St. Louis' Top Chocolate Shops and Confectioners

When you mention gourmet chocolate in St. Louis, Bissinger's is probably the first candy shop to come to mind. The first Bissinger's store opened in St. Louis in 1927, and the company's been creating beautiful handmade chocolates and candies ever since. Bissinger's offers a wide variety of truffles and bon bons, but its chocolate dipped fruit is legendary.

The name pretty much says it all. The passion at Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Company is indeed chocolate. You can find the finest milk and dark chocolates mixed with nuts, nougat, fruit and more. Signature chocolates include heavenly hash, molasses puffs and chocolate covered strawberries.

The Chocolate Affair candy store is located on the main floor of the Tibbetts House Bed and Breakfast in Highland, Illinois. The shop and the B&B celebrate all things chocolate. Spend the night and enjoy a chocolate themed breakfast, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies or just stop by the candy shop for a box of your favorite truffles to take home.

Kakao has developed a loyal following 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 confections.

There are many reasons to make a trip to Crown Candy Kitchen. 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 don't miss out on the handmade candy as well. There are all kinds of truffles and nut clusters, but Crown Candy is known for its solid chocolate figures. Think hearts for Valentine's Day, bunnies for Easter and Santa for Christmas.

If you want more than just candy, then try Bailey's Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square. St. Louisans love its chocolate themed menu, but also its warm and romantic atmosphere. That's why they consistenty rank it 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 their incredible desserts. Some favorites are Bailey's chocolate brownie, milk chocolate bread pudding or its flourless molten cake.

Merb's is another candy shop with a long history in St. Louis. It opened in the 1920's in its original location on South Grand and now has two other locations in St. Louis County. Merb's is filled with hundreds of kinds of candy, including wonderful handmade chocolates. Customers line up for the chocolate covered strawberries in the spring and Bionic Apples in the fall.

Mention Bankhead Chocolate and the one thing that comes to mind is turtles, the chocolate kind I mean. Bankhead's most popular candy is called a Chocolate Drop Turtle. It's caramel and pecans topped with a dollop of smooth milk chocolate. Delicious.