When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
River Street Sweets
Why River Street Sweets is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
River Street Sweets, founded in 1973, is Savannah's oldest candy store famous for its authentic southern confections such as handmade pralines, saltwater taffy, and homemade pecan pies. Located on the scenic historic waterfront, it offers a unique experience where candies and ice cream are made fresh daily in front of customers, blending tradition with engaging, old-fashioned hospitality. The store is housed in a charming historic building with character that complements its nostalgic sweet treats. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of candies, chocolates, gelato, and fudge, making it an attractive spot for friends to meet. The free samples tradition encourages guests to try before they buy, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. River Street Sweets' location on the River Walk and its reputation for quality Southern delicacies make it an iconic and sweet destination in Savannah for locals and tourists alike.
Here's what people think of River Street Sweets
As of recent, River Street Sweets holds a 4.3-star rating based on 323 reviews.
Customer reviews highlight River Street Sweets as a beloved spot with a strong 4.3-star rating based on over 320 reviews. Positive feedback often praises the store for its delicious pralines, fresh fudge, and excellent gelato flavors such as key lime. Reviewers appreciate the friendly staff, the generous sampling of products, and the store's inviting historic ambiance. Many express repeat visits during their stays in Savannah, drawn by the quality and nostalgic vibe. However, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as limited seating, pricing perceived as a bit high, or crowding during peak tourist seasons. There are also mentions of inconsistencies in product availability. Despite these points, the overall sentiment remains very favorable with many guests recommending it as a must-visit for sweet treats in Savannah. The positive reviews strongly outweigh the negatives, confirming River Street Sweets’ status as a cherished local and tourist favorite for Southern handmade sweets.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Toledobunny Of Ohio
Well, this was a pleasent experice so many nostolgic candy, i have seen in a long time, I enter this place on a whim, and it was worth it, the candy apples are huge, parline are super soft i was expecting them to be hard but it wasnt't, i wanted to try a sample of thier ice cream, but didnt get a chanve too, next time!, its a bit pricey, but its nice memory lane moment full of candy,sweets, and treats. I gave it a 4 because i wasnt able to sample the ice cream.
Princess Tae
Catiera was / is such a doll. We love Catiera !! She was super helpful, knowledgeable & caring about customers. She greeted me soon as I walked in & even offered me a sample of the original praline.. it was amazing & I bought some, along with other clusters. This is my favorite sweet store & now I have a favorite cashier ! Thank you sweetie , I hope you have a great day !
Crystal Watson
UPDATE!: thank you so much to the owner for reaching out to me and taking swift action prior to my review. I’m so excited to go back and patronize! ————— This review is about an employee at the store and not about River street as every time and patronize the store, the service and desserts are always amazing! This is about one specific employee and I’m very upset about the experience I had the other night with a worker there and had never experienced anything like this in my life. I walked into River street at 10:30pm as the door was open and got behind a customer at the register as I was just going to grab a pretzel and rice krispy. A young African American male comes up to me telling me that he can’t help me because they’re closed. Confused because they don’t close until 11pm, the door was open and there will still other patrons were in the store and purchasing desserts, I brought that up to him and it was met with aggression. As a woman who goes in there often alone as I live in the area, I was looking side to side to see if someone was going to come to my defense the way he began raising his voice telling me it didn’t matter, just leave. In shock, something told me to start recording for my safety, I just kept asking if this was really happening and was he serious. He then said he’d call the cops on me, so I said “okay”. He took off immediately and then came back with the cops who were also confused as to why they were there. I began crying because I just couldn’t believe someone would treat another human this way, he then comes out and says that he’ll give me a free pretzel(which confused me and the cops even more). Mind you, I have all of this on video and looking back over it, I’m disgusted even more by this young man’s behavior and I’m honestly scared and embarrassed to even go back there in fear of this employee being there. I have debated posting the video on my TikTok and Instagram and am still processing this internally. Like I said, the customer service and desserts are always 10/10! This is about the one employee that met my questions (with a calm demeanor) with aggression and threats. The cop even mentioned that he didn’t know why he was trying to kick me out when the door was still open and it wasn’t even time for them to close up yet. It seemed as if he was trying to leave early as erratic as he was acting. Unfortunately I didn’t get his name (I was just processing that this was really happening) but this is what he looks like. Please beware of him you guys and I strongly suggest that River street takes action to prevent anything similar happening to another woman!
Sharyn M
Recently visited from Chicago and purchased a lot of pralines & chocolates for gifts. I was somewhat indecisive and Joe was very patient and helpful. He also made me aware of the sale going on which was a great deal. Joe did a great job packing everything and was very friendly.
