SFist Holiday Gift Guide: See's Candies
First of four entries that look into your chocolate-related purchases for this holiday season
See's Candies was founded in L.A. in 1921, but they've had stores here in San Francisco since 1936. While the company became part of Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway empire in 1972, there's nothing about See's stores that would indicate any sort of corporate obnoxiousness or impropriety. The parent company has apparently kept its hands off, and the result is one of the best darned candy stores out there, period. While See's has shops across the nation, they are definitely California-centric.
The stores (six of them in San Francisco, plus quite a few kiosks at SFO) always seem to be just the right size -- large enough to notice, but small enough as to be unobtrusive. Prices are very affordable, and the quality is outstanding. Prepackaged mixes are readily available for the shopper on the go, or you can take your time and customize a box of unearthly delight (we recommend the mincemeat, the dark chocolate buttercreams, the datenuts, and the dark caramel patties especially). There are also a variety of souvenir-type collections -- holiday-themed tins, gift packs, and more.
There are some great less expensive and individually wrapped options in addition to the assortments. Candy bars are great and at a buck-fifty are affordable. The new "Awesome Peanut Brittle Bars" are cheaper at a buck, but get a definitive "eh, so-so" grade from us. Milk chocolate coins ($2.60 or so for a little, yellow mesh bag full) are solid and delicious, definitely not that "Easter quality" chocolate with the aged white fringe that you get elsewhere. The classic lollipops are probably the best value, at 50 cents a pop, and last a long, long time if you suck them like a big boy (okay, we chew. Still yummy).
The staff is phenomenal -- patient, cheerful, helpful, and -- BONUS! -- they always give you a sample. MMmmmm.
Quality, value, and one near you -- See's is undoubtedly great for the last-minute scramble, but is also one of the best candy shops around in its own right.
See's is generally open from about 10 a.m.-8 p.m. during the holiday season, but individual store hours vary. San Francisco locations are:
-- 754 Clement Street
-- 1519 Polk Street
-- 846 Market Street
-- The Flat Iron Building (542 Market Street)
-- Stonestown Galleria (3250 20th Avenue) and
-- Three Embarcadero Center