We were taking a late night stroll along the wharf when Richard noticed us staring longingly through the windows at the sweet treats inside. We thought they had closed for the day, but Richard was kind enough to open the door, welcome us in, and share a little history about how this shop has been run by his family for decades. We got to try a couple pieces of salt water taffy and although I've never really been much of a taffy person, the taffy that they make in-house was perfectly chewy and we especially enjoyed the coconut caramel so we left with an assorted bag to try. We may have been converted into taffy people after this... but even if taffy isn't your thing, they have plenty of other sweets to choose from so make sure you stop by and say hi to Richard! read more

Carousel Candies - Assorted salt water taffy (small) - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

Racist owners. People infront of us were able to pick their own salt water taffy flavors even with a lot of customers waiting. When it came to us (asians) the owner kept telling us to buy from the outside pre-packed ones, while others were able to pick their own flavor. I wanted certain flavors as I do not like all of the flavors they have in the mixed taffy pack. I would not recommend coming here if you are asian. We ended up leaving empty handed because they were like "i have a lot of customers waiting" oh well, as if we were not customers. Don't open a business if you are treating your customers differently! read more

Carousel Candies - Racist Business - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

Situated on Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, this small candy shop provides a wide variety of treats for visitors. Options include ice cream (my favorite), frozen bananas, chocolates, candy apples, sugar-free selections, plush toys, popcorn, and more. Prices are fair, and the staff are friendly and welcoming to all customers. read more

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Caramel popcorn was old, stale and overpriced. Extremely disappointed! I've made special trips in the past decades for the caramel popcorn and was highly disappointed at my purchase today. Seems there's a new owner? read more

Bought their 65th anniversary large bag of popcorn. Cheddar cheese mixed with caramel corn. The mic could use a bit more of caramel as the cheese was very very salty. I like the sweet salty mix. When I got home I popped some plain popcorn and added it to the mix so to spread out the saltiness. It was dress. $25.99 read more

I saw this shop as my wife and I were walking by. We turned and walked in as I wondered if they had any sugar free candy. I didn't expect them to have any. I was PlEASANTLY SURPRISED to find nearly a whole of Sugar Free Chocolate Candy in the display case. Also we walked through the front door there is the strong smell of caramel popcorn. It smells so good. They were nice and friendly. The candy I got was very tasty. read more

We stopped in for a quick treat to bring back to hotel with us after eating at restaurant nearby. The shop is small and filled with so much snacks that you could imagine! It smelled great like candy popcorn but not so overwhelming either. It was a nice smell. The guy who helped was quick to greet us and get us what we needed. We chose toffee caramel covered apple and a chocolate toffee candy square. The candy square was good but goodness it was a bit hard for me to even break so little nibbles we took. The caramel chocolate covered apple we got was so good. read more

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I have been visiting Carousel Candy for decades. Before living on the peninsula, this nostalgic candy shop was always a must whenever we were in town. I've never been here when there's not a crowd, so be prepared for a bit of standing around and waiting your turn. There's no line, per se, just the honor system of first come, first serve. The wait has never distracted from the experience of visiting this shop. It always gives me time to decide what I want. And there's so much to choose from! Dipped apples Chocolate candies Jelly candies Fudges Popcorn Ice cream Saltwater taffy They also have sugar-free options. Between the mouth-watering aromas, the tempting variety of confections, the old-fashioned decor and the staff who tirelessly waits on the never ending line of customers, I highly recommend this sweet little candy shop. read more

Sweet tooth destination when strolling the Monterey Wharf Dessert: One can never go wrong with their conventional caramel and peanut apple. The apple was ripened and crunchy with the right amount of soft caramel. Depending on the day, the apples are not always crisp. The second must is the caramel popcorn which was freshly popped and served warmly to us in a cute red / white striped box to preserve its flavor. The cotton candy is buy 3 get 1 free and I encourage one to stick to the pink and blue. I usually skip the taffy since it's on the tougher side for me. Service: The employee was kind and helpful. It was quick service in and out. When it's a busy day though the line can look troublesome but it is always manageable for them. Ambiance: Same cute candy shop look since my childhood. I love the old fashion salt water taffy and popcorn industrial machines for kids to observe. read more

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Spent $40 on a bag of assorted taffy. There was only a few kinds you could actually taste flavor. Licorice, grape, bubblegum and cinnamon but there was only 1 or 2 pieces of those kinds in the bag. The rest has little to no flavor. Totally not worth the hype the only thing going for the assortment is that it is soft. So disappointed. The reason I gave it 2 stars is because we bought a $21 bag of chocolate peanut butter and it tasted like peanut butter no chocolate flavor though. read more

As someone who grew up in the area, this is a nostalgic stop for some sweet treats. There are lots of candy confections, chocolates, an ice cream counter, & candied apples. I typically enjoy English Toffee or an English Toffee Apple that they will slice for you. This time around, we got some caramel corn. We found it tasty, but very caramelized to the point that some bites were hard on the teeth. It became easier & softer to eat the next day. Customer service was a straightforward experience. The shop is small & narrow, so it can fill up quickly with other customers. It smells wonderfully sugary sweet from the caramel corn. read more

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I stop here every time I visit the wharf. I always get the carmel popcorn, a few pieces of chocolate and ice cream. Staff is friendly and they offer military discounts! read more

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Worst fudge ever! So disappointed and a waste of money. Paid almost $10 for a small square piece of fudge and not only was it hard, it has an awful grainy texture to it. Fudge should be soft, smooth, and creamy. read more

Great salt water taffy. I had chocolate covered bacon which was amazing. The salty taste from the bacon with the chocolate was a great mix. Kind of pricey because of being on the wharf. read more

Carousel Candies - Chocolate covered bacon. - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

Very disappointed! We went in for 2 Frozen bananas, took a bite, and they were mushy & not good. Told the girl & she said, oh ya, our freezer was off for a little bit! Um ok, then don't sell "frozen"bananas! ‍ read more

Decent place to get candy on the wharf. They have chocolate, peanut brittle taffy and more. It's very busy and touristy. I've gotten things here over the years it's conveniently located. read more

Carousel Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

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Got a couple of ice cream cones after dinner on the Warf. Delicious ice cream, friendly staff, quick service. Would recommend

Bought taffy, fudge and caramel corn. The taffy is just not that good. And the fudge is more like a brownie than actual fudge. The caramel popcorn, on the other hand, is the best. THIS is the reason to come to Carousel Candies. read more

I am unable to comment on my previous review so I am making a new one! I was accidentally overcharged by $1,110 and I just received a call from the owner. She was very apologetic, kind and understanding. We will be back! Thank you again! read more

I went out there September 1 for a day trip with the family. We stopped in carousel candies and I bought four pieces of candy in which cost me 12.95. After our long trip home, I decided to check my card and I noticed he charged me $112.95. I've been trying to call and get a hold of them, but no one ever answers the phone. They say the mailbox is full. I called my credit card but because I didn't have a receipt because the receipt he gave me you couldn't even read it it was just a little tiny piece from his machine. I was charged $112.95 for four pieces of candy. I'm furious that I can't get a hold of them and my credit card company needs a receipt. I wasn't about to drive the 2 1/2 hours back. To this day it is now September 18 and I still can't get a hold of anybody SMH. read more

Love this place!! They had my candy apples here!! Great!! Most places only had the Carmel apples but not here!! The older lady really was great!! We will be back just because of her!! We love this area and always come back here the candy is great I also love the chocolate strawberries!! Omg the best in town!!! If you are in the area !! Stop in for some sweets!!!the best in town!!! read more

It said it opens at 10 AM. It's 1015 AM and they're still not open. I drove all the way over here this morning just to go to their store and they're not open. Extremely disappointed. read more

omg... the peanut brittle!! If I ever come back to the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey again it'll be just to buy their peanut brittle here at Carousel Candies. We spent a weekend in Monterey and we walked to the wharf from our place of stay. I bought $5 worth of peanut brittle just to try them because, you know, not all peanut brittle candies are created equal. This shop made theirs with lots of peanuts in them and the candy part is not too hard. We tried to come back to buy more the next day but we had already checked out of our hotel and looking for parking here on a weekend (even during Covid times) would be a b#&@! This candy shop is located right in the middle of the wharf. They have packaged candies, ice cream, caramel apples, fudge, caramel popcorns, salt water taffies... all made in house. Oh yah... have you tasted jalapeño peanut brittle before? Check out my pic below :) Review #1897 read more

