Luckhaus & Brubaker Sweets & Treats: Bringing Elegance and Fun to Charleston Sweets

By Mark A. Leon

Last week, I stopped into Luckhaus & Brubaker for a thank you gift.  After spending a quick moment browsing the inventory and taking in the indulgent smells of chocolate, coconut and peanut butter, I ordered a coconut macaroon with chocolate ganache, Key Lime truffle and Baileys truffle.  They were beautifully wrapped in a clear plastic bag with a red ribbon and a brown logo sticker.  A simple and elegant thank you gift for a generous favor.

Our love for Luckhaus & Brubaker began over a year ago when I was spending a Friday morning and afternoon celebrating the birthday of my dear friend Shannon.  Typically, birthdays are days of festivities and celebration, but for Shannon, this day also holds a bittersweet memory.  Per her request, the morning and afternoon would be just her and I.  Naturally, you need cake, so we bought a bottle of champagne and orange juice, went to Luckhaus & Brubaker and ordered the Coconut Vanilla Cake.  As we sat outside at 11 AM on a Friday morning drinking mimosas and enjoying each savory bite of this cake, we knew we found something special.

Picture a mini Willy Wonka factory, where visions of chocolate lollipops, croissants, truffles, pies, and tarts dance in your head.  All around, life size animals built from the sweetest things on Earth, welcome you with a smile.  This is that little end of the puzzle piece of heaven called Luckhaus and Brubaker.

Each visit, you are greeted with a smile and laid back, enjoy your experience welcome.  No pressure here.  Take in the smells, look all around and ask us if you need assistance.  Each visit is a one of a kind.  One day may be the fruit tart or the Grand Marnier truffle.  Maybe a fruit filled croissant or Tiramisu.  Sometimes you go in for a cupcake or cinnamon roll and walk out with a homemade dog treat for your puppy and a chocolate covered pretzel for the little one.  Make sure you sneak a chocolate bar in for later.

As a self proclaimed anti-sweets person, I am taken back by the precision detail and explosiveness of the products.  A single 3 inch truffle can last five or more bites because you are offered a wealth of decadent flavor with each and every bite.

One of the more remarkable parts of my visits is the selfless feeling of guilt and generosity all wrapped up in one.  With treats for children, adults or elegant affairs as well as baked goods and coffee, you can treat yourself, buy a few gifts or make the children smile all in one visit.

We cannot say enough about the incredible prices.  With options to meet all budgets, the fine staff of L&B want you to savor your experience without emptying your wallet.

Their shop extends to your home with an amazing menu of cakes, tarts, pies, cupcakes, cookies and homemade ice cream to meet all your catering needs.

Homemade ice cream

Come in for the smells, walk around and enjoy the museum of chocolate statues and leave with a feeling of satisfaction and warmth.  Luckhaus & Brubaker is located at 1939 Maybank Highway, James Island, SC and note, they are closed on Mondays.