First off, this place is very cool inside. It is literally like stepping back in time. It is quite remarkable, magical even. The blocks of houses as you are driving to the restaurant are extremely sad. That's entirely another social political commentary in itself. It's not good.. The area RIGHT by the restaurant is actually pretty nice. Some people may be uncomfortable, which.. They need to get over themselves and live. It's fine. After waiting while, I was able to get inside. I'm sure everyone has pointed this out, but to the right is seated tables. Go to the left for candy orders and take out. I really was prepared for smells of bacon, and other diner type foods as I approached and waited.. But they never came. It was more of a slight sweetness and candy smell, obviously.. But when you see those BLT's you have to wonder where all the smells are going.. Now, to my disappointment I ordered the BLT. I went with what I knew from watching Food Network about this place.. and I thought it was going to blow me away. It didn't. I had food remorse as soon as I tasted it.. I saw at neighboring tables a Ruben and what looked like an egg salad sandwich that was cheaper and looked better. The bacon was flavorless. There is a TON of it, but the flavor was ...not there. It has an almost cardboard texture to it. I added a touch of salt to it, and it did help (surprisingly enough, more salt right?). I also got a chocolate milk shake, that was very smooth, very rich and extremely delicious. It helped the BLT taste a lot better. Food, based on the BLT would be about 2 stars. With the milk shake and the actual interior makes it close to 5 stars. I really enjoyed the space and feeling, but the sandwich I had was not great. Of course, this is based off of one visit, and one sandwich.. So I'm sure there are better options on the menu. If you are in the area, by all means go. Just look at other's plates and ask before you order. read more

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This is nostalgic at its very best!!! Such a great landmark with the coolest candies and ice cream ever. It's a great place to have an early date night! It's just a lovely place to treat yourself read more

This is the best BLT in the city! Ice cream/shakes are fabulous. I'm a dark chocolate fan, so I have to get candy to-go for dessert. Been coming here since I was a child. Never disappoints. read more

After driving an hour to get there, we were treated so badly before we even got into the place, we will NEVER go back! Here's what happened, the entrance is on the corner of the place, we parked on one side, couldn't see the other side. A woman kept yelling at us repeatedly what we were getting, I told her shakes and candy so she said to stand in the line we were in. We stood there for 20 minutes and someone said it was the carry out line. I asked the woman if we can sit inside while having our shakes and she shouts at me, "No, you may not!" In a very rude tone. Apparently, there was another line on the other side for dining in that we didn't see and she didn't tell us about. We got back in our vehicle after and I called to complain, turns out she's the owner. I will not go back! Worst I have ever been treated at a business. My grandson wondered why she was mad at us when we didn't do anything wrong. read more

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Hometown glory in the center of Old North St. Louis!the entire area is so rich in culture and beautifully preserved I feel warm inside whenever I hit St. Louis Ave. I'll save my neighborhood spiel for a separate review and focus on selling you Crown Candy for now. This place is like an old monument; reminiscent of a 1960's candy/general/convenient store all wrapped in one. It's a family owned & operated business. The workers are always super personable, very efficient and knowledgable about product. I encourage you to try the food, the malts and the chocolate here or you'll regret it. I personally adore the Tuna (bread less), the Chocolate Banana malt, the Heavenly Hash, Dark Chocolate Blueberries and award winning Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Don't let the long line deter you, it moves fast. The booths are tight compared to today's restaurant seating but Crown Candy's nostalgia is what makes it such a cool place. Thank me later. ~Christy read more

