Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? Not that I need an excuse to eat more ice cream 🙂
But it is a great excuse to try out a new-to-you ice cream destination!
A few years back we published this list of our favorite ice cream destinations in Connecticut. Turns out we have some readers who are, um, pretty passionate about their local ice cream spots. I had one comment from a reader who was absolutely in shock that the Durham Dari Serv hadn’t made our list. Of course, once I explained to her that we only listed places that we had been to before–and we just hadn’t been to the Dari Serv yet–she calmed down considerably 🙂
That comment has stuck with me though, and so in honor of National Ice Cream Month 2018, I finally made a trip to the Durham Dari Serv!
Located in Durham (duh), the Dari Serv has been scooping up ice cream for CT residents for over half a century.
It’s a no-frills kind of place. Just an unassuming little white house with an order window and a smattering of benches located around the perimeter of the parking area.
Still, I had heard that this place draws a crowd and I thought I was being all smart going at 4:00pm since most folks wouldn’t be spoiling their dinner with ice cream at that hour, right? Well, spoiler alert: I was not the only one with that idea!
The line at 4:00pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The line curved around in a U all the way back into the parking area!
Fortunately, there is plenty of parking, including spots all around the building and a grassy overflow area around back.
Parking area, with one of the aforementioned benches.
Yes, you can park back here on the grass.
While we were waiting in line we decided to check out the menu. The Dari Serv offers both hard and soft serve ice cream. I have always had a thing for soft serve ice cream. Plus various toppings, shakes, sundaes, etc.
Consult the cow for the special flavors.
Finally, we made it to the order window. Once you get to the front of the line, the service is very fast. Despite such a large crowd, we had our full order in minutes. These guys are fast!
Of course the ice cream was delicious, but what really surprised me was the price. We only spent about $12 for the four of us. I actually tried to order the boys a small, but the helpful girl taking our order talked me down to a kiddie size. Good thing! Who ever saw a kiddie size like this!
Of course, eating ice cream in the hot sun is messy business, so be sure to grab a bunch of napkins because there’s no easy way to go back for more (you’ll need to elbow your way back to the order window). But if this shot doesn’t say “childhood,” I don’t know what does!
Fortunately, we did eventually locate an available bench in the shade.
The ice cream was yummy, and witnessing 50+ years of ice cream tradition was pretty cool as well (pun intended!). But the line was definitely a bit of a challenge with two antsy kiddos and really no place for them to play while we waited (mainly in the hot, hot sun). I did notice though, that when we headed out at 5:00pm the line had thinned out considerably, so perhaps next time we hit the Dari Serv we’ll just throw caution to the wind and eat ice cream for dinner 🙂
Do you have a favorite local ice cream place that is not yet on our list? Tell me where to go next!
Durham Dari Serv
13 Main Street, Durham, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 349-3367
Hours:
Hours vary seasonally. For summer 2018, the hours are every day from 12:00pm to 9:30pm.
Pricing:
Prices vary by menu item. The four of us had ice cream for around $12 total, which included scoops, toppings and even a milkshake in the mix!
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: Porta-Potty
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: Just ice cream.
Outside Food Allowed: N/A
Cash Required: NO, credit cards are accepted (but no American Express).
Age Recommendations: ALL AGES
Dress Code: N/A
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: N/A
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
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As a Durham local, I would encourage you to check out other things in the area! We have a lovely local library and there are a few toddler friendly hiking trails that are part of the Mattabasset trail in the area. 🙂
Thanks so much, Katy! It was such a lovely drive over there, I was hoping to find some excuses to return. Looks like I’ve got a bunch! Thank again! ~Shawna