Barthel's Creamery

For anyone in New York, especially those exploring the picturesque Hudson Valley and Catskill regions, finding that perfect ice cream spot is often part of the adventure. In Ellenville, Ulster County, a local gem stands out for its delightful frozen treats: Barthel's Creamery. This creamery has quickly become a notable stop for residents and visitors alike, offering a refreshing and indulgent escape from the everyday.

Barthel's Creamery isn't just another ice cream shop; it's a destination for unique flavors and a truly satisfying dessert experience. While it may be a relatively new contender in the local ice cream scene compared to some long-standing establishments, it has rapidly gained a reputation for its quality and diverse offerings. From the creamy swirls of soft serve to the intriguing variety of hard ice cream flavors, Barthel's is dedicated to providing a memorable treat for every palate. It's the kind of place that captures the essence of a charming roadside stop, inviting you to pull over, cool down, and savor a moment of pure sweetness in the heart of our beautiful New York landscape.

## Location and Accessibility

Barthel's Creamery boasts a prime location that makes it easily accessible for both local Ellenville residents and those traveling through the region. You can find this delightful creamery situated at

8065 US-209, Ellenville, NY 12428, USA

The accessibility of Barthel's Creamery is a significant advantage. Whether you’re a local from Ellenville heading out for a treat, or a visitor exploring the Catskills and surrounding areas, its roadside presence on a major route makes it an effortless stop. Furthermore, the creamery benefits from being located next to a farm market, which implies easy parking availability and potentially offers a convenient dual-stop experience. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick, refreshing break during a road trip or a relaxed outing for families in the area, contributing to its growing popularity as a go-to dessert destination.

## Services Offered

Barthel's Creamery distinguishes itself by offering a diverse range of ice cream options, appealing to both soft-serve aficionados and those who prefer unique hard ice cream flavors.

• Diverse Soft Serve Selection: A key highlight of Barthel's is their impressive variety of soft serve flavors. Unlike many shops that might only offer vanilla and chocolate, Barthel's expands its soft serve menu to include at least "5 different flavors," such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy, and pineapple. Customers have specifically praised the authentic taste of these flavors, noting that the strawberry soft serve, for instance, "actually tasted like strawberry, rather than something artificial!" This wide selection for soft serve is a significant draw.

• Artisanal Hard Ice Cream: Beyond soft serve, Barthel's Creamery also features a selection of hard ice cream. They reportedly offer "Jan's Ice Cream," which is noted as being from upstate New York, suggesting a commitment to local or regional suppliers. This provides a unique, high-quality offering. Customers have raved about specific inventive flavors like "Gingersnap Molasses," "Italian rainbow cookie," and "cinnamon crumb cake," indicating a creative and delicious range of choices beyond the ordinary. The "gingersnap was insane," and "Italian rainbow cookie was GOOD," though the cinnamon crumb cake was noted as having good flavor but perhaps not the best texture compared to other cinnamon ice creams.

• Unique Blended Drinks: The creamery offers interesting blended options, such as the "mango Lassi," which was described as "amazing." This suggests a willingness to incorporate diverse culinary influences into their frozen treats, providing unique and refreshing alternatives.

• Toppings and Dips: To enhance the ice cream experience, customers can choose various toppings, including popular options like "rainbow sprinkles" for their cones.

• Cash-Only Transactions (with ATM access): It's important for customers to note that Barthel's Creamery operates on a "cash only" basis. However, for convenience, there is an "ATM in the farm market next door," ensuring that patrons can easily access funds to make their purchase.

## Features / Highlights

Barthel's Creamery has quickly carved out a niche in the Ellenville area, distinguished by several features that make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

• Exceptional Soft Serve Variety and Quality: A standout feature of Barthel's is its impressive selection of soft serve flavors, going beyond the typical vanilla and chocolate. With "5 different flavors" reported, including strawberry, cotton candy, and pineapple, it offers a wider range than many competitors. Crucially, the quality is highly praised, with customers noting that flavors like strawberry "actually tasted like strawberry, rather than something artificial!" This focus on authentic taste in soft serve sets them apart.

• Unique and Artisanal Hard Ice Cream Flavors: Barthel's offers an intriguing selection of hard ice cream, reportedly featuring "Jan's Ice Cream" from upstate New York, which suggests a commitment to local quality or unique sourcing. The creative and bold flavors available, such as "Gingersnap Molasses," "Italian rainbow cookie," and "cinnamon crumb cake," are a significant draw. The "gingersnap was insane," indicating a truly memorable and distinctive flavor profile that appeals to adventurous palates.

• High Quality Despite Perceived Portions/Price: While some customers have noted that prices are "very high" and that portions (e.g., "3 scoops was closer to what'd I'd expect for 2") might seem smaller for the cost, the consistent feedback regarding the "quality was good" and the soft serve being "the best soft-serve among these 3 ice cream shops" indicates a strong value proposition based on product excellence. Customers are willing to pay for what they perceive as superior taste.

• Distinctive Blended Drink Options: The inclusion of unique offerings like the "mango Lassi," described as "amazing," showcases Barthel's willingness to diversify its menu beyond traditional ice cream, appealing to a broader range of preferences and providing refreshing alternatives.

• Convenient Co-location with a Farm Market: Being located next to a farm market offers a practical advantage. It likely provides ample parking and allows customers to combine their ice cream run with other shopping, making it a convenient multi-purpose stop. The presence of an "ATM in the farm market next door" also addresses their "cash only" policy, ensuring accessibility for all customers.

• Positive Word-of-Mouth and Reputation: The fact that customers are actively "on a tour of ice cream shops in the area" and explicitly state that "Barthel’s wins for me" for its soft serve, even considering the price, speaks volumes about its strong reputation and the memorable quality of its products within the local ice cream scene.

## Contact Information

For those planning a visit to Barthel's Creamery in Ellenville, New York, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 8065 US-209, Ellenville, NY 12428, USA

Phone: (845) 594-6527

It is always advisable to check their current operating hours, especially during different seasons, as schedules for ice cream shops can vary. You can typically find updated information through a quick online search or by calling them directly.

## Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Barthel's Creamery in Ellenville, New York, is more than just a place to grab a cone; it's a highly suitable destination for locals across Ulster County and the surrounding Hudson Valley region, offering a distinct and high-quality ice cream experience. Its unique blend of offerings and convenient location make it a standout choice for residents.

A primary reason for its suitability lies in its **exceptional variety and quality of ice cream**. For New Yorkers who appreciate diverse options, Barthel's delivers with an impressive "5 different flavors of soft serve," setting it apart from many competitors. The authentic taste, noted by customers who praised the real strawberry flavor, ensures a satisfying experience. Furthermore, the selection of artisanal hard ice creams, including unique options like "Gingersnap Molasses" and "Italian rainbow cookie" from "Jan's Ice Cream" (an upstate New York brand), appeals to those seeking more adventurous and locally sourced flavors. This commitment to quality and variety means locals don't have to compromise on their sweet cravings.

While prices may be considered "very high" by some, the consistent positive feedback on the "quality" of the ice cream and soft serve indicates that patrons perceive a strong value for their money. For an "occasional treat," as one customer noted, the superior taste makes the cost justifiable. This willingness of locals to pay for quality reflects a common preference in New York for premium, well-made products.

The creamery's **convenient location on US-209** makes it incredibly accessible for residents in Ellenville and neighboring towns, as well as for those exploring the scenic routes of Ulster County. Being adjacent to a farm market not only adds to its charm as a roadside stop but also provides ample parking and the convenience of an on-site ATM, mitigating its "cash only" policy. This ease of access ensures that a spontaneous craving can be quickly satisfied without hassle.

In essence, Barthel's Creamery offers a compelling blend of unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a convenient, charming setting. It provides a specialized experience that caters to both traditional soft-serve lovers and adventurous hard ice cream enthusiasts. For locals in New York's Ulster County, Barthel's Creamery isn't just an ice cream shop; it’s a delightful part of the community, perfect for creating sweet memories and enjoying exceptional frozen treats.

Barthel's Creamery

8065 US-209, Ellenville, NY 12428, USA