In the kid world, candy shops are both an adventure and a treat. Lucky for us, Austin has some excellent choices, from kitschy and vintage throwback shops to local chocolatiers. Here’s your roundup of The Sweetest Candy Shops in Austin.
Top image: Mr. Pickles Candy via Instagram
Mr. Pickles Candy
3703 Kerbey Ln.
Mr. Pickles Candy is a sweet little shop on Kerbey Lane with an equally sweet backstory. Owner Bryan Rubio spent years working in fundraising but always dreamed of opening a candy shop, eventually starting Mr. Pickles at local markets before opening his own storefront. The shop is stocked with Swedish candy, gummies, sour treats, nostalgic favorites, and plenty of other fun finds. And true to his fundraising roots, a portion of proceeds goes back to local animal charities. Check out all the candy and the shop’s namesake – a pug named Mr. Pickles – on Instagram.
Big Top Candy Shop
1706 S Congress Ave and 417 E. 43rd St
Big Top Candy Shop is an Austin classic, known for its circus-themed space that feels part mid-century soda shop, part storybook fantasy. Shelves are packed with throwback treats, novelty candies, chocolates, and colorful gummies, making it just as fun to browse as it is to buy. In addition to its longtime South Congress location, Big Top also has a second shop in Hyde Park, right next to Quack’s Bakery, and both locations offer the same mind-boggling assortment of sweets and playful atmosphere that’s made Big Top a must-visit for kids and adults in Austin.
Yummi Joy
409 W 2nd St
Yummi Joy is one of our kids’ favorite candy spots in the city, mostly because they love the two walls of grab-and-go candy that you can mix and match to curate your own bag. They have a robust sour candy selection, which is always a big hit, plus fudge, vegan ice cream, and lots of fun novelty treats.
La Dulceria
512 W Stassney Ln
La Dulceria is basically a wonderland of Mexican candy, with shelves packed with sweet, sour, spicy, and chamoy-covered everything. You’ll find tons of imported favorites, gummies, lollipops, tamarind treats, and plenty of things you probably won’t spot in the average candy aisle. It’s a fun one to let the kids wander around and pick out something new to try.
Asahi Imports
3005 S Lamar Blvd | 6105 Burnet Rd
While you can easily stock your pantry with a visit to this Japanese bodega, the candy selection alone is worth making your way north or south to Asahi Imports. Their shelves are stocked with Japanese candies and international favorites from the land of the rising sun, like the endless variety of KitKats. Keep an eye out for their interactive candy kits, where building your sweet treat is half the fun. The other half is getting to eat a candy burger.
Lammes Candies
Currently taking pre-orders
Lammes is baaack! After closing earlier this year following more than 140 years in Austin, the beloved local candy company has new owners working alongside the Lamme family to bring it back. The classics are returning, including Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines, Longhorns, and Sherbet Mints, with preorders open now and shipping beginning November 1. We’ll be watching for news on the return of their brick-and-mortar shops!
Some Local Chocolate Makers:
