My dad used to bring home Velatis caramels after work when I was a kid. I grew up in Silver Spring Maryland, just outside of DC. I'm 72 years old. It's delightful to know they're still in business, still available. Not too many old traditions alive these days; Velatis is a tasty one. read more

Actually, this store is on Hampden Lane in Bethesda now. Beautiful caramels and other sweet treats in this new location. Be sure to stop by and make a purchase. The charming woman whose family owns the store will regale you with the history of the store which dates back to the 1800's. read more

Got a box of Velotti's truffles as a birthday gift, and they were such a treat. I expected the chocolate to be bitter at first bite, but it had this really unique sweetness that kicked in after. Each one was rich, smooth, and beautifully made. Definitely makes me want to stop by the shop and see what else they have! read more

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I was looking forward to trying this store which recently relocated to Bethesda. unfortunately I was disappointed. I bought a hazelnut truffle, an espresso truffle, and a chocolate almond chewy caramel. The hazelnut truffle had no discernible hazelnut flavor, the espresso truffle had no discernible coffee flavor, and I have no idea how the caramel tasted because it was so hard it was literally impossible to chew. read more

Amazing chocolate and friendly staff! Have not been in several years when I got stuff for my wife when we started dating but need to go back. read more

Delicious candies, very clean store, very nice employees. Highly recommend. A local tradition. Makes great gifts.

If you like a little sweet somethin' somethin' after a meal then Velatis is for you. They have a long history in the DC area and somehow they have ended up in Silver Spring, Md. When you first walk into this shop you olfactory senses will be overcome with bliss. The sweet smells of sugary confections is sure to bring a smile to any face. There are three main display cases. One for truffles (large and small), one for chewy caramels, and one for sugary caramels. I have to admit that I have only had the sugary version (so many fillings...) so this review is in regard to them. Each sugary caramel comes in one of two bases - chocolate or vanilla. Then there are plain versions of those bases or a variety of versions with different nuts (almonds, pecans, etc.). All told, I think there are six different sugary caramel varieties. The sugary caramels are a more crumbly (though not too much so) version of their chewy brethren. You pop a single small piece in your mouth and it immediately begins to melt while the confection explodes into an amazing symphony of flavors. If you can refrain from making a "yummy sound" after your first bite, you're a stronger human than I. I cannot encourage you enough to try this place out. The staff are amazingly nice and helpful, and after you've tried a single piece you'll be walking out with a half pound at least for sure ($13-$15). BTW, these make great gifts...trust me, my friends like me more than they used to ;-) read more

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I love having a local chocolate shop to bring caramels, truffles, chocolate, bark, and other goodies as unique treats from Silver Spring. The quality is great and the taste is wonderful. It's a bit pricey, but worth it. There's also a rewards program to help you save. I have to yet to meet someone who didn't like the chocolates! There are festive chocolates to get you in the mood for different holidays and seasons, and baked goods as well. You can sort of see the kitchen where the magic happens and occasionally get to try samples. Highly recommend it! read more

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I stumbled upon the chocolate emporium while touring DTSS waiting for my car to be fixed! I decided I would visit a few favorites and definitely check out something I've never seen before! Well, lo and behold I found Willy Wonka's long lost chocolate factory's cousin. Apparently the velatis has been around since before I was born. Velatis has been making small batch gourmet handcrafted caramels since 1866. You can choosing from a wide selection of handcrafted caramels, toffees, sea salt turtles, truffles, Belgian chocolates and other sweet treats! I highly recommend the chocolate chip cookies with the toffee on top. It was epic!!! read more

The Original Velatis - Cookies - Desserts Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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These goodies are a luxury. I love the history of Velatis caramels. The original opened at 9th and G St. in 1866! Now Silver Spring can claim them as their own. The store front is tiny. I believe this was formerly an Army recruiting center, but had been vacant for many years. They have a huge kitchen in back that you can peer into from the front counter. I bought a little bag ( 1/4 #) of chocolate chewy almond caramels. They cost me $8 for about 14. A wee bit pricey, but oh so good! They are very sweet not like the soft caramels that get stuck in your teeth. I tried a piece of fudge, which was OK, but not memorable. Stick with the caramels. It's what they've been doing for over 144 years. read more

