An absolute classic, and a true delight!!! Their ice cream is always top-notch - the owner really cares about their flavours, and they seem to make or select unique flavours themselves! An annual must-visit to enjoy a banana split sundae with 3 flavours! Sitting down in their amazing old-school(but clean) swivel seating, everything about it is so perfect. Pro-tip, if you want more room to eat the sundae prior to melting and spilling over in the glass, ask for it in a to-go container, it will give you more time to eat it all, as it melts. It's a gem!! Always love the staff, as well! They are so extremely friendly and kind!! 10 star service!!! I remember coming here as a kid, with their penny candy shelves, it's of course been a while since that was a thing. I notice small updates every year, and it makes me thrilled to see it!! So cool always, to see the old taffy machine going! The window shopping joy is so historic, you don't really get that anywhere else! read more

Stopped here for famous taffy. Got taffy, blondie, whoopie pie, fudge. The service was excellent. One lady helped with whole order between candy and bakery. The taffy was ok. As I'm eating it, some pieces are very fresh and soft, other pieces must be super old, so hard I spit out, afraid I'll loose a tooth. The blondie was totally raw in middle. Threw away. Whoever was in charge of baking that day messed up. Whoopie pie was excellent. Haven't tried fudge. Would not recommend read more

We arrived into town pretty late and needed to find a spot to eat that was actually open. This was the one. Service was quick and friendly. my lobster roll was excellent. Though insanely expensive I felt it was worth the price. My boyfriend is very nostalgic about this place as he's been coming here since he was a child for the taffy. read more

The Goldenrod - Lobster roll - Candy Stores Near Me - York, Maine

The Goldenrod is a historic restaurant, soda fountain, ice cream parlor and candy shop that opened in York, Maine in 1896. It was founded by husband and wife Edward and Mattie Talpey. The following year, the first electric trains arrived in York via the Portsmouth, Kittery and York Railway. Many travelers on the railway began to frequent the Goldenrod, and its popularity soon boomed. In addition to their fine meals, they became well-known for their delicious 'Goldenrod Kisses': saltwater taffy that Talpey pulled by hand while standing in the front window. Today the Goldenrod is known for its delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, dinner plates, homemade candies, and fountain specialties prepared with their homemade ice cream. The current owner is Dave Peck. My extended family and I visited the Goldenrod this past summer while we were spending the week in York. We stopped for lunch one day after spending the morning at nearby Short Sands Beach. We absolutely loved the nostalgic feel that you get as soon as you walk in. At a place like this, you definitely need to order a specialty fountain drink. I enjoyed a delicious "Old Fashioned Chocolate Egg Cream" while my wife enjoyed a "Root Beer Float". For food, I ordered a "Turkey Salad Triple Decker" (w/ crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle slices & chips), my wife had a "Grilled Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips), our older son had a "Sliced Turkey Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips), and our younger son had a "Grilled Cheese Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips). We all really enjoyed our meals; our other family members enjoyed their lunch too! Before leaving, we purchased some of the Goldenrod's delicious homemade chocolates as well as their Goldenrod Kisses. We really enjoyed watching them make the fresh taffy in the window with the same copper kettle, taffy pulling hook, and candy shears that have produced countless other candies. If you are planning a visit to York then we highly recommend a visit to the Goldenrod! read more

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We love coming to visit- been coming for too many years to count. We love the taffy, jellies, lollipops, and much more. They have food available to dine in too. read more

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Nice selection of candy although the weren't pulling taffy when I visited, which I thought would have been cool to see. I wanted a couple of pieces of candy, but there wasn't any option to buy them piece by piece, so I had to purchase a half pound. Not to complain about getting more taffy but calling it a "kiddie box" was odd. Anyway, I tried the main blueberry and peanut butter. The blueberry was much firmer than I expected but the peanut butter was better at melting in the mouth with a PB burst in the middle. We also got a couple of black licorice but I was not willing to try them, but they were well-received. It's definitely a popular place for sweets and also prepared foods. The taffy seems to be their signature item, but they have lots of other things as well. For a touristy sweet shop at the beach, it delivers a good variety of tasty options. read more

