Parkside Candy- A Soda Fountain & Sweet Shoppe Not to be Missed
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
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Andrew
If they want more customers fix up the sinage facing north on main and fix up the exterior of the building. i know this is an amazing shop because of word of mouth but on first impression i think what a dump.
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BuffedOut
I can remember going to this shop when I was a little kid for an egg and olive sandwich. It was egg salad mixed with chopped green, pimento-stuffed olves on toasted white bread. Now how good is that?
But I do have to agree with Andrew that it would the business such a benefit to do some curb appeal. The area needs to loose some of its shabbiness; in this case, it's not chic.
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al-alo
id second that andrew. its a tired looking stucture. its obvious that is it is/was very impressive. imagine what a few coats of paint would do!
but, isnt that our fair Buffalo in a nutshell? unknown and faded beauty hidden in plain sight?
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STEEL
Back when I was a UB student 20 years ago this was a favorite place to go. Even back then the exterior and window displays needed some attention. With some imagination this place could be a major regional draw. The owners do not know what they have.
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viking
If you think the shop is unique, you should see the original equipment that is used to make candy. Paul Morgante is the genus who keeps the antique machines working, he fabricates replacement parts on site.
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salamooch
Don't change a thing! NO NEW SIGNS!! Parkside Candy is spot on.
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Jas
I believe they shot some scenes for a movie in there.
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T-Rex
The place has become pretty rundown, especially the exterior.......rotting canvas awning, damaged or missing light fixtures and the need for a good painting and cleaning. I fear that the owner is just running the place into the ground. I was surprised to learn on my last visit there that the ice cream used was Perry's rather than made in the shop as it once was. Still, it's worth a visit just to see the cool interior.
A scene from The Natural was filmed at the (now closed but still intact) Parkside Candy Shoppe a couple of miles south at Main St. and West Oakwood Place.
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