13 Oldest Ice Cream Parlors In The US

Ice cream has a rich history all around the world, but emerged in America in the late 1700s. Back then, it was considered a delicacy enjoyed only by the wealthiest of the nation. However, by the mid-1800s, with the invention of early refrigeration methods and a commercial push from the dairy industry, ice cream became more widely available, continuing to rise in popularity as technologies advanced. The oldest American ice cream parlors date back hundreds of years and have witnessed the evolution of ice cream from its unexpected origin as a luxury novelty food to a widespread sweet treat for everyone.

You'll notice several of the shops on this list have origins in pharmacies. That's because pharmaceutical soda fountains were an integral part of the invention of sodas and desserts like ice cream sundaes. According to one story, even the banana split was invented by a pharmacist in 1904. From the 1860s to the 1920s, let's take a closer look at some of the oldest ice cream parlors in America.

Founded in 1894 by E.S. Fenton in Oakland, California, Fentons Creamery is one of the oldest and most beloved ice cream parlors in the country. The business was owned by the Fenton family for generations. Melvin Fenton, the founder's inventive grandson, created what remains its most famous flavors: Toasted Almond, Swiss Milk Chocolate, and Rocky Road. The business has changed ownership throughout the years but forever promises to stay committed to the quality that the Fenton family established over 100 years ago.

The restaurant was added in 1922 and you can still get sandwiches and salads here. But it's the ice cream–especially the sundaes–that will keep you coming back. The iconic sundaes, banana splits, and richly crafted ice creams have become legendary, attracting locals and tourists alike. Plus the vintage soda fountain and old-fashioned ice cream parlor ambiance will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus, Indiana dates back to 1900 when the Zaharako family, who were originally from Greece, opened up the shop as a confectionery. The overall look of the parlor has been preserved over the years and the whole building is decked out with antique charm. Full of mahogany, stained glass, Tiffany lamps, and vintage soda fountains, Zaharakos truly transports visitors to the early 20th century.

The museum section showcases an impressive collection of vintage ice cream memorabilia, including the largest collection of pre-1900 soda fountains on public display. The menu here keeps it classic with traditional flavors and toppings, sundaes, banana splits, soda floats, and milkshakes and malts. In addition to their sweet treats, they also offer savory food such as French fries, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads. Whether you're dining in, savoring a sundae, or exploring their display of artifacts, Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum is the ultimate parlor to experience the rich heritage of American ice cream culture.

Opened from May to October, Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is a beloved seasonal restaurant that has been located in the picturesque town of Ephraim, Wisconsin since 1906. Ephraim is a waterfront village with scenic views of the coast of Green Bay, which is an arm of Lake Michigan. This charming town, with its rich Norwegian and Moravian heritage, is full of historical charm.

The interior, with its vintage soda fountain and classic diner ambiance complete with a jukebox, evokes a sense of nostalgic familiarity. The menu is full of American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and freshly brewed draft root beer. But of course, it's the ice cream and traditional sundaes that they're famous for. Among them is the Wilson's Banquet, a monstrous five-flavor sundae generously adorned with three customer-chosen toppings including sauces, whipped cream, crunchy pecans, and the quintessential cherries on top.

St. Francis Fountain, established in 1918, is the oldest ice cream parlor in San Francisco, California, as well as the oldest running business on 24th Street. Founded by the Greek-born Christakes family, St. Francis was exclusively a family-run ice cream parlor, soda fountain, and candy shop for several generations until the early 2000s when new owners took charge and completely revamped the place, turning it into the full-menu diner it is today while preserving the historic soda fountain.

The ice cream menu has stayed simplistic and traditional, offering a variety of old-fashioned milkshakes in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, banana, and blueberry, all with the optional addition of malt drinks. Unlike many old-fashioned parlors, St. Francis Fountain also offers a vegan option of milkshake, made with a soy-based vanilla gelato. You can also simply get a scoop of ice cream as dessert after enjoying some of their diner-favorite menu items.

Located in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Petersen's Ice Cream dates back to 1919. Since its opening, the old-fashioned style of ice cream has received praise and accolades from many Mid-Westerners. In fact, Petersen's chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream have won several blue ribbons at the Illinois State Fair over the years. The ice creams here are made with 18% butterfat so expect extra creaminess and an intense richness of flavor.

If the ice cream alone isn't indulgent enough for you, then don't worry, there are plenty of decadent sundaes to choose from as well. From the timeless hot fudge sundae to the people-pleasing cookie dough sundae, there's an enticing selection to satisfy every sweet tooth's desire. The turtle pie is one of the most inventive options at Petersen's, created with a graham cracker crust, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and caramel sauce, and topped with roasted pecans.

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania since 1923, James and Mary Klavon originally established Klavon's Ice Cream Parlor as an apothecary with an attached ice cream parlor. After shutting down in 1979, the shop was closed for 20 years. However, in 1999, James and Mary's grandchildren collaborated to convert their family's old vacant pharmacy into a complete ice cream parlor, successfully preserving all of the building's unique historical features. In 2013, the parlor changed hands and though the shop is now owned outside of the Klavon family for the first time, the current owners have a true passion for the ice cream business and are committed to keeping Klavon's as preserved as it has always been.

There are so many scrumptious sundaes to choose from at Klavon's and you really can't go wrong with any of the options, which are all served in traditional glasses and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Klavon's charm not only lies in its homemade ice cream and hand-crafted sundaes, but also in its authentic antique features like the marble counters, the old-fashioned fountain equipment, and classic soda fountain stools.