Carousel Candies - 07.18.20 jalapeño peanut brittle - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

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The bad review is due to the loud, unnecessary candy making machine (just a prop) at the entrance. Those poor kids working there all day listening to that. That's gotta be a an OSHA violation. The two people working there at the time were very kind and helpful. I give them 5+ stars. We purchased candy, ice cream and cotton candy; all great. read more

Love this little candy store. They have tons of chocolate sweets in cases and fresh caramel corn. Totally regretting not getting some caramel corn. We popped by to pick up just a couple pieces of saltwater taffy. They have large mixed bags but they also have individual pieces where you can create your own mix and it's sold by weight. The lady that helped us was super sweet. We ended up with 11 pieces for $2.87. The taffy was fresh an delish. Probably some of the best I've ever had. Salted caramel, salted chocolate, watermelon, Neapolitan, and banana chocolate. read more

Carousel Candies - Delish fresh taffy! - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

It smelled sweet inside but not overpowering. The woman behind the counter offered help and had no problem or qualms about answering questions on the candies or prices. They offered not only dark chocolate almond clusters, but also dark chocolate almond bark which were maybe 4"x5" in size and I absolutely loved it. I got 2 pieces/sheets(?). The cost was a bit high, but honestly when you think about it, dark chocolate and nuts can be quite pricey to begin with. My husband had dark chocolate toffee but the toffee part lacked in texture. read more

Food: Forgot to take the sticker off of our candy apple and add paper wraps on the bottom of some of our candy apples so they arrived home soggy. Some apples weren't even completely cut after we asked them to be. Service: Horrible customer service and although signs displayed the deals they have on candy apples and fudge there was no sign that reminded me if I spent more than $50 I could get free caramel popcorn or taffy. After coming here for years I'll be taking my business elsewhere from now on. read more

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It's been more than 20 years since I was last here. Of course I didn't expect the place to look the same as it did two decades ago. However, I was disappointed at how run down, dirty, stuffy (hot), and how horrible the customer service was. The aroma of something burning took over all my senses. The lady that was helping us never smiled once and seemed annoyed as soon as we asked to buy some chocolates. The chocolate milkshake tasted of cheap and generic ice cream. I'm so bummed because I used to visit this place on a regular basis in my teenage years and I was excited to take my son and husband there. They used to have great customer service, the place was spotless, and they had a variety of candy apples, chocolate strawberries, and every other chocolate you can imagine. Unfortunately, that's none of that is no longer offered. Sad to say, I won't be coming back here again. read more

The little candy shop brings back sweet memories when we would visit here and the kids were mesmerized by the taffy machine. Someone was popping fresh popcorn so I hoped to get a batch but unfortunately they couldn't sell me any. We settled for a white chocolate cheesecake Carmel apple and honeycomb chocolates. The Carmel Apple was delicious!!! I was so elated that the Apple was crispy and fresh. Too bad we were driving away as I would have purchased more to enjoy for the long drive home. The chocolates were good too. The store may look a little run down, but don't let that fool you or stop you from coming in... their stuff is fresh and delicious!!! read more

Carousel Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

This place had the best candy apples I've had in a while. We got a candy apple with caramel and peanuts and it was really fresh - the caramel was soft and the nuts were crunchy. It was the best candy apple I've had and I am already craving more of it. We also had some complimentary taffy at the register and the candy was very soft and had a good flavor to it. I was overall quite impressed with this shop. My only complaint would be the disorganization bc there is technically no line, just people waiting at the counter so that they can be helped with their order. I still think there should be some sort of divider or sign that says "form line here" for the candy and a similar one for the ice cream line, which can help people figure out where they want to go read more

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It's cute and gives you carnival, candy shop, touristy vibes. Great selection of taffy. I got a taffy combo and loved all the flavors. The sea salt milk chocolate Carmel and white chocolate dipped Oreos hit the spot, too. read more

