Leon's Candy

Leon’s Candy: A Downtown Nashville Masterpiece of Sweetness and Care If you’re searching for a place where passion meets perfection, look no further than **Leon’s Candy** in the heart of downtown Nashville. This isn’t just a candy store—it’s a sanctuary of sweetness, where every treat is crafted with an extraordinary level of tender love and care. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of handmade chocolates and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family. Leon’s Candy is a true gem, offering an unparalleled selection of artisanal candies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their dark chocolate-covered espresso beans are a revelation—each one is a perfect balance of rich, velvety chocolate and bold, aromatic espresso. These candies aren’t just snacks; they’re tiny works of art, meticulously crafted to delight your senses. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift for someone special, Leon’s Candy delivers an experience that’s nothing short of magical. But the magic doesn’t stop at the candies. Leon’s also serves some of the best coffee in Nashville—yes, I’ll say it: it’s as good as Starbucks, if not better. Every cup is brewed with precision and care, making it the ideal companion to their decadent treats. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a midday break, Leon’s coffee is a must-try for any caffeine lover. What truly sets Leon’s Candy apart, though, is the heart and soul behind the brand. The team here pours their passion into every detail, from the hand-wrapped gift boxes to the warm, personalized service. It’s clear that this isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love. The staff goes above and beyond to make every visit memorable, ensuring that you leave not just with a bag of candies, but with a smile on your face and a story to tell. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Nashville, Leon’s Candy is more than just a stop—it’s a destination. Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring the city’s iconic streets, this charming store is a must-visit. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat, savor a cup of exceptional coffee, or pick up a gift that will leave a lasting impression. Leon’s Candy is a testament to what happens when artistry, quality, and care come together. It’s not just a candy store—it’s an experience, a celebration, and a reminder of the joy that simple pleasures can bring. If I could give it more than five stores I would 10/10

A True Hidden Gem in Downtown Nashville – Leon’s Candy Shop is a Sweet Dream! If you're ever strolling through downtown Nashville, do yourself a favor and stop by Leon’s Candy Shop – one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This place is an absolute treasure trove for candy lovers of all ages. The moment you walk in, you're hit with the delightful aroma of handcrafted sweets and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home. The staff at Leon’s are simply incredible. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do, they go above and beyond to make every customer feel special. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, they greet you with a smile and are more than happy to help you find your new favorite treat or tell you the story behind their confections. And the candy? Out of this world. From old-fashioned classics to creative, one-of-a-kind creations, every bite is bursting with flavor and made with care. You can truly taste the quality and love in every piece. It's the kind of place where you’ll walk in for a quick look and end up walking out with a bag full of goodies and a huge grin. Leon's Candy Shop is a rare find – a hidden gem that captures the magic of a bygone era while delivering top-notch products and service.

This place was next level amazing. He was making fresh caramel so the whole place smelled amazing. I wanted to bath in it. The turtle and the chocolate caramel were amazing it didn't last to get a picture

Hidden gem in Nashville! Can’t believe people aren’t talking more about the best sweet shop around. This place serves up the most delicious pralines (and I don’t usually like nuts paired with chocolate). The service is top notch and the environment is like being in a Harry Potter book. Such a treat!

Brought a tin full on all kinds of chocolates, caramels, and pralines for my parents when I went to visit Nashville last week and we are obsessed. Delicious. The smell inside that little shop was unimaginable. I can't wait to go back and buy even more!

Tucked into an alley but delicious praline. I got the whiskey flavored one and a coffee, and it was the perfect pick-me-up

Dangerously good choc turtles! Quality ingredients; from the rich gooey caramel to the whole roasted pecans all enrobed in wonderful Swiss chocolate... so very fresh and made right there in front of you, so don't even think about buying just one, you will regret it:) The 2 lb. tin is the best dealio @ $45 and @ 22.50 a lb. for that level of quality, its not bad at all despite the touristas location:)

I happened to stumble across this place while site seeing around the city. Down a side street. The place smelled so good inside, though a tiny place. The chocolates were excellent. Got myself a turtle and it was so good. Walk past a little farther to the other side and you’re walking along the water. On this day, we caught the trees blooming. I bet this place is a popular spot for those grabbing a snack before getting some rest in the sun. Check them out!

It's been about 2 years since we were last in Nashville when we came upon Leon's Candy. We made sure that this special place was on our list of places to visit before returning home. We loved the quaint store and the brick walled foyer! Tip: you can get some amazing pictures here. It was so good to see Brook and all of the incredible new flavors and types of pralines they have now. We opted for the creamy caramels and also the salty caramel whiskey pralines. Both were simply amazing! We grabbed 5 of the 1/2 pounds of caramel and 2 small boxes of the salty caramel whiskey pralines... some to give out as gifts to family and friends and some to just to indulge and savor! In truth, you probably can't go wrong with any type kf caramel or pralines! As always, the service was excellent and we'll be back the next time we are in Nashville!