I have to give 5 stars for the taffy and bakery items. Bought taffy there for the first time yesterday, and it's the best I've ever had for sure. Young kids who waited on us did a great job. I haven't ever sat at the soda fountain area yet, going to have to try it sometime. Very cute. read more

Five Star, overall great experience. Old fashioned soda house with a landmark neon marquee Would recommend read more

Great nostalgic place and the food is good! Candy shop and diner counter and dining room. Service is fast and friendly. It's what you want from a beach side shop! It's been around for over 120+ years so they are doing something right obviously. read more

This was a absolute stop when I was groing and as we got older and had kids we brought them here too. Unfortunately things have changed. No more Penny candy counter. The fudge doesn't seem as fresh anymore. The place is just not the same. Sad. read more

This is such a childhood memory for me. Growing up, my family would go to York and there's nothing like driving into town and seeing the bright fluorescent "Goldenrod" light shining in the distance. :) My most recent visit wasn't for the restaurant so I can't talk about the food or drink, but I did get the milk chocolate fudge and it was soooo good. Also nearly every store closed at 9pm in the town and we were walking around until we noticed golden rod looking open, and sure enough it really was the only place open so kudos to them for that! read more

Breakfast was so/so. Both Omelettes came out with the ingredients not well spread out, so a bunch of cheese in one section with the sausage lumped together in another. The hash browns looked cooked but were hard. It's too bad as the place is cool. We won't return for a meal. read more

Cute little old time candy shop and restaurant. We visited during the summer and had a very nice breakfast, served by a very attentive and pleasant young man. I had a yummy bacon egg and cheese sandwich, while my husband had the gigantic pancakes and crispy bacon. Sometimes you can even watch them make the taffy in the candy store out front. They even have a special taffy flavor each week. A nice place to visit in the center of it all with on street parking as well as a parking lot in walking distance. read more

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I really enjoy the seafood I also like their hotdogs and ice cream the place reminds me of being a kid and going on vacation in the summer time read more

Pretty busy when I went, but the service was really good. It was a LOT of food for the entree and the sandwich was very tasty as well (albeit a little dry but I'm just being picky). The clam chowder was $8 for the cup which was a bit steep as the cup was pretty small and our chowder was mostly potatoes rather than clam. Otherwise, also pretty tasty. Before leaving, we stopped by the counter and got some saltwater taffy where they had an assortment of all the taffy (one of each flavor) for only $3.25. I normally don't like saltwater taffy but this was really good so would definitely recommend checking it out. The cashiers were also super friendly and surprisingly allowed me to purchase a SINGULAR taffy because I wanted to try the specialty flavor (was 14 cents!). I felt bad because it seemed like a hassle to have to weigh and ring it up but they were super accommodating and nice about it. read more

The Goldenrod - Tuna Fish Sandwich - Candy Stores Near Me - York, Maine

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I often wonder if someone who doesn't have childhood memories of going to The Goldenrod would enjoy it as much is I do. After all, it's really just a diner with an old timey soda fountain counter and candy shop. However, several times a summer I drive an hour+, past all of the fabulous restaurants Portland has to offer to experience summer magic at The Goldenrod. I like to sit out on the porch and although there are tons of sandwiches to choose from (lobster rolls, clubs, even cream cheese and olive) I almost always order the grilled cheese with lettuce and tomato and a side of potato salad. I try to avoid eating the chips that come with sandwich orders to save room for a sundae that comes in a one of those old timey stainless steel sundae dishes. They have tons of flavors of homemade ice cream which I understand is made there, and who else has a "hot penuche" sundae? I ordered the hot fudge sundae with vanilla and it was perfect, as always. Our server (Sam) was attentive and polite, as was the hostess when I asked to sit out on the porch. As we were getting ready to leave I heard the man at the table behind us tell the server that he was getting ready to order his 4,000th sundae because he has been coming to The Goldenrod for 75 years. I may never know the answer to my question. read more