Carousel Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

I am so done with this place, what type of business are you running without a valid contact phone number or email address?. My family purchased several bags of popcorn over the 4th of July weekend to share with other family members as a treat, only to discover the Carmel corn was very stale, gooey & barely chewable, and we're talking $20 for one bag alone. my sister specifically asked if the popcorn was fresh and made daily and was told YES! if that's true, we obviously missed the fresh batches: in order for each bag to be stale. Next time, be honest and say it's several days old, I'm sure someone will still purchase: it just won't be me. I've emailed several times & called the phone number listed 831. 646-9801 to no avail. I was certainly hoping the owners would care enough to replace all or part of our order in good faith. As we learn with age, bad news travels fast and Id rather say good things about my experience with carousel vs bad things. read more

I came here to buy taffy for my wife. She has a severe dairy intolerance. So when I walked in I asked the lady behind the counter "Do you make the taffy with any dairy products? My wife cannot consume dairy." She said that she wasn't sure and went to the back to ask somebody in the back that would know the answer to my question. After a few moments she returned and said that only two of their 30 plus taffy options contained dairy and she pointed them out. So when I selected the taffy, I avoided the two flavors she indicated contained dairy. I gave the taffy to my wife telling her they assured me it was dairy-free and sure enough she gets stomach cramps and then spends the next hour on the toilet with diarrhea and vomiting. We called the store after this happened and the man we're speaking to tells us that all of their taffy contains butter. Long story short, if you cannot convey the allergens that you cook with you shouldn't be serving food. I highly recommend you purchase your candy somewhere else. read more

Caramel apples were good and some of the chocolates were okay. Everything kinda tasted the same though. It was 50 dollars for 2 apples and 2 small things of chocolate. read more

I cannot get someone to answer the phone. I'm checking on the ordered I placed last Saturday. It was shipped the same day, so probably was picked up on Monday. I live in Southern California so I should've received it by now. read more

A nostalgic place in the bread and butter of Monterey. Felt like a child walking in here again. Sampled some treats but I opted for some chocolate covered items and one that stuck out to me was the jalapeño which I enjoyed. Not overly sweet, not overly spicy and good crunch. I know one item doesn't sum up a candy shoo but I had fun browsing and forgot I was at the pier for a minute. read more

Carousel Candies - My stash........ - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

Cute place . Very nice staff . Peppermint Pattie's were so good. I'll be back next time

When you're walking around at the old Wharf and everyone else around you has a caramel apple or salt water taffy in their hands, stop 'em and say where did you get that?!? As Eileen H said, it's the most "Caramelliest" popcorn ever! skip all the other candies here and get the popcorn instead! It's $5.95 for a small bag and believe me, it is more than enough. Great customer service and they are so eager to hand you samples, unlike the other albeit more spacious similar candy shop a couple of doors away. Also, they're open til 10pm on the weekends! And you thought Monterey was a sleepy town... read more

Carousel Candies - Candy Stores Near Me - Monterey, California

Salt Water Taffy. Butter Toffee Nuts. Caramel Corn. Those are the items most prominently advertised on their front windows and those are what I'd stick with since they make it fresh in front of you. Hey, but you're on vacation, so don't let me tell you what to get, it's just that most of the other stuff you can get somewhere else (like at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory). Yes, the sweets here are pricey. There's peanut brittle, coconut macadamia nut brittle, fudge, english toffee, caramel apples, chocolate covered apples, mint chocolate fudge square, chocolate covered strawberries, hard fruit candies, scoops of ice cream... pretty much anything you want. If you come during the day on a weekend, the store will be packed. I couldn't resist getting a 1/4 lb. of Butter Toffee Almonds to snack on. They have them in either almond or cashew and are $16 a pound. They are really good. Not as good as the ones you can get off the street carts in New York, but hey, I'm in California enjoying the summer sun standing next to some sea lions right now so these will do just fine. read more

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Oh no you di'nt! We're gonna know! We know! No more butter in that caramel for the caramel popcorn! Ridiculous! I'm a local and I'd rather pay more than have you change the recipe so obviously and drastically! God knows the tourist don't care how much you charge, so go back to the original recipe and just charge more! Don't go cheap and use what I assume is some sort of crisco type of crap. So disappointed in your lack of quality! Just tasted the caramel apple we got too! F@&=ed that up too! Did this place recently change ownership? read more