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| Old-fashioned signage out front of Parkside |
This weekend I was in Buffalo again, and it being January, it was a snowy one! So what makes more sense than ice cream on a frozen wintery Saturday? When it comes to the classic Parkside Candy on Main Street in University Heights, not much!
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| Dining area: one feels as if one needs gloves to dine! |
Parkside Candy has been around since 1927 in Buffalo, creating delicious sweet treats ranging from suckers (lollipops to you non-Buffalonians), gummies, marzipan, chocolate and of course, sponge candy. They are one of the premier confectioners in Upstate New York; dare I say of all the East Coast!
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| One of the chocolate counters at Parkside |
My parents and I took a trip back in time for lunch yesterday at their flagship store on the corner of Main & Winspear. I remember going here as a kid after basketball games for hot fudge sundaes and being transported to the bygone era of soda fountains. I was curious to see if that magic still existed and it most certainly does! The room is oval and ornately decorated in early 20th century fashion. Candy counters line the outer rim to the right with several rows of sweets displays in the middle. To the left is the fountain bar with table seating. If you are lucky enough, there is one booth alcove in the back center. Unfortunately, this was occupied by a child and grandfather; no doubt the grandfather was sharing this nostalgic spot as a special moment!
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| The soda bar... our server hard at work on a sundae |
Once we were seated, a nice young man kitted out in a candy counter outfit took our orders from the menus on the table. Very simple for lunch with a list of sandwiches on one side and the back with all the ice cream treats. My dad & I split the roast beef (rare of course) sandwich and I ordered a malted chocolate milkshake. Mother went all in and got the hot fudge sundae!
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| Malted milkshake for "one" |
The sandwich was perfectly warm and just the right shade of pink. A nice portion of wavy chips accompanied with self-service horseradish. My shake was expertly blended, thick but not too chunky and just the right amount of syrup. And the size was enormous! It was served in a large shake glass with whipped cream PLUS a whole other half of the shake container! It really was two shakes in one, so I ended up sharing with the Pops. My mom's sundae had gooey-delicious hot fudge poured over zesty cinnamon ice cream, though she would have cared for more fudge sauce layered in between the mounds of ice cream. With our bellies full and blood-sugar high, we got the check: a whopping $13.87 total!
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| Roast beef sanwich |
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| Hot fudge sundae with cinnamon ice cream |
Parkside is a historic experience in itself and combined with its delectable offerings, is a true bargain. I hope that the Main Street location continues on as it's a great window into the past along with satisfying a sweet tooth, snow or no snow!
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| Parkside advertizing from a by-gone era |
Parkside Candy
3208 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
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