It seems that we cannot get enough candy and cupcakes in this city. I, for one, am not complaining. The Candy Store is nicely designed with a good assortment of candies from the nostalgic to some new favorites. I was really pleased to find winegums, which are a delicious British candy that have the texture of a gumdrop, and a not-too-sweet fruit flavor. Best of all, they have the names of different alcohols on them...cognac, vodka, gin, etc. A hard-to-find favorite right here in SF! (and BTW these were author Roald Dahl's favorite candies, which he kept right next to his bed so he could enjoy them any time...thanks, Wikepedia) And my new favorite? Peanut butter malt balls. Trust me. You want these. Love the fun modern logo. Service is as just sweet as the confections. read more

Candy makes me happy. Old school, classic candy makes me even happier. And it makes me happiest to know that this candy is a block from my apartment. The owners are the best. They let you sample, offer suggestions and even take recommendations - I'm still waiting on those circus peanuts to surprise my favorite person who I know loves them. Try the caramel marshmallow-filled delights. They are a buck twenty-five a pop, but worth every penny. read more

This store gets five stars, for one reason and one reason only: The Idaho Spud. I happened to be walking down the street, thought hey this place is new and cute but I was late for setting up for a party for work, so I was going to keep walking. And then out of the corner of my eye, I saw it in all it's brown and yellow glory. A thing absolutely impossible to find outside of the Pacific Northwest, a treat from my childhood, a candy bar I love so much that in the past I have actually called up the Idaho Candy Company and purchased several dozens. And there it was calling my name so I had to go in. Once inside and with the precious candy in my hand, I noticed that the shelves were stocked with other hard to find goodies, and all displayed in a lovely and stylish manner. I will definitely be back for my Idaho Spud fix and try the other tempting treats! read more

We stumbled upon this place after a few tacos from Nick's Crispy Tacos. And I was so excited because it was sooo incredibly cute. They have lots of retro candy and the layout of the store is perfect. The best...the hard-to-find mint chocolate malt balls! They're amazing! I wish this place existed when I was a kid. Screw that sour, toxic crap kids like these days...this is the real stuff. Only complaint, why are candy stores sooo expensive? Or is it just me? It is good for gifts.. read more

This place can have ALL my money. Great selection of candy. Lot of it is rare and hard to find. Last time we got a tin of popcorn toffee ($17) -- IRRESISTIBLE!! I'm so glad I live nowhere near this place or else I'd have a whole new host of problems! Check it out! read more

All kinds of gummy candy!! They even let you sample them. They have packaged goodies and you can create your own mix.

While studying for the bar, I needed brain food (sugar, that is). Desperately. I see people walking by on Polk with bags that say The Candy Store. So I find it and go in and OH. LOVE. Salty licorice? Check. Red licorice (locally made!) ? Check. Sour stuff? Check. Marzipan? Check. Sampling and nice people working there and real honest-to-god help when asking about the candies? Yep. The reason why they get an unequivocal 5 stars for me is because they're very vegan-friendly. They have a list of the candies that indicates whether it's vegan. I discovered, though, that candies with beeswax in them were marked "vegan" on their list. The guy was then very patient with me, going through individual candies' ingredients to make sure that they were OK. He said his sister is vegan, so they take it seriously. Which is always nice to hear. read more

Newly opened in Russin Hill, as of today it was their second day the owners said! Good for them. The store is cute and has not only your typical candies like gummy bears and chocolates but it also has cotton candy, long french marshmallow ropes, and other fun stuff. It is bright and airy and the perfect size for a shop. Cute cute cute. And the owners were really sweet and nice. I tried a sample of the gummi letters (as opposed to gummi bears) and it was a little hard, not as fresh as it could be, but given they just opened, I am sure they are working out some of the quirks. read more

