Is this the best ice cream in Maine? Yes, yes it is. I really could just end the review there and say make it out there. But this is a review of sort of a few things. So what makes this place unique is that there is also on private sandy beach (Outlet beach fyi) next to it. To get to the beach part you do have to pay to go over to it. And the parking situation can be tough to deal with there might be 15 parking spaces. And of course it is a bit of hike from Portland. And it's cash only. But the Ice cream. It really is some of the best. It's airy, pillowy, creamy. It's flavors are out of this world good and things you don't see at like sea salt and olive oil argumato (olive oil pressed with lemons). Holy crap that is good. Wife had the birthday cake batter and my kid got the Tahitian vanilla. Great and great. It is the best ice cream in Maine.
Steff D.
I'm conflicted about this place, so I'm gonna make an old school Pros/Cons List... The Cons: 1. The parking is EXTREMELY limited, especially in the summer when families are coming here to swim and have all day outings. 2. The staff isn't the friendliest. 3. They're cash only. 4. You're not allowed to cross Royal River to get near Outlet Beach (apparently it's a "privately owned traditional swimming hole since the 1920s") without paying extra ($5 per person, $3 per child). 5. It's definitely not cheap; and it's definitely not "Maine" sizes (y'know the joke: our smalls are usually large!); it's Portland sizes. The Pros: 1. The views are just very, very Maine. There's a bunch of (free to use) picnic tables in the woods overlooking Sabbathday Lake. 2. This is artisanal ice cream. 3. They have gluten-free and vegan options. 4. The ice cream is usually served in a dish with a pizzelle, but you can also - for an extra charge, of course - get it in a sugar cone, cake cone, GF sugar cone, GF cake cone, or brioche bun. 5. This is some *really* good ice cream. I wish they let you sample flavors, but my vegan options the day I came were Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip, Coffee with Praline, or Fig Leaf with Blackberry. I chose that last one and it was nice: creamy and quite sour, but hit the spot for a hot summer afternoon. The non-vegan options were far more impressive in their creativity, and I think I also noticed a 21+ only "Sea Breeze" Sorbet. For your planning purposes know that they're open daily - when the weather permits - from late may/early June to Labor Day, 9a to 5p.
Cindy Y.
I saw a post from @portlandfoodmap on Instagram reminding me that I needed to check this place out immediately, since they are closing likely this Saturday. They've already started to run out of flavors, and will close as soon as all the ice cream and sorbet is gone. I chose the Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote and Brown Butter crumb, my husband chose the Cheesecake with Rasberry and Graham Crust, and my daughter chose a scoop of the Tahitian Vanilla and a scoop of Root Beer ice cream. We sat in the car overlooking the peaceful Sabbathday Lake and savored our creations. Mine was creamy goodness with a bit of crunch from the toppings and a nice sweetness from the fresh blueberry compote and it went down far too quickly. My hubby's ice cream was a similar experience to mine, except with strawberries. Didn't get to try the root beer ice cream because my kid wanted it all to herself. Thinking I may need to go back tomorrow to try another creative flavor :)
Erin J.
Four of us spent the afternoon at Outlet Beach ($5 entry per adult, $3 per child at this time). We made multiple trips to the snack shack to try different flavors (baby scoops are enough to share for tasting). Passion fruit with caramelized white chocolate was incredible - heavy passion fruit flavor did not disappoint. Olive oil sea salt was the all-around favorite - subtle, but the flavors came through nicely. Blueberry was also a winner - bold, true flavor. Strawberry cremolata was sweet but fairly balanced by the cream on top. My least favorite was the salted caramel, but my mom felt differently and went back for a second scoop. My favorite moment of the afternoon was at about 1 when all of the different families settled in for snack time... I looked around and every kid had ice cream smeared all over their face. A lovely Maine spot.
NHjo
There was a story on the local news channel about how this place had the most fantastic natural ice cream with very unique flavors and ingredients and dairy from local cows, etc., so I had to check it out. It used to be a snack bar at Outlet Beach on Sabbathday Lake, but it only has ice cream now. I tried two flavors, the Tahitian vanilla that was wonderful, and the fresh corn with blueberry compote. Never heard of corn ice cream? Neither had I, but I figured why not -- I love fresh corn and Maine blueberries. It was incredible, like a vanilla/sweet cream taste with actual corn kernels and about a dozen fresh blueberries in the blueberry compote. I think they also sell their ice cream by the pint.
Averyl H.
