Dining Guide: 19 Cleveland

Alice's Candy Why we love it: With all candy priced the same, this is an affordable place to pick up snacks while hanging at Beachwood Place mall. Mix and match more than 60 varieties of candy ranging from fruity and sour to chocolaty and rich. Try this: If you are bored of the same old gummy bears, try gummy sharks, butterflies, robots or flamingos. 26300 Cedar Road, Beachwood, alicescandy.com

All City Candy Why we love it: There is something for every holiday or celebration at this Cleveland candy hot spot whether it's a box of Valentine's Day chocolates or candy corn, wax fangs and Reese's Pumpkins for Halloween. Try this: Sign up for the Chocolate of the Month Club ($29.99-$39.99) to have a pound of delicious confections delivered to your doorstep. 746 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights, 216-487-7070, allcitycandy.com

b.a. Sweetie Candy Company Why we love it: Did you know the largest candy store in North America is located in the CLE? On top of that, there's a 36-hole mini golf course and a soda shoppe that serves sundaes, milkshakes and smoothies. Try this: The soda shoppe's ice cream dons locally inspired names like the Strawberry Shoreway, Public Square and Turtle Tower. 6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, 216-739-2244, sweetiescandy.com

Brandt's Chocolates Why we love it: For more than 70 years, this East Side shop has been serving up nut clusters, novelty chocolates, fudge and creams with only the highest quality ingredients. Try this: Customize chocolate gift packages ($30) for any year-round occasion from birthdays to graduations. 1238 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, 440-942-1016, brandtschocolates.com

Campbell's Sweets Factory Why we love it: Almost every treat under the sun can be found at this downtown storefront, whether it's savory, sweet or spicy popcorn flavors in a Cleveland themed tin ($54.75) or handmade buckeye candies. Try this: Caramel Apple popcorn ($9) mashes two beloved fall treats into one perfect combination for any Halloween gathering. 2084 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-965-0451, shop.campbellssweets.com

Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop Why we love it: In addition to old-school candy, this 70-year-old staple offers locally inspired kernels like the caramel and cheese Hometown Blend ($6) or the Italian herb and sea salt Cleveland Art Pop ($6.55). Try this: Grab a cup of Phoenix Coffee Co. while you shop to combat the brisk October air. 53 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-6577,chagrinfallspopcron.com

Chocolate Emporium Why we love it: No one should be denied their chocolate fix, and this Cleveland confectionery offers sweets for every dietary need with dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and kosher candies. Try this: The White Ghost Pop ($2.50), or egg-free candy corn, is the perfect addition to your Halloween gatherings. 2169 S. Green Road, Cleveland, 216-554-7763, chocolate-emporium.com

Fear's Confections Why we love it: Lakewood's home of glitter strawberries ($13), chocolate-coated bacon ($10) and edible R2-D2s ($4) is our go-to place when a day needs a bit of pizazz. Try this: Not a whiz in the kitchen? Stop by to pick up goodies like the Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Blondie ($4) perfect for colder weather. 15208 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-481-0888, fearsconfections.com

Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop Why we love it: A treat for the eyes and the stomach, this spot is stacked with candy that you can buy in bulk to take care of those trick-or-treaters. Try this: The $5 candy buffet will let you choose from more than 100 varieties and stuff as much candy as you can into a take-home box. 2156 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-805-4557, grandpajoescandyshop.com

Lolli & Pops Why we love it: Hand-crafted lollipops in a myriad unique shapes are sure to make your kids smile on Halloween, coming in fun shapes from mermaid tails and unicorns to dinosaurs. Try this: The Crave Japan Treats Box ($49.95) is full of international candies to sample. 26300 Cedar Road, Beachwood, 216 358-0839, lolliandpops.com

Malley's Chocolates Why we love it: Since 1935, this Cleveland classic in Beachwood, Lakewood and more has treated chocolate lovers across Northeast Ohio to fan favorites like buckeyes, nutmallows and truffles in its whimsical yet iconic pink and green aesthetic. Try this: The CLE Bar ($1.60) is classic, creamy milk chocolate complete with a picturesque wrapper honoring the tradition of Cleveland. Various Locations, 216-226-8300, malleys.com

Maryann Candies Why we love it: The taste of home comes back full force with favorites such as turtles ($12.50) and fudge ($5.75) just like our grandmas used to make. Try this: Pick up some rock candy ($4.95) as a classic, colorful and sweet treat made from crystallized sugar that is sure to make you the most popular house on the block this Halloween. 8945 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-526-4006, maryanncandies.com

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop Why we love it: Located in the heart of Downtown, this candy shop also happens to be a comic book lover's dream with vintage memorabilia, comic books and images of Superman lining the walls, keeping watch over ant candy, jujubes, candy buttons and more vintage favorites. Try this: Visit on Halloween to pick up candy and see employees incostume to celebrate the holiday festivities. 530 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, 216-505-5225, rocketfizzcleveland.com

Something's Popping Why we love it: Gourmet chocolate and popcorn come together in perfect harmony on Medina's historic square, making this shop the perfect place to pick up sweets for parties, whether it's nostalgic candy or a bag of savory popcorn in flavors such as jalapeno ranch or macaroni and cheese ($2.75). Try this: Chocolate-dipped Oreos ($2.75) are decked out with candy ghosts and pumpkins, making them the perfect festive fall treat. 47 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-3088,somethingspopping.com

Sugar Buzz Why we love it: This is the perfect locale for candy from the "good old days," specializing in sweets from decades past such as saltwater taffy to take home by the bag. Try this: Book your next birthday or bridal shower in the party room (starting at $25) that includes ice cream, snow cones or cotton candy and candy by the pound. 201 Park Ave.,Amherst, 440-370-9024, sugarbuzzsweetshop.com

Sweets and Geeks Why we love it: Just off the main drag in picturesque Medina is a treasure trove of retro candy and sodas as well as Legos, board games and gear for members of every fandom. Try this: Craft sodas in more than 600 varieties fill the wall from classic sarsaparillas to fruity favorites. 342 E. Smith Road, Medina, 330-662-4272, sweetsandgeeks.com

The Candy Lady and Kids Why we love it: Located in the Van Aken shopping district, kids get a kick out of seeing their favorite dinner foods from tacos and pizza to burgers and french fries made out of gummy candies they can enjoy for dessert. Try this: For your next birthday or celebration, order a candy cake (starting at $25) , a towering assortment of sweet and sour favorites shaped into a multi-layered "cake" that is sure to have something perfect for every sweet tooth. 20166 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-331-6060, facebook.com/tclandkids

Twisted Sweets Why we love it: This store offers chocolate as far as the eye can see with chocolate-covered pretzels and potato chips, perfect for a gathering (or just for yourself). Try this: Host a home party where "The chocolate lady" herself will stop by with a variety of signature desserts. 7552 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, 216-926-8044, twistedsweets804.com

Zuzu Chocolates Why we love it: Grab a fall staple – the caramel apple – from this chocolatier that supports Alzheimer's research. You can also pick up cake pops and chocolates for all your fall gatherings. Try this: Celebrate life's biggest accomplishments with a chocolate pinata ($45), a chocolate shell filled to the brim with surprises. 27014 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-897-3215, sites.google.com/zuzuchocolates.com/choc/home

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food & drink

8:00 AM EST

October 3, 2022