Who would ever give this place less than a 5?? It's CANDY!!! and the owners are stupendous! Few to find shops like this in SF with so many candies. Miette yes, but this is a totally different breed.... It's heaven...and it's up the street from where I live! A wall full of jars of candy, from near to far off lands, colors galore, sticky, soft, sucky, sour, chocolates.....it's all beautiful! Going in is like doing something wrong, but it's oh so RIGHT! Totally try her new Marshmallows from Sweden....on that note, try everything from Sweden! xoxo, big huge fan read more

Holy shit! I love this place. I just read the lovely yelper Daniella's review for this place and decided to pay a visit. The store is cute and neat, very well decorated and organized. Everything looked fabulous and I was having a hard time to make a decision. I got the mint white chocolate in these bright pastel colors, sugar free caramel, and sugar free almond. They all are amazingly good. I know some people said this place is expensive but everything I'm sure are made with the best quality of products, and I really don't mind paying for what I get. Diane, one of the owners, were very friendly and she offered me some free samples. She was giving a suggestion for my mom to try the black licorice and it was indeed very good! It's too bad a bit far from where I usually go but definitely coming back! read more

Love this candy store service is good its in Russian Hill near by downtown an Chinatown you going to just walk up or take a cable cars either away you get there I hope you enjoyed it have a good weekend read more

We almost didn't stop here when we walked by, but I am so glad we did. Right as we stepped through the door, Diane (the owner) was there to share her candy with us. She almost insisted that we try everything. We ended up with lots of chocolate, the best gummi bears (hard ones), amazing licorice, and best of all, passion fruit marshmallows. Hot damn, I've never had a marshmallow like that. It exploded in my mouth like champagne and was full of flavor. read more

I am in love, and I am not really a "candy person". I work in marketing and promotion and needed 75 large bags of good looking "sea themed" candy. I called the other candy shops and found them unwilling/unable to help me. I called Diane and she made me look like a super star. The bags of candy were a hit and brought a ton of business our way because they were so memorable! Diane and her husband are first class. They make the experience enjoyable for you - regardless if you are buying 75 bags of candy or a package of Razzles. (yes, they have Razzles!) Also, they are incredibly giving. This is a rarity I find in any industry. They like to find out what you like, and then they offer their recommendations. I've since been back to grab treats for myself and treats for others. Her presentation and selection makes for nice gifts for any occasion! read more

I'd give this place 5 stars, but it doesn't have jelly beans. And what my nephew was craving for on a sunday afternoon was jelly beans. But this is a great candy store. Very small, but the staff is very helpful and considerate, especially with handing out samples. You can get great candy with even greater quality. Gummis, chocolates, taffy, you name it. Plus, it has a lot of the nostalgic and foreign candies that's hard to come by. Even places like Cost Plus don't have these, like Clark bars, Chuckles, and Cadbury chocolates(which I only find in London and India) Parking can be a pain in Russian Hill, but by bus, it's just off of Van Ness and a block or two from Green Sports Bar. The neighborhood is great to walk around so I'll definitely be back! read more

I bought 6 coupons from Groupon which was going for $10 each with a $20 value. The first round I used 2 Groupons which got me 8 half pound bags of gummis and I paid $1 more for 1/2 pound of chocolate covered candies. The prices here are expensive but the candies are good. They have stuff that I've never seen anywhere else. My favorites are the chocolate covered olives in a decorative cute martini shaker, the mint chocolate malt balls, the ultimate malt balls, the chocolate covered pretzel balls, penguin gummi, whale gummi, and the egg gummi. My list could go on and on because I have such a big sweet tooth. I'm surprised I don't have more cavities. The packaging is simple and the girl behind the counter added cute bows and "The Candy Store" stickers. I liked the attention to detail and I like the fact they let you sample. They always have new candies so I go back every once in a while. It's conveniently located a few blocks off the 47 or 49 bus line. The owner Diane is so nice - she let me use 2 Groupons at once so I didn't have to make an extra trip to the store. read more

