Updated October 1, 2026.
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
Johnson Candy Company has been making sweets in Tacoma since 1925. Build a box of assorted chocolates at the shop on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, or explore its current selection before you go. Vegan options are available; ask the shop about ingredients if you have dietary requirements.
Brown and Haley
Brown & Haley makes the original Almond ROCA and the Mountain Bar—small, locally made souvenirs with a fairly short life expectancy once the bag is open. Visit the Tacoma factory store or Fife outlet, but check hours for your chosen location: the Tacoma store currently opens on weekends, while Fife closes Sundays.
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
Formerly Emily’s Chocolates, Puyallup Chocolates is a Native-owned maker with chocolate-covered grahams, mint stacks and other giftable treats. Browse the current collection for something to share—or something to hide very carefully.
Cakes and Ice Cream
The Cat and Rabbitt Cake Shop
The Cat and Rabbitt sells scratch-made cake by the slice in both Puyallup and Tacoma. Find the shops at 111 E. Stewart Avenue and 1801 Dock Street, respectively. The flavors change, so check the shop information and daily menu before setting your heart on a particular chocolate slice. Whole cakes are available to pre-order.
Wanna Cupcake
Unclear if that’s a question, but… “Yes?” Wanna Cupcake? serves Puyallup and University Place, with rotating flavors posted on its website. Choose from the current menu and order ahead for celebrations. Both shops currently close Sundays, so plan your pickup before a Sunday Valentine’s Day.
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.
Save Room for Dessert
The Melting Pot
If your date involves fondue, fon“don’t” skip the sweet stuff. The Melting Pot’s Tacoma menu includes chocolate fondue with fruit and other treats for dipping. The Original pairs milk chocolate with peanut butter; Yin & Yang combines dark and white chocolate. Check the current menu and reserve ahead for a special night.
Stanley & Seaforts
Stanley & Seafort’s pairs dinner with a view over Tacoma and Commencement Bay. Leave room for dessert, and check the current menu before making a reservation. Seasonal sweets and holiday menus change; a previous Valentine’s offer is no promise of this year’s dessert.
El Gaucho
Downtown Tacoma’s El Gaucho makes a strong case for saving room. Its menu includes The Chocolate Cake with vanilla bean ice cream and white chocolate flakes, plus after-dinner drinks such as a Tiramisu Martini. Check the Tacoma menu and reservations for your date: regular service is currently Tuesday through Saturday, and holiday hours may differ.
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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.
