Platter's Chocolate Factory — Restaurant in City of North Tonawanda

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...

Sweet! Platter's is clean, neat, space used for optimum traffic in and between ice cream parlor, beverages(bubble tea is a big option)/baked goods(few options, but delicious!), Chocolate shop, spacious seating options, and great view of the chocolate making processes. Why 5 stars? Platter's recently moved to the amazingly historic and beautiful Wurlitzer Building (think: carousels and organs) from it's long-time family shop on Oliver Street also in North Tonawanda. Big draw? You can watch the processsssss! Of all the many times I've frequented, I have never seen even one person or a magic elf in the miracle chocolate making process. Holy bummer, Batman! I haven't seen a posted schedule of when this activity might be observed, nor heard of an option for a field day for local school kids. Maybe I just like to eat my locally made Perry's ice cream or savor my locally made (secretly made 😉) Platter's orange sponge candy while watching sparkly, elves stir vats of chocolate and caramel....ok you get it...Show me the fun, sticky, yummy part, too!!! The rest of you, get to Platter's and enjoy TONS of variety in chocolate of all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Poor PR or HR person, look no further for perfect business gifts, prizes, and thoughtful promo yum! Have a sweet...

*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...