I love this store! it's small, cute, and they have a large selection at reasonable prices! There is everything from handmade caramels (when in season), to taffy, to malt balls,to Swedish fish, to jaw breakers, to classic candies you never heard of. I HIGHLY recommend the Ultimate Malt Balls and grab a piece of Marzipan. (if you go to Nick's Crispy Taco's around the corner...this is the perfect follow up) read more

My colleague and I had a last minute rush candy order for our client and the owner was so friendly and accommodating not just over the phone, but in person too. We felt so taken cared of and his demeanor exuded a "Don't worry I Got You" mentality. SOLD! Headed there soon after speaking with him. Store was easy to find. Parking is on the street (metered) but we were lucky to find one right in front of the store. Walking into this place is like HEAVEN! So many jars of candies that you can buy in bulk and also old fashioned favorites as well as gourmet and interesting types of candies/chocolates as well. I think I gained about 10 pounds just looking at the candy! Prices are great and we even got to try the candy before buying! Love it! He even told us of certain holiday events they hold at the store. If you are in search of last minute (or not) bulk candies or unique candies head over here. Not only will you be taken cared of and satisfied with your order, you will find another reason to go back! read more

I am a candy connoiseur. I love it. I must have it on hand since you always need that sweet something after a meal. Anyways...I walked in to this place very delighted by all the goodies and so much variety - things I have never seen before. The young woman working the counter was very pleasant and attentive and the price was little expensive but I'm used to that in the city. Now why the two stars you ask? All my candy was totally stale. Those glass jars, pretty as they are, don't keep the candy air tight and everything I got (which was quite a few different things) was inedible. So no, I won't be back. I'd rather drive my ass down to Hillsdale Mall to Sweet Factory and get my candy that way. read more

From the east coast but made it a point to re-visit this candy store. Super friendly and kind. Excellent selection of goodies that any kid will enjoy. Staff can provide a perfect explanation of any candy in the shop. They indulge you with samples and never rush your decision making. What a real candy shop should be - a true treasure! Always fresh, no nasty/stale candy here. read more

This small local candy store near the Union Street shopping area won't disappoint, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The owners are friendly and will offer you any sample you like. Along the walls, you will find gourmet type candies and chocolates that are to die for. Their mint chocolate malt balls are chocolate toffee pistachios are amazing. Try it for yourself and you'll understand why it's worth the experience. read more

Fun welcoming vibe, both employees knew their candy and it provenance. AMAZING inventory for all ages and tastes, classics, and real good time nostalgia New favorites gummi chicken feet ... hilarious- gummi mangoes and lemongrass chocolate... yes a must try Got some confections that are new to me since there are regional/international and ......tasty The licorice choices are as vast as the drag queen names in this city by the bay Be back for sure. read more

I knew I was in trouble when my girlfriend dragged on my hand and started skipping down the street. When I looked up and saw "The Candy Store," I was worried and knew what to expect. And it didn't meet those expectations at all, which is a good thing. The owner has to be one of the nicest people in the world. She insisted on us sampling several things. Bonus points are given because they had all sorts of old school candy like Big League Chew, Wonka Bars and Nut Goodies. My girlfriend dropped 30 bucks in there on some high-end chocolate/caramel sweets with pretzel and sea salt and some chocolate toffees that looked like olives. She probably could have easily spent another 30 bucks, as there were so many interesting things to try. It made me happy to be there with her, because she was like a kid in a, um, well, candy store, I guess. Well worth checking out. read more

Love seeing people doing what they love doing. The owner has trully put her heart into this store and it shows. She also spoke to me about tips on women opening their own businesses which was a definite plus. If you have a sweet tooth, go for a visit while strolling polk. :c) read more

