It’s spooky season. Sweet.
And, no tricks, the treats around here aren’t just for kids.
From a speakeasy tucked away behind a vintage candy shop to mouth-watering, Southern-style pralines to throwback candies that will bring you back in time, Spring Branch Management District businesses offer an array of goodies for adults to enjoy while the kids sort through their hauls from trick-or-treating.
Aye Candy
1849 Bingle Rd.
www.ayecandyhtx.com
The candy at the candy shop that is the “front” for the Spring Branch District’s new speakeasy, Aye Candy, isn’t actually for sale but — we found out on a recent visit — they do allow sampling.
As your hostess leads you through a secret entrance into the 25+ bar area, you’ll find yourself immersed in a glamorous new atmosphere where the only trick (from experience) is being able to see the menu if you’re over a certain age due to the dim lighting.
Meanwhile, the treats come in the form of wickedly good cocktails.
One fun cocktail in keeping with the season is the Wonka-Tini, a blend of vodka, crème de vanille, Licor 43, heavy cream and white chocolate, topped off with a chocolate garnish.
Aye Candy is planning a Halloween party for Oct. 31 with a costume contest when you are encouraged to dress scary or sexy. (On a normal day, by the way, the bar doesn’t allow hats, flip-flops, athletic wear or shorts. So, come dressed as a grown up.)
We love the drink specials available during Happy Hour Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as the candy charcuterie board available every day that will make even the biggest kid squeal with delight over the chocolate-covered strawberries, assortment of sour and chocolate candies, caramel popcorn and even a pack of candy cigarettes because we’re all adults here, right?
Rocket Fizz
7620 Katy Freeway, Suite 315
https://rocketfizz.com
Speaking of candies for adults, Rocket Fizz at the Marq’E Houston offers a gigantic selection of bottled soda pop and candy, many of which will launch you back in time to when you were a kid.
And, of course, we’re pretty sure those under 18 will find a whole lot of yummy things to enjoy at Rocket Fizz as well.
Enter with caution, though, because you will find yourself, well, like “a kid in a candy store.”
Sweet Taste of Texas Southern Style Candies
110681 Haddington Dr., Suite 160
https://sweettasteoftexas.com/
Texas-centric and holiday gifts are the bread and butter at Sweet Taste of Texas but, of course, pralines, chocolate caramel and pecan turtles taste good during the month of October, too. So, why wait for Christmas?
The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Just try to leave without buying some luscious, creamy fudge. We double dog dare you.
Las Delicias Mexicanas #3
2404 Gessner
https://lasdeliciasmexicanas.com/
If you’re looking for something truly special — and traditional — for your Halloween treat bucket, visit Manuel Barba’s Spring Branch outpost of Las Delicias Mexicanas — “the only dulcería (candy store) around whose main products sold are our own name brand candies.”
Barba specializes in bringing 100 percent purely Mexican products from various regions of Mexico.
Party Piñatas Houston
1905 Gessner
http://partypinatashouston.com
Why not toss that haul of traditional Mexican candies into a traditional piñata, which are available at Las Delicias Mexicanas, but also at another local family business that has been proudly serving the area since 2001.
At Party Piñatas Houston, you can get a candy piñata in the shape of a piece of candy — as well as a ghost, cat, pumpkin and even a martini glass. Or, perhaps, it’s a Wonka-tini glass.
— Dorothy Puch Lillig
