Clevelands' Country Store

For residents across Connecticut, especially those in the scenic areas around Plymouth and Thomaston, discovering local gems that offer both culinary delights and a touch of nostalgia is a true pleasure. Clevelands' Country Store is precisely one such place. More than just an ice cream shop, this charming establishment presents itself as a multifaceted destination where visitors can indulge in delicious, locally made ice cream, explore an array of old-fashioned candies, and even savor freshly prepared deli items. It’s the kind of quaint, community-focused store that adds a unique flavor to the local landscape, inviting passersby to stop in and experience its distinct charm.

Clevelands' Country Store has cultivated a reputation as a welcoming spot that offers something for everyone, whether you're craving a sweet treat or a hearty meal. Upon entering, many are immediately drawn to the vibrant display of ice cream and candy, signaling a delightful journey into a world of classic flavors and childhood memories. Beyond the initial impression, the store unfolds to reveal a fresh deli, showcasing a commitment to homemade quality. It’s a place where the unexpected delights, from "very unusual flavor combination" of ice cream to "phenomenal" slow-cooked dishes, create a memorable and satisfying experience. This blend of traditional country store charm with modern culinary touches makes Clevelands' a noteworthy stop for anyone in the Connecticut region.

Clevelands' Country Store is conveniently located at 655 Main St, Plymouth, CT 06782, USA. Situated on Main Street, this address places it along a key route within Plymouth, making it relatively accessible for local residents and those passing through the area. Its position allows for easy recognition and a straightforward drive for anyone in Plymouth or the neighboring town of Thomaston, as highlighted by a customer who noted driving by it "a hundred times."

The nature of a country store typically suggests a welcoming, easy-to-access establishment, often with parking available nearby, allowing for a comfortable stop. While specific parking details are not provided, Main Street locations usually offer street parking or dedicated small lots. For locals, its presence on a main thoroughfare means it can be a convenient stop during daily errands, a planned outing for a treat, or a quick lunch break. The charming exterior, as described by a customer as a "cute little store," makes it inviting and easy to spot. This blend of accessible location and appealing aesthetic contributes to its suitability as a local destination for food and treats.

Clevelands' Country Store offers a diverse range of services and products that extend beyond a typical ice cream shop, embodying the traditional multifaceted role of a country store.

• Locally Made Ice Cream: A primary draw, praised for being "excellent ice cream locally made." They feature "some very unusual flavor combination," such as "sandbox" (vanilla, caramel swirl, and Butterfingers).
• Ice Cream Scoops, Shakes, and Cones: Customers can order ice cream in various forms, including scoops (though one review noted issues with soft consistency for hard scoop and cone handling), and milkshakes (though one review cited an issue with chocolate flavor).
• Old-Fashioned Candy Selection: A significant nostalgic highlight, offering a "blast from the past" with candies like "Mary Janes" that are rarely seen elsewhere.
• Fresh Deli Counter: Located by taking "the steps to the left," the deli offers made-to-order items.
  • Grinders and Sandwiches: Customers can have these prepared fresh while they wait.
  • Lunch Specials: The deli also features cooked "lunch special," indicating daily or rotating options.
  • Homemade Dishes: Notably, they offer "home made rice and pork shoulder he slow cooks right in store," described as "phenomenal."
• Specialty Food Items: Beyond the deli, they sell unique packaged goods like "Apple salsa," suggesting a curated selection of gourmet or local products.
• Beverages: Likely offers a range of drinks, including the mention of water bottles.

Clevelands' Country Store possesses several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its unique charm and appeal, offering a multi-faceted experience for its patrons. However, some customer feedback also points to areas for improvement.

