Last-minute Chicago chocolates in Midway’s Central Market
In the Central Market of MDW’s Main Terminal, Sarah’s Candies fills a specific niche: gift-ready Chicago sweets you can grab just before boarding. Regulars hit it on the walk from the food court toward the central concourse, treating it as their “souvenir stop” instead of hunting through generic newsstands.
Hours aren’t clearly posted online, but reviews mention it open for morning departures and evening flights, so expect typical airport retail timing. Prices sit in the $$ tier: more than a Hudson News candy bar, less than a high-end downtown chocolatier. That tradeoff buys you real boxed chocolates and truffles instead of mass-market brands.
The draw here is boxed chocolates, truffles, and packaged sweets with Chicago branding, which show up again and again in Google reviews. One traveler calls Sarah’s their “go-to for last-minute Chicago chocolates before I fly out,” and that tracks: the packaging looks ready to hand over to family, hosts, or coworkers on arrival.
Sticker shock is real: reviews flag some boxed assortments as a jump from what you’d pay in the city. Another traveler sums it up as “not cheap, but nicer than grabbing generic candy from a newsstand.” Treat this like a gift shop, not a place to stock up on everyday snacks.
Watch out for staff and stock issues during peak bank times around 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Some flyers report inattentive service when there’s a small line, plus a more limited selection than at Chicago neighborhood candy stores. If you care about variety, scan the shelves fast and pivot to a smaller box or bagged sweets if the bigger assortments look picked over.
Tip: If you see a sign for bundle deals or promos near the counter, ask explicitly which boxes or truffle packs qualify before you choose – regulars say the discounts are occasional and not always obvious.