Caruso’s Candy & Soda Shop

A lot of my feelings about this place revolve around nostalgia. Since my great grandmother lived in Dowagiac, we visited her house in Indian Lake many, many times when I was growing up. If we’d stay a week, we might go to Caruso’s three or four times during the week. I had the opportunity to go last weekend after not having been for maybe 5 years or so (I don’t visit Dowagiac as much since my great grandmother passed, despite living much closer). It’s amazing how little this place has changed. The tables and chairs are all the same. The service hasn’t really changed. The menu hasn’t changed. Everything is still exactly as it was when I was a little kid and even as when my mom was a little kid. Most of my 4 stars are because this place is a slice of history. It’s hard to find something so authentic. I had to knock one off because the chairs are probably the most uncomfortable ones I’ve ever sat in and now that I’m not 5 years old anymore, I feel it. The service is a little slow because this place is definitely a family run business without much staff, but it’s worth the wait. This place is a relic and a tradition in my family. I absolutely love it and will continue to go there every chance I get :).

Old fashioned ice-​cream/​candy shop. Great treats and good prices. C’mon it’s a candy shop you got to stop in for a treat, you deserve it, I think.

Having grown up in Dowagiac, Caruso’s has been a fixture in my life forever. It’s been owned by the same family since 1928, currently the 4^th generation.
The soda fountain, ice cream and hand-​dipped chocolates are the stars, but you can get a simple, tasty lunch as well.
Whenever I’m in town, I try to get in for at least a fountain cherry or chocolate Coke… best there is!

Wonderful old fashioned soda fountain & chocolate shop! Perfect for the quintessential small town Main St. Love Caruso’s!

I feel like Caruso’s just doesn’t plan well for the holiday rush of customers. Every time we are in town, they are wiped-​out of candy and we end up having to take the scraps or go without. You know people come to town for the 4^th, why are you 100% out of almost every variety of toffee mid-​day on the 5^th? No rice krispie mounds, no milk chococalte caramels. So sad as I only get up here about twice a year…

I’ve been coming to Caruso’s for over 40 years and my family truly enjoys each and every trip. My favorite treat is the Gold Dust Twins and my children love the homemade chocolates and other candy.

I love Caruso’s, you must have one of the homemade malted milkshake as it is the ultimate. They also make great candy– of all shapes and sizes. One of the must visits for someone who has never been to Dowagiac before.