The Original Velatis - Velatis caramels - Desserts Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

- Kind customer service. - Amazing truffles, caramels, and cupcakes. - Always great reviews from the loved ones who I gifted from here read more

Featuring classic Italian caramels and chocolates that will melt in your mouth and will bring you to a state of happiness! They are known for their European sugary-style caramels and their American chewy-style caramels. My favorite are the traditional sugary-style but you'll just have to stop in and experience their varied selection with chocolate and a selection of nuts and other styles. I've been frequenting Velatis for the last five years and always enjoy stopping in. That pales in comparison to their long history of existence since 1860! I doubt that not many businesses have been operating in the DC area for that long! It's a Washington, DC institution and every Washingtonian should experience it! read more

-- Insert drooling emoji here -- I grew up in the area, and it's a wonder that I had not heard of Velati's before. They have such a rich history in the DC area. I found my way to Velati's through a Yelp event, and thank goodness for it! The delicious samples I had throughout the event led me to buy some caramels before I left (I'm eating one as I write this!!). I enjoyed both the sugary and the chewy caramels. The sugary ones melt and crumble with each bite -- a lot easier to eat if you've got dental issues. The chewy ones are more "sticky" and what you'd expect from caramel. I prefer the chewy ones, hands down. I bought a 1/2 pound box to bring to work. I mixed four flavors: Caramel Macchiato, Rocky Road, Vanilla Cashew, and Chocolate Almond. OH. MY. GOD. So good. Should've gotten more! Of the 4 flavors, the Vanilla Cashew caramel is definitely the winner. It's so smooth and creamy; just enough cashews for flavor, and doesn't distract from the caramel. The chewy caramels with lots of stuff in them (i.e. the Rocky Road), are easier to eat because of the filling (less sticky). The sea salt turtles are so RICH and individually packaged, which is nice. The Toffee Bark is good too! I will be back. I want to try the truffles and the caramel popcorn next!! read more

The Original Velatis - The chewy caramels. The vanilla cashew is amazing. - Desserts Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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This is the best candy ever!!! I became acquainted with it in the forties and have been following it ever since and ordering it as special gifts for special people. It is wonderful, nothing like it. read more

I popped in here to look at the Valentine's display and buy some chocolate. Cute shop. read more

The Original Velatis - Valentine's display - Desserts Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Velatis caramels have been a favorite treat in my family for four generations now, dating back to when my grandparents would take my dad as a boy to the Velatis counter at Woodward and Lothrop's on F Street downtown. Searching for a Covid-appropriate Mother's Day gift recently I checked online and YES! Velatis was open for business. They shipped two boxes of mixed caramels on Saturday, fresh and just in time for the day. Velatis- the wife and kids want me to pass this message along to you: YUM! Thanks for being there Velatis!!! read more

The door to get in was locked, which was weird. They explained they had been robbed recently. I don't feel comfortable going into a place that has to unlock the door just to let a customer enter. We got three different types of chocolates which were all tasty, but not worth the price or inconvenience. read more

