The Best Chocolate Shops and Confectioners in St. Louis

When you mention gourmet chocolate in St. Louis, Bissinger's is probably the first candy shop that locals will think of. The first Bissinger's store opened in St. Louis in 1927, and the company's been creating beautiful handmade chocolates and candies ever since. The shop offers a wide variety of truffles and bonbons, but its chocolate dipped fruit is always a party-pleaser.

The shop sells coffee and pastries during the day and serves wine with your chocolate at night. There's always a variety of seasonal and panned confections available at the Bissinger's store.

You read that right! This store is so chocolatey, they named it three times. At the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, you can find the finest milk and dark chocolates mixed with nuts, nougat, fruit and more. Signature treats include heavenly hash, molasses puffs, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Kakao has developed a loyal following in St. Louis by using the finest, all-natural ingredients to create its artisan chocolates. Chocolate-lovers can indulge in a variety of truffles, brownies, barks, and other tasty morsels. Stores are located in multiple locations including Maplewood and Clayton.

There are many reasons to make a trip to Crown Candy Kitchen. For one, this candy shop and soda fountain has been a St. Louis tradition since 1913. Many customers come for the fantastic malts, shakes, and sundaes, but you shouldn't miss out on the handmade candy as well. There are all kinds of truffles and nut clusters, but Crown Candy is known best for its solid chocolate figures. Of course, these are all seasonally appropriate, so think hearts for Valentine's Day, bunnies for Easter, and Santa Claus for Christmas!

If you want more than just candy, then try Bailey's Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square. The local St. Louisans love its chocolate-themed menu, but its warm and romantic atmosphere is what really keeps people coming back. It's consistently ranked among the best places in St. Louis for a first date. Start with drinks like a chocolate martini or chocolate vodka and end your meal with one of Bailey's incredible desserts. Some classic menu items are the chocolate brownie, milk chocolate bread pudding, or the flourless molten cake.

Merb's is another candy shop with a long history in St. Louis. It opened in the 1920s and still operates from its original location on South Grand. Although, now Merb's has two additional locations in South County and West County. Merb's is filled with hundreds of kinds of candy, including its wonderful handmade chocolates. Customers line up for the chocolate covered strawberries in the spring and Bionic Apples in the fall, which are covered in a thick gooey layer of caramel and pecans.

The treats to try at Bankhead Chocolate are the famous Chocolate Drop Turtles. This delightful turtle-shaped candy is a concoction of caramel and pecans topped with a dollop of smooth milk chocolate. The turtles are the shop's most popular candy and is usually ordered by the dozen.