Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the scenic Pocono Mountains and the charming town of Delaware Water Gap, finding a local spot that offers both delicious treats and a unique ambiance is a true delight. Today, we're inviting you to step back in time and discover Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café. This exceptional establishment is not just an ice cream shop; it's an authentic Victorian-era parlor nestled within the historic Castle Inn, offering a distinctive experience that transcends a simple dessert stop.

Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café captures the essence of a bygone era, allowing patrons to enjoy classic frozen treats in a setting reminiscent of early 20th-century charm. From its "lovely Victorian era setting" to its reputation for "delicious ice cream" and "great service," Zoe's has become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. This article will delve into what makes Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café a must-visit, covering its unique location, diverse menu that includes more than just ice cream, special features, and how to connect with this enchanting local business. Prepare to embark on a journey that combines the pleasure of exquisite ice cream with the allure of history, creating an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind in Pennsylvania.

Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café boasts a truly unique and accessible location in Delaware Water Gap, PA. You'll find this charming establishment at 20 Delaware Ave, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327, USA. What makes its location particularly special is that it is situated inside the Historic Castle Inn, providing an immediate sense of history and charm from the moment you arrive.

The address on Delaware Avenue places Zoe's in the heart of Delaware Water Gap, a well-known area that attracts both local residents and tourists exploring the Poconos. Its integration within the Historic Castle Inn offers more than just a place to get ice cream; it's part of a larger historical experience. Accessibility by car is generally straightforward, with parking likely available in proximity to the Castle Inn, though specific parking configurations should be checked upon arrival. For those participating in the Pocono Trolley Tour, the location is even more convenient, as riders can often receive a discount, making it an ideal stop on their historical journey. The very nature of its setting encourages visitors to "take a minute to step back in time," transforming a simple ice cream run into a memorable part of their day. Its prominent location within a historic landmark ensures that it is easy to find and serves as a natural gathering point for those looking for a bite to eat or a delicious treat.

Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café offers a delightful array of services that extend beyond just traditional ice cream, providing a full café experience within its charming setting.

• Homemade Hard Ice Cream Scoops: They serve "homemade hard ice cream" in various flavors, available by the scoop in a dish or wafer cone. Customers can choose from a selection of flavors, as evidenced by the successful substitution of coffee ice cream in a banana split.
• Classic Sundaes: A specialty, including well-loved options like the Banana Split, which can be customized to individual preferences (e.g., changing ice cream flavors). Other sundae options include Hot Fudge Sundaes (small/large) and Build-Your-Own Sundaes with a choice of flavor, sauce, and topping.
• Milkshakes and Malts: Customers can enjoy classic milkshakes and malted shakes, made with their choice of hard or soft ice cream.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: Available for those who prefer the smooth, swirled texture of soft serve, in various sizes including a kids' option.
• Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Drinks: Embracing its Victorian-era theme, Zoe's offers throwback favorites like Egg Creams (a beverage of milk, carbonated water, and flavored syrup) and Soda Floats with various soda choices and ice cream.
• Café Menu / Lunch and Breakfast Items: Beyond ice cream, Zoe's operates as a café, offering a menu that includes lunch items such as homemade soups (e.g., Millie's Chili, Vegetable Soup), fresh sandwiches (e.g., Tuna Salad, Turkey Club, Philly Cheesesteak, Grilled Cheese), burgers, hot dogs, and fryer foods (e.g., fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks). They also serve brunch specials on weekends, including pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and fruit/yogurt bowls.
• Beverages: A selection of hot and cold beverages including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bottled sodas, and iced drinks.
• Dog Treats: They offer a "Dog Treat" which is a kids' cup of vanilla soft serve topped with homemade Coast to Coast Dog Treats, making it a pet-friendly stop.
• Quick and Great Service: Customers consistently praise the staff for being "quick to serve" and providing "great service."
• Pocono Trolley Tour Discount: Patrons riding the Pocono Trolley Tour can receive a discount, enhancing the value for tourists.

Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café in Delaware Water Gap offers a blend of historical charm and delicious treats that make it a truly unique destination for Pennsylvanians.

• Authentic Victorian Era Setting: This is a primary highlight. Located "inside the Historic Castle Inn," the parlor is designed to evoke a "turn-of-the-century atmosphere of the 1906 original," complete with marble countertops, oak and stained glass mirrors, soda-fountain fixtures, and bent-wire chairs. This immersive historical ambiance provides a unique dining experience.
• Delicious Homemade Ice Cream: Customers consistently praise the "delicious ice cream" and the ability to customize classic desserts like a "perfect" banana split with specific flavor changes (e.g., coffee ice cream). This speaks to the quality and flexibility of their offerings.
• Expansive Menu Beyond Ice Cream: Unlike many ice cream shops, Zoe's also functions as a full café, serving breakfast, lunch, soups, and sandwiches. This makes it a versatile stop for a meal or a sweet treat at any time of day, catering to a wider range of needs.
• Excellent and Quick Service: Patrons frequently commend the "great service" and how "quick to serve" the staff are, enhancing the overall positive experience.
• Pocono Trolley Tour Discount: The availability of a discount for those riding the Pocono Trolley Tour adds significant value, making it an attractive stop for tourists exploring the area's history.
• "Step Back in Time" Experience: The shop offers more than just food; it offers a nostalgic journey, allowing visitors to "take a minute to step back in time" and enjoy life's simple pleasures in a historically rich environment.
• Pet-Friendly Option: The presence of a "Dog Treat" on the menu (vanilla soft serve with homemade dog treats) makes it a welcoming spot for those visiting with their furry companions.

For those planning a visit to Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café in Delaware Water Gap, PA, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 20 Delaware Ave, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327, USA

Phone: (570) 213-7858

You can use the provided phone number to inquire about their operating hours, which can vary by season (e.g., year-round hours versus summer hours), or to ask about specific menu items before your visit. Their location within the Historic Castle Inn also means that information may sometimes be found through the Castle Inn's own contact details or website, offering additional avenues for inquiry.

For Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the Delaware Water Gap area and the broader Poconos region, Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local establishment. Its unique blend of historical charm, diverse offerings, and commitment to quality service makes it a cherished part of the community fabric.

One of the most compelling reasons for its suitability is the immersive experience it offers. Nestled within the Historic Castle Inn, Zoe's isn't just an ice cream parlor; it's a "lovely Victorian era setting" that allows patrons to "step back in time." This historical ambiance provides a delightful escape from the everyday, transforming a simple outing into a memorable journey through local history. For residents, it's a unique local landmark they can proudly share with visiting friends and family, offering both delicious treats and a dose of cultural heritage.

Beyond the captivating atmosphere, Zoe's commitment to quality is evident in its "delicious ice cream," including homemade options, and the ability to craft a "perfect" banana split tailored to individual tastes. This focus on high-quality ingredients and customizable options ensures that every sweet craving is met with satisfaction. Furthermore, its expansive menu, which includes café fare like homemade soups, sandwiches, and even breakfast items, makes it a versatile destination. Locals can enjoy a full meal, a quick snack, or simply a delightful dessert, making Zoe's a convenient and appealing choice for various occasions throughout the day.

The "great service" and efficiency of the staff, as highlighted by customers, contribute significantly to a positive and welcoming experience. Friendly and quick service fosters a sense of comfort and encourages repeat visits, building a strong rapport between the business and its community. Additionally, special considerations like discounts for Pocono Trolley Tour riders demonstrate a thoughtful approach to engaging with the wider regional tourism, benefiting locals who might also take part in such activities.

In conclusion, Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café is perfectly suited for locals in Delaware Water Gap because it offers more than just ice cream. It provides a unique, high-quality, and historically rich dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and needs, solidifying its place as a beloved and indispensable part of the Pennsylvania community.

Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café

20 Delaware Ave, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327, USA