The good old times....never tasted so good! This modest storefront on Georgia Avenue, next to the historic Silver Spring Post Office is a gem by its own rights and one of the best hidden candy secrets in the DC! I'm talking way before "It's Sugar" and...even "Godiva Chocolatier!".....there was Velatis! Velatis, known for its caramels, has a long history of making an assortment of confectionery goods....the old fashioned way. This store has business origins and a lineage of operations dating back to 1866! Located across the street from my barber shop, I have always seen this store and wanted to try them. So after getting a fresh cut and "swag" maintenance last Saturday, I decided to finally venture into Velatis and sample their caramels. Even before I walked through the door, I got a big whiff of the pleasant aroma of butter, fudge, sugar, and sensory-overload from their candy confections. I mean, my mouth was watering and I was salivating over just seeing all the choices. You could have ringed a bell and made me Pavlov's dog any ole day in this place! The smells from the goods being made in-house were contagious!! Upon entering, I was greeted by a very nice lady who introduced herself as the owner; named Amy I believe. She walked me through the store's selection and gave me a bit of history on the stores' origin. There were over twenty varieties of "chewy" and "sugary" styles of caramel candies made from Old European recipes. But not only did Velatis sell caramels, they also sold a variety of truffles, fudge, toffee and other sweets. For such a small space, I was in awe of the store's selections, history and felt like a kid taking a tour at the Wonka Factory for the first time....except for I was in a 500 square feet box. So it was more of a spin-around tour as oppose to walking sight-see. She also shared a few samples...which was the dang trap that got me hooked! LOL. One taste and I knew I could not leave without buying anything. So I narrowed my choices to: The Vanilla Chewy Pecan Caramel, Chocolate Sea Salt Turtle, and the highlight of the visit...something called "Amy's Toffee Cookie!" EVERYTHING WAS HELLALICIOUS!!.... and I am sure if I could eat everything in the store I would! The Amy Toffee Cookie was a standout on its own and a must try. It was a rich, buttery crisp-moist cookie (similar to a chocolate chip cookie) with bits and pieces of caramel & toffee cracked throughout the cookie. Each bite was a crunchy explosion of heavenly, gluttony pleasure. I was ready to "Tap Out!" and wave the white flag because this cookie was just that good! Admittedly, my experience with caramels do not extend far beyond the occasional pack of Rolos, so it's a bit hard for me to benchmark their quality, but I will say that their merchandise is indeed of good quality and quite tasty. I definitely would recommend those with a sweet tooth giving Velatis a try. Tip: They generate a lot of their business via mail-order online; which is good for anyone not near the DC/Silver Spring, MD borders. Cool gift tins too! read more

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I've seen this place several times , today i took a walk at lunch and stopped . The lady was very nice explained the history of the story and the different goodies they have. I brought the Toffee cookies which we to die for . I can taste the butter in this cookie , I've never tasted a cookie so moist.She also gave me 2 samples of the different caramel. Haven't tasted them but they looked lovely ! read more

The Original Velatis - Desserts Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This is always a must try. The chocolates and caramels are so fine. This is a holiday tradition for gifts. Yum! The employees are friendly and helpful. Great selection read more

My favorite candy is Zours by Mike and likes, second favorite, Sour Patch Kids, third Sour Punch Straws. Get the trend. I don't really like sweet things but I love cake. I entered the store thinking they'd have cupcakes galore to choose, but it was mostly truffles and caramels. The woman who was very helpful and friendly gave me a tour of the glass cases and a sample of their. Vanilla sugary caramel. As I do not care for chocolate. I tried it, ate half and immediately realized I couldn't eat more than one. I felt the cavity growing. Now saying that, it was delicious. just too sweet for my taste. I got a strawberry cheesecake truffle and a caramelized cupcake, which was all they sold. The owner and the woman clerk were both very friendly. The prices are ok I suppose, as I do not enter enough candy stores to give an accurate judgement. I haven't eaten the truffle, but the cupcake felt heavy, as in weight, but lucky for me I love heavy feeling things. The cake is a bit dense but Tastey, but after eating it I can tell why. Under the icing is some of the sugary caramel and regular caramel. The icing is very flavored with caramel but it's light so the sweetness is not over powering. I don't really do sweets, but I definitely would say try them out and I would come again for truffles as gifts. But the cupcakes are delicious and I will come again for those for myself. I love cake! And these are really good! read more

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Have been going since the 60th. Stood in line for my grandfather they were his favorite. Glad to fine them again.