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Came for blueberry pancakes; no blueberries. Ordered French toast instead; the bread was very (too) thin for the price. Asked for real maple syrup; it came from California.....really??? Service was nothing special. Waited almost 10 minutes for our server to take our order; 2 servers on, only 5 total tables of customers. Candy counter - I ordered a kiddie box of taffy. My sister ordered ahead of me; 2 chocolate, 3 vanilla....specific quantities throughout, her ordered filled with a smile. I tried ordering the same way only to be told, "we don't do it that way. You tell me what flavors and I'll fill the box." Customer behind me ordered the way my sister did; again, no issues. I've been coming here for over 50 years, this is the first time I've been disappointed. read more

Hands down the best saltwater taffy I have ever had. Their peanut butter taffy has real peanut butter in it and it's beyond good! The strawberry is really good as well. I tried the blueberry taffy for the first time and really liked it too. They have a full line of chocolates etc., but their taffy is the bomb. If you haven't tried them before, you are missing out. The Goldenrod originated on the very spot they occupy now for over 125 years and I hope they never shut their doors!!!! Located in York Beach, MA. read more

Restaurant review only... way overpriced for what you get and portion size laughable. $9 for one extremely thin waffle. Egg sandwich over $10. Have to beg for coffee refills. This is a once and done. The candy shop was nice, but will not go back for breakfast. The bill was ridiculous for pancakes for one, waffles for two people, and one egg sandwich. The two adults left hungry. read more

I love goldenrod and all of its candy but my favorite thing to get there will always be the almond butter crunch. They have recently changed their almond butter crunch and it doesn't taste that same as the of version and I'm not a fan of it. read more

So I walked into this store during me and my famille's summer trip, and we decided to get some taffy(heard a lot of good things from friends). An elderly woman with square glasses came up to me and took my order which was a 1 pound box without the two flavors with nuts as I'm allergic. She then, no lie, proceeded to put only peanut butter and maple walnut in my box. When I asked her why she was putting peanut butter in the box, she lied to my face and said it was Molasses. If any of you come here, please avoid this woman at all costs. read more

Review of restaurant only. The food is bland, service is spotty and the prices are outrageous. Online menu is different from the printed one on site. Simple egg sandwich is over $10 and comes with potato chips, even though online menu says home fries. There isn't a fryolator on site so nothing crispy (fries or onion rings). It's a captive tourist trap that takes advantage. For what you get, the prices are ridiculous. read more

It is a summer spot for many who frequent southern Maine and worth a visit. There is a lot going on when you walk into The Goldenrod and no matter what your age, you can find something that you will enjoy. The candy store is awesome, with all the assorted taffy flavors, other candies. You can't go wrong with a box or two. The soda fountain for your ice cream options. Sit right up to the bar and make your selection. Right in the center of the store/restaurant, you will not miss a thing happening around you. The diner side offers your traditional selection of brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Quick service and good food. It can get loud, so beware...but it is still a great spot to visit and get a good meal. Don't forget the dessert and stop by for taffy or fudge. You can go wrong. Or just the olde fashion ice cream with toppings after your meal. read more

Candy store with restaurant right near all the shops in York Beach. Very busy area, we needed a quick bite and stopped in here. The service was fine but the food was not so good. The turkey club had very little bacon pieces, and the pattymelt was skimpy on the patty. Parking is tough in the area due to the beach, the number of stores and the lack of lots, permit parking on the street is not easy to find, fyi read more

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A staple of York Beach. Must try the homemade ice cream and saltwater taffy. Would recommend the patty melt and some chowder if getting a bite to eat. read more

Great service CoolAmbiance Lobster roll not the best wouldn't recommend it no flavor Cole slaw not great Potato salad good Nice homemade candy Breakfast ok read more

Club sandwiches here are delicious but I don't recommended getting anything else. The lime rickeys are great too. Nice service and the prices are high but not ridiculous for a vacation town. My go to lunch place in York! read more