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I was looking so forward to my first visit Crown Candy Kitchen, after-all I have lived in Saint Louis for 33 years and had never gone. When it was featured on the Food Network for the Heart Stopping BLT, I knew I had to make time and go. I knew as soon as I walked in I had not missed much those past 33 years. The building outside appears so run down, we were not even sure they were open. At first I was surprised to see parking meters, in such a dilapidated neighborhood. Once inside the ambiance did not improve. The floor was in need of being replaced and the booths could use a fresh coat of paint. To be honest, the entire place felt claustrophobic and dirty. I was willing to over look those details and consider it character if the food was good, but it was horrible. My Heart Stopping BLT was heart breaking. The bacon was cold, rubbery and chewy as hell. I was expecting hot fresh off the grill bacon and it was far from it. Actually it tasted as if it were fried the day before. I've had better malts at Steak - n - Shake. I took a bite of the SO's Ruben and thought the Corned Beef was fatty and the sandwich had to much Thousand Island Dressing. I could go on about the limp potato chips, warm pickle and lackluster service, but I have got to shake this negative experience and move on. Thank goodness, we had Yelp Mints in the car to rid our mouths of the horrible after taste we both had. This is a tourist trap and I am embarrassed that it is representing my hometown. read more

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Delicious ice cream and milk shakes but for bacon lovers there is a special treat a one pound bacon sandwich'BLT' worth sharing the love. So make it a date or bring the whole crew you won't be disappointed!!! read more

A bacon lover's dream! BLT is their signature sandwich, and a "must have" if you stop to eat here. Served on white bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato, it probably had a POUND of bacon on each sandwich, yum!! Good luck fitting the sandwich in your mouth LOL! Plenty of other good things to order including their handcrafted fresh shakes, chocolate banana was our choice. Recommend ordering 1 shake to share with 2 people, as they give you the entire shake container which pours into at least 3+ servings. Also had a bowl of chili to share, NO beans in their recipe which suits me fine - add fresh onions and cheese for extra flavor. Finally, they make their own chocolates, so check them out if you want something to go...besides your doggy bag if you can't finish the BLT. This has been a St. Louis restaurant since 1913! Nothing fancy about the ambience, but service is friendly and fast. Beware it only has about 14 tables, so suggest arriving when they open, or expect a wait, especially if you're more than 2 people. Enjoy! read more

After reading Yelp reviews about this place and hearing about it by word of mouth as well, I finally came here yesterday with my hubby and am able to check it off my St. Louis bucket list! We arrived early around 11am Friday and the line was only about 4 people long. They asked us if there were any groups of 2 and were immediately whisked in! Not having to wait in a long line = awesome. My first tip is to come in small groups because the biggest table in the restaurant seems to seat 4 people. My husband and I squeezed into a tiny 2-person booth and ordered the famous BLT sandwich.The prices may seem a bit high ($9 for a sandwich) BUT the portion is enough for 2 meals. I tried to convincing my hubby to share just the BLT with me because it sounds like a huge portion. He was not convinced and wanted to order a Reuben sandwich to himself too. The BLT sandwich arrived in 5 minutes (they must keep a ton of sandwiches prepped and ready to be served since so many people order it every day!). And it did not disappoint. I'm pretty sure that the amount of bacon in the one sandwich was about 10x my usual consumption of bacon!!! It was thick, so flavorful, and crunchy. I'm not a big BLT person but I really liked it with the mayo and tomato. I finished half of the sandwich and was full. So when the Reuben sandwich arrived, we ended up taking most of it home. The Reuben comes on sour dough bread and is really thick. It was more sour than I'm used to because of the tangy sauerkraut, but I liked the meat a lot. And finally, we split a strawberry malt shake. Yummm! It was nice to taste real bits of strawberry. I couldn't taste too much of the malt powder though. We ended up taking some of the malt home with us too because we couldn't finish it. It was definitely enough for 3-4 people. They also have homemade candy on display and I definitely want to try that out next time! I'm definitely bringing visitors (especially bacon-loving visitors) here next time! read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Heart stopping blt - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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This is a staple in St. Louis.. it is like visiting the Arch! Crown Candy is a great little spot. The only downside is trying to make sure a table is available for you! read more