This place is a cute little "shack" on the beach of a lake. If you want to sit at a picnic table on the beach it's $5 per adult to enter. There is very limited parking. The menu is exciting to read, especially since most everything is gluten-free, and the flavors are adventurous and creative. We had fun deciding which flavors to get although we were both disappointed that there weren't any available flavors with a chocolate base. I thought I ordered Cheesecake with Raspberry and Graham (gluten-free) Crust but it only had a few crumbs of Graham, no raspberries and tasted like lime so I'm pretty sure I was given the Key Lime ice cream instead. When I ordered I specified I wanted the ice cream with Graham but maybe that has Graham, too even though it's not mentioned by name? I do not like Key Lime but I ate in anyway. I paid seventy-five cents extra for a gluten-free cone on top. What they didn't tell me is that they would withhold the gluten-free Pizzelle which I really wanted! It's so rare to have that offered gluten-free! I asked why I didn't get one and I was told because that's not how they do it if you buy a cone. That really seemed weird and cheap given that it normally comes free and I paid extra to add a cone. I was having flashbacks to the Soup N*** from Seinfeld. No Pizzelle for you! Before we left I asked if I could have one because I really wanted to try a gluten-free version! They acted like I was making a major request, had a talk amongst themselves in the kitchen and finally said ok and handed me one. It was good but would have preferred to have it with my ice cream and without feeling like I was begging or breaking a perplexing Pizzelle policy. I would have paid for it if they asked but wasn't offered that option. My husband's ice cream came with Pizzelle and edible flowers. It was a very pretty presentation. He had a scoop of the Artichoke with Candied Citris (sic), Toasted Pistachios and a scoop of Passion Fruit with Caramelized White Chocolate. I took a taste of each and the only thing I could taste was overly sweetened yet tart fruit. Neither of us could discern any chocolate or artichoke flavors. Obviously they are a hit with many people based upon their popularity, many positive reviews and recent feature in the Washington Post. But sadly it's not a hit with me given my experience today.
D B.
What a treat! This was recommended to us by someone local. The summertime lakeside business provides really delicious thoughtful creations of the otherwise mundane hot dogs and ice cream that are both innovative and unique. Apparently the menu changes as new ideas and recipes emerge. If you are a visitor to the nearby Sabbath Day Lake Shaker community of just in the area and want to try something enjoyable, unique and delicious I highly recommend it. It's been several summers since we visited and we still talk about it.
Scott Powell
Fantastic ice cream. Picnic tables were clean, as was the pond swimming area.
Polly Cockrill Broker/Owner
Brilliant! Gourmet award-winning treats, bistro fare, and snacks on one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Maine. The owner is truly a visionary!
Abby W Snell
Sweetest, little building. Sadly no lunch this year but still the greatest ice cream!
Amazing ice cream at a beautiful lakeside setting. Inventive and well balanced flavors. Currently they aren’t serving any food.
Dan Casals
Wonderful spot with yummy ice cream. What’s not to like?
Natalia T.
Amazing ice-cream. We made it a tradition to go there when we are camping nearby. Tried peach basil last year and plum (sorbet) this year. Delightful!!! Definitely check them out if you are in the area.
Vonla Murdock
Crowded, slow, but good and unusual ice cream flavors
Georgina Hill
Amazing ice cream, and really interesting flavours! Missed out on other food as weekdays is ice cream only, but we'll definitely be back.
Is this the best ice cream in Maine? Yes, yes it is. I really could just end the review there and say make it out there. But this is a review of sort of a few things. So what makes this place unique is that there is also on private sandy beach (Outlet beach fyi) next to it. To get to the beach part you do have to pay to go over to it. And the parking situation can be tough to deal with there might be 15 parking spaces. And of course it is a bit of hike from Portland. And it's cash only. But the Ice cream. It really is some of the best. It's airy, pillowy, creamy. It's flavors are out of this world good and things you don't see at like sea salt and olive oil argumato (olive oil pressed with lemons). Holy crap that is good. Wife had the birthday cake batter and my kid got the Tahitian vanilla. Great and great. It is the best ice cream in Maine.
I'm conflicted about this place, so I'm gonna make an old school Pros/Cons List... The Cons: 1. The parking is EXTREMELY limited, especially in the summer when families are coming here to swim and have all day outings. 2. The staff isn't the friendliest. 3. They're cash only. 4. You're not allowed to cross Royal River to get near Outlet Beach (apparently it's a "privately owned traditional swimming hole since the 1920s") without paying extra ($5 per person, $3 per child). 5. It's definitely not cheap; and it's definitely not "Maine" sizes (y'know the joke: our smalls are usually large!); it's Portland sizes. The Pros: 1. The views are just very, very Maine. There's a bunch of (free to use) picnic tables in the woods overlooking Sabbathday Lake. 2. This is artisanal ice cream. 3. They have gluten-free and vegan options. 4. The ice cream is usually served in a dish with a pizzelle, but you can also - for an extra charge, of course - get it in a sugar cone, cake cone, GF sugar cone, GF cake cone, or brioche bun. 5. This is some *really* good ice cream. I wish they let you sample flavors, but my vegan options the day I came were Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip, Coffee with Praline, or Fig Leaf with Blackberry. I chose that last one and it was nice: creamy and quite sour, but hit the spot for a hot summer afternoon. The non-vegan options were far more impressive in their creativity, and I think I also noticed a 21+ only "Sea Breeze" Sorbet. For your planning purposes know that they're open daily - when the weather permits - from late may/early June to Labor Day, 9a to 5p.
