People in Waukesha may not know how lucky they have it.
With so many different ice cream shops, there’s always an opportunity for a cool treat on a hot day.
Patch made the rounds to some favorite ice cream and gelato shops to get the “scoop.”
It was hard work but someone had to do it.
First stop was . As a newcomer to Waukesha, our family was greeted by a neighbor bearing gift certificates to Murf’s. What a welcome! When we went recently, the flavor of the day was Fat Elvis, banana with peanut butter swirl. It received good reviews as did a vanilla cone and a truth-in-advertising “jumbo” burger. Many people prefer using the drive-thru but there are tables outside and a small eat-in dining room, a good option for the delicious but drippy snacks.
Next on the list was , someplace I’ve always wanted to visit. I frequently passed it on my way in and out of town and never seemed to make the time.
I was happy to find out that it only takes a minute to get a root beer float at John's and just a smidge longer for a root beer frosty, a blended float. The combination of tangy root beer and creamy ice cream blend well – this is the way root beer floats are supposed to taste. Shirts worn by the staff proudly proclaim that John’s is the home of Waukesha’s favorite root beer (for the past 37 years, according to the shirts) and I can see why. Shaded tables outside provided a place for a grandma and her grandson to share a snack on a hot summer day recently. John’s also offers a notable chili dog, although I didn’t have stomach space to try it.
Heading into downtown, there are two good choices for a cool treat. Divino Gelato Café boasts of having the "best gelato and a great ambiance.” The gelato is truly divine, smooth and lightly creamy, and a lemon or mango gelato can make you forget it’s 90 degrees outside. If you’re having a hard time deciding which of the many flavors to choose from, you can always ask to try some before buying. The upscale café-style dining area has tables and chairs which allow you to rest your hot feet while chilling out. The café also offers sandwiches and other food.
A couple of blocks down Main Street is Sloppy Joe's Soda Fountain, styled as a retro 1950’s ice cream shop. A favorite stop on our family’s route, Sloppy Joe’s has classic but unique flavors like blue moon or mint chocolate chip. Try a Shelley cone, a coated waffle cone, with your favorite flavor. Maple Nut is good, too. Or a sundae. There are many options for a “cool”, either temperature- or style-wise, treat at this fun eatery. Saturday evening offers a hula hoop contest. The shop also offers classic hot dogs, pork sandwiches and other snacks.
Not a homegrown local company like the others but still a favorite in Waukesha is the Chocolate Factory Subs & Ice Cream. After eating there recently, I know why. Even the grumpy adolescent smiled and was over the moon about the blue moon, proclaiming it, “A-mazing.” It’s hard to find a good sherbet, one of my favorites, but the one at this place was top-notch. Next time, I’m going to try the chocolate waffle cone with Door County Sour Cherry ice cream. The subs and sandwiches are good, too.
Last but not least is Culver’s, which has three locations in Waukesha. Even though the stores are part of a large chain, Culver’s makes an effort to be a part of the community by holding fundraisers for local groups, PTO’s, schools and other worthy causes. The concrete mixer is a favorite of ours, as is many of the flavors of the day.
So check out some of these local “hot spots” to cool down. For me, after eating ice cream all week, I think my next topic of research should be best gyms in Waukesha.