Oh dear baby jesus. It IS as good as the hype. been around for over 100 years and was St Louis' oldest soda shop, it's now a famous little spot to grab a huge BLT. AMD by huge, I mean about a pound . They are famous for their massive BLTs and for good reason. Bacon heaven server with a pickle and chip. This isnt soggy gross bacon, its crispy as all get out. They make their own ice cream and have more malt, shake, and sundaes to choose from than Baskin Robbins. There is usually a wait down the sidewalk. It moves semi fast as this teeny place is a well oiled machine. There is NOT a lot of space inside, but they crank the food out so its not that bad. There are a variety of other sandwiches, but who eats anything else over massive bacon sandwiches? Stupid people. read more

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A definitely must visit place!!!! The line and wait might be long but it's worth it. I had a Ruben and my family had the heart stopper BLT! The Ruben was amazing! Everything you could ask for; amazing flavor and the best one I've had so far! The BLT is a pound of bacon and a heart attack ready to happen! Great flavor. I also had a side of chili and it was great! If you're looking for something sweet too they have a candy shop inside with homemade chocolate pieces. read more

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The ice cream and desserts are wonderful but the food is so-so. I recommend eating somewhere else and coming here for dessert.

Why 4 stars? Because it's something everyone should experience. --- --- --- An old school dessert haven, complete with 50's wall-art and stainless steal cups for shakes. It's a trip back in time, and I like it. What I don't like, is leaving and feeling like I just gained 18 lbs through dairy products and shame. But it comes with the territory. If you don't enjoy this place... I may not know you, but I'm going to call you a scrooge. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Fresh Strawberry Milkshake - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Good food and alot of bacon on the BLT. Peach malt is nummy! Frue3ndly staff except when it gets busy. Our server was a bit short with us and rarely stopped by to ensure all was good. read more

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Very much a tourist trap, while simultaneously being a nostalgic favorite of many locals. The food is fine for lunch diner food: nothing to call home about, but nothing offensive (except maybe the lines) either. The portions are huge for a good price: the BLTs have enough bacon to give the entire zip code a heart attack. The also have shakes and sundaes which are very popular and, true to their name, some candy items. Decor is very period-appropriate: hand written menu boards, karaoke machines decorating the tables, white washed diner booths, green gabled facade, etc. The restaurant is small though, so go early or be prepared to wait in line! read more

HOT FUDGE AMAZINGNESS! I am a true fan of hot fudge and this place has an amazing milk chocolate flavor. There caramel is delicious. I would consider splitting a sundae as they are definitely in the generous category. Easter is a great time for this place, if you have ever wanted to see the biggest selection of homemade easter bunnies in all sorts of chocolates, shapes and sizes this is the place for you. They have all there bunnies out int he open and range from $3.50 to $50+ per bunny. They are pure chocolate inside and out. There food is pretty good, there heart attack sandwhich is 1 lb of bacon, its crazy! This is worth a stop if your in the area. If you are into challenges they have there 5 shake/malt challenge where you have to consume 5 in 30 minutes. Talk about a brain freeze! They are free if you can finish them, otherwise your paying close to $6 a pop. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Awesome sandwiches! We loved the Heart-stopping BLT. Ice cream desserts were also amazing. The sundae had thawed frozen strawberries, but the ice cream was good and the helping a were very generous. We got our food fast, and the staff were kind and quick. read more

The chocolate malt is the go to, if you like blts then you have to order it. They put a pound of bacon on the sandwhich, which means left over blts at home for later. If your brave try the 5 malt challenge. read more