I saw a post from @portlandfoodmap on Instagram reminding me that I needed to check this place out immediately, since they are closing likely this Saturday. They've already started to run out of flavors, and will close as soon as all the ice cream and sorbet is gone. I chose the Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote and Brown Butter crumb, my husband chose the Cheesecake with Rasberry and Graham Crust, and my daughter chose a scoop of the Tahitian Vanilla and a scoop of Root Beer ice cream. We sat in the car overlooking the peaceful Sabbathday Lake and savored our creations. Mine was creamy goodness with a bit of crunch from the toppings and a nice sweetness from the fresh blueberry compote and it went down far too quickly. My hubby's ice cream was a similar experience to mine, except with strawberries. Didn't get to try the root beer ice cream because my kid wanted it all to herself. Thinking I may need to go back tomorrow to try another creative flavor :)
Four of us spent the afternoon at Outlet Beach ($5 entry per adult, $3 per child at this time). We made multiple trips to the snack shack to try different flavors (baby scoops are enough to share for tasting). Passion fruit with caramelized white chocolate was incredible - heavy passion fruit flavor did not disappoint. Olive oil sea salt was the all-around favorite - subtle, but the flavors came through nicely. Blueberry was also a winner - bold, true flavor. Strawberry cremolata was sweet but fairly balanced by the cream on top. My least favorite was the salted caramel, but my mom felt differently and went back for a second scoop. My favorite moment of the afternoon was at about 1 when all of the different families settled in for snack time... I looked around and every kid had ice cream smeared all over their face. A lovely Maine spot.
There was a story on the local news channel about how this place had the most fantastic natural ice cream with very unique flavors and ingredients and dairy from local cows, etc., so I had to check it out. It used to be a snack bar at Outlet Beach on Sabbathday Lake, but it only has ice cream now. I tried two flavors, the Tahitian vanilla that was wonderful, and the fresh corn with blueberry compote. Never heard of corn ice cream? Neither had I, but I figured why not -- I love fresh corn and Maine blueberries. It was incredible, like a vanilla/sweet cream taste with actual corn kernels and about a dozen fresh blueberries in the blueberry compote. I think they also sell their ice cream by the pint.
This place is a cute little "shack" on the beach of a lake. If you want to sit at a picnic table on the beach it's $5 per adult to enter. There is very limited parking. The menu is exciting to read, especially since most everything is gluten-free, and the flavors are adventurous and creative. We had fun deciding which flavors to get although we were both disappointed that there weren't any available flavors with a chocolate base. I thought I ordered Cheesecake with Raspberry and Graham (gluten-free) Crust but it only had a few crumbs of Graham, no raspberries and tasted like lime so I'm pretty sure I was given the Key Lime ice cream instead. When I ordered I specified I wanted the ice cream with Graham but maybe that has Graham, too even though it's not mentioned by name? I do not like Key Lime but I ate in anyway. I paid seventy-five cents extra for a gluten-free cone on top. What they didn't tell me is that they would withhold the gluten-free Pizzelle which I really wanted! It's so rare to have that offered gluten-free! I asked why I didn't get one and I was told because that's not how they do it if you buy a cone. That really seemed weird and cheap given that it normally comes free and I paid extra to add a cone. I was having flashbacks to the Soup N*** from Seinfeld. No Pizzelle for you! Before we left I asked if I could have one because I really wanted to try a gluten-free version! They acted like I was making a major request, had a talk amongst themselves in the kitchen and finally said ok and handed me one. It was good but would have preferred to have it with my ice cream and without feeling like I was begging or breaking a perplexing Pizzelle policy. I would have paid for it if they asked but wasn't offered that option. My husband's ice cream came with Pizzelle and edible flowers. It was a very pretty presentation. He had a scoop of the Artichoke with Candied Citris (sic), Toasted Pistachios and a scoop of Passion Fruit with Caramelized White Chocolate. I took a taste of each and the only thing I could taste was overly sweetened yet tart fruit. Neither of us could discern any chocolate or artichoke flavors. Obviously they are a hit with many people based upon their popularity, many positive reviews and recent feature in the Washington Post. But sadly it's not a hit with me given my experience today.
What a treat! This was recommended to us by someone local. The summertime lakeside business provides really delicious thoughtful creations of the otherwise mundane hot dogs and ice cream that are both innovative and unique. Apparently the menu changes as new ideas and recipes emerge. If you are a visitor to the nearby Sabbath Day Lake Shaker community of just in the area and want to try something enjoyable, unique and delicious I highly recommend it. It's been several summers since we visited and we still talk about it.
Fantastic ice cream. Picnic tables were clean, as was the pond swimming area.
Brilliant! Gourmet award-winning treats, bistro fare, and snacks on one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Maine. The owner is truly a visionary!
Sweetest, little building. Sadly no lunch this year but still the greatest ice cream!
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing ice cream at a beautiful lakeside setting. Inventive and well balanced flavors. Currently they aren’t serving any food.
Wonderful spot with yummy ice cream. What’s not to like?
Amazing ice-cream. We made it a tradition to go there when we are camping nearby. Tried peach basil last year and plum (sorbet) this year. Delightful!!! Definitely check them out if you are in the area.
Crowded, slow, but good and unusual ice cream flavors
Amazing ice cream, and really interesting flavours! Missed out on other food as weekdays is ice cream only, but we'll definitely be back.