Craving a savory snack? A sweet one? Both?! Visit these popcorn shops in Oak Park and the western suburbs to satisfy the between-meal munchies. Whether you prefer your popcorn old-fashioned with a bit of sea salt, or more decadent — say, coated in dark chocolate or mixed with pecans — you have great options just around the corner.
This is the place to visit for new products and fun takes on traditional popcorn. Benjamin’s flavors include creamy white cheddar, cheesy caramel, and cheesy tot caramel.
Sizes include one-and two-pound bags and gallon buckets. While that seems like a lot of popcorn, you only need to read a few of their online reviews to see that very few bags actually make it all the way home. They’re that tasty.
Don’t miss Benjamin’s food menu, too, which includes corned beef and pastrami sandwiches that have a loyal local fan base. Look for jerk steak and chicken tacos, French fries, onion rings and more. Benjamin’s is open Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 7 pm.
Like popcorn flavors a little on the wild side? Sha-Poppin Gourmet Popcorn is the place to go when you want to try more than 40 varieties — new flavors you likely won’t find anywhere else.
Traditional gourmet popcorn lovers will enjoy twists on the always popular Memphis Barbecue Cheddar and Sassy Caramel Apple. Feeling creative? Try Sha-Poppin's Red Velvet, Dill Pickle, even Beer Can Fried Chicken.
You can go fancy, too, with options from the “Millionaire’s Club” portion of the menu that include a truffle butter popcorn and caramel corn dusted with 24-karat edible gold.
All Sha-Poppin's Gourmet Popcorn flavors are available in sizes up to 6.5 gallon tins for popcorn gifts, and you have the options of mixing and matching your favorites.
Sha-Poppin also serves frozen yogurt in an array of flavored waffle cones such as matcha green tea and orange creamsicle. The store ships nationwide and has a corporate gifts program.
Hours are Thursday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Wells Street Popcorn is an Oak Park icon — part of a local mini-chain that has been selling popcorn based on family recipes since the 1930s.
Try a whole variety of kernels popped fresh on-site each day. Best sellers include traditional, cheese, jalapeno chipotle cheddar cheese, bacon cheddar, local favorite caramel-and-cheddar mix, kettle corn, and good ol’ caramel popcorn. Wells Street uses non-GMO popcorn and offers peanut-free, tree nut-free and gluten-free options.
How much can you handle? Choose from 1 or 2 gallon tins, canisters, or tubs as large as 6.5 gallons that can be filled with a mix of your favorite flavors.
For that perfect gift, popcorn tins and containers are available with seasonal themes or Chicago sports team logos, and can be customized with personalized packaging for events.
Best of all, you can ask for free samplers to help narrow down those difficult decisions. Wells Street Popcorn also has outposts in the city and Downer’s Grove. The Oak Park location is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 7pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm.
Don’t let the cheeky name fool you – We’re Nuts sells plenty of nuts, as well as candy, hot chocolate bombs, hand-made paletas and other treats. Their specialty is the popcorn that’s made fresh daily.
Choose from classic varieties of butter, caramel, and cheese. Feeling, well... nuts? Some of their unique sweet popcorn flavors include black cherry, grape, birthday cake, and cookies and cream.
If you’re looking for that authentic Illinois experience, you can’t go wrong with the ”Chicago Mix” which is a caramel-cheese combo. It sounds weird until you try it, but trust us, it is oh so delicious.
We’re Nuts has popcorn for every appetite and occasion in one, two, plus three and a half gallon buckets.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.
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There’s something magical about the atmosphere in a candy shop. The air just tastes sweeter. Plus there’s nothing like talking to the talented makers, and seeing how they create the best gourmet popcorn, candies and chocolate.
If you want to keep exploring the delicious places for sweet treats around Oak Park, check out some of these candy stores.