Alethea's Chocolates — Restaurant in Town of Clarence

I've been to Alethea's several times, to both their candy & ice cream shoppes. The location itself is pretty convenient. Some may think it's a bit fancy for a "candy store," but this is no ordinary sweets shop. For starters, Alethea's is a chocolatier, not just some candy store. And it certainly is more distinguished than a plain old "shop." I'd say it certainly deserves to be classified as a "shoppe." What is the difference? I have no idea. But the second spelling definitely makes it seem fancier, which it is.

This most recent visit was for hot fudge frappes and some orange sponge candy. I had taken my mom and her 99-year-old friend out for dinner. They wanted Ted's Hot Dogs, so we did that first, and despite the fact that I assured Flo I was too full to eat anything else, she insisted that she treat me to a hot fudge frappe. Yes, she insisted on buying my dessert AND on picking it out for me. When a 99-year-old woman tells you she is buying and this is what you will have, you do it.

I feel like Alethea's prides itself in their hot fudge sauce, but I'm honestly not a fan. It's a matter of personal taste, though. I'm sure that there are people who love this sauce and rave about it to all their out-of-town guests, insisting they bring them there to try out this sauce! That's just not me.

Oh, it's also worth noting that on Wednesdays, they have B1G1 on their pie slices. I kind of wish I'd had the pie.

After wolfing down the hot fudge frappe, Flo wanted to go into the candy shoppe to buy some orange sponge candy. In October, it's not traditionally cold enough to buy the orange chocolate (it has to do with the consistency of the orange oil used to make the candy), but Alethea's has had so many requests for it that they do make some small batches of it. We happened to purchase the last bag of the orange sponge candy. (Flo insisted we take it back to her house and split it up between her, my mom, and me. We did just that.)

One of the things my mom loves about going to Alethea's is that they always approach you with an offer of a free sample when you walk in the door. This time it was dark chocolate sponge candy or chocolate fudge. Not an easy choice, but we went with the dark chocolate sponge candy. (I've had their fudge before, too, and it is hard to beat their fudge!)

The staff here is so friendly and helpful. The selection is so much fun to browse. I love to walk the perimeter of the store to find all the really neat kinds of chocolate they offer. There really is something for everyone. If you're looking for a gift for someone else or you want to treat yo'self (self care is crucial), you will impress even the most finicky person with anything you purchase...

Imagine weaving through the heart of Williamsville, NY, seeking some respite, and then out of the blue, you stumble upon a sweet portal wrapped in the warm embrace of a delightful aroma. Alethea's Chocolates is an elegant mirage in the Empire State - one that catches your eye and satisfies the sweet-toothed wanderer in you.

Entering the store feels like stepping into a fairy-tale. The mesmerizing sight of colorful chocolates and confectionery art is less like entering a store, and more akin to an expedition through the Chocolate Wonderland. It's a colorful spectacle that's as engaging as the annual Sydney Mardi Gras - colorful, vibrant, and simply irresistible.

The stars of the show are their pieces de resistance - the sponge candy and popcorn. Let me just say, they had my taste buds doing the Melbourne Shuffle. And who doesn’t love an impromptu dance party? The sponge candy embodied an impeccable fusion of textures singing in harmony in your mouth, sweet and airy. The popcorn, on the other hand, was a delightful twist on your classic snack, elevated with the imaginative skill of Alethea's chocolatiers.

The sweet journey is enhanced by the lovely staff. Their warmth and cheerfulness were as comforting as the sunny beaches back home in Australia. They weave magic not just with their chocolates but also with their inviting demeanor that makes you feel like you're visiting an old friend.

In conclusion, Alethea's Chocolates is a charming sanctuary boasting innovation, artistry, and celebration of sweets. So, if you're wandering around Williamsville, make a pit stop here. You're promised an experience that would make any Aussie's heart say ‘Oi, this...

Visited this local chocolatier that's located in a "historical house" building. Very very cute, traditional with a homey feel with wonderful decor. What an entrance 🤩. And I have not talked about all the candies and chocolatey treats. The shop is like a wonderland of sweet treats. Thoughtfully and playfully displayed. Going from unique sweets to fancy truffles in amazingly displayed glass cases, there is a treat for everyone. Also discovered the interestingly famous "Sponge" candy, I think they are cubes of baked and dehydrated mini-sugary wafer-like filling that's airy & crunchy, covered in its wonderful chocolate. I got a few small boxes as souvenirs for friends and family to share this unique treat 🥰 And just when u think u are done tasting and getting the treats, just across the main entrance hallway is a compact-medium sized, cute and traditional ice cream parlor !! Wow, grabbed a milkshake, chocolate flavor of course, to wrap up the trip and...