Candy apples, pistachio marzipan, and handmade chocolates are a few of the sweet treats that are still made the old-fashioned way at historic candy stores across NYC. From Queens to Staten Island, we tracked down the oldest vintage candy stores. Whether they’ve been around for 30 or more than 100 years, these stores all have a unique old-school flair and some still take part in candy-making traditions that have been passed down for generations. Satisfy your sweet tooth at these old-fashioned candy stores in NYC!
1. Economy Candy, Manhattan
Economy Candy is New York City’s oldest candy store. The flagship store, located on the corner of Rivington and Essex on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, opened in a former shoe and hat repair storefront in 1937. The third generation of Cohens now run the store, a tradition that started when Morris (Moishe) Cohen took over the business with his brother-in-law during World War II. You can stop by the historic store on our upcoming Secrets of the Lower East Side Tour and Tasting!
Lower East Side Tour & Tasting
The shelves are stocked with more than 2,000 different types of candies from vintage favorites to new sugary treats. In February 2023, Economy Candy opened a new second location in Chelsea Market. While smaller than the Lower East Side shop, the Chelsea store is packed floor to ceiling with candy!
