The Delicious Chocolate Shop in Michigan You Need to Visit for a Sweet Treat

I love living in Detroit. People visit me expecting some kind of post-apocalyptic wasteland (thanks, Hollywood), but within a day, they’re eating their words - and a whole lot of great food.

This city is experiencing an incredible renaissance: full of art, music, and some of the most interesting small businesses you’ll ever find. When friends come to town, I have a whole itinerary ready. We grab dinner at Mugly’s, explore the Heidelberg Project for some truly thought-provoking art, and then spend a day in Cass Corridor. We dig through vinyl at Third Man Records, grab a beer next door at Jolly Pumpkin, and then - my favorite part - we go to Bon Bon Bon.

The first time I stepped into Bon Bon Bon, I didn’t even live here. My friend Stevie and I were visiting Third Man Records when we spotted a tiny candy shop just a couple of doors down. We stood outside, debating whether to go in, when suddenly, the door swung open. A hand appeared, holding two clear bags full of sweets. That settled it. We went inside. And, of course, we fell in love.

Since then, Bon Bon Bons have been my favorite sweet treats in the entire state of Michigan. This place isn’t just a chocolate shop - it’s an experience. Every bonbon is a tiny, handcrafted work of art, packed with flavors ranging from nostalgic to wildly creative. If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat in Michigan, this is the place to go.

Bon Bon Bon started in 2014, in the back of a Coney Island (that’s a diner, for non-Detroiters). Founder and Head Chocolatier Alexandra Clark decided early on that chocolate was her life’s calling. After traveling the world studying the craft, she came back to Detroit and opened up her shop. At first, it was only open on Saturdays, and the sign outside said, "Knock Again if You Have Champagne." That’s the kind of energy we’re working with here.

Since then, Bon Bon Bon has become a full-fledged Detroit institution, with a team lovingly called “The Babes Babes Babes.” These chocolatiers, artists, and visionaries come from all over the city (and the world), united by one mission: making the goodest goodies for Detroit and beyond. Their chocolates have been featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Forbes, and their flavors prove that when you mix Midwestern ingenuity with top-tier ingredients, magic happens.

Every Bon Bon Bon is made by hand, with the freshest and best ingredients they can get their hands on. The flavors? Insane. You can go classic or adventurous, but either way, you’re getting something unforgettable.

Some of the must-try flavors include Bumpy, inspired by Michigan’s iconic Bumpy Cake, packed with fudgy chocolate cake cream and buttercream frosting. Mustachio is my personal favorite, with Moscato caramel, pistachio gianduja, and dark chocolate - it’s the kind of chocolate that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate how good it is.

Coffee & Donuts is another Detroit classic, featuring dark chocolate coffee ganache and donut ganache, while Salty Sap combines crystallized maple caramel with butter cracker ganache in dark chocolate, creating a perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

For Valentine’s Day (and a few other times throughout the year), Bon Bon Bon rolls out special seasonal flavors, and they do not mess around. Pączki is a Fat Tuesday dream, featuring sweet raspberry jam, fried dough ganache, and a dusting of donut sugar. Rose & Thorn is one of the most romantic chocolates you'll ever put in your mouth, with rose petal-infused white chocolate ganache and a hint of white pepper inside a dark chocolate shell - floral, delicate, and just a little spicy.

Then there’s the Bon of the Zodiac, which changes with the signs. At the time of this writing, the Bon of the Zodiac is Aquarius, made with champagne, orange marmalade, and caramelized white chocolate, a little bubbly, a little sweet, and totally unique - just like your favorite Aquarius.

The most common question about Bon Bon Bons is "How do you eat them?" The official answer: "Enjoy a Bon in two polite bites or one less-polite bite." No judgment either way.

While my go-to location is in Cass Corridor, Bon Bon Bon has multiple spots in Detroit, so you’re never too far from a chocolate fix. Check the Bon Bon Bon website for all locations and hours because, trust me, you need this in your life. And if you want some sweets shipped to you, they do that, too. In fact, their packaging is another thing to brag about. It's made from reused materials and is fully recyclable, so you can enjoy your Bon with the knowledge that it’s as eco-friendly as it is delicious.

If you’re visiting Detroit for Valentine’s Day (or just need an excuse for a romantic getaway), consider renting a vacation spot in Midtown. We love this penthouse with stunning views. There is so much to do in the Motor City: world-class museums, historic theaters, cozy cafes, and much more waiting to be discovered. There's even more to discover in Michigan using our new Travel Planner!