Tom's Ice Cream Bowl

tom's ice cream bowl

Hello, Ohioans! When you're looking for a taste of nostalgia blended with genuinely delicious treats and comforting meals, there's a beloved institution in Zanesville that stands the test of time: Tom's Ice Cream Bowl. This isn't just any ice cream shop; it's a piece of Ohio history, a place where generations have gathered since 1948 to indulge in overflowing sundaes and classic diner fare. For locals and those traveling through Muskingum County, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is more than a stop; it's a cherished experience.

Founded by two cousins, Jack Hemmer and Tom Mirgon, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has maintained its authentic charm and commitment to quality for over 70 years. It’s famous for its generous portions, especially its legendary sundaes, which are often described as "wonderfully gooey and dripping" and so large they can fill a soup bowl rather than a traditional boat. Beyond the sweet treats, Tom's offers a full menu of satisfying hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and other diner favorites, making it a versatile spot for any meal. The atmosphere is a delightful step back in time, with a nostalgic ambiance that transports visitors to a simpler era. Whether you're a lifelong resident of Zanesville, stopping off I-70, or making a dedicated road trip from across Ohio, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl promises a unique blend of delicious food, classic charm, and genuinely friendly service that makes every visit a memorable one. It’s a place where tradition, taste, and hospitality truly shine.

Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is conveniently located at 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA. McIntire Avenue is a well-known street in Zanesville, making the establishment easy to find for both local residents and visitors. Its position within the city ensures it's accessible from various neighborhoods and is often a short drive from major routes.

One of its significant advantages is its relative proximity to Interstate 70, making it a fantastic and easily accessible stop for travelers passing through Ohio. Whether you're on a long road trip or just a day excursion, diverting to Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is a straightforward process. While detailed parking information isn't specified in reviews, being a well-established local landmark typically implies adequate parking options for its patrons. The location in a classic American town like Zanesville adds to its charm, making it a pleasant destination to visit. The ease of getting to Tom's, coupled with its reputation as a must-visit spot, encourages both spontaneous detours and planned visits, ensuring that a craving for a classic sundae or a comforting meal can be satisfied without undue hassle.

Tom's Ice Cream Bowl offers a remarkably extensive menu that combines classic American diner fare with its legendary ice cream creations. Here’s a comprehensive look at their services and offerings:

• Ice Cream & Sweets:
  • Signature Sundaes: Their sundaes are famous for being large and generously topped, often served in a bowl. Popular options mentioned include:
    • Classic Sundaes with various toppings like Hot Fudge, Chocolate, Strawberry, Pineapple, Peanut Butter, Butterscotch, Cherry, Caramel, and Marshmallow.
    • Specialty Sundaes like Buckeye, Tin Roof, Chocolate Marshmallow, Caramel Marshmallow, and Brownie Sundae (featuring an X-large scoop over a Kennedy's Bakery Brownie).
    • Classic Banana Splits (with three large dips and various toppings like crushed cherries, pineapple, marshmallow, and a choice of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or all vanilla/chocolate/strawberry ice cream).
    • Banana Caramel Sundae.
    • Black and White (vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and marshmallow).
  • Ice Cream by the Scoop: Available in cones (waffle, sugar, or cake) and dishes, with numerous flavors.
  • Milkshakes & Malts: Classic blended drinks like Milkshake, Malt Shake, Ice Cream Soda, Root Beer Float, and Boston Cooler.
  • Homemade Ice Cream: They pride themselves on making their own ice cream, with flavors like Champagne Sherbet, Cheesecake IC, Cherry Cordial IC, Cherry Nut IC, Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Fudge IC, Chocolate IC, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup IC, Cinnamon Roll IC, Coconut Chocolate Almond IC, Coffee IC, Cookie Dough IC, Double Chocolate Surprise IC, Egg Nog IC, and English Toffee IC.
  • Take-Home Options: Pints, Quarts, 1/2 Gallons, and Ice Cream Cake Rolls.
• Savory Food Items:
  • Burgers: A wide selection including Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Special Steak, Double Special Steak, Ghost Pepper Burger, Ground Steak, and more. Customers often enjoy a burger before their ice cream.
  • Hot Sandwiches: Such as BLT, Fried Egg, Fried Ham, Grilled Cheese, Fried Bologna, Sausage Sandwich, Shredded Chicken, and Sloppy Joe.
  • Cold Sandwiches: Including Chicken Salad, Egg Salad, Ham Salad, and Tuna Salad.
  • Special Sandwiches: Unique options like Barnyard Burger, Patty Melt, Philly Cheese, Ribeye, Turkey Club, and Monte Cristo.
  • Soups: A variety of homemade soups like Tomato, Chicken Noodle, Homemade Chili, Potato, Broccoli & Cheddar, and Vegetable Soup.
  • Sides: Fresh Cut Fries, Shoestring Fries, Tater Tots, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, Cheese Sticks, and more.
  • Platters: Including Beef Noodle Platter, Chicken Noodle Platter, and Open Faced Roast Beef/Turkey.
  • Breakfast Items: (Where applicable) Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, Breakfast Burritos, and Sausage Gravy & Biscuits.
• Beverages: A range of soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and phosphate sodas.
• Candy & Nuts: They offer a selection of handcrafted candies (like Maple Creams) and various nuts (e.g., cashews, pecans).

