Platter's Chocolate Factory

THe BEST Orange Chocolate AND the BEST Sponge candy in WNY. My daughter loved O. Sponge Candy and asked people for it for Christmas so we had a North to Southern Western New York tour over the years and they have the best, most crisp sponge inside and melty smooth chocolate on the outside. Plus having an Ice Cream Shop on one side, the Chocolate Shop on the other side, an Espresso machine for coffee drinks AND still watch things being made when in production and you walk and look into the windows. Beautiful and in good weather, covered outdoor seating.

The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha at Platter’s Chocolate Factory was good. It had the right amount of sweetness for a good mocha :)

***Edit to add that they sent the exact order back to us and prepped It with more ice packs which was very nice of them. They’re still a favorite to us. My husband grew up visiting family in North Tonawanda every year, and Platters is a beloved place to him and his family growing up. We live in Georgia, and he still places orders all the time since he doesn’t visit anymore, and the quality is always great. Still is. This time (and I know it’s summer and hot) the chocolate came mostly melted. There was only one ice pack, and it was melted and hot to the touch when we opened it. The box was filled to the top with our order, so it seemed like they couldn’t fit another ice pack in it. We contacted customer service to let me know, and have received nothing back. We usually make orders and give them out as gifts, so we were upset to find them melted. We saw it shipped out on a Friday, and it got to us on a Wednesday I think through USPS where I took it directly from a mail carrier hands (I was home that day). Those trucks have no AC…so for the price we pay in shipping I just thought there should be a few more ice packs or thought into a package for a July shipment to Georgia. I guess we just can’t order unless it’s winter, which might have to be the case.

Some places smell like memories. Platter’s Chocolate Factory is one of them. The moment I walked through the doors, I was wrapped in the warm scent of melted chocolate and roasted nuts—it hits you like a hug from your childhood. If you’ve never been, let me paint the picture: it’s part candy shop, part café, part chocolate museum, and 100% worth the trip. Located in North Tonawanda inside a beautifully restored Wurlitzer Building, Platter’s is as much about nostalgia as it is about indulgence. The space is open and airy with huge windows that let you peek into the factory floor itself—yes, they’re actually making chocolate right there behind the glass. I watched as ribbons of caramel were hand-poured and chocolate-covered pretzels were lined up like soldiers ready for duty. But let’s talk chocolate. Platter’s is famous for its orange chocolate, and for good reason. It’s creamy, rich, and has just the right citrus zing without being overpowering. I grabbed a box of orange chocolate sponge candy (Buffalo folks, you know what I’m talking about), and it honestly didn’t last the ride home. Their peanut butter cups are also next-level—perfectly balanced with that homemade texture you just don’t get from big-brand candy. There’s also a full-service café right inside the shop, serving coffee, espresso drinks, milkshakes, and even ice cream sundaes. I ordered an iced mocha made with their house chocolate syrup and a warm chocolate chip cookie that tasted like it just left grandma’s oven. If you’re going with kids (or just have a sweet tooth like me), be warned: you’re not leaving without a bag full of goodies. One of the most underrated parts of the experience? The people. Everyone working there was friendly and clearly passionate about what they do. One of the staff members took the time to walk me through some of the more unique offerings like chocolate-covered bacon and bourbon-infused truffles (yes, I bought both). Tips: - There’s plenty of free parking. - It’s a great rainy-day activity for families or even a fun date spot. - They do factory tours if you call ahead or go with a group. - Around the holidays, they really go all out—think chocolate Santas, Valentine’s hearts, and Easter bunnies the size of your head.

I cannot say enough about this place. If I could give this chocolate factory and all of it's employees 100 stars I would! The food, the drinks, the candy.. everything is top quality and they don't miss on anything. Everyone we met and interacted with - Heidi, the girls making the coffee, Candy at the candy counter.. everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you're just driving through Buffalo, stop by here, this place is so special!