Cute little candy store hidden near Broadway. The coffee was spot on and the pralines, while super sweet, were delicious. The lady working that day was super friendly. There is such a variety of candies to choose from and if you're looking for something quiet to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Broadway, this is it!

Loved the pralines here! They let you try them before you buy too. It's hidden away from the Main Street but worth the search!

I love that this is an adorable local candy shop that still makes everything on site. I really didn't like the consistency of their pralines, but their caramels are delicious! I do like that they infuse different whiskey and bourbons into their caramels for a local twist.

I loved all the pralines I got here. i brought an assortment home as souvenir for my family. They were all delicious- I tried the salted caramel, the original and the milk chocolate. I could easily have eaten 4 of them they were so good.

I visited Leon's Candy years ago on a food tour. What a lovely little shop and a delightful owner. I order the dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt every year for Christmas gifts. The best I have ever tasted. Order early they sell out fast. Worth every calorie!!!!!

Super friendly service and great desserts. We enjoyed the salted praline, chocolate turtle, and original praline (although it has a hint of maple). Make sure to call before going as our second day in town we tried to visit during their advertised hours and they were closed.

It was a little tricky to find the store due to the construction on 2nd but I did and I was very pleased. The staff was great and very helpful. We purchased several different flavors of their pralines. The candy is amazing! Definitely the place to go for delicious candy. They also do mail order which is a plus.

This is a hidden gem just off of Broadway. Came in to buy pralines and found other goodies too. Their caramels are TERRIFIC! Got both salted creamy caramel and creamy caramel. Also bought black walnut pralines (my dad loved them) and pecan and Disaronno Amaretto pralines. My dad also loved their classic pecan pralines.

Amazing history and still family owned. They use the same recipe from the 1800s that is phenomenal. Highly recommend this hidden gem

Every time I get to Nashville, I have to go to have some pralinesat this place. This place is hidden away, but worth finding!! Go past the Wildhorse and find the Butler Run store.You will not be disappointed. I love the fact that they make everything there and it is so fresh. The only place for more authentic pralines is New Orleans.

This place is INCREDIBLE. They do it right here - from everything to using a real copper kettle, to tempering the chocolate, the way it should be done. Five stars worthy, for sure. Their pralines and caramels are divine. Speaking from an East-Coast perspective ... their coffee was bland and way too weak for me. But their chocolate creations - exquisite. The staff were pleasant and polite. Borderline lukewarm - but I was here for the chocolate. I have visited New Orleans LA and been to several places that boasted about being the best. I can say honestly that Leon's Candy is way up there in terms of authenticity --- and standards. Quality. Second to none. Got my vote for sure. Mmmmmm ...

I have to say "thank you" to Ms. Vlahos who personally took the time to call me after reading this review. Apparently, my email was overlooked and once she found it, she immediately called to apologize for the lack of response. Customer service goes a LONG way. Not only did Ms. Vlahos apologize for the candy arriving as it did, but she also apologized for not receiving my email and responding sooner. To "fix" the matter, I received a refund check and a replacement tin of candy. I certainly didn't expect either, so that was a pleasant surprise! The replacement tin of candy was a MUCH better shipment. My candies were not broken apart or melted together as my first shipment was. Along with that, my tin was completely full (whereas the other one was partially filled) and the candies were of great quality. Perhaps during the rush of the holiday season, I just happened to receive a product that was abused during the shipment process.

Plain and simple this was the best caramel I've ever had. Made fresh and you can see it. Cute little Shop with lots of great options for buying for yourself as well as awesome gift ideas and options. The person at the register was super nice and answered all my question. I really LOVED every piece of caramel I had here and will be coming back and ordering more for sure. Also was a bit hit back at the office.

I wanted Nashville treats to bring home from a visit, and Pralines by Leon was one of my stops before heading off to the airport. The service was superior. The gal behind the counter was helpful, patient, and pleasant with which to speak; we discussed our common Midwestern roots among the sights and smells of confections. I selected caramels: sea-salt topped and white chocolate-covered. All I can say is that they were melt-in-your-mouth good! I bought a classic praline too, but didn't have the pleasure of trying it, it was a treat for my dad. Shout-out to Yelp for a free caramel at check-in. That was the icing on the cake, so to say, for my visit! This is a quintessential Nashville stop, especially if you have a sweet tooth (like me).

Seriously, who needs therapy when there are pralines this good in the world? Depressed? Down? Need a little cheer in your life? Then get down to Butler's Run on Second Avenue and add some sugared sunshine to your day. The gooey goodness comes in many varieties at Leon's. Of course, there are your traditional nut-based pralines, like almond, cashew and pecan. Then there are some more of the unique flavors owner Leon Vlahos invented himself, such as the Jack Daniel's, Kentucky Bourbon and Amaretto praline varieties. And the candy contentment extends beyond pralines, such as chocolate turtles, English toffees and caramel pecan rolls thrown into the mix. Need an extra large helping of treat therapy? Try one of Leon's Mix Tins with a little bit of everything thrown in. Trust me - this is one of the few times it's ok to medicate on your own.