Ciera Johnson
Came in on Monday 9/7/25, it was my first time visiting. With some much options i became overwhelmed. I guess the employee who looked like she was count items, maybe doing inventory, realized i was overwhelmed. Because she stop what she was doing and approached me and asked if this was my first time in. She then took the time explain the concept of River Street Sweets, and she let me sample a few items. She asked me about my taste buds and suggested a few things. I ended up purchasing, Blueberry DC Truffles, DC Almond Clusters, DC Almond Bear Claw, and a bag of caramel popcorn. Everything she suggested was amazing! I am writing this review because I haven’t experienced this kind of customer service in such a long time. She was so patient, polite, and genuine. Our interaction took almost 35mins, and I apologize multiple times for being so difficult and indecisive. She reassured me that it’s okay and completely fine. She would once said, “I was a customer before I was an employee! “ I was so amazed by her customer service that I asked another employee if i could speak to the manager and so I can let them know how well of an employee she was. The employee let me that she was the Store Manager. I was so shocked that a Store Manager was so humble and that she never once mentioned her title. So, to Jede from River Street Sweets at The Battery ! Thank you for making my day so great!
How to reach River Street Sweets
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Website: None
Why River Street Sweets may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at River Street Sweets with your friends? Because it’s more than just a candy store—it’s a sweet experience that blends history, craftsmanship, and Southern charm into one unforgettable outing. Nestled in Savannah, Georgia’s historic waterfront area, River Street Sweets has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1973 with its homemade pralines, fudge, saltwater taffy, and other Southern delicacies. The ambiance is lively, filled with the enticing aroma of freshly made candy and the joyful buzz of artisans crafting confections right before your eyes. Sharing such an immersive sensory experience with friends creates a natural bonding moment as you all sample treats, watch candy-making demonstrations, and explore the rich heritage behind the sweets. With a 4.3-star rating from over 300 reviews, this spot has won the hearts of many, making it the perfect rally point to enjoy playful indulgence together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a meetup with old pals, or a casual hangout, River Street Sweets offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where taste buds and friendships are both sweetened and strengthened.
What types of activities does River Street Sweets offer for groups? The centerpiece is the live candy-making demonstrations visible to all guests, where visitors can witness craftsmen hand-dipping pralines, stretching saltwater taffy, and prepping fudge on marble slabs. This interactive viewing is both educational and entertaining, sparking conversation and delight among groups as they learn the secrets behind authentic Southern sweets. Guests are invited to sample fresh candies as they are made, a tradition that originated from the very first batch of pralines handed out as samples in the 1970s. Sharing these freshly made samples encourages a festive communal vibe perfect for mingling. Beyond candy tastings and demos, visitors can browse a charming retail section stocked with treats including pecan pies, chocolate bear claws, and grab baskets designed to be shared. These baskets come in 10 different sizes, making it easy to cater to any group size or occasion. The combination of hands-on experience, generous sampling, and unique product variety makes River Street Sweets an ideal gathering spot for friends and family eager to create memories over shared delights.
Why is River Street Sweets perfect for group meetups? First, its longstanding family-run legacy means it’s built on bringing people together with care and warmth. Since opening in 1973, it’s maintained a deep connection to Southern hospitality, reflected in friendly staff and an inviting store layout designed to encourage group interaction. The open kitchen concept means groups never feel isolated; everyone can watch and chat about how the candy is crafted. Plus, the historic location on Savannah’s scenic waterfront adds a picturesque backdrop that enhances the experience with views to match the sweets. The wide variety of handmade candies caters to diverse tastes—whether your group craves nuts, chocolate, or fruity flavors, there’s something special for all palates. For larger groups, the availability of hand-packed gift baskets is a bonus for sharing or taking home. The 4.3-star rating and positive reviews highlight consistent customer satisfaction, reinforcing confidence that your meetup will be enjoyable. Altogether, these elements create an environment where friends can relax, laugh, and savor quality time over genuine Southern treats.
What unique features set River Street Sweets apart from other candy shops? Beyond the charming historic atmosphere and family recipes handed down since the 1970s, River Street Sweets offers an authentic Southern confectionery experience rarely found elsewhere. Their pralines, made with fresh Georgia pecans, cream, butter, and sugar, remain true to original recipes developed by the Strickland family. The shop also boasts an open candy kitchen allowing guests a “behind-the-scenes” look at the candy-making process—an attraction that fosters curiosity and appreciation for artisanal skill. Unlike generic candy retailers, every product is handmade on-site with no shortcuts, preserving quality and tradition while showing genuine craft. The story of how their pralines were first perfected, complete with marble slabs and buttering techniques, adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to each bite. This heritage and dedication to freshness shine through in the taste, making River Street Sweets a destination for serious candy lovers and heritage enthusiasts alike. Their iconic fudge, praline pots, and saltwater taffy, paired with unique chocolate treats like bear claws, make it a place with a deliciously distinctive character perfect for creating lasting memories together.
