PGH Made: Chocolates

Pittsburgh’s chocolatier scene is perfect for anyone and everyone who is loco for cocoa. 

In Western PA we are spoiled. Very, very spoiled with delicious chocolates from an assortment of local chocolatiers. While Hershey, PA may be Pennsylvania’s best-known chocolate haven, don’t underestimate the flavor and richness of our region’s locally-produced chocolates. 

A staple for holidays, celebrations, and as an everyday sweet – Lovers of cocoa-y confections can get their semi-sweet to dark chocolate fix at the following locations:  

A519 Chocolate – 2 Sedgwick St, Millvale. A519 focuses on locally-sourced products created “with a bold and unique visual flair” with “inspiration derived from modern art and time-tested flavor profiles”. 

Betsy Ann Chocolates – 322 Perry Highway, West View. Family-owned and operated since 1938, Betsy Ann chocolates are “handmade the old-fashioned way”. Their delicious mission is “to make the best chocolates anyone has ever tasted”. 

Cyprowski Candy Company – 164 Conklin Rd, Washington. Started in 1999, this family-owned and operated business started with a focus on peanut gourmet apples and has expanded to a full-fledged candy company whose goal is “to provide our customers with the finest quality hand dipped chocolates”. 

Dorothy’s Candies – 1228 Long Run Road (Route 48), White Oak. Since 1947, Dorothy’s has made “premium hand-crafted Swiss Chocolates”. “Each hand-dipped chocolate is one of a kind — which makes every piece and every box a tiny bit different from every other.”

Edward Marc Chocolatier – Tower at PNC Plaza, 314 Fifth Ave, Downtown. Making chocolates in Pittsburgh since 1914, Edward Marc cocoa is sustainably sourced because “sustainable practices make for better lives and better chocolate – helping us to make life sweeter.”

Gene & Boots – 2939 Perryopolis Road, Perryopolis. Two friends started their business dream in 1930, first by selling popcorn and peanuts then by adding chocolates into the mix. “To this day most of the early formulas are still in use” while some new items, like chocolate baskets, have been introduced. 

Joe Clark’s Chocolates – 621 E. First Ave., Tarentum. Established in 1937, Joe Clark’s chocolates are made “only of the finest ingredients, including our own very special formula chocolate.”  

Kelly’s Sweets & Greets – Second floor, One Oxford Centre, Downtown. Formerly the St. Moritz brand of chocolates, Kelly’s takes pride in “the tastefulness and presentation of our chocolates”. 

Lux Artisan Chocolates – 1808 Chislett St, Morningside. Founded in 2012, Lux Artisan’s vision is to “bring modern, upscale chocolate to Pittsburgh, using the artisanal practices of making everything by hand, in small batches, without the use of preservatives or anything artificial.” 

McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate – 202 Fourth St. Irwin; 100 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg. Opened in 2013, McFeely’s specializes in hand-dipped fruits which can be irregular in shape and size, but “this is the beauty of enjoying and knowing we are not a factory. We pride ourselves on the work we put into each piece of chocolate.”

Mon Aimee Chocolat – 2101 Penn Ave, Strip District. Since the early 2000s, Mon Aimee has created “speciality and fine chocolates”, seasonal treats, and showcases handcrafted chocolates from Pittsburgh’s other chocolatiers.

My Favorite Sweet Shoppe – 1597 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. My Favorite Sweet Shoppe is the “place for custom chocolate and sweet designs” that specializes in “bringing your favorites to life in a tasty treat!”. 

Pollak’s Candies – 352 Butler St., Etna. Started in 1948, Pollak’s is a family-owned and operated business “manufacturing fine chocolates” with “time-tested recipes, high-quality ingredients, and personal attention to packaging and service”. 

Sarris Candies – 511 Adams Ave., Canonsburg. A family-owned business for over 50 years, Sarris chocolates are “made by our family just for yours”. Visitors to their factory and showroom can see their famous chocolate castle or stop in the ice cream parlour.

Sinful Sweets – 539 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh. Started in 2011, Sinful Sweets believes “there is love in candy”. Their store was “built on the foundation of family and friends”.  

Sweetlane Chocolate Shop – 113 Grant Ave., Vandergrift. Since 1947, this Kiski Valley area chocolate shop has been offering sweet treats made with “hand-selected ingredients” that “create an original taste that you can’t just get anywhere else”. 

Valos Chocolates – 2009 Freeport Road, Arnold. Valos has been a “premiere micro-chocolate making facility crafting high-quality chocolates” since 1947.

Wilson Candy Co. – 408 Harrison Ave., Jeannette; 5142 Route 30 East, Greensburg. Making chocolates since 1947, Wilson’s factory on Harrison Ave “manufacturers and hand-dips chocolates and candies from recipes handed down from over 3 generations!”

The next time you go loco for cocoa be sure to shop local at any one of these Western PA chocolatiers.

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.