“ What a super FUN store! We had a the drink - Big Blue. It was delicious. The staff was super friendly and gave great service. The store has some unique flavored soda and candy. Chicken tenders flavor candy and enchilada flavored soda ”

“ This is just a fun place to drop in while you're down on South Congress in Austin. Do you think that this place is filled with kids? Not on your life and don't even bet on it. More adults here than anybody I've seen. They sell everything from salt water taffy to lollipops and licorice whips. It is a fun novelty shop to come and get your candy on. It's a very long shop with candy packages stacked from the floor to the ceiling. I've got to be careful with my sugar intake but I'm still a kid inside. Very friendly people behind the counter so be careful talking to them. They will have you try things you've never tasted before and anything and everything you didn't want. On top of that, you'll be skipping out the front door with a big smile on your face just like a kid. ”

“ I love this candy shop! Whenever we are in SoCo I always pass by here. They got old school candies and unique ones as well. The vibe is so fun and cool inside it's just fun to take it all in. The people are super nice too! ”

“ Really cool (and whimsically decorated) candy shop! It's bigger on the inside than the storefront's appearance, and the walls are packed with all kinds of candy. They also have a variety of sodas, ice creams, and chocolates to try, reminiscent of old-fashioned ice cream parlors. Some of their soda flavors are strange (e.g. jalapeno or corn) and are probably more for novelty than casual consumption. If you get lost trying to find a particular candy, just ask the staff! They are super friendly and great at radiating positive energy. Since it's located on South Congress, parking is tough and you'll probably have to settle for one of the neighborhood streets (which are metered). If you ever want to feel like a kid again, this is the place to be! ”

“ So much nostalgia here. Amazing candy options! Had fun trying different things. Worth a try! ”

“ Congress has changed in 2024. You have to pay for parking. There is NO meter on the side walk, or a parking box where you use your credit card and a ticket spits out and you display the ticket on your dash. What you actually have to do, is go to the light post where there is a sign, and you have to text a number and they send you a link, after about 15 minutes of filling your information out, then the clock starts ticking. I think they check about every 30 minutes. Be sure to watch the clock and get back to your car before you get a parking ticket. Okay, now on to the actually review of Big Top Candy Shop. Love this place. Just seeing all the candy I used to buy when I was a kid and saved enough money to enjoy the yummies. It's more than just candy to me, it's a glimps of my childhood. I was just talking with a friend about the good Ol' days and we talked about candy and chocolates, etc. Just so happens her birthday is coming up, so I thought I would have a themed present for her, old fashion candy for a classic women. She's also out of state, so I wanted to get something that represented Texas. I got the Dr. Pepper cotton candy. I got Fun Dip which is one of her favorite, and taffy. I'm sure she will get a laugh out her gift. ”

“ Cute little candy shop with a wide selection of gummies! It was cool inside which was great given the weather outside! The candy section in the back was $3.57 per 1/4 pound and it was fun to try out a wide selection of candy. Would come back to try more candy! ”

“ What a fun stop if you are in the congress area. When you step into the shop, you are instantly taken back to a simpler, slower time in life. With old music playing, a gorgeous soda fountain and tons of old and retro candy that will bring you down memory lane. Grab a bag and start hoarding your favorite old candy. Nostalgia central! Before you head out, make sure to grab a scoop of ice cream or to slurp on an old fashioned malt. Bonus, they have super duper weird sodas that make a fun addition to a gift. Imagine opening up a movie themed gift with popcorn, candy and a.... what... corn flavored soda?? Or an enchilada soda! Just makes things a little more weird and fun. ”

“ Stopped here on a whim while walking downtown and assumed I would just be in to look since I'm vegan and there usually aren't many options. There is a bathroom in the back for customers so I knew I'd find a tiny piece of gum or something. What I wasn't expecting, was to find a whole little vegan section and some vegan gummies in the bulk section! I had to limit myself to how many candy bars to buy (2) and was not disappointed, I found brands I'd never seen before and they were so tasty. Staff was nice and I loved the ambiance. Highly recommend! ”

“ "Come with me and you will be in a world of pure imagination.." One of my favorite childhood movies and remains so is Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the Gene Wilder version). In fact, I'm still hoping someone makes the factory so I can visit it before I get to be Grandpa Joes age. That said, what's the next best thing? Visiting a candy store of course! On the way to get pizza for lunch my kids noticed a huge and obnoxious sign for Big Top Candy Shop. Curiosity killed the cat so after lunch we walked over to the facility located on South Congress in a very laid back and safe part of town to see what this was all about. The façade is loud in a sort of Back to the Future 50s style; big letters, bright yellow and red letters, the phrase "soda fountain", etc. Opening the door, I was expecting to see Slugworth proposition me for the everlasting gobstopper however they only have soda jerks. The employees are very cool, knowledgeable and friendly with a goofy side. I'm debating if they're so approachable b/c they're hopped up on sugar or living in a fantasy land. Either way they add to the ambiance. I would say take a moment, inhale, then just absorb candy heaven in all its opulence however one breath isn't adequate. To be honest I was hoping an Umpa Lumpa would jump out and sing, alas I didn't have a golden ticket. Candy is available in metal buckets to grab by the handful with shelves above that and all types of interesting retro artwork and memorabilia adorn the last bare spots before the ceiling. Think of Applesbees if it were made for kids but with a lot more flare. Every candy you can think of is there begging to be sampled. From Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's every flavor beans, and Honeydukes to things I wouldn't try like real cricket lollipops. I did see a lot of Wonka themed delicacies but sadly I didn't see a scrumdiddlyumptious bar. More options are Duff candy (Simpsons reference), Nerds, Pop Rocks, chocolates of all kinds with infinite fillings available by the cup full, Laffy Taffy, jawbreakers and on and on. Also, there are a couple fridges full of fun soda's but my favorite drink, Frosty's blue cream soda wasn't there however I did try a deceit albeit less interesting blue alternative. One suggestion I have is they should make their own candy like saltwater taffy or rock candy. I believe that would be a huge hit with kids and adults alike as its educational and fun to eat. Perhaps they could then move up to making a three-course dinner gum, but they'll need to perfect the blueberry pie. That said there is soda bar area looks like a western salon with all types of addins, 12 types of ice cream, mixers etc. I decided to create the salted caramel malt which I might have to patent because it was good but I would add in a special something extra like "fizzy lifting drink". They even topped it with freshly made cream. In this day of dieting and diabetes it's hard for adults to justify an establishment like this. However, life is about more than just sticking to limitations but allowing yourself to occasionally enjoy the simple pleasures. Big Top is a magical place where dreams come true for adults wanting to do something different on a date or kids having the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild. I encourage everyone to give this place a walk through. When you're there perhaps this song will play in your head... "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it." ”