How do group members benefit from the River Street Sweets experience? Meeting up here is not just about eating candy; it’s about experiencing history, craftsmanship, and Southern culture together in a multi-sensory way. Sampling freshly made pralines and fudge as a group invites lively discussions about flavors and preferences, fostering shared enjoyment and playful debates on favorites. Watching the candy artisans in action adds entertainment value that engages all ages, making it suitable for family outings or multi-generational meetups. The welcoming ambiance encourages interaction, photos, and storytelling, ensuring your visit becomes a fun event rather than just a quick stop. For groups celebrating milestones or holidays, the shop’s gift options and customizable baskets offer thoughtful souvenirs and tokens to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, the accessible location on Savannah’s popular River Street along the waterfront presents an opportunity for group members to extend their visit with scenic walks, nearby dining, or other local attractions, making the meetup both sweet and well-rounded. These shared moments contribute to deepening friendships and creating joyful reminiscences anchored by River Street Sweets’ unique offerings.
What do the positive reviews say about group visits to River Street Sweets? Patrons consistently highlight the inviting atmosphere, the high quality and freshness of the candies, and the enjoyable interactive demonstrations as key reasons for their satisfaction. Many reviews mention how the sampling tradition, rooted in the company’s history, enhances the social aspect by encouraging guests to try many products and share opinions vigorously with friends. The friendly staff often receives praise for their helpfulness and welcoming demeanor, adding a personal touch that makes groups feel cared for. The variety of products ensures that even picky eaters or those with differing preferences can find something delightful, which is essential for group harmony. In reviews, visitors also emphasize the location’s charm on historic River Street, noting that the surrounding environment complements the experience perfectly for a fun day out. With a 4.3 average rating from over 300 customers, it’s evident that groups walk away pleased, often recommending the store as a must-visit spot for candy lovers meeting in Savannah.
What makes River Street Sweets a good choice for family gatherings? The store’s warm, familial roots naturally extend to its guests, creating a homey environment that welcomes children and elders alike. The hands-on experience of watching candy being made is especially appealing to younger family members, sparking curiosity and wonder, while the nostalgic feel resonates with older generations familiar with Southern traditions. The wide assortment of candies caters well to a range of tastes and dietary needs, including classic pralines, fudge, and pecan pies, satisfying sweet tooths young and old. The open, engaging retail space invites families to linger and explore at their own pace, making it easy to turn a simple visit into a memorable outing. Moreover, the availability of gift baskets and customizable treats means families can bring home shared reminders of the day or gifts for relatives unable to attend, extending the joy beyond the visit itself. Together, these features ensure that family meetups at River Street Sweets are filled with laughter, discovery, and of course, delicious sweetness.
How can friends make the most of their River Street Sweets meetup? Planning your visit around the candy-making demonstrations maximizes the entertainment value—timing your arrival to see fresh pralines or taffy being prepared adds an insider’s thrill. Engaging with the staff to learn more about the recipes and history can enrich your appreciation and spark fun conversations. Sharing one or more of the grab baskets is an excellent way to experience a variety of treats without overwhelming your taste buds, creating moments for tasting games or flavor comparisons. Take advantage of photo opportunities with the colorful candy displays and the bustling waterfront scene just outside to capture memories. Finally, extend your outing by exploring the nearby shops and eateries on historic River Street to round out the day with local flavor and atmosphere, making your meetup a multi-dimensional Savannah adventure centered on joy, sweetness, and friendship.
Why is River Street Sweets an ideal meetup spot beyond candy? Besides irresistible sweets, its location in Savannah’s vibrant historic district makes it a cultural and social hub. The waterfront area is a well-known gathering place featuring scenic views, public art, and nearby attractions perfect for a stroll or group photos. The store’s heritage as Savannah’s oldest candy shop lends an air of historic authenticity that enriches the visit beyond mere consumption. Families and friends can combine a sweet treat stop with exploration of the rich architectural and natural beauty the city offers. Moreover, the store exudes Southern hospitality, with an inviting vibe that encourages mingling and enjoyment. Groups can bond not only over confectionery delights but also through shared experiences of history, place, and community, making River Street Sweets a multifaceted destination for meaningful meetups that satisfy both palate and spirit.