The best bakeries & sweet shops in Santa Cruz

64 bakeries & sweet shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Bakeries & Sweets · 64 places · showing the latest additions first

Baskin-Robbins

Bakeries & Sweets

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

1302 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.

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Miharu Ice Cream

Bakeries & Sweets

Ice-cream, gelato and other deserts offered in a casual space with friendly staff.

1951 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Ice-cream, gelato and other deserts offered in a casual space with friendly staff.

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Sweet Note Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

When a birthday, baby shower, or random sugar craving hits this week, Sweet Note Cakes turns it into a gorgeous, flavor-forward…

Pinewood Dr (San Jose)

When a birthday, baby shower, or random sugar craving hits this week, Sweet Note Cakes turns it into a gorgeous, flavor-forward centerpiece, including creations like the Floral Wreath. Founder Betsy crafts celebration cakes and sweets to order, delivering that rare combo of looks and tastes that disappear by breakfast.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Le Bonbon

Bakeries & Sweets

Craving fancy without the fuss, pop into Le Bonbon for Belgian chocolates, locally made treats, a Jelly Belly wall, and Fiorello's Gelato…

2050 Mountain Blvd (Oakland)

Craving fancy without the fuss, pop into Le Bonbon for Belgian chocolates, locally made treats, a Jelly Belly wall, and Fiorello's Gelato that tastes like summer. The shop’s old-world vibe plus tea mugs and truffle-worthy gifts makes it a dangerously delightful errand this week.

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Shaws San Francisco

Bakeries & Sweets

Shaws San Francisco still cranks out handmade chocolates, fresh fudge, scoops of honest-to-goodness ice cream, and nostalgic sweets that…

122 W Portal Ave (San Francisco)

Shaws San Francisco still cranks out handmade chocolates, fresh fudge, scoops of honest-to-goodness ice cream, and nostalgic sweets that turn errand runs into field trips. m. slump you swore you kicked.

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 7, 2026

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La Placa Family Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Whether you’re craving proper pizza, a flaky morning pastry, or a post-dinner gelato moment, La Placa Family Bakery nails those cozy…

9280 Hwy 9 (Ben Lomond)

Whether you’re craving proper pizza, a flaky morning pastry, or a post-dinner gelato moment, La Placa Family Bakery nails those cozy Italian comforts with housemade everything. Perfect for a mini escape this week, grab a pie to share then finish with something sweet and a creamy scoop.

From the Campbell newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Thorough Bread & Pastry

Bakeries & Sweets

Thorough Bread & Pastry turns out authentic French-style viennoiseries, artisanal breads, cakes and craveable sandwiches, all made from…

248 Church St (San Francisco)

Thorough Bread & Pastry turns out authentic French-style viennoiseries, artisanal breads, cakes and craveable sandwiches, all made from scratch in house with obsessive attention to detail. Treat yourself this week to flaky layers, a warm loaf, or a no-fuss lunch that just hits... it quietly delivers.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Peters' Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Since 1936, Peters' Bakery has kept the South Bay sweet with its iconic Burnt Almond Cake, baked fresh using time-honored recipes. This…

3108 Alum Rock Ave (San Jose)

Since 1936, Peters' Bakery has kept the South Bay sweet with its iconic Burnt Almond Cake, baked fresh using time-honored recipes. This week, snag a slice or a seasonal Strawberry Ring, plus pies, fresh doughnuts, croissants, whipped cream eclairs, cookies, and their famous fruit bars.

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Cupcake Cove

Bakeries & Sweets

When that 3 p.m. sweet tooth hits, Cupcake Cove comes through with cupcakes in classics like red velvet, carrot cake and chocolate, plus…

500 12th St #136 (Oakland)

m. sweet tooth hits, Cupcake Cove comes through with cupcakes in classics like red velvet, carrot cake and chocolate, plus delicate macarons and cakes. Treat yourself this week with a low-effort morale boost that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

From the San Ramon newsletter, August 4, 2026

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LOQUAT

Bakeries & Sweets

Whether you need a midweek pick me up or a Saturday treat this week, Loquat brings the goods with Turkish-coffee-cream tarts and a rotating…

198 Gough St (San Francisco)

Whether you need a midweek pick me up or a Saturday treat this week, Loquat brings the goods with Turkish-coffee-cream tarts and a rotating cast of Middle Eastern inspired bakes. Expect flaky, fragrant, just sweet enough bites that make emails quieter and afternoons feel kinder.

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 4, 2026

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El Rosal Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

El Rosal Bakery keeps the craving cycle alive with trays of conchas and other pan dulce, plus tamales that taste homemade in the best way.…

21513 E Cliff Dr

El Rosal Bakery keeps the craving cycle alive with trays of conchas and other pan dulce, plus tamales that taste homemade in the best way. Swing by when you need a sweet pick me up or a warm, savory fix that rescues dinner plans.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Petite patisserie spotlighting pre-made & custom cakes also offers cupcakes & other pastries.

317 13th St (Oakland)

Petite patisserie spotlighting pre-made & custom cakes also offers cupcakes & other pastries.

