Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

Freezes hard, melts gummy. This is supposed to be $12 a pint? There are more quality options for half that.
Also, why is the logo a Black Power fist when the owners are from Maine? (They're white, obviously.) It's fine, but it's weird. I thought this was the kind of cultural appropriation faux pas college grads in the neighborhood would care about, and yet they line up like schoolchildren past the door onto the sidewalk, unaware of their bodies and bad decisions. Because half a block away at EP there is a pint of Taharka that blows this ice cream out of the water, for $8, and it's made locally, in Baltimore, by black owners (obviously).

Very unwelcoming. First thing they said was they do not provide samples. At an ice cream shop with unusual flavors? I walked right out.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

To be this ice cream shop was alright. Some flavors are lacking. Almost to non existent for some flavors. Their caramel based ice cream is good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Had a great milkshake. They have lots of creative flavors. Unfortunately, they don't allow samples. The cookie sandwich looked amazing as well. I would definitely return.

super tasty ice cream-i especially love the salted caramel flavor! small shop, little seating. line tends to move fairly fast, but it does get very crowded & hectic quick. Outdoor seating in front of martha dear is an option!
Be warned-so flavor samples

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Wonderful ice cream spot with a ton of unique flavors! I first fell in love with Mount Desert Island Ice Cream while visiting Acadia National Park, so imagine my excitement when I learned this Maine classic had made its way all the way to Mount Pleasant DC! They have a great list of unique rotating flavors, and it's always fun to come back to try out their new seasonal releases. A few of my favorites over the years have been their hibiscus sorbet -- a delightful dairy-free addition to their Hispanic Heritage Month flavors that is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet -- the cinnamon cardamom -- a super spiced ice cream that, despite being freezing cold, feels like you're about to drink a warm beverage -- and blueberry sour cream crumble. When I'm feeling less adventurous, they also have a really solid strawberry ice cream that uses real berries (none of that artificial nonsense you see in grocery stores) with a delightful fruity, slightly tangy flavor.

There's usually a pretty long line, but it moves quite quickly since they don't allow samples. It's also a small space that gets crowded pretty easily, so I'd recommend taking your ice cream to go and enjoying it as you walk around Mt Pleasant or on the benches just below the entrance to Mount Desert.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

The service was very subpar. Considering it was my first time which I was very obvious by me eyeing the options multiple times before finally choosing they didn’t bother to ask if I had any questions, explain any of their unique flavors, or ask if I wanted to try any. Instead I ended up picking two random flavors that felt very grainy and overall didn’t taste good. I wish they would’ve been more welcoming and open rather than just standing there in a judging manner. They did have exotic interesting flavors which may be good but overall the place was very meh.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

I am pregnant and I arranged my whole day to visit MDI Ice Cream at 2pm because both Google and the website says it opens at that time on Wednesdays. When I arrived, it was closed until 6pm. I suspect this is a seasonal schedule, which is fine, but update your website.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

AMAZING ice cream that tastes homemade! Service was great and prices were decent, especially sense this ice cream tasted so good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toasted Coconut, Strawberry, Maple Walnut

Delicious and reasonably priced! I had the Alfajor and Champurrado scoops in a waffle cone, and they were delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Waffle

MDI has the most delicious ice cream and you can really taste the care and quality ingredients that go into the product. Interesting array of flavors, amazing texture and mouthfeel, and I love that this place is not afraid to get adventurous with flavors. Black Sesame--yum! At the same time, their most simple, traditional flavors are among my favorites--Strawberry and Cookies and Cream are absolutely delightful. I appreciate that this place continues to keep their prices very reasonable, especially given how crazy expensive food has gotten in 2024. The staff is helpful and kind and I love supporting this anchoring neighborhood spot! A favorite weekly tradition!

Kid-friendliness: Nice patio out front to park the kids and dogs, plus doggy ice cream cups, too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toasted Coconut, Blueberry, Sorbet, Vegan Ice Cream, Coffee Ice Cream

Can’t sample any flavors - yet sells odd flavors.

Those two are not a good combo.
Non-dairy selection sorely lacking.

Ice cream is alright, nothing special.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM CRUMBLE is absolutely amazing!!! You can tell these guys really love what they do. No cutting corners at this ice cream shop. Fresh and delicious every time ! See you again real soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Blueberry Basil Ice Cream, Toasted Coconut, Maple Walnut, Chocolate and Blueberry

The best. Used to go here all the time when we lived in DC proper. Still making trips in whenever we are nearby. This and the nearby happy ice cream make trips into DC complete.

Great ice cream that isn’t like anything else. It is Rick and has an elasticity to it. Good flavors and good service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5