Parkside Candy located on Main near UB's south campus, is a charming candy shop and ice cream parlor. They moved from their first location on Main Street to this one in 1927. That's right, 1927- and hardly anything has changed since.
Stepping into this fantastically preserved shop is like stepping back in time. The interior is extraordinary, boasting antique tables, chairs, and decor. The old fashioned ice cream fountain is an attraction in and of itself, the vintage wooden cabinet and the display of various sundae dishes hearkens back to the pre-World War II era. The round, inset ceiling is lined with ornate scroll work and highlighted by indirect lighting. Housemade confections are presented in the store's original wooden display cases, and two lifesize "street lamps" stand in the middle of the floor. If passers-by make judgments based on the building's less than well-preserved exterior, they have no idea what treasure lies inside.
The only drawback is the lack of customers. The afternoon I stopped by, I remained the only customer for the half hour I was there. I'm convinced that people don't realize just how amazing this shop is.
It is a terrific place to take children, or it's a creative destination for a date. If those circumstances don't suit you, just stop in on your own. Eating out of one of the towering glass parfait dishes is totally worth the trip all on its own. I'm wondering what kind of dish "The Old Granada Special" is served in. It's made with eight different ice cream flavors, four homemade toppings, two types of nuts, loads of whipped cream and a cherry. The prices are more than reasonable, the portions huge, and the charming atmosphere is priceless. Parkside Candies should be on everyone's list of favorite places- it's on mine.
Parkside Candy
3208 Main Street
716.833.7540 ext. 5, call for hours