I have this theory. I have this theory that there's one thing that people are meant to do, one thing they're really good at and if they're really, really lucky, they figure out what that thing is and have the opportunity to do it. You know, like Tiger Woods and golf or Guy Pearce and being inexplicably hot. That kind of thing Well, at The Candy Store, Diane is like Tiger. Except instead of birdies and caddies it's butterscotch and caramels. Diane has realized a sweet dream with The Candy Store. She's poured her love of everything sugary and put it out on display in apothecary jars. She boasts a kick-ass assortment of licorice (get over it, people who think you don't like black licorice) and an astounding collection of american nostalgic candy you won't find anywhere else in the city. If you've seen it on The Food Network or read about it Candy Freak, she's probably got it. Or she'll get it. It's great to see a dream realized in such classy and passionate form. Now go get some candy! read more

I stopped in for the first time recently, and although I am not a big candy consumer, it seemed to be a great store for gifts! Beautifully wrapped European chocolates, marzipan and old favorites...what a cute store! I asked a few questions, then I bought 2 pieces of chocolate for myself and chatted with the owner a bit, who was really proud of her store and selection (a bit of a sweets snob, but she *should* be) and really nice. Not so sure about the guy saying she is grumpy when you only want to buy for yourself. Perhaps your expectations are way out of line or you are rude first. read more

Absolutely love this place!! The owner and staff are all super helpful and knowledgeable if you have any questions. Be sure to get over there before 6pm or the store does have a website that you can order from. read more

This is an awesome candy store that is both modern and nostalgix. They stock a lot of candy that you can't find in the candy aisle of the grocery store (Mallow Cups!)...its fun to reminisce. They also have a large variety of candy in jars that you can sample. The feel of this store is much more personal that other candy stores I've been to. The employees are so incredibly helpful and can tell you about the history of the candy that you are munching on. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often, but we make a point to stop by whenever we are in the city. read more

Yummy! I'm making my way through a bag of dark chocolate covered ginger balls and they are seriously good. I like that they have old-fashioned candies as well as gourmet treats and imports for the foodies, including fruit jellies from France (sigh!! must have....). I can't wait to bring my mother here as she is a hardcore licorice fan and there is a good selection. The staff was really nice, too and eager to help. A bit pricey, but pretty reasonable overall. Must join gym soon.... read more

Hey.. went in "The Candy Store" the other day,... Just looking for some good gum. I love gum, So! I asked the person in the store for help, but she was on the phone, talking bad about men, I Mean Really!!! bad things, and, or something, so "she" wouldn't wait on me at all, anyway the candy was really pricey, also it was not the same candy that you see in the display, when they give it to you... read more

I went to the Candy Store one day after happy hour, and as I was still slightly buzzed, I spent $17!! They had these delicious handmade marshmallows that were passion fruit flavored!!! little pillows of flavored joy!!! The lady was very patient telling me my choices and what she liked best. Also, my roommate gave me some salted chocolates with caramel...also delicious :) I need to go back very soon! read more

I was at the Polk Street Fair and on the side street were the kiddie rides - with the donkey rides up front. Those poor little guys...you have to check them out when you see them just to let them know that there's more to life than walking in a circle. They were so cute and looked so sad - almost like they were drugged out cuz if their eyes weren't blinking - they weren't even moving. Could they be that well trained???? ...but then my eye caught The Candy Store - how appropriate to have the kiddie rides on a street with a candy store. I was amazed at the assortment, especially candy bars and sugar that date back to I don't know how long ago - candy buttons? I don't know where they got a hold of some those bars that date back to the 50s but with 2010 prices - $1.50...you have to really want an Abba-Zabba or those Necco Wafers. I have to go back cuz I really wanted the giant taffy - it looked really good cuz it was big and thin and came in different flavors - so it would be easy to chew. They had a nice assortment of contemporary candies from chocolates to all those gummy candies that I absolutely love to homemade brittle (...very tasty stuff) - expensive, but considering where it is located and there is probably nothing closer, you just got to go with it...know what I mean? But the next time I go back I know the donkeys won't be there - and that was all part of the fun. I hope they have a nice life. read more

