Washington, DC has plenty of places to satisfy a sweet tooth. Shoppers can find classic candy, imported gummies, handmade fudge, artisan chocolate bars, colorful bonbons, caramel apples, and frozen treats throughout the city.
Whether you want to build a custom candy bag, purchase a gift box, or enjoy dessert while exploring Georgetown or The Wharf, these are some of the best candy stores in Washington, DC.
1. The Capital Candy Jar
The Capital Candy Jar is a locally owned shop that offers a broad selection of traditional candy and chocolate treats. Its inventory includes gummies, licorice, cotton candy, popcorn, truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter cups, and chocolate-covered cookies.
The store also produces chocolates inspired by famous Washington, DC landmarks. These locally themed treats make good souvenirs, corporate gifts, party favors, and holiday presents.
Customers looking for a traditional candy store with plenty of familiar favorites should place The Capital Candy Jar near the top of their list.
Best for: Classic candy, local gifts, chocolate-covered treats, and seasonal sweets
Address: 201 15th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
2. lil sweet treat
Located in Georgetown, lil sweet treat specializes in imported candy from countries such as Sweden, Belgium, Germany, France, and the Czech Republic.
Customers can create custom candy bags filled with sour gummies, fruit chews, foam candy, cola bottles, licorice, and other international treats. The store regularly rotates its selection, giving shoppers a reason to return and try something new.
Candy labels identify options that are vegan, gluten-free, gelatin-free, or made with natural colors. This makes the store especially helpful for shoppers with specific dietary preferences.
Best for: Swedish candy, imported gummies, custom candy bags, and dietary-friendly options
Address: 3285 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
3. The Chocolate House DC
The Chocolate House DC is a specialty chocolate shop near Dupont Circle. It carries hundreds of chocolate bars and confections from independent and established chocolate makers.
The selection includes single-origin chocolate bars, caramels, truffles, drinking chocolate, chocolate-covered fruit, and curated gift boxes. Customers can find familiar brands alongside specialty products that may be difficult to locate elsewhere.
The store also hosts chocolate tastings and educational classes. It is a strong choice for serious chocolate fans who want to compare cocoa origins, flavor profiles, and chocolate-making styles.
Best for: Artisan chocolate bars, chocolate tastings, specialty gifts, and single-origin chocolate
Address: 1904 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
4. Arcay Chocolates
Arcay Chocolates is a family-owned chocolate shop in Georgetown known for handcrafted bonbons. The chocolates often feature colorful designs, smooth fillings, and carefully prepared flavor combinations.
In addition to bonbons, the Georgetown location serves gelato and coffee. Visitors can enjoy their purchases inside the shop, on the patio, or in the upstairs seating area.
Arcay also offers chocolate tastings and classes, making it a good destination for date nights, celebrations, and group activities.
Best for: Handcrafted bonbons, chocolate gifts, gelato, and chocolate classes
Address: 3211 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
5. L.A. Burdick Chocolates
L.A. Burdick Chocolates combines a chocolate boutique with a European-style café. Its Georgetown location offers handmade truffles, bonbons, chocolate bars, pastries, cakes, marzipan, and rich drinking chocolate.
One of the company’s best-known products is its handmade chocolate mice. These small confections have become popular gifts because of their detailed appearance and elegant packaging.
Visitors can purchase chocolates to take home or sit down with a pastry and cup of drinking chocolate. The café setting makes L.A. Burdick a good stop during a day of shopping in Georgetown.
Best for: Drinking chocolate, handmade truffles, pastries, café seating, and elegant gifts
Address: 1319 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
6. Chocolate Chocolate
Chocolate Chocolate has served Washington, DC since 1984. The independent shop carries American and European chocolates, nostalgic candy, foiled chocolates, chocolate bars, and boxed confections.
Shoppers can also find Washington-themed chocolate gifts, including pieces shaped like well-known monuments and landmarks. These products work well as souvenirs for visitors or gifts for friends, family members, and business clients.
Chocolate Chocolate is especially appealing to shoppers who prefer a long-established local business with a carefully selected assortment.
Best for: European chocolate, nostalgic candy, local souvenirs, and boxed gifts
Address: 1130 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
7. Thomas Sweet
Thomas Sweet has been serving Georgetown since 1979. The shop offers handmade chocolates and fudge along with ice cream, frozen yogurt, coffee, and blended desserts.
Its wide selection makes it a practical choice for families and groups. One person can order fudge while another chooses ice cream, frozen yogurt, or chocolate.
Thomas Sweet is also a convenient stop after visiting Georgetown’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront. Its casual atmosphere works well for an afternoon snack or an evening dessert.
Best for: Fudge, ice cream, frozen yogurt, blended desserts, and family outings
Address: 3214 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
8. Kilwins
Kilwins is known for Mackinac Island-style fudge, caramel apples, caramel corn, truffles, brittle, chocolate-covered pretzels, and ice cream.
The company prepares many of its signature treats in-store, allowing visitors to watch parts of the candy-making process. The smell of warm fudge and caramel adds to the experience.
Washington, DC has Kilwins locations near The Wharf and Half Street. Both shops are convenient for visitors attending events, dining nearby, or exploring the waterfront.
Best for: Fresh fudge, caramel apples, ice cream, caramel corn, and family-friendly treats
The Wharf address: 663 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Half Street address: 1250 Half Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Which Washington, DC Candy Store Should You Visit?
The right shop depends on the type of sweets you want.
Choose The Capital Candy Jar for a broad selection of familiar candy and locally themed gifts. Visit lil sweet treat for Swedish candy and imported gummies. Stop at The Chocolate House DC for specialty chocolate bars from multiple makers.
For handcrafted bonbons, try Arcay Chocolates. Visit L.A. Burdick Chocolates for drinking chocolate and café-style desserts. Shoppers looking for an established local chocolate store may prefer Chocolate Chocolate.
For fudge, ice cream, and casual desserts, Thomas Sweet and Kilwins are both reliable choices.
Washington, DC offers candy stores for nearly every preference, from nostalgic sweets and international gummies to carefully crafted chocolates. Check each store’s current hours before visiting, especially on weekends and holidays.
