Buffalo, NYChocolatiers and Candy Shops

Platter's began as Carl Platter's basement business and has been a Buffalo favorite since 1938; today it makes its chocolate in North Tonawanda's Wurlitzer building, a chocolate factory and café that runs guided tours and serves coffee, baked goods and ice cream all year. Orange chocolate sponge candy is the house specialty, alongside milk, dark and peanut butter versions. Order the orange sponge candy.

Aléthea's Chocolates is a small house turned chocolate shop and ice cream parlor on Main Street in Williamsville, just east of Transit, where fine handmade chocolates have been made for three generations. The cases hold a wide selection of handmade chocolates and candies, and the sponge candy is always fresh. Order a box of the sponge candy.

Antoinette's Sweets has made candy, chocolate and ice cream since 1915, and its Depew shop keeps an old-fashioned feel, with wooden booths and beams, neon signs and a long bar lined with mixers and tin sundae dishes. The artisan chocolates are the part not to miss, and the sponge candy is made in house. Order a box of the sponge candy, and a sundae at the bar.

Mike's Candies is a small shop on Clinton Street in Cheektowaga that makes everything from scratch the old-fashioned way, including an authentic sponge candy coated in artisanal milk chocolate. Order the milk chocolate sponge candy at the shop.

Kelly's Country Store on Grand Island is known for its homemade chocolate and fudge, and its homemade sponge candy comes in orange, milk and dark chocolate. Order the fudge and a bag of the orange sponge candy.