The Scoop Ice Cream Cafe

Fall is here, but does that really mean anything when it comes to eating ice cream?  We never need an excuse for ice cream. And if my 4 year old had any real say, we’d eat it everyday.  

At the end of last summer I started seeing posts from friends about this place in Ellington that served these insanely beautiful (and delicious looking) sundaes and milkshakes.  So I looked them up on Facebook, and started following a new ice cream shop in Ellington called The  Scoop.  And somehow, after seeing more and more posts like this one, I practiced some major self-restraint. 

(The Scoop Facebook page)

During our annual trip to Johnny Appleseed’s Orchard in Ellington a couple weeks ago, I suggested an after dinner treat of ice cream.  We were finally going to try The Scoop! 

The Scoop Ice Cream Cafe is located in the center of Ellington near the Town Green and Hall Memorial Library.  

(from Google Maps)

It’s at the end of the plaza where you will also find another Ellington favorite, the Chuck Wagon. 

The Scoop is a year-round shop with varying seasonal hours.  Finally a place that realizes that ice cream can (and should) be enjoyed all year long! I get it – it does get awfully cold here in Connecticut but ice cream knows no season. Besides, with an indoor seating area, you can stay warm while you enjoy that cone. 

The inside of the shop is cute! You’ll see the ice cream counter with all the menus right when you walk in. 

Towards the left, you’ll find a small seating area and another door that leads to their outdoor seating area. 

On the right they have a small coffee set up. The Scoop also sells coffee! 

Of course, we went straight to that ice cream! The Scoop offers some premium ice cream too – it’s all natural and non-GMO from a local ice cream maker in Massachusetts.  They have the standard flavors you’d expect from any ice cream shop – and some funky flavors.  You are invited to sample any flavor before you make that big decision! 

The size options for dishes and cones range from the children’s mini-moo to a large three scoop. We ordered the small for my guy and it was a pretty full dish of ice cream!  The prices range from $3.25 to $5.95. 

You can put your scoop in a dish or you can choose from their various cone options. They have sugar cones, cake cones and plain waffle cones. And they also have dipped cones with sprinkles, chocolate and candy pieces.  

They offer smoothies – for a non-ice cream alternative. 

Also on their menu they have milkshakes ($6.50), sundaes (around $6-7), ice cream floats ($4.95) and Mini-Moo sliders which is ice cream between two cookies ($5.25). 

If you choose an ice cream cone or dish, you have a selection of toppings to add on too. They have sauces, nuts, and lots of candy options! 

Make sure to check their board for their current special before you order – in case you don’t have enough to choose from already! 

For your canine friends, you can even order them their own pup cup! 

If you want to take something home with you, you can bring home one of their fabulous ice cream cakes. They had a few of their miniature versions for sale when we visited – I was tempted… 

Of course, the one thing I have not mentioned is the crazy concoction that The Scoop aptly calls FunShakes.  The FunShake is exclusive to The Scoop-  you won’t find this anywhere else around here. So what exactly does this FunShake entail? Well, first, you need to decide which ones is right for you. There are a few to choose from including the Unicorn FunShake, the CupCake FunShake, the Galaxy FunShake, the Carnival FunShake, the Chocolate Madness FunShake, and the Peanut Butter Madness FunShake.  They start with a base ice cream (usually they have a certain one they use for the shake but you can opt for a different base).  They mix in some flavors from candies and sauces, and then they put it in a huge tall glass decorated with everything you can imagine. Depending which you get that can include lollipops, rock candy, peanut butter cups, brownie pieces, an entire cookie, pretzels and cake pieces. There is also a lot of whipped cream involved.  The price of a FunShake ranges from $10 to $12. 

So which did we choose? The Peanut Butter Madness FunShake. 

What’s the verdict? 

It was good. Really good. Really really good. I’ll be completely truthful. Peanut butter ice cream, not usually my thing. I like peanut butter cups, for sure; but normally I do not go for peanut butter ice cream or peanut butter sundaes. I was being nice that night and let my husband pick. And man, did he pick a winner. I would order this again, and again.  

Now, not pictured was my son’s smaller cup of banana ice cream. He was happily enjoying that while we waited for our FunShake. Of course, when our shake came out (ours as in mine and daddy’s), the banana cup was abandoned and all of his attention was on hogging our shake.  He’s lucky he’s cute.  His ice cream was very good – and we took it home for him to finish over the course of a few nights. 

Since it was a chilly day, I only briefly snuck outside to check out their outdoor seating area.  They have some great outdoor games along with plenty of seating around the side of the building. It would definitely be a great place to sit on a warmer summer night!  

We are completely in love with this new ice cream option in our area. The Scoop is definitely a welcome addition to Ellington and to North Central Connecticut. This Connecticut Mom and dad, and son will all definitely be back again! 

This about sums it up…

Address: 

18 Church Street- Ellington, Connecticut

Website          Facebook

Hours:

Open 7 days a week – Year Round! 

Summer Hours:  12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Features:

• Parking lot available in front of shop
• Hard ice cream, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and more!  They also feature their one of a kind FunShakes
• Pup Cups available!
• A few tables inside & outdoor patio/seating area
• Ice Cream is all natural – and non GMO
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample before you pick your flavor(s)!
• Bathroom on site
• Strollers can be brought inside but it would be a tight fit! The inside of the shop is small
• Cash or Credit Card accepted
• Inquire about birthday party celebrations – they also sell ice cream cakes for celebrations
• Check their Facebook page for updates on hours, current special menu items and their live music schedule