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Full Belly Bakery, LLC

Bakeries & Sweets

Bakery specializing in cakes made for all occasions, as well as pastries, cookies, and focaccia.

2087 Mountain Blvd Unit A (Oakland)

Bakery specializing in cakes made for all occasions, as well as pastries, cookies, and focaccia.

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Dessert parlor featuring frozen yogurt and ice cream, plus a large selection of toppings.

738 Water St

Dessert parlor featuring frozen yogurt and ice cream, plus a large selection of toppings.

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C'est Si Bon Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Basic shop crafting housemade baked goods, including cakepops, cookies, pastries & custom cakes.

1375 Blossom Hill Rd #38 (San Jose)

Basic shop crafting housemade baked goods, including cakepops, cookies, pastries & custom cakes.

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Cocola

Bakeries & Sweets

French-style cafe serving pastries, macarons, tarts & cakes, plus coffee & sandwiches.

333 Santana Row #1045 (San Jose)

French-style cafe serving pastries, macarons, tarts & cakes, plus coffee & sandwiches.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

3555 Clares St Ste YY (Capitola)

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

1601 41st Ave (Capitola)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

2721 Aborn Rd Suite 10 (San Jose)

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

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Marini's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Casual shop for sweets and gifts, offering fudge, salt water taffy, ice cream and coffee.

55 Municipal Wharf

Casual shop for sweets and gifts, offering fudge, salt water taffy, ice cream and coffee.

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Flower Flour

Bakeries & Sweets

Cheerily decorated bakery offering pastries, lunch fare & custom cakes, plus floral arrangements.

1875 S Bascom Ave #140, Campbell, CA 95008 (San Jose)

Cheerily decorated bakery offering pastries, lunch fare & custom cakes, plus floral arrangements.

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Little Bee Baking

Bakeries & Sweets

Homemade, locally focused cakes and treats bakery, featuring gluten-free options.

1501 Cortland Ave (San Francisco)

Homemade, locally focused cakes and treats bakery, featuring gluten-free options.

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San Jose Candy Kitchen

Bakeries & Sweets

Casual dessert destination for ice cream, chocolate products, candy, gourmet popcorn.

200 S 1st St #60 (San Jose)

Casual dessert destination for ice cream, chocolate products, candy, gourmet popcorn.

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Lively counter serve offering organic, artisanal ice cream, plus housemade baked goods.

1101 Pacific Ave b

Lively counter serve offering organic, artisanal ice cream, plus housemade baked goods.

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All-day grab-&-go spot provides a lengthy menu of sandwiches, salads, housemade baked goods & more.

504 Bay Ave (Capitola)

All-day grab-&-go spot provides a lengthy menu of sandwiches, salads, housemade baked goods & more.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

542 Market St (San Francisco)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Sugar Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Friendly bakery making an array of sweets, including macarons and cheesecakes.

2750 41st Ave Ste E (Soquel)

Friendly bakery making an array of sweets, including macarons and cheesecakes.

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Aria's Sweet Treats

Bakeries & Sweets

Busy bakery for custom cakes for weddings and birthdays, plus brownies and cookies.

1175 Redmond Ave (San Jose)

Busy bakery for custom cakes for weddings and birthdays, plus brownies and cookies.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

3250 20th Ave #125 (San Francisco)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

5353 Almaden Expy #16 (San Jose)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Mission Minis

Bakeries & Sweets

Pint-sized parlor for gourmet miniature cupcakes with unique flavors, plus gluten-free options.

3168 22nd St (San Francisco)

Pint-sized parlor for gourmet miniature cupcakes with unique flavors, plus gluten-free options.

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SusieCakes - Willow Glen

Bakeries & Sweets

Bakery offering from-scratch desserts, including cookies, pies & custom layer cakes.

1109 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Bakery offering from-scratch desserts, including cookies, pies & custom layer cakes.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

1088 E Brokaw Rd Ste 50 (San Jose)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Chocolate Covered

Bakeries & Sweets

Boutique specializing in chocolate varieties from around the world, plus gifts & custom candy boxes.

4069 24th St #4071 (San Francisco)

Boutique specializing in chocolate varieties from around the world, plus gifts & custom candy boxes.

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Candy's Candy Shop

Bakeries & Sweets

Nostalgia-fueled candy store providing local and imported treats, plus a variety of Kit Kat flavors.

1352 Haight St (San Francisco)

Nostalgia-fueled candy store providing local and imported treats, plus a variety of Kit Kat flavors.

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The Buttery

Bakeries & Sweets

Bustling institution making breads, pastries & custom cakes, plus breakfast, sandwiches & salads.

702 Soquel Ave

Bustling institution making breads, pastries & custom cakes, plus breakfast, sandwiches & salads.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

1702 Meridian Ave Suite B (San Jose)

Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.

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Three Babes Bakeshop

Bakeries & Sweets

Women- & minority-owned bakery making organic pies from local ingredients for pick-up or delivery.

2797 16th St (San Francisco)

Women- & minority-owned bakery making organic pies from local ingredients for pick-up or delivery.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

925 Blossom Hill Rd #1265 (San Jose)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Mariette Chocolates

Bakeries & Sweets

Petite shop selling premium truffles, chews & creams, plus chocolate-covered fruits & nuts.

