Pastimes Ice Cream in Prospect, Ohio: A Local's Guide to a Dairy Bar

Pastimes Ice Cream Introduce

In the heart of Prospect, Ohio, lies a small-town dairy bar that has a long history as a local gathering spot: Pastimes Ice Cream. For many long-time residents of Marion County and beyond, this establishment represents a cherished tradition, a place tied to fond memories of summer days, post-game celebrations, and simple family outings. This dairy bar has served as a fixture in the community for decades, with many locals recalling trips there as children, a tradition they’ve continued with their own families. While the business has changed hands over the years, the core appeal of a classic ice cream cone and a hearty meal remains, making it a place of both nostalgia and new experiences.

Pastimes Ice Cream is known for its commitment to its products, offering a range of food and dairy items that, according to some patrons, go "above and beyond." The classic menu items, such as burgers and a variety of ice cream flavors, have kept the tradition alive. The atmosphere of a small-town dairy bar is a key part of its charm, providing a quick and easy stop for lunch, dinner, or a simple treat. As with any local establishment, experiences can vary, but for many, the quality of the food and the sense of community keep them coming back. The dairy bar has been a consistent presence in the lives of many in Prospect, holding a special place in their hearts despite any changes or shifts in the business.

Pastimes Ice Cream is conveniently located at 115 N Elm St, Prospect, OH 43342, making it an easily accessible destination for residents of the village and the wider Marion County area. Situated on a central street, the dairy bar is a straightforward stop for those passing through or specifically looking for a treat. Its location makes it a natural hub for community members, providing a quick and easy option for a meal or dessert.

As a classic dairy bar, the accessibility is typically straightforward, with parking available nearby and an ordering window for walk-up service. The setup is designed for efficiency, perfect for a quick stop during a lunch break or after a long day of activities. The central location in Prospect ensures that it is a familiar and easy-to-find spot for anyone in the area, contributing to its status as a local institution. The business caters to both those who want to eat on the go and those who want to take a moment to enjoy their meal outside.

Pastimes Ice Cream offers a range of services and products that go beyond just ice cream, catering to those looking for a full meal or a simple snack.

Ice Cream Cones: A staple of the dairy bar, offering classic flavors like sherbet and vanilla that have been enjoyed by generations.
Burgers: The menu includes food items like double burgers, making it a suitable stop for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Variety of Dairy Products: The shop is praised for its commitment to high-quality dairy products, which forms the basis of its reputation.
Quick Service: The setup is designed for efficiency, making it an ideal option for those looking for a fast meal or treat.

The dairy bar is known for several key features and highlights that have defined its place in the community.

Small-Town Atmosphere: Pastimes Ice Cream embodies the feel of a small hometown dairy bar, with a sense of community and tradition.
Commitment to Quality: Customers have noted that the establishment goes "above and beyond" with the quality of its food and dairy products.
Nostalgic Appeal: For many, a visit here is a trip down memory lane, with long-held traditions of visiting the dairy bar with family after a day of activities.
Dedicated Customer Base: The shop maintains a loyal following of customers who appreciate the long-standing tradition and quality of the products, even through changes in ownership.
Young Staff: The dairy bar often employs local young people, offering them job opportunities within the community.

For your convenience, here is the essential contact information for Pastimes Ice Cream:

Address: 115 N Elm St, Prospect, OH 43342, USA

Phone: (740) 494-2450

Pastimes Ice Cream is a suitable local spot because it is deeply woven into the fabric of the Prospect, Ohio, community. For generations, it has been a place of tradition and comfort, a destination for families and friends to gather for a simple, joyful treat. The dairy bar’s history and long-standing presence make it more than just a business; it's a part of the town's identity. While the experiences can be varied, the core appeal of high-quality dairy products and classic American food remains a draw for those who value tradition and a hometown feel. Despite some challenges with service and customer interactions, the sheer quality of the ice cream and food keeps a dedicated customer base coming back. It's a place where locals can find a familiar comfort in a fast-changing world, a go-to spot for a quick lunch or a celebratory ice cream cone, making it a unique and enduring part of life in Prospect.

