The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour

For New Jersey locals, especially those who frequent the charming shores of Long Beach Island (LBI), the summer season is synonymous with unique experiences and memorable family outings. Among the many attractions in Beach Haven, one establishment truly stands out, offering much more than just a scoop of ice cream: The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour. This isn't your typical ice cream shop; it's a vibrant, theatrical experience where talented servers, affectionately known as "Waitri," entertain you with Broadway show tunes and engaging performances while you savor creatively named sundaes. It's a destination where the dessert is just one part of a captivating hour of song, dance, and audience participation, making it a beloved tradition for countless families in our state.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour is strategically located at 200 Centre St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Beach Haven, a popular and easily navigable town on Long Beach Island. Centre Street is a prominent thoroughfare, making the parlor straightforward to find for anyone exploring the area. Its proximity to the Surflight Theatre, with which it shares a deep connection (having been opened in 1975 next to the theatre by its founder), means it's often part of a larger entertainment experience for visitors. For those driving, parking in Beach Haven can be busy during peak summer months, but various street parking options or public lots are typically available within walking distance. Being in a highly walkable and bike-friendly part of LBI, many patrons may arrive on foot or by bicycle, adding to the relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere. The central location in this bustling shore town ensures that The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour is an accessible and convenient destination for locals and tourists enjoying all that Beach Haven has to offer.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour offers a specialized menu of ice cream concoctions, but its primary service is the immersive theatrical experience that accompanies your dessert. While specific individual ice cream flavors might not be extensively detailed, the focus is on themed sundaes and the entertainment:

• Theatrically Themed Ice Cream Concoctions: Patrons enjoy creatively named sundaes and desserts inspired by Broadway shows, such as "The Sound Of Music," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "The Phantom of the Opera." These are often large and elaborate.
• Singing and Dancing "Waitri": The core service is the live cabaret performance by the serving staff, who are talented performers singing and dancing show tunes.
• Audience Participation: The "Waitri" actively involve the audience, encouraging participation in songs, dancing, and even conga lines, making the experience interactive and engaging for all ages.
• Dessert Focus: While not a full-service restaurant, the emphasis is heavily on the dessert experience, making it a dedicated sweet treat destination.
• Reservations System: Due to its popularity and the nature of the show, reservations are highly recommended and must be made online, typically for specific seating times (e.g., 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm, with earlier 5 pm seatings on some days).
• Credit Card and Cash Payments: While historically cash-only, they now accept credit cards, and cash donations are welcomed after the show, offering flexibility in payment.
• Special Needs Accommodations: When making reservations, patrons can note special needs such as allergies or high chair requirements.
• Seasonal Operation: As part of the Surflight Theatre complex, The Show Place operates seasonally, primarily during the summer months.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour is distinguished by a highly unique set of features and highlights that set it apart from any other ice cream shop in New Jersey:

• Immersive Theatrical Entertainment: This is the defining feature. Customers aren't just getting ice cream; they're getting a full Broadway-style cabaret show with their dessert. The "Waitri" are professional performers who sing, dance, and engage the audience, transforming a meal into a memorable performance.
• Audience Engagement: The high level of audience participation, from singing along to joining conga lines, creates a lively and fun atmosphere that appeals to families and encourages interaction, making each visit unique.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: It's explicitly designed as a "great place to bring the family," offering entertainment that appeals to all ages, from children who might have to dance to adults who appreciate the show tunes.
• Unique Themed Desserts: The ice cream concoctions are not just delicious but also creatively themed around Broadway shows, adding to the theatrical experience.
• Talented and Energetic Staff: Reviews consistently praise the staff for being "energetic," "on-point," and "friendly," highlighting their dedication to putting on a great show.
• "Worth the Price of Admission": Customers acknowledge that while the sundaes might seem pricey (around $10), the cost is justified by the hour-long, high-quality entertainment provided, making it an excellent value for the overall experience.
• Streamlined Reservation System: The transition to online reservations and credit card payments (from being cash-only) shows an adaptation to modern conveniences, making it easier for customers to plan their visit.
• Historical Connection: Opened in 1975, The Show Place has a rich history as part of the Surflight Theatre complex, adding to its legacy as a beloved LBI institution.

For those in New Jersey eager to experience the unique blend of dessert and entertainment at The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour in Beach Haven, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 200 Centre St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA

Phone: (609) 492-9477

Mobile Phone: +1 609-492-9477

Important Note: Reservations are highly recommended and must be made online. It is advisable to visit the Surflight Theatre's official website or search for "The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour reservations" for the most current booking information, seating times, and operational details, especially as it operates seasonally.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour is exceptionally well-suited for New Jersey locals, particularly families and anyone seeking a truly unique and memorable outing on Long Beach Island. Its primary appeal lies not just in the "good" ice cream, but in the unforgettable "1-hour show tune experience" performed by energetic and talented "Waitri." This immersive, Broadway-style cabaret transforms a simple dessert into a lively event, encouraging audience participation and creating lasting "great memories." For locals, it represents a cherished summer tradition, a break from routine, and an entertainment value that justifies the price of admission. The convenience of being located in the heart of Beach Haven, coupled with the ability to now make online reservations and pay with credit cards, makes planning a visit straightforward. It's a place where children are engaged, adults are entertained, and the communal joy of music and dessert intertwine. The Show Place offers more than just ice cream; it offers a full sensory experience that perfectly captures the spirit of summer fun on the New Jersey shore, making it an essential stop for any local seeking a truly special family outing.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour

200 Centre St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA