Schmidt's Candy Introduce
Welcome to a true New York City treasure—Schmidt’s Candy. Tucked away in the heart of Woodhaven, Queens, right beneath the elevated Jamaica Avenue train line, this chocolate shop is not just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it's a living piece of local history. Operating continuously since 1925, Schmidt’s Candy has been serving generations of New Yorkers with its superb, handcrafted confections. From its humble beginnings as a soda fountain, it has evolved into a dedicated chocolatery known for its adherence to old-world German recipes and commitment to quality.
In a city constantly changing, this family-owned, women-owned small business stands as a testament to enduring tradition. When you step inside, you are transported back in time, surrounded by the original, antique display cases and a nostalgic atmosphere that is a rarity in modern New York. The delightful aroma of fresh, hand-dipped chocolate is your guide, promising an extraordinary dessert experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year. For anyone seeking authentic, quality sweets and a taste of old New York charm, Schmidt’s Candy is an essential stop.
Location and Accessibility
Schmidt’s Candy is conveniently situated at 94-15 Jamaica Ave in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens, NY 11421, USA. Its location is a genuine piece of NYC iconography, positioned directly underneath the elevated subway tracks.
For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the shop offers excellent accessibility:
- Subway: The shop is located very close to the J train’s Woodhaven Blvd. station. Passengers on the J or Z lines can easily disembark and find the store right on Jamaica Avenue, making it a quick and straightforward trip from other parts of Queens or Brooklyn.
- Bus: Several MTA bus routes service the Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard area, including the Q56 bus, which has a stop conveniently located near the intersection of 96th Street and Jamaica Ave, just a short walk from the store.
- Car and Parking: Jamaica Avenue is a busy commercial thoroughfare, and local parking can be challenging, as is common in many dense New York City neighborhoods. Street parking is available, but users should be mindful of meters and local regulations, as the neighborhood is noted for a lack of abundant parking. Given the store’s proximity to mass transit, public transportation is often the recommended way to visit.
In terms of physical access, Schmidt’s Candy is committed to welcoming all members of the community, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance. This ease of access, combined with its prime location under the 'El,' cements its status as a highly accessible local landmark.
Services Offered
As a dedicated chocolatier and candy store, Schmidt’s Candy provides a variety of services focused on delivering the freshest, highest-quality sweets to its customers. The emphasis is on a traditional, personalized shopping experience.
- Hand-Dipped and Hand-Crafted Chocolates: The core offering is their exquisite line of chocolates and confections, made on-premises using time-tested family recipes. This includes a wide array of dark and milk chocolate treats filled with nuts, jellies, creams, and more. Their hand-dipped treats, such as cordial rum-centered cherries, are particularly famous.
- Specialty Confections: Beyond chocolate, the store sells a variety of classic candy store items, including assorted jellies, nougats, and other delightful sweet treats.
- Custom Assortments and Gift Boxes: Customers can "build their own" gift boxes, personalizing their selection from the trays of fresh chocolates. This is a highly valued service, especially during holidays.
- Seasonal and Novelty Molds: The shop features a rotating selection of novelty chocolate items, crafted using new and vintage molds dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, perfect for holidays like Easter (chocolate bunnies), Valentine's Day (chocolate hearts), and Christmas.
- In-Store Pickup and Takeout: The store is set up for quick visits, allowing patrons to easily grab their favorite sweets and be on their way.
- Delivery: For added convenience, the business offers delivery service options for customers who prefer to enjoy their handmade chocolates at home.
- Payment Flexibility: The business accepts various modern payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a smooth checkout process.
Features / Highlights
Schmidt’s Candy is distinguished by a collection of features that highlight its historical significance, unique product quality, and deep connection to the Woodhaven community.
- Historic Legacy Since 1925: The business has operated from the same location on Jamaica Avenue for nearly a century, making it a celebrated and long-standing Woodhaven landmark. It was even featured on a special Woodhaven version of the Monopoly board in 1978.
- Hand-Made and Hand-Dipped Quality: Unlike mass-produced candy, all of Schmidt's signature chocolates are handcrafted and meticulously hand-dipped on-site, using original, high-quality ingredients and German-immigrant, old-world chocolate recipes.
- Third-Generation, Women-Owned Small Business: The shop is currently run by Margie Schmidt, the granddaughter of the founder, maintaining a direct line of family ownership that has preserved the traditional methods and original equipment, including a classic copper kettle and marble tables.
- Authentic Nostalgia and Retro Decor: The interior provides a genuine "walk back in time," featuring original, prohibition-era showcases, antique display cases from other long-gone neighborhood stores, and vintage molds for its chocolate novelties. This unique atmosphere is a major draw for customers across generations.
- Exceptional Desserts and Customer Favorites: Known throughout Queens for offering a "Great dessert" experience, one of the shop's all-time top-sellers is the chocolate with jelly filling. Customers frequently praise the freshness and superior taste of all the homemade sweets.
- Personalized Customer Service: The owner is known for her welcoming, courteous service and willingness to allow customers to sample chocolates, fostering a friendly and personalized shopping atmosphere that is cherished by local patrons.
- Seasonal Closures: The shop traditionally observes a break during the hottest summer months to ensure the integrity and quality of the chocolate, typically closing around late May and reopening in September.
Contact Information
To plan your visit or inquire about their current selections, you can reach Schmidt's Candy using the following details:
- Address: 94-15 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA
- Phone: (718) 846-9326
What is Worth Choosing
Schmidt's Candy is a rare and invaluable diamond in the New York City confectionery landscape. Choosing Schmidt’s is choosing a piece of history, unparalleled quality, and genuine small-business charm. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:
For New Yorkers, this shop represents a bridge to the past. Many customers are second and third-generation patrons, bringing their own children and grandchildren to experience the same childhood joy. The old-time neighborhood store feel, with its beautiful tile floors, vintage scales, and original display cases, creates an emotional connection that you simply cannot find at a chain store. This unique atmosphere, combined with the assurance of an original, family-run enterprise, makes the experience itself a major attraction.
Crucially, the quality of the product is second to none. The owner's unwavering dedication to using traditional, preservative-free recipes and the painstaking process of hand-dipping every piece ensures a freshness and flavor that far surpasses packaged alternatives. Patrons consistently rave about the taste, confirming that everything from the sugar cinnamon cream covered in chocolate to the handmade caramels are "really good" and superior to what is found elsewhere. For a quick visit to pick up a truly memorable dessert, a thoughtful gift, or a nostalgic treat, Schmidt’s Candy provides the best of New York’s heritage and artisanal food culture. By supporting this women-owned, small business, you are helping to preserve an irreplaceable New York City landmark.
Schmidt's Candy Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
- Small business
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great dessert
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Dining options
- Dessert
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Schmidt's Candy Photos










Schmidt's Candy Location
Schmidt's Candy
94-15 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA
Schmidt's Candy Reviews
handpriceshistorykidcandy storedark chocolategenerationsjellypretzelsold fashioned
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Wonderful old fashioned Candy store. Their specialty is Chocolates. The service is very good. There is a large variety of Chocolates. They also have an assortment of other sweet treats. The prices are reasonable and the decor is nice. The Chocolates I took home were 😋. This is a true 💎 in Woodhaven.
April 17 · Vivianne BarrettoI got to stop by Schmidt's Candy Store yesterday for the first time. The owner was very welcoming and courteous. She let me sample some chocolates, and they were really good. So, I bought an assortment of various handmade chocolates.Tips: They are closing for the summer on May 28 (or earlier if chocolate runs out), and reopening in Semtember.
May 27 · YoshiBeen going to Schmidt’s for years and years. Margie and Flo are two of my favorite people. I was going in there when her grandfather was serving ice cream. I always get portions of candy for presents. GREAT PLACE.
July 24 · Tomo HammondAs soon as you walk in, you immediately take in the smell of all of the candy and homemade chocolate. They have a huge selection of milk&dark chocolates/chocolate covered things. I would definitely recommend visiting here if you ever get the chance.
March 23 · RonanAmazing find. The owner was so great and passionate about her trade. At first glance the place was a little daunting but after trying a few samples i realized this was the real deal. Everything was fresh and homemade. A very cool place clearly specializing in chocolates.
March 26 · D-Rob Travel Co
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