Sugar rush Disneyland fo' 'sho! The thought of this place makes me moist. But dammnit, the scale tells me to avoid this place like the plaugue. Big girl reunion. read more

This place is great! My biggest mistake was not getting a pounds worth of something great. I keep taking regular trips. Great for parties, Dont miss tasting those gummy eggs! And the Scottie dog licorice! read more

The Candy Store is a great new addition to the "Polk Strip" - even though it's just off on Vallejo. What I love about it is the the order and cleanliness to the place - yes, it just opened, but you can tell that a lot of thought went into organizing, displaying and selecting the confections. There is a pretty big assortment of candy, both stuff from when I was a kid (e.g., pixie stix), new stuff (watermellon sours), foreign stuff (good assortment of British Cadbury's and chocolate from around the world) and weird stuff (marshmellow treats shaped and colored like raw eggs). Prices are a bit steep ($10 for a Ib of coke bottle candies) but worth it for a gift or a quick fix. The owners are very nice and knowledgeable, and I get the sense that they will be willing to add / change the assortment based on requests. read more

I LOVE THE CANDY STORE. I have a ginormous sweet tooth and I love me some candy which is why I decided to have a candy bar at my wedding instead of favors. I had jars of candy set up and little favor boxes my guests could fill up as keepsakes. What a great way to trick your guests into making their own favors. Diane at the candy store was a dream to work with on the candy bar. She totally understood we were on a budget and helped us pick the perfect mixture of candies for our bar. And let me tell you, the candy bar was THE HIT of the wedding. Easily our guest's favorite thing (and we had lion dancers AND karaoke!) The kids went nuts over it and I think I saw a lot of people skip the actual food and just go straight for the candy. read more

Such a cute store. The shop keeper was really nice. She let us take pictures of all the candy and even suggested some to us after I told her I like butterscotch and peanut butter. They are a little more expensive, but think about the vast choices. I ended up with some peanut butter cups, gummy candy that is shaped like sunnyside up eggs and some toffee pieces that are covered by chocolate. I liked the peanut butter cups. They werent covered by chocolate, but more of a butterscotch cream. read more

this is the cutest candy store located in a cute little neighborhood! I come here for jus for the gummy turtles and I never by less than a pound ($12/lb)!! I believe the gummy turtles are from Sweden. they always run out because it's so popular! beware though.. you can't stop after just 1! read more

When friends come to town, my husband and I are usually at work, so we hand them a special walking tour of the city. The Candy Store is placed after an action- and delicious food- packed afternoon for a moment to relax and enjoy a special treat in a beautiful spot. The beautiful spot and restaurant recommendations change, but the Candy Store is always on there. And it's rave reviews every single time. Our friends say, "how is their candy so much better than all the other candy out there??" The owners source from the best candymakers in the world, that alone is unique, and they LOVE sharing it with all of us. Diane and Brian are so enthusiastic about candy and fun to chat with, the whole experience is a win for locals and guests alike. Recommendations: river stones, fried eggs, grapefruits, raspberry hearts, chicken feet, whales, coins, skulls, licorice...I could go on. read more

FAB - U -- LOUS!!! they had everything i could dream of. actually, they were missing one thing. double lollies (a smartie in a lolli pop), but when i described them to the bubbly and excited owner, she actually had them in the back!!! yay. the fried eggs are crazy - i had all the gummies in the universe. so so yummy. and i love the branding. my teeth hurt a little. is that bad? read more

The Candy Store is an absolute delight to visit. It is so fun just to look at everything available. I come specifically for the malted milk balls in all the varieties offered, and I bring my son when he is due a special treat. He likes the Lego shaped Sweet Tarts, the gummy fired eggs, and the wafer flying saucer thingy with a surprise inside. I also enjoy the selection of imported candies, like the English chocolate bars and Italian honey confections, and the people there are very nice. read more