Pastimes Ice Cream Photos

Pastimes Ice Cream Location

Pastimes Ice Cream

Ohio Marion County Prospect North Elm Street

115 N Elm St, Prospect, OH 43342, USA

Pastimes Ice Cream Reviews

An average rating of ★3.8 from 281 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

A small hometown dairy bar with a lot of love and commitment for their customers. It's hard to find places that don't cut corners anymore. But thus place definitely goes above and beyond with their food and dairy products. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quick stop at lunch or dinner. These gals are amazing!
September 13 · Dustin Culp
I don’t usually do this type of thing but after encouragement from the owner, here I am. As a kid, we would all do yard work on the weekends and then get baths and head on over to Prospect dairy bar to get an ice cream cone. My love of sherbet came from there. I continued to do the same thing with my kids. We would always go to Prospect Dairy bar after working in the yard or a long weekend of ball games. Really, just about any reason. It was our favorite spot. I have lots of friends that have written off the dairy bar after it changed owners, but although she isn’t friendly, I still spent lots of money there simply because it is very good ice cream. We would get lunches there this spring spending $50-$70 once a week. Today, my mom and I attended a funeral for a life long friend. Afterwards, I just really wanted a double burger from there. We agreed to head over for lunch. I ordered a double burger, no bun and a small sherbet ice cream cone. $11.75 totalThe young lady working the window gave me the ice cream cone while my burger was cooking. After a couple of bites I had my mom try it. It tasted very sour and there were dark orange, chewy beads in it. So I asked her if there was a possibility that the sherbet was bad because it was sour tasting. She said she would get the owner (who was cooking my burger).Approaching the window she asked me “what’s the problem?” I explained and she said there was nothing wrong with the sherbet. That’s how sherbet tastes because it’s sherbet. It has citric acid in it. I told her that I’ve never had it taste that way before and go there often. She wanted to argue. I requested to have a vanilla instead, hoping to resolve the issue, and she said “go out back and throw it away and then I will give you a vanilla”. My mom then took it out back to throw it away. The owner then accused me of “complaining the last time I was there”, which set me on fire! In 25 years, I have never complained ONE time there. EVER. I assured her that it most certainly was not me. She then said “somebody from NU complained so I don’t know”. At this point I was really upset and assured her that is was NOT me! Let me remind you, we are talking about a $2.25 small ice cream cone. I requested a fork for my no-bun burger and she stated “it’s not my job. Tell one of the others”. She was standing right there next to the minors that work FOR her! She’s the owner! I told her I felt sorry for them because I’m sure she speaks to them the same way she was speaking to me. I then pulled out my phone to record this non-sense and make the public aware of her practices and how she treats her employees and customers. She told me they “don’t have a Facebook, don’t do social media and it wouldn’t affect her business because she doesn’t need customers like me”. Right. I told her to keep the vanilla cone, I didn’t want it, and that she should be ashamed of herself. The young girl brought my fork and apologized for her behavior. I assured her it wasn’t her fault. My mom and I left. I hope this post takes off and costs her more than the $2.25 ice cream cone it cost me. She apparently doesn’t need customers.To the parents of the two young ladies working there, I would question who your daughters are being mentored by. She’s a horrible person. All good things come to an end. Today was my last day going to that dairy bar.
July 13 · Tamara Huckaba
Our family has been a loyal customer of this ice cream store for many years. Today will be the last day we support this establishment after the disrespectful and rude interaction we had with the owner. We spent over $20 for lunch and finished with some ice cream. The ice cream machine was a little off today and did not come out like the usual amazing ice cream. When I asked if I could get a replacement from a different machine the owner refused to provide a replacement and slapped my money back on the counter and said “I’ve never had anyone complain about my ice cream here is your money back!” I left the ice cream and money and will find another ice cream establishment with ownership that is respectful and caring towards their customers.
July 04 · Justin Mellen
For years the owner has been nothing but rude to my family when we visit. She has made terrible, offhand comments to us whether it be about needing and extra cup for melty ice cream or saying that I, as a Type One Diabetic, shouldn't be having ice cream. Those are only a few to say the least. I couldn't agree anymore with the other 1 star reviews. I will no longer be supporting this business after hearing so many horror stories from customers and employees.
July 13 · Rachel Stillions
I am not sure if owners have changed but the lady that took our order was not nice! 2nd why is it cash only? Didn't used to be that way.. my peanut butter milk shake was more like peanut butter milk. Real thin and runny.. wife and I used to Love going there.. we won't be returning 😪
May 22 · James Coleman