable gloves when they touch your candy-and they proceed to touch your cash, which is full of germs (not just mine-everyone's!), sample the candy themselves (putting chocolates in their mouths) and not once stopping to wash their hands!! It's these reasons I rarely go to the Parrot anymore-get with the times, people (I'm sure I'm not the only one noticing this stuff! ) Blech.... read more

Genuine 1950's soda fountain in the back, candies made on site in front. A great experience. We will go there again.

Great place. All the chocolate is homemade, usually fresh every day. A big variety. The service is excellent. They have milkshakes and sandwiches in a small eat-in area. The daily soup is excellent. I have two kids and I take them there at least once a week. One of the best places to stop in Helena. read more

Wow, I am very disappointed in my last trip here. I went there as a kid, loved it everytime. The staff and owners were so great! However, after taking my kids and wife there recetly, I don't think I'll ever go back. The new owner helped us at the candy counter. He was quite rude and reeked of alchohol. He could hardly get a sentence out. I then ordered a home made soda like I had done as a kid. The employee making it must have been new because the owner(Brian i believe his name is) butted in and nearly pushed the young kid out of the way to assist in making my very simple drink which the kid was doing perfectly. I thought the kid was going to cry, I felt so bad. It was a family oriented place when I was young, but I don't think I'll ever be going back there. Huge disappointment. read more

I love the Parrot! Truly iconic, with a retro vibe that makes them totally unique. Can't wait to get my hands on some hand-dipped caramel apples! read more

Some of my earliest memories growing up in Helena were sitting in a booth at The Parrott with my parents and grandparents, eating chili and chocolate. As a fifth generation Helenan, I imagined my great and great great grandparents sitting in the same booths. Several years ago I moved away to New England. This year, when it came time send a special holiday gift to my colleagues at a Harvard teaching hospital, the decision was easy - Parrott chocolates! Just one hiccup - when I placed the order online I forgot to update my shipping address from Providence, Rhode Island to Cambridge, Mass. Just two days before Christmas, the chocolates were sitting in Rhode Island with no chance of making it in time for Christmas. I called Brian Ackerman, the owner, and he didn't even pause. At 420 PM, he replaced the order without charge and shipped it to arrive in Cambridge the following morning by 10 AM. I now know why The Parrott has been a landmark that has served generation after generation in Helena....the chocolate is outstanding, but the customer service is the secret to success! The Parrott is one of Helena's greatest ambassadors to the world, and I will support them just as generations of my family and others have before. Merry Christmas to Helena and Merry Christmas to the Parrott!! read more

A friend and I sat down in the booth and when the larger older gentleman working that Saturday walked by, I asked do we order from here or the table, without saying a word he put his hand up and walked off. He came back a minute later to take the order. A minute when he is standing ten feet a way is a long and awkward minute. About ten minutes later the young gal working came to take our order. Are you kidding me? If our order wasn't taken by then we certainly would have left. We ordered the five dollar shakes. Obviously they have never seen the movie pulp fiction or been anywhere else in the world that serves five dollar shakes. The shakes came in one of those tall glass Sunday cups, with the really thick glass so there was barely any ice cream in them. The taste was average at best. These five dollar shakes didn't come with the traditional side cup of the extra shake either. It was a huge disappointment. Mom and pop businesses always complain about big business and how tough it is out there to survive and make a living with tightening margins. But at least big businesses have a consistent standard. I will be going to dairy queen next time. read more