It goes without saying that when people think of the best iconic (and maybe historic) places in St. Louis, CCK comes to mind. I'm not sure where to start; I guess the food: food is great especially their heart-stopping BLT. I also really dig their shakes, especially the seasonal ones (eggnog, peach, etc). I haven't tried most of their sundaes, but I always gotta order one to top off my meal when I'm here! Their homemade candy (which is made by them in the back) is just plain awesome. Actually, no words can explain the many kinds they got. The only negatives about this place is no french fries and even though the neighborhood has improved over the years, its still kind of sketchy. Otherwise, its a great place that takes you back in time! I also forgot to mention that service as well as the food was quick! I'm usually there during the dead hours but during peak hours I strongly suggest planning ahead...I've seen long lines there! read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Hot ham and cheese - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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just went to this restaurant for the first time with my 88 ' year old mother had a great meal after a wait of 35 minutes chicken salad phenomenal and ice cream great too. however as we were leaving the matre de outside yelled to us as we were leaving and pulled me over to talk to some guy. the guy said that they were filming for a abc show called 'what would do' and wondered if we would sign some release to use that footage. i had never heard of that show. now that i'm home i pulled it off the internet and it looks like a bs punkd show to show people in a negative light. i had done nothing but a private conversation in there and therefore called crown candy to ask their management what that was all about. i thought hey they're going to use it in marketing what can be the harm? so a person by the name of Dennis answered and was very dismissive and said he was on his break and had sat down to eat and gave me a number to call. he said nothing, knew nothing except that he had to feed his face. very negative end to what should have been a nothing ending. does crown candy sanction this? read more

Been here years ago bc of the hype on yelp and loved it. Remembered had a hard time finding parking n seats n wasn't planning on coming back this x until a Mod pizza worker in town said we must stop by again. We were gonna try another sandwich place for a zoo picnic but looked Crown Candy up and realized it was closer and they open earlier n do to gos. Plus they said on the phone they can separate everything so our sandwiches won't get soggy! So we ordered over the phone for pick up, I got dropped off, bought some yummy shoe string and fruit slice candy and picked up our order. So fast and efficient! Such a nice man behind the counter too. Friendly. When we paid for our order realized they take credit cards now n they also add for extras like lettuce tomato onion. But upon opening our sandwiches realized how much meat and cheese they gave. So worth. I loved their egg salad. We loved all their bread too. Yummy grain wheat. Reuben, corn beef, Turkey, roast beef all were great! Loved how they added chips too. We had the best lunch at the zoo. Love this place. Great shakes too! Check it out! read more

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Of course that nailed it! Great Reuben and Awesome Egg Salad sandwich. But don't forget those Malts!

Horrible! Tried the BLT. Absolutely disgusting mess! The quality of the ingredients are subpar, and lack quality. I wouldn't recommend going to this place. It's poorly lit, and seems as though there is a lack of maintenance. read more

Incredible BLT -- the best in the nation. A must stop in St. Louis! Great shakes and homemade candy too! read more

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The food, the candy, the atmosphere. I look forward to visits here particularly during warm Summer months.

This place is 100% amazing! I love the fact they have been in business for over 100 years and they continue to make things simple and great! The food was great, one of the best sandwiches Ive in a long time. The milkshake--OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!!!! OMG....I'm still thinking about it from California. This place does have a line out the door, but the line moves pretty fast & trust it is worth the wait. read more

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After recommending my best friend to come here for his 1st St Louis visit nearly 10 years ago, I finally came recently for my 1st St. Louis visit too. The store is not in a very great part of town, located just north of downtown at the St Louis Ave exit from 55 fwy. My friend and I both describe some of the surrounding neighborhoods as ones that look like a nuclear fallout happened, or a bomb dropped, since many of the old apartment buildings are boarded up or simply abandoned. It was pretty busy at nearly 3pm on a weekday though when I visited. No tables available so I waited about 3 minutes for the next one to open . I ordered a small chili ($3.99) and the Heart-Stopping BLT ($8.99). For my to go order, I asked for a chocolate banana malt ($5.19). I enjoyed looking at the walls inside the store for the old memorabilia, coke-related advertising and vintage knick knacks. The chili came out quickly with cheese and chopped onions on top. Not sure if they make it homemade but it was pretty good. Very different from any Chili you get in Texas since it's more creamy and thick. The famous BLT was huge and they cut it in half with toasted white bread. There are nearly 10-20 slices of bacon on this sandwich and I was thinking to myself, is there such thing as too much bacon? You barely taste anything else on this sandwich. Menu indicates thick-sliced bacon, but it didn't seem all that thick to me since many of the slices were curled and shriveled up. It comes with potato chips which I only ate about 2 or 3 of. They are your standard ruffles crinkle-cut chips. The chocolate banana malt was very smooth and very sweet. It was so good, it rivaled the ted drewe's custard that I had the night before. Service was excellent since the place is small, they only have about 20 tables, a couple of waitresses, and they're all very close together old style wood booths. Check out the homemade chocolates in the display case to your left when you walk in. They will pack and ship any of the gift boxes they sell for you as well. read more

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Great lunch after St. Patrick's Day Parade Holy Infant School has been blessed with the influence of the Sisters of Mercy, from County Meath in Ireland. Beyond providing wonderful faith formation, the sisters also helped students and parents alike appreciate Irish Dancing. The girls dance at school, off-site locations, and in the downtown St. Louis St. Patrick's Day Parade. After the two-mile parade walk down Market Street, the kids are hungry. Our daughter requested we visit Crown Candy. This Saturday was a beautiful day; after a cold and snowy winter this was one of the first Saturdays with sun... and it was warm and no clouds... and that had the Crown Candy crowd wrapping outside the door, as is usually the case on a Saturday. Our son was smart and recommended that we order out... and take it home... then our daughter realized we could just dine in the van and we did. One ruben for our dancing daughter and our son and I each enjoyed a one pound of bacon BLT. Two strawberry shakes then a few minutes later we were nice and filled up... and smiling (And yes, I shared my BLT with my wonderful wife) Inside, as we ordered, our daughter got some licorice for her brother and herself and we also picked up some chunk chocolate for Easter... the chocolate is hidden away for the rest of Lent. The Crown Candy staff was friendly and helpful as always. Great afternoon... and a nice food-induced nap on the drive home for me (wife driving). Thank you, Crown Candy! read more

Great food and history at this restaurant/soda fountain. Amazing that the family has kept up the quality for so many years and is still going strong. They should be very proud of what they have built. Sandwiches were amazing and prices are crazy cheap for what you get. Ice cream phenomenal. Service is excellent and friendly. Not sure if gets better than this. Worth any wait even if the line is out the door. Highly recommend if you are visiting St. Louis. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Turkey Melt on sourdough! - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

I've been going to Crown's since I was a kid in the 60's! The best malts ever made! I usually pair a vanilla malt with a bowl of their great chilli! Also, try their giant BLT sandwich, or the roast beef sandwich. Heck, even their grilled cheese is great! All their homemade ice cream and candy is fantastic! A little pricey, but worth it! Be aware they have limited seating, and may have a wait line, but you can also get your order to go. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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This was... great ice cream good grilled cheese.,and a so so malt. I like malts a little bit thicker this felt a little thin and runny. While our server was nice she made quite a few errors during the night this really would be more three and a half Stars because of that. This was hands down the best strawberry ice cream I've ever had. I ordered a chocolate banana malt but there was no banana, my server asked if I wanted whipped cream I said yes, it came without. she asked if my daughter wanted whipped cream and a cherry on her Sunday my daughter said yes, none of those items are on the Sundae when it arrives. I saw lots of tables ordering the BLT and I would definitely try that the next time. surprised at the lack of selection of candy considering candy is in their name. we came at a time where we sat down immediately there was no wait so I was surprised at my servers lack of remembering the order properly. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Strawberry, chocolate chip, and chocolate chocolate chip, hot fudge on the side. - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Rueben sandwich was huge and excellent. BLT was the biggest you ever will see! We walked in at 3:30pm on a Friday afternoon but still had a 5-10 minute wait for a table. Parking was available at the street meters around the restaurant building. read more

