Bobtail Ice Cream Company
WHAT: Bobtail Ice Cream Company
WHERE: 2951 N. Broadway Ave.
OUR RATING: Do It!
(bobtailicecream.com)
There’s nothing quite like a mom-and-pop ice cream parlour to get your nostalgia up, even if you didn’t grow up in the 1950s. One thing’s for sure, whatever generation you may belong to, Bobtail Ice Cream Company does the soda fountain business absolutely right. Don’t worry about visiting in this wintry season: the sunny flavors, pleasant staff, a plethora of board games, and adult-friendly alcoholic favourites will make sure you stay warm on the inside.
Adam: For me, there’s nothing more American than the soda shop at the centre of town. From The Twilight Zone to Scooby Doo, and even the classic Willy Wonka, U.S. media seemed to fantasize about the little town with that special kids’ spot to drink and chill (literally). The closest thing we had in England was probably the ice cream van that twinkled out its tune across the village, or the small stands by the seaside. Bobtail let me partake in this all-American experience, which is actually a miracle, considering such establishments are a dying breed.
(bobtailicecream.com)
The cones might be a little pricey, at about $3.50 for select varieties, but that’s fairly tame compared to other venues we’ve frequented. With an outdoor spot that’s open during the summer, and an indoor parlour that’s warm and cozy, Bobtail is good at any time of the year and especially when you’re suffering from the winter blues.
(bobtailicecream.com)
Bobtail actually offers a wide variety of ice creams and drinks, including classic flavors such as vanilla and chocolate, to the more unusual Signature Sunset (Merlot ice cream and dark chocolate chips) and the Lakeview Barhopper (Dutch cocoa ice cream blended with Jack Daniels®–you’ve got to try this one!) Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, these last two items are a perfect way to round off a merry evening.
Highly recommended for young and older alike, Bobtail offers a casual, fun experience that caters to all types of tastes.
(bobtailicecream.com)
Alicia: Although insanely tiny, Bobtail Ice Cream Company’s parlor in Lakeview provides an entirely different world once you walk through its doors, complete with homemade ice cream, fun board games, and my favorite ice cream drinks. While they have your usual shakes, they also serve up some mean specialties, such as the Raspberry Truffle (double chocolate shake, raspberry syrup) or the S’More Sensation (chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow, crushed graham cracker). And if you want to go on the somewhat-healthier side, you can order one of their many delicious frozen yogurt smoothies.
(bobtailicecream.com)
But what makes Bobtail even more unique is their ‘cafe menu,’ where they blend scoops of ice cream with steamed milk (a “steamer”) or steamed milk and espresso (i.e. ice cream latte). How does cappuccino crunch frozen yogurt blended with just enough steamed milk, a little espresso, and perhaps a dash of chocolate syrup sound to give you an afternoon pick-me-up?
And if you’re lucky, Bobtail might even create your own ice cream suggestion. If you happen to suggest something innovative enough, you might just see it on the menu, and you even get a free pint of the concoction!
(bobtailicecream.com)
Final Thoughts: This place is the perfect casual date night to share a cone or two of ice cream, to meet up with a long-lost friend and share stories over a steaming cup of hot chocolate, or just for a family outing to indulge in a sundae while playing some board games. Great fun, great prices, great ice cream!