Fresh Chocolates Fit For Frank Sinatra: Lepore's Candy In Hoboken Celebrates 41 Years

HOBOKEN, NJ — Among the gems that can be found on Hoboken's side streets — just off the main drag — is Lepore's Chocolates, a shop that's been nestled in the center of the mile-square city since 1980. The fresh candy is so good that Frank Sinatra used to send a limousine to pick up chocolate covered apricots there, according to the owners.

This year, the store won a "This Place Matters" designation from Hoboken's Historic Preservation Commission for being a landmark business.

The store is traditional — from the coin-operated horse and Mickey Mouse rides outside to the array of sweets behind the glass counter inside.

"Visit us when in Hoboken and experience a trip back in time," note the owners. "We have our quality consistent and made our service a reminder of a bygone era. Everyone is treated like a kid in a candy store! Sampling is encouraged!"

The chocolates are made daily at the shop, and they can also customize chocolates, gift baskets, towers, and "occasion flavors."

It's not just Sinatra who's sung their praises. The owners count Peggy Lee, Rita Moreno, and Ruta Lee as satisfied customers.

In July, when the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission awarded the shop its honor, they wrote on Instagram, "Owner Mario Lepore fell in love with making confectionery as a college student in Europe. At just 27 years old, he opened his first chocolate shop at 537 Garden St. in 1980. In 2010, the shop moved to its current location. Mario makes everything on site. He collects vintage chocolate molds and uses his own special chocolate blend as a base for his creations."

The shop is located at 105 Fourth St., between Washington and Bloomfield streets. They ship all over.

Find out more on their website.

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