For some, taking a quick trip to the nearest convenience store will satisfy that late-night sweet tooth. For others, it’s a craving for the extraordinary taste of handmade chocolates and candies. Luckily, various local shops have been specializing in just that for decades. We’ve compiled a list of these old-fashioned gems located throughout Northern New Jersey. Read on to learn more about them and find one close to you.
Bromilow’s Chocolates | 350 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park + 891 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell
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Bromilow’s Chocolates is not only a local favorite but was also named a historic landmark by Woodland Park. Bromilow’s has been churning out a selection of homemade candies and chocolates for over 60 years. Upon entry, fill your box with a variety of bite-sized chocolates, truffles, and even sugar-free chocolates from the candy case, or choose from pre-packaged bags and boxes to take home. Bromilow’s also has a second location with more room to shop in West Caldwell.
Read More: A Definitive List of Hoboken Desserts You Must Eat ASAP
Chocolates with Love | 47 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey + 68 Ridgefield Avenue, Ridgefield Park
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Jumbo turkeys, Santa Clauses, hearts, jack-o-lanterns, and the Easter Bunny are among the specialty chocolate molds that can be found at Chocolates with Love. For over 40 years, customers have been indulging in homemade chocolates and chocolate-covered goodies. We’re thinking about the white chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate and rainbow sprinkle-covered pretzels, and, of course, the classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
Dayton Homemade Chocolates | 1053 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
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This family-owned and operated business has been serving the Clifton community since 1912. Dayton has assorted boxes of chocolates available for purchase. Gourmet truffles and sugar-free chocolates are other alternatives to try out. For the holiday season, hot cocoa bombs, Santa-shaped chocolates, and peanut butter holiday-shaped chocolates are sold. Dayton’s catalog can be viewed here.
Genevieve’s Chocolates | 174 Ray Street, Garfield
Customers describe Genevieve’s Chocolates as “a chocolate lovers paradise” and home to the best chocolate on the planet. Since its opening in 1944, Genevieve’s has been family-owned and operated, producing the finest handcrafted chocolate. Some of the everyday favorites include chocolate-covered marshmallows, Oreos, and nuts. Celebrate special holidays with loved ones from afar with a gift from Genevieve’s, which can be shipped via USPS between November and May.
Krause’s Homemade Candies | 50 Bergen Boulevard, Fairview + 203 McLean Boulevard, Paterson
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Known for its famous chocolate-covered strawberries made fresh daily, Krause’s Homemade Candies has been a staple for the chocolate lover since 1929. Whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a simple thank you, Krause’s has everything to make the perfect gift. For those who can’t make it to a store, place orders online throughout the fall and early spring (before it gets too hot) and have them shipped to a loved one… or your front door.
Laurie’s Homemade Candies | 600 Berdan Avenue, Wayne
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Laurie Walker’s story began just over fifty years ago when she opened her chocolate store after following her passion in the kitchen and studying candy making. After walking into Laurie’s, the shopper’s senses are bombarded by the chocolate scent in the air and the entire wall of assorted Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors and jelly fruit slices. Laurie’s Homemade Candies can also be found at various retail partners around North and Central Jersey such as Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and Richfield Farms in Clifton.
Lee Sims Chocolates | 743 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
The family behind Lee Sims Chocolates is now in its fourth generation of ownership and operates from the same storefront where it all started way back when. There is now a factory not too far away from where much of the chocolates are produced. No matter what the occasion or celebration, Lee Sims Chocolates is ready to make all the chocolate treats of your dreams come true. HG Pro tip: go for one of the pyramid boxes which has various assortments and try a little bit of everything!
Lepore’s Chocolates | 105 4th Street, Hoboken
Family-owned since 1980, this Hoboken chocolate shop is beloved by both Hudson County residents and people like the Sinatra Family. The owner got his inspiration from traveling and working in Europe, bringing what he learned to Lepore’s. The chocolates are made on-site each day, and the shop offers all kinds of custom chocolates, gift baskets, occasion favors, and more to customers.
Mrs. Hanna Krause’s Candy | 89 Westview Avenue, Paramus
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The folks at Mrs. Hanna Krause’s Candy take the term “handmade” very seriously – they cook the chocolate in a copper kettle, over an open flame, and mix everything by hand. This process is an homage to founders Alfred and Hanna Krause, who began making their candies and chocolates in 1929 and handing them out for free as a thank-you to patrons of their gas station. Today, the Krause family continues the legacy by making all the chocolate-covered and chocolate-filled treats customers come back for time after time.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road Suite #2, Upper Montclair
Vesta Chocolate is owned and run by hospitality veterans Julia Choi and Roger Rodriguez. The couple uses their food expertise to bring mouth-watering chocolate treats to Montclair. On Vesta’s menu, there are Vesta Bars that come in flavors like matcha, golden latte, and maca ashwaganda. For sweeter cravings, chocolate baked goods are available — ranging from brownies to cookies.
See More: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Spots in Montclair
Zigarelli Chocolates | 34 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover
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Originally from Belleville, Zigarelli Chocolates has been a family-owned operation for more than 55 years. The Gennarelli family pulls out all the stops for handmade chocolates like chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, truffles, and hazelnut bark. Consider a hot cocoa bomb, which makes for the perfect dessert, especially during these cold winter nights.
