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The Goldenrod

3.8 (227 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

The Goldenrod Photos

THE GOLDENROD ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Touristy
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Goldenrod

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Reviews With Photos

Homemade candies
Matthew L.

The Goldenrod is a historic restaurant, soda fountain, ice cream parlor and candy shop that opened in York, Maine in 1896. It was founded by husband and wife Edward and Mattie Talpey. The following year, the first electric trains arrived in York via the Portsmouth, Kittery and York Railway. Many travelers on the railway began to frequent the Goldenrod, and its popularity soon boomed. In addition to their fine meals, they became well-known for their delicious 'Goldenrod Kisses': saltwater taffy that Talpey pulled by hand while standing in the front window. Today the Goldenrod is known for its delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, dinner plates, homemade candies, and fountain specialties prepared with their homemade ice cream. The current owner is Dave Peck. My extended family and I visited the Goldenrod this past summer while we were spending the week in York. We stopped for lunch one day after spending the morning at nearby Short Sands Beach. We absolutely loved the nostalgic feel that you get as soon as you walk in. At a place like this, you definitely need to order a specialty fountain drink. I enjoyed a delicious "Old Fashioned Chocolate Egg Cream" while my wife enjoyed a "Root Beer Float". For food, I ordered a "Turkey Salad Triple Decker" (w/ crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle slices & chips), my wife had a "Grilled Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips), our older son had a "Sliced Turkey Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips), and our younger son had a "Grilled Cheese Sandwich" (w/ lettuce, tomato, pickel slices & chips). We all really enjoyed our meals; our other family members enjoyed their lunch too! Before leaving, we purchased some of the Goldenrod's delicious homemade chocolates as well as their Goldenrod Kisses. We really enjoyed watching them make the fresh taffy in the window with the same copper kettle, taffy pulling hook, and candy shears that have produced countless other candies. If you are planning a visit to York then we highly recommend a visit to the Goldenrod!

Jill R.

We love coming to visit- been coming for too many years to count. We love the taffy, jellies, lollipops, and much more. They have food available to dine in too.

Michelle S.

Cute little old time candy shop and restaurant. We visited during the summer and had a very nice breakfast, served by a very attentive and pleasant young man. I had a yummy bacon egg and cheese sandwich, while my husband had the gigantic pancakes and crispy bacon. Sometimes you can even watch them make the taffy in the candy store out front. They even have a special taffy flavor each week. A nice place to visit in the center of it all with on street parking as well as a parking lot in walking distance.

Tuna Fish Sandwich
Hallie L.

Pretty busy when I went, but the service was really good. It was a LOT of food for the entree and the sandwich was very tasty as well (albeit a little dry but I'm just being picky). The clam chowder was $8 for the cup which was a bit steep as the cup was pretty small and our chowder was mostly potatoes rather than clam. Otherwise, also pretty tasty. Before leaving, we stopped by the counter and got some saltwater taffy where they had an assortment of all the taffy (one of each flavor) for only $3.25. I normally don't like saltwater taffy but this was really good so would definitely recommend checking it out. The cashiers were also super friendly and surprisingly allowed me to purchase a SINGULAR taffy because I wanted to try the specialty flavor (was 14 cents!). I felt bad because it seemed like a hassle to have to weigh and ring it up but they were super accommodating and nice about it.

The outside of The Goldenrod in 2019-it never changes
Sheri M.

