The Best Halloween Candy for Grown Ups in San Francisco
As once profoundly expressed by singer Bow Wow Wow: “I want candy.”
You may have outgrown trick-or-treating for Halloween, but no one ever outgrows candy. The most tragic aspect of adulthood is that it is no longer socially acceptable to go door-to-door asking for free candy. On the flip side, however, the greatest joy of adulthood is having the agency to buy as much candy as you want without being reprimanded by a grownup.
San Franciscans have a penchant for artisanal goods made in small batches, and Halloween candy is no exception. While Ghirardelli is a valid option to shop for your sugary balls of joy, San Francisco is sprawling with gourmet, locally-made confections that will make your Halloween indulgences a little more cultured. If you’re going to satisfy your sweet tooth, you might as well do it with a supply of local, handcrafted truffles.
Take your Halloween candy to the next level by paying it forward to these 7 San Francisco candy shops that have the best spooky-yet-sugary Halloween themed candy. You’ll feel like a kid again while still respecting your elegant, grown-up sensibilities.
Related: 7 Best Thrift Stores to Shop for Halloween Costumes in San Francisco
1. Sugarfina at Nordstrom
What to order: Zombie Brains, Pumpkin Surprise Ball, and the Halloween Party Kit (if your candy budget is $300).
Sugarfina | Nordstrom San Francisco Centre, 865 Market Street, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30AM-9PM, Sunday: 11AM-7PM | $$$
Related: The SF Must-List: What to Do in San Francisco This October
2. Miette in Hayes Valley
What to order: Little Caramel Apples, Pumpkin Spice Caramels, Sour Pumpkins, and the Gummy Cats.
Miette | 449 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11AM-7PM | $$
3. Christopher Elbow in Hayes Valley
What to order: 6 Piece Halloween Skeleton and the 9 Piece Halloween Chocolate Collection.
Christopher Elbow | 401 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Sunday-Monday: 12PM-6PM, Tuesday-Saturday: 11AM-8PM | $$$
Related: 9 Scary Movie Nights in SF You Need to Attend by Halloween
4. Z. Cioccolato in North Beach
What to order: Pumpkin Flavored Marshmallow Peeps and the Skull Shaped Marshmallow Lollipops.
Z. Cioccolato | 474 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-11PM, Friday-Saturday: 11AM-12AM | $
5. The Candy Store in Russian Hill
What to order: Sour Skulls and the Licorice Black Cats.
The Candy Store | 1507 Vallejo Street, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday: 11AM-6PM, Thursday-Friday 11AM-7PM, Saturday 11AM-6PM, Sunday: 12PM-5PM | $$
Related: 9 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco
6. Recchiuti Confections at the Ferry Building
What to order: Harvest Moon Truffle Box.
Recchiuti Confections | One Ferry Building, Shop #30, San Francisco, CA | Hours: Monday-Friday: 10AM- 7PM, Saturday: 8AM-6PM, Sunday: 10AM-5PM | $$$
7. The Candy Baron at Pier 39
What to order: Candy Corn Salt Water Taffy.
The Candy Baron | Pier 39, San Francisco, CA | Hours: 10AM-9PM daily | $$