Crown Candy Kitchen - Candy Stores Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

This is a neat little place. Exactly what you would expect a historic diner to look like. The service was very good. Pleasantly greeted as soon as we entered and the waitress we had was nice, attentive and the food was delivered really quickly. Our sandwiches (egg salad and grilled ham and cheese) were very good and our malts were equally yummy. Of course, we had to get some goodies to take home to the grandkids. We purchased some of their house-made dark and milk chocolate snappers and a couple of Krispie treat Easter bunnies. We will definitely come here again. Already recommended to family who live in the area. read more

Grew up going to get ice cream here during the summer. Safe to say it's just as good as it's always been. 10/10

Nostalgia, service & over-serving decadent food & drinks has me a fan. Standing in line, location, crowded uncomfortable booths, having to share orders to not over do it & price being too high keeps me from 5 star. shakes/malts- Cost $5 (not bad for 2 shakes) Tastes like hand scooped hard ice cream shakes should taste One order can easily be split to 2 large size shakes from other places Chili- Meat & sauce (no beans or extra veggies) Another old fashioned flavor reminds me of old diners BLT- A mound of cooked yet soft (deep fried vs pan fried or baked) bacon A little lettuce & tomato to garnish the bacon between toast Definitely split this with a friend or plan on taking a nap afterwards. Ruben- The only thing I ever ate here by myself... Not sure if it was because of size or I didn't want to share. Seating on another visit- 6 larger than average dudes fit around (not in) a booth for a friend's birthday. 4 average size people is all that will fit semi-comfortable so this was comical as in we were the clowns in a clown car. I was on a folding chair on the outside with a small corner of the table to sit my plate & water. There is NO seating for large people or large group size seating. Lego block candy- I have to report that a bag of these for one guys kid created multiple purchases with my group of geek middle-age friends... for their kids. read more

Crown Candy is a St. Louis institution. I've been eating here my entire life. Best chili in St. Louis. Everyone has their favorites when it comes to the desserts but for me it's a Pineapple milkshake, the orange-pineapple ice cream, and the dark chocolate heavenly hash. Great family run business. Go to North St. Louis and support them! read more

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Amazing BLT! Best I have ever had!!!! I can't believe the amount of bacon I still had left on my plate (and I ate every bite of it too!). The milkshakes/malts are huge and I highly recommend the rabbit one. Delicious! read more

This place is a classic throwback in time. Get the BLT simply the best. Go during the day neighborhood is a bit sketchy at night

If you visit St. Louis then you have to stop at Crown. This petite jewel in North St. Louis is just as much a monument to the city as the Arch. Stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time to the old Soda Jerk days. The space is filled with the original booth style tables; so when you get into your seat you have to maneuver yourself over a small little wall on the end of the booth. I guess that was made to keep legs free from the aisle so the servers wouldn't trip and it also made your booth more cozy. When you go, be prepared to wait in line for a table unless you get there before they open. Lunch time is a mad house but it adds to the atmosphere. On my visit I was slightly ashamed that in all of the years I lived in the STL area, I had never been here so I knew I needed to go. I parked on the street and paid the meter and then headed in to find a short line. When a spot opened up and it was my turn I headed to my booth. As I mentioned before depending on your size you may have a sight struggle get into the booth, which I did, but once I was seated I was good. I looked over the menu but as a server walked by I spotted what I knew I needed to try. In fact this sandwich is almost a right of passage when visiting. The Heart-stopping BLT. This sandwich is served on white bread, lightly toasted, with lettuce, tomato and what has to an entire package of bacon on it. When it arrived at my table it was HUGE! So much so that I couldn't fit it into my mouth. I made it thru one half and had to get the other to go. I was so full I have to pass on the other must have, their famous Ice Cream shakes. I did grab a little bit of their candy that are also handmade. I loved my sandwich and hope to return to try a shake. Happy Dining! read more

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