This diverse menu ensures that Tom's Ice Cream Bowl can cater to any craving, from a full, hearty meal to a simple scoop of ice cream, all within a welcoming atmosphere.

Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is celebrated for several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its legendary status:

• Legendary Sundaes and Generous Portions: This is arguably their most famous attribute. Customers consistently rave about the size and quality of their sundaes, which are often described as "gigantic," "overflowing," and "wonderfully gooey and dripping." They are served in bowls, not traditional boats, emphasizing the generous portions. This commitment to abundance makes every sundae a truly indulgent experience.
• Nostalgic, Classic Diner Atmosphere: The shop offers a delightful "blast from the past" feel. It has maintained its small business charm with a classic ambiance, including retro Formica tables and green vinyl stools. This nostalgic setting enhances the overall dining experience, transporting visitors back in time.
• High-Quality Homemade Ice Cream: Beyond the size, the ice cream itself is praised for its quality and taste. Joe Baker, an employee since 1977, is the sole creator of their ice cream, making about 600 gallons a week, ensuring freshness and consistent flavor. They offer a wide variety of unique and classic flavors.
• Comprehensive Food Menu: While known for ice cream, their full menu of hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, and soups is a significant highlight. Customers often enjoy a savory meal before their dessert, with items like the chili and hot Virginia Ham Sandwich receiving high praise. This versatility makes it a complete dining destination.
• Excellent Customer Service: Reviews frequently commend the "great service," "friendly staff," and efficient handling of orders, even during busy times. This commitment to hospitality ensures a pleasant visit for all patrons.
• Reasonable Prices: Many customers find the prices to be "very reasonable," especially given the large portions and high quality of the food and ice cream, offering great value.
• Family Tradition and Local Institution: For many, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is a multi-generational family tradition. It's a "local institution" that brings back fond memories and serves as a gathering spot for families, contributing to its deep connection with the community.
• Selection of Nuts and Candies: In addition to ice cream, they offer a variety of nuts and handcrafted chocolates, like "BEST Maple Creams Candies" and "fresh huge cashews," providing additional treats to take home.

These features collectively define Tom's Ice Cream Bowl as a unique and cherished destination in Ohio, offering a perfect blend of delicious food, nostalgic charm, and exceptional customer experience.

For those planning a delightful visit to Tom's Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville, or if you need to reach out, here is the essential contact information:

Address:
532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

Phone:
(740) 452-5267
+1 740-452-5267 (Mobile Phone)

Their general operating hours are:

• Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Please note that specific menu item availability or holiday hours might vary, so it's always a good idea to confirm by calling ahead or checking their official website or social media channels for the most current information. Having these contact details readily available ensures a smooth and convenient experience for all local customers.

For the residents of Ohio, particularly those in Zanesville and anyone traveling through the state, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl is not just a suitable choice; it's a quintessential Ohio experience that embodies local charm, quality, and tradition.

Firstly, its status as a long-standing local institution since 1948 means it carries a deep sense of nostalgia and community pride. Ohioans value businesses with history and character, and Tom's Ice Cream Bowl perfectly fits this mold. It's a place where childhood memories are made and passed down through generations, making it a true family tradition for many. The fact that families are "jealous" when they miss a trip to Zanesville speaks volumes about its beloved status.

Secondly, the combination of legendary, generously portioned sundaes and a comprehensive menu of classic diner food ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty burger or a comforting bowl of homemade chili before diving into an "overflowing" sundae, Tom's has you covered. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for any meal or just a sweet treat, catering to diverse appetites within a single visit. The reputation for making their own ice cream further enhances its appeal to locals who appreciate quality and homemade goodness.

Furthermore, the friendly service and classic, welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment. The staff's courtesy and efficiency, even when busy, ensure a pleasant experience. The timeless decor offers a comfortable, familiar setting that evokes a sense of home and simplicity, resonating with Ohioans who appreciate straightforward, quality establishments.

Finally, its convenient location near I-70 makes it highly accessible not only for Zanesville residents but also for anyone driving across the state. It serves as a perfect, rewarding pit stop for travelers, allowing them to experience a genuine slice of Ohio hospitality and deliciousness without significant detours. The reasonable prices for such generous portions also make it an excellent value for locals looking for an affordable yet high-quality dining experience.

In conclusion, Tom's Ice Cream Bowl offers a unique and authentic Ohio experience. It's a place where delicious food, incredible ice cream, and warm memories converge, making it an indispensable local gem that truly hits the spot for any Ohioan.

Tom's Ice Cream Bowl

532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA