This Old-Fashioned Candy Store In Pennsylvania Draws Visitors From Far And Wide
Some places in Pennsylvania do not just sell sweets, they sell pure nostalgia with a shiny wrapper.
Sarris Candies in Canonsburg is that old-fashioned candy store that pulls people in from far and wide, because it feels like stepping into a happier, sugar-sparkly time.
Walk through the doors and it hits you fast, the rich chocolate aroma, the colorful displays, and that classic candy-shop buzz where everyone looks a little more cheerful than they did in the parking lot.
An old-school candy stop is the ultimate mood lift. It is part treat run, part mini adventure, and part “I should grab something for later,” even though later rarely happens.
Sarris has the kind of charm that makes every choice feel exciting, from boxed goodies that look gift-ready to simple favorites that never go out of style.
Canonsburg might be the destination, but the experience feels like a whole event, the kind you remember long after the last bite. Here is my candy-store weakness.
The second I smell chocolate in the air, all adult decision-making disappears and I start pointing at the case like I am a kid with a winning lottery ticket.
A Chocolate Empire Built on Quality and Tradition
Sarris Candies isn’t some Johnny-come-lately operation trying to cash in on nostalgia.
This family-owned business has spent decades perfecting their craft, earning a reputation that extends far beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.
The moment you step through their doors, you’re greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fresh chocolate being made right on the premises.
What sets Sarris apart is their unwavering commitment to handmade quality. Every chocolate-covered pretzel, every truffle, every custom creation gets the same meticulous attention that built their legendary status.
Customers rave about the consistency; one reviewer mentioned returning after 50 years and finding it “still amazing.”
The store operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 9 PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to satisfy those chocolate cravings.
With prices that won’t completely demolish your wallet (though it’s admittedly easy to spend big here), Sarris proves that premium quality doesn’t always require premium pricing.
The Ice Cream Parlor That Stops Traffic
Forget everything you think you know about ice cream portions. At Sarris, even ordering a “single scoop” means you’re getting what most places would call a triple.
I learned this the hard way when I confidently ordered two scoops and ended up with what resembled a small mountain.
The hard cap sundaes have achieved cult status among regulars. These beauties feature your choice of ice cream topped with a shell of hardened chocolate that you crack through like some delicious archaeological dig.
One reviewer specifically mentioned the milk chocolate hard cap on cookies and cream as a personal favorite, and honestly, that combination alone is worth the drive to Canonsburg.
Lines can get long, especially on weekends, but the friendly staff keeps things moving efficiently.
Indoor seating fills up quickly, though plenty of outdoor concrete tables provide a charming spot to enjoy your treat. The milkshakes have been dubbed “the best in town” by locals who’ve tried them all.
A Visual Feast Before You Even Buy Anything
Walking into Sarris Candies triggers immediate sensory overload in the best possible way.
Life-size stuffed animals perch atop elaborate displays, hand-painted murals cover the walls, and everywhere you look, there’s another jaw-dropping detail to discover.
Multiple reviewers compared it to stepping into Willy Wonka’s factory, and that’s not hyperbole.
The pièce de résistance? A chocolate castle centerpiece with waterfalls, built entirely from chocolate, anchors the shop.
Kids stand mesmerized, noses practically pressed against the glass, while adults pull out their phones to capture photos that never quite do it justice.
The festive atmosphere works year-round, though holiday displays take things to another level entirely.
First-time visitors often describe feeling “overwhelmed” by the sheer scale and spectacle, but in that good way where you don’t know where to look first.
The decorations aren’t just thrown together for Instagram either; they’re thoughtfully designed to create genuine wonder and excitement that brings out the kid in everyone.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels Worth the Hype
Among the endless options at Sarris, their chocolate-covered pretzels have achieved legendary status.
Regulars rave about them nonstop, and these salty-sweet creations represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors.
You can grab them by the bucket (yes, actual buckets), which tells you everything about how addictive they are.
The pretzels come in various chocolate coatings; milk, dark, and white; each offering its own distinct experience.
Dark chocolate fans particularly appreciate how Sarris doesn’t skimp on cocoa content, delivering rich, genuine chocolate flavor rather than the waxy imposters you find at cheaper shops.
One customer mentioned spending about $90 on a pound of assorted dark chocolates and a dark pretzel bucket, calling it money well spent.
What makes them special isn’t rocket science. Fresh pretzels get dunked in quality chocolate made on-site, resulting in a product that tastes noticeably better than mass-produced alternatives.
They’re popular for fundraisers too, with schools and organizations regularly partnering with Sarris because these pretzels practically sell themselves.
Custom Chocolates for Every Occasion Imaginable
Need a chocolate airplane? A specific letter?
An animal shape that doesn’t exist anywhere else? Sarris has you covered.
Their custom chocolate program transforms any celebration into something genuinely memorable, moving way beyond the standard heart-shaped boxes that dominate Valentine’s Day.
The staff works with customers to create personalized chocolate gifts that range from corporate logos to wedding favors to “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday” emergency presents.
One enthusiastic reviewer mentioned being the biggest fan and specifically praised the custom box options, saying they get chocolate shipped regularly despite no longer living in Pennsylvania.
Prices vary depending on complexity and size, but the craftsmanship justifies the cost. These aren’t mass-produced molds filled with mediocre chocolate.
Each custom piece receives individual attention, ensuring your chocolate giraffe or monogrammed initial looks as good as it tastes.
The ability to create something truly unique makes Sarris a go-to destination for people who want gifts that actually mean something rather than generic store-bought afterthoughts.
A Candy Selection That Covers Every Era
Beyond their famous house-made chocolates, Sarris stocks an impressive array of popular candies that span generations.
Pop Rocks sit next to Sweetarts, Pez dispensers line shelves near gourmet truffles, and basically every candy you remember from childhood (or discovered last week) finds a home here.
This variety proves crucial for families where kids want Skittles while grandparents crave old-fashioned ribbon candy.
Everyone leaves happy because the selection accommodates every preference and nostalgia trigger.
The store doesn’t just focus on their proprietary products; they understand that sometimes you want Reese’s Pieces alongside your hand-dipped chocolates.
The candy section also includes harder-to-find items that disappeared from most mainstream stores years ago.
Collectors hunting specific Pez dispensers, people seeking discontinued favorites, and candy enthusiasts looking for regional specialties all find reasons to spend extra time browsing.
It’s this comprehensive approach that transforms a simple candy run into an hour-long exploration where you keep discovering new treasures around every corner.
Gift Items Beyond Just Edibles
Sarris understands that sometimes you need more than just chocolate to complete the perfect gift.
Their expanded gift section features stuffed animals, novelty items, and carefully curated products that complement their confections beautifully.
Multiple reviewers mentioned the stuffed animals specifically, noting how they add to the whimsical atmosphere while providing additional gifting options.
The gift store section works particularly well for tourists who want Pennsylvania-specific souvenirs or locals seeking ready-made presents for last-minute occasions.
You can assemble a complete gift basket without leaving the store, combining chocolates, plush toys, and other goodies into presentations that look professionally done because, well, they are.
This diversification makes Sarris more than a one-trick chocolate pony.
Parents appreciate having entertainment options for kids beyond just sugar, while gift-givers love the convenience of one-stop shopping.
The merchandise quality matches their chocolate standards too; no cheap carnival prizes here, just thoughtfully selected items that enhance rather than cheapen the overall Sarris experience and brand reputation.
Portions That Defy Physics and Expectations
“Generous portions” doesn’t begin to describe what happens when you order at Sarris.
Their idea of appropriate serving sizes apparently got lost in translation somewhere, resulting in ice cream scoops that require structural engineering degrees to keep upright.
One reviewer mentioned sometimes ordering the kids’ size because the regular portions proved too massive even for adult appetites.
A single scoop easily delivers what most shops charge double for, truly. Two scoops?
You better skip lunch because you’re looking at a legitimate meal replacement.
The sundaes reach truly impressive heights, stacked with toppings and finished with that signature hard cap that makes everything even more indulgent.
This abundance philosophy extends beyond ice cream into their chocolate sales too.
Pound boxes overflow with carefully arranged pieces, buckets of pretzels contain enough for small armies, and even their “assortments” lean heavily toward excess.
Nobody leaves Sarris feeling shortchanged or wishing they’d gotten more for their money. If anything, you’ll probably have leftovers for days.
Staff Who Actually Enjoy Their Jobs
Great chocolate matters, but surly employees can ruin any experience. Thankfully, Sarris staff consistently earn praise for friendliness and helpfulness across hundreds of reviews.
They guide overwhelmed first-timers through options, offer samples without attitude, and generally make the shopping experience pleasant rather than transactional.
Sure, one reviewer mentioned some younger ice cream counter workers weren’t the nicest, but that single criticism stands out precisely because it’s so rare among the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Most customers specifically call out staff politeness and efficiency, even during rush periods when lines stretch out the door.
The employees’ genuine enthusiasm makes sense when you consider they’re representing a beloved local institution rather than some soulless corporate chain.
They understand that many customers traveled significant distances specifically to visit Sarris, and they treat that pilgrimage with appropriate respect.
Their product knowledge runs deep too, helping customers navigate the massive selection without feeling lost or pressured into purchases they don’t actually want. Good vibes matter, and Sarris delivers them consistently.
A Pittsburgh Institution With Statewide Appeal
While technically located in Canonsburg, Sarris has become synonymous with Pittsburgh’s food culture.
Locals consider it an institution, the kind of place you take out-of-town visitors to prove Pennsylvania knows what it’s doing in the sweets department.
One reviewer called it “a Pittsburgh institution” whose candy and ice cream represent the region beautifully. The store’s influence extends well beyond its immediate geographic area though.
Reviews mention people driving from other states, former residents getting chocolate shipped across the country, and tourists specifically planning Pittsburgh-area trips around Sarris visits.
That glowing online reputation did not happen by accident, it reflects decades of consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
For many families, Sarris represents tradition. Parents who visited as children now bring their own kids, creating multigenerational memories around the same chocolate-covered pretzels and towering sundaes.
It’s this emotional connection, combined with genuinely excellent products, that transforms a candy shop into a cultural landmark worth preserving and celebrating for future generations to discover and love.