If Willy Wonka ever opened a real-life shop in Oregon, it would look a lot like this one. Hidden in plain sight on NE 181st Avenue in Portland, Candy Basket Inc. is part vintage candy shop, part working chocolate factory, and entirely enchanting. With its irresistible aroma, handcrafted sweets, and a 21-foot chocolate waterfall that feels straight out of a storybook, this century-old candy haven is where nostalgia meets magic.
A Century-Old Sweet Spot
Forget flashy pop-ups or viral candy stunts — this isn’t one of them. The Candy Basket has been a Portland staple since 1914, quietly perfecting the art of chocolate-making for more than a hundred years. From the outside, the building is modest and unassuming, nestled in an industrial stretch of east Portland. But step through the doors, and it’s like stepping into another world — one that smells of sugar, cocoa, and caramel, and feels like childhood reborn.
Shelves are lined with rows of brightly wrapped candies, jars brimming with taffy and caramels, and tables piled high with glossy chocolates. Every corner evokes a sense of timeless wonder.
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The Famous 21-Foot Chocolate Waterfall
Then there’s the showstopper — a 21-foot cascading chocolate waterfall, one of the tallest in the world. Thick ribbons of molten chocolate flow continuously down a multi-tiered fountain, creating a mesmerizing sight and an even more intoxicating smell.
Visitors often pause in awe, some snapping photos, others simply taking in the moment. It’s the kind of whimsical spectacle that would make even Willy Wonka proud — extravagant yet genuine, rooted in craftsmanship rather than gimmick.
Handcrafted Perfection in Every Bite
Behind the wonderland exterior lies a team of master chocolatiers who treat candy-making as an art form. Every truffle, cluster, and caramel is handcrafted in small batches using real vanilla, fresh cream, roasted nuts, and premium cocoa beans sourced from around the globe.
There are no shortcuts here — no artificial coatings, fillers, or synthetic flavors. Each piece is tempered by hand, a delicate process that requires precise heating, cooling, and stirring to achieve the perfect snap, sheen, and texture. It’s an old-world craft that few still practice at this scale, and it shows in the first melt-in-your-mouth bite.
“The tempering process is like a dance between science and intuition,” one chocolatier explained. “You can’t rush it — chocolate tells you when it’s ready.”
A Treasure Trove of Classics and Oregon Originals
Walking through the aisles feels like browsing through a living museum of confectionery history. You’ll find classics like peanut brittle, saltwater taffy, and caramel creams right alongside modern delights such as dark chocolate sea salt caramels and espresso truffles.
Many recipes trace back generations, lovingly preserved instead of replaced. But the shop also embraces its Oregon roots — with specialties like marionberry creams, milk chocolate–covered hazelnuts, and buttery toffees made from Pacific Northwest dairy. Each bite feels like a tribute to the state’s local bounty and rich culinary tradition.
More Than a Shop — A Piece of Portland’s Heart
Part of what makes The Candy Basket so special is its personality. The staff greet visitors with genuine smiles and a deep love for their craft, often sharing stories about how certain recipes or molds have been used for decades.
The atmosphere is warm and cheerful, with checkered floors, colorful displays, and an old-fashioned charm that feels refreshingly real. For locals, it’s a beloved institution; for newcomers, it’s a delightful discovery that feels instantly familiar.
There’s no admission fee to enjoy the chocolate waterfall, and visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace. You can fill a bag with nostalgic sweets, pick out a box of assorted truffles, or simply stand near the fountain, letting the aroma of warm chocolate wash over you.
A Legacy of Sweetness That Endures
Over the years, The Candy Basket has become woven into Portland’s cultural fabric — not through hype, but through heritage and heart. It represents the kind of craftsmanship and authenticity that’s increasingly rare in today’s world of mass production.
Every piece of candy that leaves the shop carries a bit of that legacy: more than 100 years of dedication to the simple joy of sweetness. It’s not just a business — it’s a living reminder that some things are worth preserving the old-fashioned way.
As one frequent visitor put it, “It’s impossible to leave without smiling — and without a bag of chocolate.”
Visit Oregon’s Sweetest Landmark
If you’re ready to experience this chocolate wonderland for yourself, make your way to Candy Basket Inc., located at 1924 NE 181st Avenue, Portland, Oregon. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary during holidays.
For the latest updates, call (503) 666-7097 or check their website before your visit. With free parking right out front and a welcoming atmosphere inside, it’s the perfect stop for both locals and travelers seeking a little sweetness in their day.
Whether you’re there for the handmade truffles, the nostalgic candies, or just to stand mesmerized before the towering chocolate waterfall, one thing is certain — this Portland gem would make Willy Wonka proud.