If I could drink the air in this store like it was a milkshake, that would be great. It smells amazing. The caramels are mouth-watering. It's my go-to for little treats and gifts. So delicious and unique. read more

I could never come here since I would only pass by during the weekend, whereas they only seem to be open weekdays during normal business hours. Thankfully I had a few weekday errands in Silver Spring so I decided to finally check it out. I bought some of the chewy caramels: chocolate, vanilla, caramel macchiato, and chocolate marshmallow. I thought the price was fair, given that they specialized in caramels and you could tell that they were high quality (you can see them hand-make the caramel and pour it into molds in the back of the store). They were all delicious! My favorite was the chocolate marshmallow. I loved the texture and the extra sweetness from the marshmallow. They last for two months in the fridge, but they'll need to thaw for a good number of hours before they're ready to eat. The most surprising treat that day, though, was the caramel cupcake. There were several were arrayed in the middle of the store under a glass dome. I couldn't resist. I know the cupcake craze is no more, and now DC has artisan doughnuts (and now, muffins). But sometimes a nice cupcake can really hit the spot when you're looking for a reliably sugary pastry. I hate cupcakes when the crumb is crumbly and dry. This is quite the opposite. The cake holds up because it is dense, chewy, and moist. There is a well of caramel in the center, as well as a huge mound of vanilla icing drizzled with more caramel. Definite sugar rush and well worth it. The caramel cupcake is definitely not something you would (or should) eat every day. Neither are the caramels, but they make for great gifts- locally made for 150 years and counting. I'd rather come here than head towards the ends of the earth in Georgetown, or brave the unfriendliness of Bakeshop and other new popups on U Street, for what I know are reliable, tasty sweets. read more

I am a huge fan!!! Fantastic caramels (I prefer the non chewy) as well as truffles, candies, and cookies. The staff is always friendly and they know their products. A box of their caramels make a great gift and I have done that many times for clients of mine. Make sure stop in and taste some heaven! read more

So I finally stopped into Velatis after eyeing them for years. I hate to say it, but I wasn't terribly impressed. I got a small assortment of the chewy caramels, including the original, marshmallow, and caramel macchiato. While they have a satisfying chewiness and texture, they are just too sweet and lack depth of flavor. I love caramel - really, really love it - and I wanted more vanilla and butter. read more

Good chocolate and caramel. The place is great and the owner is helpful and friendly. I was walking and I stoped by chance and I got lots of stuff. read more

Great for the American sweet tooth! A friend and I visited on a Saturday afternoon, and were offered a freshly made sugary caramel. It was even still warm! While I could not eat many of them and would prefer a strong cup of coffee to go along with it, I did enjoy this unique treat. For later consumption I picked up a few of the smaller truffles. The espresso one ended up being my favorite. Cute local business with a lengthy history, Velati's is the perfect place to pop in to satisfy your sweet tooth or find a gift. read more

We've been here a couple of times, and the service has always been great. They offer a wide selection of caramels and other sweets. I really like their chewy caramels -- they taste fresh and have a nice chewy texture. My favorite is the chocolate with marshmallow caramel. If you don't want a caramel that sticks to your teeth, you can also get the sugary caramels. I'm less of a fan of those though because I don't like how sweet they are. They also fall apart real quick in your mouth. I've also tried their brittle, which I love. Great buttery and sweet taste and crunchy. The reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars though is because of their hot chocolate. Don't ever get it if you're someone who likes chocolate. It was way to sweet, so sweet that I couldn't really taste the chocolate anymore. read more

Josiah was the consummate professional and the chocolate is delicious! He was very knowledgeable about the products.