Come for the candy, eat elsewhere. My husband and I stopped for lunch during our beach day with our 5 and 6 year old grandkids. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich for $7.15!!! Kraft macaroni and Cheese $7.00! the kids ordered a ham and cheese sandwich (over $11.00) and a cheeseburger which was actually the best thing delivered to the table. I ordered French Toast with no sausage or bacon which consisted of just two thin slices of bread for $9.00. Service was fine, food passable but the prices are outrageous! One and done. read more

This is a York Beach staple. I always get the turkey club and it's fantastic. The chocolate frappe is also great. The only thing keeping this from being a five star review is that the coffee is wretched. Always has been. Sorry Goldenrod, I love you but you need to step up your game in the coffee department. read more

One of our favorite places to stop and watch the day water taffy being made. The staff is always so nice. Such a variety of candy and treats here. Have actually never eaten a meal here, only stopped in for the candy and treats. But this is definitely a stop you need to add when visiting York. read more

We had a fantastic server and a perfect lunch. The family tried clam chowder, side salad, and minnestrone soup. The chowder was creamy and delicious, and my son enjoyed his first minestrone. The salad was a standard side salad. For lunch, we had patty melts, French toast, roast beef club, and a rueben. The patty melts were terrifi as we're the club and rueben. My youngest loved the French toast. It is great that they serve breakfast all day! For dessert, we had coffee, and my husband had blueberry pie ala mode. He was excited that the pie was heated up. The coffee was also great. This place is perfect for lunch, good service, good food and a nice location near the beach. If you like sweets, they have a candy and ice cream show too!! My only suggestions are to offer french fries and sandwiches come with chips. Also, because it's in an old house, the bathrooms are up a very steep set of stairs. How can older or disabled people use the facilities? read more

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I liked this place the turkey club was really good. My husband liked the burger and hot dog. The waitress was great. You have to pay for parking because it's right by the beach and strip. It was nice to walk around after. Sadly, I was too stuffed to get ice cream or candy. However, I tasted my son's Oreo ice cream and it was very good. read more

Definitely a "must to do" when visiting York / Ogunquit ME area. The draw is the homemade salt water taffy, which is delicious! However, don't underestimate the restaurant with an great counter for dining ! If you're looking for a basic breakfast or lunch a an affordable price , then this is the place. We were here off season so we didn't have to deal with the crowds . Golden Rod is famous for their blueberry pies. It didn't disappoint us! Delicious! read more

The ice cream is supposed to be really famous here. But honestly, I thought it tasted like any other ice cream. I've tasted better.

I recommend Goldenrod for a nice Lunch with family. Good food, good service and consistent menu & prep. I would not recommend breakfast here. Breakfast is very underwhelming and adds up quickly. $70+ for Family of 4. However, again, service is great. read more

A worker named kaiden had fantastic dish washing technique, also there was a fantastic service in the candy corner it was a great time in there thanks for the service read more

Great food . Service. And ambiance. The food is great I love the ice cream and floats.

Classic place that's still great! We had an early lunch at the counter, where we were seated quickly. The food was fresh and tasty and afterwards we picked up candy and salt water taffy With the help of the friendly, helpful staff. So fun! read more

This place hasn't changed since I was a child. Or since my mother was a child. Or since my grandfather was a child... The candles. The exposed beams. The green and white uniforms and boxes and taffy machines in the windows. All unchanging and beautiful. The food is unchanging too. The signature taffy is excellent, as are the ice cream sundaes, club sandwiches, lime rickeys, seafood salad rolls... you know what you're getting, and you'll always get it. Just a special, special place. read more

Where do I even start? I had server Brodi O'Brien Hay and let's just say my time at the golden rod was precious and one to remember. Hay was was like a genie in a bottle the way he fulfilled all our wishes. I needed water. Done. I needed ice cream. Done. There's no doubt in my mind that I will be visiting Mr Hay again soon. I hope he never leaves, and I will see him in the years to come. Thank you Hay for the exciting journey you led me on at the golden rod. It was unforgettable. #BestCustomerServiceInYorkMaine #SlayHayyyy read more

The Goldenrod - This is Brodi Hay giving me intense eye contact while taking my order. Eye contact is key. Slay Hayyyy!!!!! - Candy Stores Near Me - York, Maine