Female manager with blonde hair is incredibly rude to people in customer service. Would not recommend based on how she treats people who provide her service in the community. Completely disrespectful and rude. Would not recommend.

Mmmmmmmm Soooo melt-in-your-mouth good. I try to savor it, but it's just too good. Oooo, I want one now!

Wow, am I glad we came across this place. Tucked in a little alleyway is this fantastic candy store. While the assortment is small, what they carry is high quality and very special. Pralines, turtles and caramels were all delicuous. My favorite part is that my son, who has a peanut allergy can actually eat at this place! He rarely gets to taste homemade chocolates as most shops put peanut allergy disclaimers. ..but at this place the owner's granddaughter actually has a peanut allergy so the place is pretty peanut-free...amazing! Thank you for allowing my family to enjoy high quality chocolates all together! Its quiet atnospherr was a welcomed change to the Honky Tonk bar scene. When is Nashville, get off the crowed streets and find this place. It's so worth it!

I found this place by accident while exploring Nashville. It's an unassuming candy shop, but don't be fooled. You are greeted as soon as you walk in the door. Southern hospitality at its finest. The candies are delicious, but I will forewarn you, you are going to end up buying more than you expected. Then when it's gone, you'll be disappointed you didn't buy more while you were there. Go ahead and treat yourself! If you spend too much money there, they'll send you home with a sample of something you didn't buy. It'll end up being delicious and you'll add it to your shopping list for the next time you're there. It's a delicious, vicious cycle!

Smells so good in here. It's cool to get to watch the people work. It's tiny with not a lot of places to sit. The jack Daniels pralines are so good. Can't really taste the alcohol but they're not too super sweet so they're good to me. Nice selection so I think everyone can find something to enjoy.

Myrna was a delight to work with. She made our experience amazing and my husband said the dark chocolate turtle was to die for!!!

THE BEST English Toffee in the world. Salted Creamy Caramels are amazing. Cannot WAIT to try the rest of the treats in my Sampler Tin, which I'll be hiding from spying eyes.

This wonderful little shop off the path, in downtown Nashville is amazing. Not only does it have wonderful candies but has a wonderful story to go along with it. Ran by the wife of late Leon, she fills the store with love and kindness as she makes candies and tells the story of their shop. When closing up shop she let us in to make a purchase for my husband for our anniversary. We will be back every time we visit Nashville and spread the word of her shop.

Went two times in two days of our visit- the toffee and sea salt caramels are awesome. Cute, small place

The sweetest shop. Family run for four generations! My sister and I went three times within 24 hours of being in Nashville-it was THAT good. The Maker's Mark pralines and salted creamy caramel were the can't miss duo. By our third time, we were addicted and raving to the employees. The girl working the counter, Brooke, threw in a couple of extra caramels in my box as a sly thank you. Can't say enough great things about Leon's!

I think this is one of the biggest hidden gems in Nashville! Everything is made in copper right if front of you and the people who work there are the best!! Pralines are awesome but I'm hooked on salted caramel!! If you're downtown this is the candy store to check out. They have samples sometimes too!!!

Home made goodness! I moved from Nashville many years ago and each year dream of my annual holiday tin to arrive. Salty caramel, dark chocolate turtles, candy apples, need I say more? Love them, love them, love them! Jen!

I started a food/culture tour of Nashville here and glad I did because the young girl working here was very friendly and the candy was delicious...glad they ship!

Omg!! I stumbled in here and had the bourbon chocolate praline. I finished the while thing outside it was so good!!

Great Pralines, and a good coffee makes for a snack stop while walking around down town Nashville. Not much to write on this one because they do one thing, but they do it really good!

When I went here I got a chocolate caramel covered apple and some turtles. The chocolate tastes like heaven. True perfection. I recommend this candy shop over Savannah's on Broadway. This place is a precious hidden gem of Nashville.

Paid a visit to this quaint little cafe off the main road and was treated to some delicious bourbon candy , coffee and some warm Southern hospitality. Great people, check it out!

If I could give this place more stars I would! It is our must stop every time we are in Nashville or passing thru! The goodies are amazing, the staff is super friendly! Stop by and sample you won't be sad.

Staff is so friendly. I was greeted at the door. Nice interior decor, quaint, and pretty good chocolate; coffee. Tasted homemade, so it was worth the premium price. A place to stop by for a nice snack.

Best place ever !!!!! Staff is so nice .Pralines are amazing!! Can't leave Nashville without going here for our sweets :)

Been wanting to try this place since it was on the Food Network. I was not disappointed. The pralines were delicious. We tried the dark chocolate and Jack Daniels pralines. This will become a regular stop when we come to Nashville.

Heavenly pralines. A bit pricey, but it has been a long time since I've had something this awesome. So far the bourbon pralines are the favorite of what I've tried. Good for a special treat.

Located off the main street! We stumbled upon it ... Pralines are delicious! The staff is better! The young woman went out of her way to assist me. Exceptional, Exceptional service!

I have been visiting Leon's since 2000 and have searched the world in search for a better Praline to no avail. Enjoy.