1268 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Petite shop selling premium truffles, chews & creams, plus chocolate-covered fruits & nuts.

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La Luna Cupcakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Savory & sweet varieties of cake in a modern Crocker Galleria storefront awash in baby blue & white.

Level 1, Store #10, 50 Post St #10 (San Francisco)

Savory & sweet varieties of cake in a modern Crocker Galleria storefront awash in baby blue & white.

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Pink Elephant Bakeries

Bakeries & Sweets

This longtime bakery & deli known for its pan dulce also offers sandwiches & Mexican pastries.

415 S King Rd (San Jose)

This longtime bakery & deli known for its pan dulce also offers sandwiches & Mexican pastries.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

1675 W San Carlos St (San Jose)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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Whole Foods Market

Bakeries & Sweets

Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).

1146 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).

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Sourdough breads & pastries baked on premise & served in a casual setting with gourmet light fare.

2341 Mission St

Sourdough breads & pastries baked on premise & served in a casual setting with gourmet light fare.

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Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Cafe serving pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches and coffee, plus catered meals.

555 12th St #101 (Oakland)

Cafe serving pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches and coffee, plus catered meals.

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Safeway

Bakeries & Sweets

Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.

1489 Bird Ave. (San Jose)

Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.

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Bright bakeshop offering gluten/peanut-free breads, donuts & other treats, plus sandwiches & salads.

1420 41st Ave B (Capitola)

Bright bakeshop offering gluten/peanut-free breads, donuts & other treats, plus sandwiches & salads.

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Dessert specialist within Alamar restaurant serving up inventive, rich pastries & savory breakfasts.

285 23rd St (Oakland)

Dessert specialist within Alamar restaurant serving up inventive, rich pastries & savory breakfasts.

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Choux

Bakeries & Sweets

Light-filled bakery specializing in traditional French cream puffs plus more creative varieties.

248 Fillmore St (San Francisco)

Light-filled bakery specializing in traditional French cream puffs plus more creative varieties.

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Zibatreats Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Cake shop specializing in organic, vegan, ketogenic, and gluten-free options and custom designs.

103 Horne Ave (San Francisco)

Cake shop specializing in organic, vegan, ketogenic, and gluten-free options and custom designs.

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James & the Giant Cupcake

Bakeries & Sweets

Bakery specializing in cupcakes in many gourmet & seasonal flavors, plus special-order cakes.

175 Bay Pl (Oakland)

Bakery specializing in cupcakes in many gourmet & seasonal flavors, plus special-order cakes.

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CA Bakehouse

Bakeries & Sweets

Pandan waffles and custom cakes round out the offerings at this bakery with Vietnamese roots.

979 Story Rd Unit 7066 (San Jose)

Pandan waffles and custom cakes round out the offerings at this bakery with Vietnamese roots.

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Noe Valley Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Petite bakeshop offering classic treats & desserts, including bread, pastries, pies & cookies.

4073 24th St (San Francisco)

Petite bakeshop offering classic treats & desserts, including bread, pastries, pies & cookies.

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Dunn Family Chocolates

Bakeries & Sweets

Known for its giant candy apples, this chocolatier offers a wide variety of sweets plus workshops.

638 2nd St (Oakland)

Known for its giant candy apples, this chocolatier offers a wide variety of sweets plus workshops.

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Angel Cakes

Bakeries & Sweets

Coffee, cake pops & cupcakes for snacks & special events in a gingerbread house-style setting.

745 5th St (Oakland)

Coffee, cake pops & cupcakes for snacks & special events in a gingerbread house-style setting.

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Tartine Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Organic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.

600 Guerrero St (San Francisco)

Organic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.

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Five Below

Bakeries & Sweets

Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.

5650 Cottle Rd Ste 10 (San Jose)

Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.

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Dandelion Chocolate

Bakeries & Sweets

Small-batch chocolatier offering handmade candy bars & brownies, cocoa beans & educational classes.

740 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Small-batch chocolatier offering handmade candy bars & brownies, cocoa beans & educational classes.

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Frost Cupcake Factory

Bakeries & Sweets

Whimsical bakery specializing in signature creative cupcakes served in brightly colored digs.

1305 N Bascom Ave I (San Jose)

Whimsical bakery specializing in signature creative cupcakes served in brightly colored digs.

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Arizmendi Valencia Bakery

Bakeries & Sweets

Worker-owned Mission treasure known for thin-crust pizza & from-the-oven sweet treats.

1268 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Worker-owned Mission treasure known for thin-crust pizza & from-the-oven sweet treats.

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La Farine

Bakeries & Sweets

This charming bakery sells croissants, breads, scones, cookies, tarts, coffee & custom cakes.

3411 Fruitvale Ave (Oakland)

This charming bakery sells croissants, breads, scones, cookies, tarts, coffee & custom cakes.

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See's Candies

Bakeries & Sweets

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

Post-Security, 1701 Airport Blvd Terminal B - Boarding Area, near Gate 24 (San Jose)

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

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