I am yet to try out the chocolates I got from here but the cupcake.. omg!! It's so smooth n yummm.. I couldn't wait to write down this review.. u must try the cupcakes here!! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! read more

I used to live down the street and frequently visited Velatis for the toffee cookies daily! The bomb dot com, since moving away I don't get here that often but when I do... oh boy oh boy oh boy! The toffee nor the cookies never change, treat yourself... I do! read more

Don't go ANYPLACE else for caramels. This is a bona fide DC institution, that (like too many others) disappeared. Miraculously it returned to Silver Spring a few years back. It isn't just a cute storefront either, the caramels are actually made right there, not in some far away factory with questionable ingredients. Doesn't get any fresher than this folks. If you have a lot of "restored" teeth like I do, or dental work that gets pulled off by chewy caramels, the Velati's "sugary" caramels are just what you need. Great flavor, and not overtly sweet tasting. Even the plain vanilla are wonderful. These make for a nice low fat/cholesterol dessert. Unique texture, these little gems are to be savored. I'm in Silver Spring often, and find Velati's a welcome option to the other chain restaurants/fast food enterprises there. Get a box to keep at home. Storing them in a zip-loc bags prevents them from getting hard or stale. read more

The sugary vanilla caramel reminds me of praline. They are simply delicious. If you have nut allergies, ask & confirm the nut content in other items sold. I had cookies that were said to be nut free, but had walnuts (the one nut I'm allergic to). I'll stick to the caramel. The quality ingredients are evidence in every bite. read more

Very high quality and very delicious! Staff is very friendly and the lady up front (Amy?) was really helpful with their candy options. Not cheap, but you'll be very satisfied with less and also save some waistline inches without feeling deprived. read more

Whew, finally got around to trying these puppies. I was getting my oil changed at a nearby meineke and remembered reading about these on some food blog. Like the previous reviewers noted the joint is tiny. I think they're more in the distribution side of things and the store front is for bonus revenue. The kitchen in the back is long and fully staffed while the front has just a few displays of the candies. They also sell some truffles made by another vendor but I didn't try any of them. I went straight for their bread and butter. I ordered a 1/2 lb assortment of the crumbly kind and the original type of caramel. It came out to a little over $21 for about 24 pieces.... yea PRICEY. So far I tried a plane original one and a crumbly chocolate one. I'm a big fan of caramels and I have to admit this is probably one of the better original old school types of caramels I've ever had. It's got an incredibly milky flavor so you can enjoy it while you suck on it for the first few moments and then when you chomp down on it it'll get stuck all over your teeth. Awesome. The crumbly kind was some sort of chocolate flavored variety, and although it tasted fine, when I eat caramels I want that smooth texture and stick to your teeth goodness. I don't quite understand Patrica B's review because what she describes as bad is what I consider good qualities in caramel candies. Most of the stuff you get a the local convenience store's use some sort of corn syrup and add some sort of powder to lessen the "laffy taffy"ness of the caramel candy. I think caramels just one of those candies that will never be universally loved as chocolate. They do lose a star for being so pricey, but everyone should consider the companies been around for over a 100 years and won a few awards, they must be doing something right. I'd definitely recommend everyone try it at least once and it's also a good alternative to chocolates as a gift. read more

Rude attitude over a parking spot in the alley. Will definitely never visit. May be for some people, but not for me. It's life, and that's ok. read more

I didn't know the history of the shop so I went in because I have a sweet tooth! After learning about the history of Velatis in the region it just made the Carmels that much more delicious! read more

The absolute best caramels anywhere! This is an uniquely Washington institution that has been around forever, started in D.C., and recently moved to its present Silver Spring location. My personal favorite is the Vanilla Caramels, but I have also tried the Black Cherry Brandy, Egg Nog and Pumpkin. I always send a box to my Aunt in Florida, who is from D.C, and remembers this place as a kid like I do. Some of my friends who have tried the Caramels for the first time,just love them! I know live in Frederick, but I make the trip to the present Silver Spring location several times a year. The employees are extremely friendly and helpful. Keep up the great work! read more

I saw this in a food magazine and went in to try their classic toffee that was featured in the magazine. It was indeed as the magazine described it. Really good and a good gift read more