I often wonder if someone who doesn't have childhood memories of going to The Goldenrod would enjoy it as much is I do. After all, it's really just a diner with an old timey soda fountain counter and candy shop. However, several times a summer I drive an hour+, past all of the fabulous restaurants Portland has to offer to experience summer magic at The Goldenrod. I like to sit out on the porch and although there are tons of sandwiches to choose from (lobster rolls, clubs, even cream cheese and olive) I almost always order the grilled cheese with lettuce and tomato and a side of potato salad. I try to avoid eating the chips that come with sandwich orders to save room for a sundae that comes in a one of those old timey stainless steel sundae dishes. They have tons of flavors of homemade ice cream which I understand is made there, and who else has a "hot penuche" sundae? I ordered the hot fudge sundae with vanilla and it was perfect, as always. Our server (Sam) was attentive and polite, as was the hostess when I asked to sit out on the porch. As we were getting ready to leave I heard the man at the table behind us tell the server that he was getting ready to order his 4,000th sundae because he has been coming to The Goldenrod for 75 years. I may never know the answer to my question.

two antique cars parked in front of a store

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2 years ago

Great food . Service. And ambiance. The food is great I love the ice cream and floats.

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2 years ago

The ice cream is supposed to be really famous here. But honestly, I thought it tasted like any other ice cream. I've tasted better.

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Ask the Community - The Goldenrod

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Sweet Josies Candy Shop - Homemade Fudge!

Sweet Josies Candy Shop

3.4(72 reviews)
0.0 mi
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Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe is a seasonal confectionery shop and ice cream parlor that opened in…read moreYork, Maine in 1980. It was founded by Margaret "Peggy" Shaheen Fennelly, who named it for her mother Josephine "Josie" Skeip Shaheen. The shop specializes in over 60 flavors of homemade fudge, old-fashioned hard candies, gummies, saltwater taffy, and other classic candies. The shop also serves Gifford's brand ice cream and Richie's brand Italian ice. After Peggy passed away in 2021, the shop was taken over by her daughter Kathleen Fennelly Perez and her husband Jose. As of 2025, Sweet Josie's is now under new ownership. The shop operates from late April through mid October. My family and I recently visited Sweet Josie's this summer while we were spending the week in York. We were really impressed with the interior of the shop; it was so colorful. All of the candy looked so delicious, especially the fudge! However, we were actually on the hunt for some delicious ice cream. After looking over all of the flavors, I got a cup of "Dinosaur Crunch" (blue vanilla ice cream, fudge swirl, chocolate-covered Rice Krispies), my wife had a cup of "Sea Salt Caramel Truffle", and our sons both had cups of "Cookie Monster". That ice cream really hit the spot; it was exactly what we were looking for. The next time we make a trip to York, we'll have to stop at Sweet Josie's again and try out their homemade fudge!

Sweet Josie's is a cute mom & pop candy shop located in York, Maine. It is in the downtown area…read morevery close to ample parking. My partner and I were in search of some fudge for a Mother's Day gift. We walked in as the usual one she goes to across the street wasn't open for the season yet. Walking in we were greeted by a very welcoming atmosphere- adorned with many colorful decorations befitting of a candy shop. Further, we were immediately greeted by a staff member of the shop. This woman was extremely kind (I wish we knew her name!) and since we were not familiar with the shop, she helped familiarize us with the flavors Sweet Josie's has. They have a wonderful selection with many kinds of peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate, caramel and more for flavors. They even have a 'Cookie Monster' flavor that takes its color and decor scheme from the character! We were able to quickly make some choices while hearing some good conversation about local lore and stories about the shop. We went about our way much better for it, too, and it made my partner and I's day going in there. So next time the usual store is closed, try the one nearby you never have. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Photos
Sweet Josies Candy Shop - "Dinosaur Crunch" (blue vanilla ice cream, fudge swirl, chocolate-covered Rice Krispies)

"Dinosaur Crunch" (blue vanilla ice cream, fudge swirl, chocolate-covered Rice Krispies)

Sweet Josies Candy Shop - Old-fashioned candies

Old-fashioned candies

Sweet Josies Candy Shop

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Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store - Interior

Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store

3.6(246 reviews)
2.8 mi
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Stonewall Kitchen is a specialty food producer that opened in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1991. It…read morewas founded by business partners Jonathan King and Jim Scott. The company was initially started as a homemade products stall at a local farmers market. Working from a small folding table and calling themselves "Stonewall Kitchen", the stall was successful, selling all stock. The business eventually began producing vinegars, oils, pesto, jams and baked goods. The operation then branched out into selling wholesale, and by 1993 they were approached by Crate & Barrel to produce 2,500 jars of Orange Cranberry Marmalade. To increase production capacity, Stonewall Kitchen purchased and renovated an 18th-century barn in Kittery, Maine. By 2000, they moved to a larger property in nearby York. A visitors area was added to this facility in 2003. As of 2022, Stonewall Kitchen is now owned by TA Associates. The brand is now available in 42 countries and the York facility receives over 500,000 visitors annually. My extended family and I visited the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store & Café this past summer while we were vacationing in York. The location is just gorgeous and features every Stonewall Kitchen product imaginable in the store. We loaded up on quite a few of our favorite products and even discovered some new ones; lots of free samples too! We also decided to stay for lunch in the café, which features delicious menu items made with Stonewall Kitchen products. I ordered the "Lobster Mac & Cheese" (Montebello organic torchiette pasta, fresh local lobster meat, mascarpone, fontina, asiago, cheddar, served w/ mixed greens & classic Italian dressing), my wife had the "Lobster BLT" (fresh local lobster meat, cherrywood-smoked bacon, celery, green leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, housemade basil mayonnaise, buttered brioche, served w/ dill pickle spear & housemade Maine potato chips), our older son had the "Turkey Club" (sliced roasted turkey breast, cherrywood-smoked bacon, garlic herb cheese spread, cucumbers, green leaf lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, red pepper jelly, sliced sourdough bread), and our younger son had the "Mac & Cheese" (Montebello organic torchiette pasta, mascarpone, fontina, asiago, cheddar). Not surprisingly, everything was superb! We had a memorable experience at the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store and we hope to return in the future!

Stonewall Kitchen has been one of my favorite places to shop for home decor kitchen, scents and…read moremore. Michel Design Works can be purchased at your local Stonewall Kitchen or online if you're not able to visit a store location. I'm definitely recommending the Michel Design Works Soap Made in England. It a great gift as you can see. My Cousin in Minnesota gave me the Cherry Shea Butter for my February 2026 Birthday!! It's already been placed in a prominent place in our bathroom! I'm recommending you try the Brands under the Umbrella of Stonewall Kitchen. My friends, family and I have enjoyed quality merchandise many times over the years.

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Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store - The Café

The Café

Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store - The Café

The Café

Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store - There's always something to take home .

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There's always something to take home .

R&R Chocolate

R&R Chocolate

4.5(36 reviews)
8.7 mi
•$$$

So I live in Sanford Maine but went to school and grew up in Wells so I am familiar with some of…read morethe people who work there but I wanna say me personally knowing them doesn't reflect on this review the baked goods and sweets are the best in town hands down and the sandwiches are fresh large and affordable if something look a little pricey on the menu order it you won't be able to finish the whole thing I believe the Specialty Sandwich is "Captain Jacks" this should be in the Top 3 sandwich shops in Southern Maine I got the Capresse Ciabatta (Spelking might be off) it was the best Ciabatta sandwich I've ever had the veggies were fresh and I've never had a more higher quality mozzarella cheese than what was on it the service is extremely friendly and extremely fast I would give 10 stars if I could and shout out to Brenda who always makes the experience easy and friendly I can't wait to go again and try out more of the menu

This small shop is worth looking for we stopped in thinking of salid or sandwiches for dinner to…read moretake to our hotel I orded a captain Jack's itialian it was filled with the most wonderful selection of cold cuts fresh veggies all on somthing more like a rustic loaf of Italian bread with out a doubt the best sub I've had in my 70 or so years I give you a small warning a half sub is 12 inches the full sub 24 inches and the quarter sub 6 inches and they all are 4 to 5 inches wide my wife had a ceaser salid with the best home made dressing I ever had and large amount of shaved parmesion cheese I can't wait to go back to Maine

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R&R Chocolate
R&R Chocolate
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The Goldenrod - candy - Updated May 2026

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