• Unique Ice Cream Flavors: A significant highlight is their "excellent ice cream locally made with some very unusual flavor combination." The "sandbox" flavor (vanilla, caramel swirl, and Butterfingers) is a prime example of their creative offerings.
• Nostalgic Candy Selection: The "old fashioned candy is a blast from the past," featuring rare finds like "Mary Janes." This retro candy selection adds a unique charm and evokes nostalgia for many visitors.
• Homemade Deli with Slow-Cooked Specialties: The presence of a fresh deli offering "made fresh deli where they can make you a grinder, sandwich, or cook a lunch special as you wait" is a major draw. The "phenomenal" "home made rice and pork shoulder he slow cooks right in store" specifically stands out, showcasing a commitment to quality and flavorful comfort food.
• Owner/Staff Interaction: Chris, described as a "true gentleman," offers tastes of his homemade food, creating a warm, personal, and inviting atmosphere. This hands-on, friendly approach is a significant positive highlight for customer experience.
• Multifaceted Store Experience: It's not just an ice cream shop; it's a country store with ice cream, candy, and a deli, providing multiple reasons to visit and explore. This versatility makes it a more comprehensive destination.

However, it's important to address some reported concerns from a less favorable review:

• Ice Cream Consistency Issues: A customer reported that hard scoop ice cream was "soft and melting immediately" upon serving, suggesting issues with freezer temperature or handling.
• Customer Service Incident: One review detailed an uncomfortable interaction where a staff member (approx. 55-60 years old) allegedly made an insulting comment about age when questioned about candy pricing, leading to a "flustered" departure.
• Product Quality Concerns: The same review mentioned a "chocolate shake tasted nothing like chocolate" and that a purchased candy bar was "expired," suggesting issues with product freshness. They also noted "freeze dried candy. It’s looking funky."

These varied reviews indicate that while the store offers unique products and a charming concept, consistency in both product quality and customer service can be a concern for some patrons. Despite this, the positive feedback on the homemade deli items and unique ice cream flavors still highlights its potential as a beloved local spot.

For those interested in visiting Clevelands' Country Store to explore its unique offerings, or to get in touch, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 655 Main St, Plymouth, CT 06782, USA

Phone: (860) 283-4566

Mobile Phone: +1 860-283-4566

Given its nature as a country store with a deli and ice cream, operating hours might vary throughout the year. It's always a good practice to call ahead using the provided phone number to confirm their current schedule, especially if you plan to visit for a specific deli item or during non-peak times. This ensures the most up-to-date information for your visit to Clevelands' Country Store.

Clevelands' Country Store in Plymouth, Connecticut, holds significant potential as a suitable destination for locals, offering a unique blend of offerings that cater to various community needs and desires. While some customer experiences highlight areas for improvement, the core concept and positive aspects make it a valuable local establishment.

For locals, the primary appeal lies in its multifaceted nature. It’s not just an ice cream shop; it’s a deli, a candy store, and a specialty food market all rolled into one charming location. This versatility means residents can visit for a wide range of needs—whether it’s a spontaneous craving for "excellent ice cream locally made with some very unusual flavor combination" like "sandbox," a nostalgic trip down memory lane with "old fashioned candy" like "Mary Janes," or a desire for a freshly prepared meal from the deli, including "grinder, sandwich, or cook a lunch special." The mention of "home made rice and pork shoulder he slow cooks right in store" being "phenomenal" speaks to a dedication to quality comfort food that can easily become a local favorite.

The personal touch, as exemplified by "Chris," a "true gentleman" who offers tastes of his homemade dishes, fosters a warm and welcoming environment. This kind of hands-on, friendly interaction is highly valued in local community establishments, building loyalty and making patrons feel appreciated. For residents of Plymouth and nearby Thomaston, having such a unique and versatile store in their vicinity adds to the local character and convenience, reducing the need to travel further for diverse offerings.

While there was one negative review concerning ice cream consistency, customer service, and expired candy, these points can be viewed as actionable feedback for improvement. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment about the unique offerings, particularly the deli items and the concept of the store itself, suggests a strong foundation for a beloved local business. If these areas are addressed, Clevelands' Country Store has every reason to become a more consistently positive and integral part of the local community, offering a blend of nostalgic charm, delicious treats, and hearty meals that cater perfectly to the preferences of Connecticut residents.

Clevelands' Country Store

655 Main St, Plymouth, CT 06782, USA