Whether for Valentine's Day or just the general "because," there's always the universal quest for the holy grail of romantic gestures: chocolate. But why settle for a heart-shaped box manufactured in who-knows-where, when you can embark on an odyssey for a sweet treat made with love in Pierce County? So, grab your map (or GPS) and prepare to discover the best cocoa-based bites around. And remember, the calories don't count if it's for love—or so we’re told.
Bars and Bites
Johnson Candy Company
This area-favorite confectioner is obviously not just doing “something” right, but “many things” right since they’re celebrating a century in business this year. From the roaring '20s (that’s the 1920s) beyond the turn of the millennium, the Johnson Candy Company has been serving up delectable assorted chocolates to satisfy any sweet tooth. They even offer vegan and gluten free options!
Brown and Haley
Another centenarian in mouth-watering confections is Brown and Haley, the maker of the original Almond Roca and their signature Mountain Bar. These favorites have stood the test of time and continue to attract chocolate-lovers here and all over the world. Visit their factory store in downtown Tacoma, their outlet store in Fife, or order sweets for your sweet online.
Old Town Delights
Kelly and Grant Garofalo, the husband and wife team behind this locally owned candy company, are as fine a pairing as chocolate and caramel, quite literally. And that’s because that’s what Old Town Delights is known for – homemade, hand wrapped buttery caramels and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate delights, like their pecan caramel clusters, Old Town bark, and chocolate covered caramel bites. You can find Old Town Delights in a variety of grocery stores and local shops around western Washington, or visit their sweet shop in University Place.
Puyallup Chocolates
This seemingly brand new confectioner is the result of a total facelift. Formerly Emily’s Chocolates, Puyallup Chocolates officially launched on Jan. 30. Something newly sweet is always exciting to explore. Check out their website for more information and be one of the first to grab these brand new goodies.
Cakes and Ice Cream
The Cat and Rabbitt Cake Shop
Known as Puyallup’s favorite cake shop, The Cat and Rabbitt is known for their scratch-made cakes sold by the slice. Check their website and socials for their daily menu since it changes frequently – like, every 24 hours. While we can’t guarantee a chocolate item every day, we’d say your chances are pretty good for something like Chocolate Dulce de Leche or Oreo Birthday Cake (actual menu items when we checked). You can even pre-order whole cakes to fulfill your chocolate dreams.
Wanna Cupcake
Unclear if that's a question, but...“Yes?” Especially when a buffet of flavors, many of which are chocolate, are involved. And while their menu changes daily, there’s no big mystery since they reveal their monthly and weekly offerings on their website. Cookies and Cream, Rolo, Grasshopper, and Chocolate Dipped Raspberry are a few of the chocolate flavors available in February. Check out their Valentine’s Day specials, too! Wanna Cupcake shops are located in Puyallup and University Place.
Ice Cream Social
The quest for chocolate doesn’t end at confections and baked goods. Why not indulge in local, hand-crafted ice cream made from high-quality ingredients? Ice Cream Social offers just that at their Ruston, Hilltop, and Proctor locations in Tacoma. Visit their website for their current and featured chocolate flavors at each of their locations.
Dreamer Ice Cream
Located on Sprague Avenue in Tacoma, this locally owned ice cream shop is known for their signature items like milkshakes, an ice cream nacho bowl and… wait for it… their house-made milk chocolate syrup. Get some for you and your sweetie on one of their many creations, like a hand-dipped ice cream bar. It’s so good, they even sell it separately by the cup if that’s what your chocolate loving heart desires.
Save Room for Dessert
The Melting Pot
If your special day celebrating love involves fondue, fon”don’t” skip the sweet stuff. The Melting Pot offers various ways to experience chocolate fountain bliss. As long as you save a little stomach room from their delicious dinner, check out The Original, Bourbon Pecan, Yin and Yang, Chocolate Explosion or one of their other chocolate fondues. You may walk out of there overly full, but we’re pretty sure it will be worth it.
Stanley & Seaforts
A Tacoma institution, Stanley & Seafort's offers one of the most spectacular views of Tacoma and Commencement Bay. It’s literally an award-winning view. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience this Valentine’s Day, look no further than their 3 course meal offering, which concludes with your choice of Crème Brulee or Molten Chocolate Cake with raspberry coulis, fresh berries, pistachio and whipped cream. Once you finish drooling, visit their website to secure your reservation.
El Gaucho
This iconic steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Tacoma is known for offering an incredible dining experience and high quality, fresh ingredients in all their food offerings. Whether you choose to reserve your spot for Valentine’s Day or any other day, save room for the chocolate cake and/or an after-dinner drink like their signature Tiramisu Martini or the Washington Old Fashioned, made with chocolate bitters.
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Whether you choose to try one or more of these suggestions or take off on a chocolate seeking quest of your own, tag us on Facebook or Instagram @visittacomapiercecounty. And don’t forget your fedora.
