Erie’s Favorite Ice Cream Spots, According to Locals

Sara’s iconic twist cone

It’s National Ice Cream Day. How cool…and sweet!

Whether it’s reminiscing about after-beach cones at Sara’s or biking to Whippy Dip for a real milkshake, everyone in Erie has a favorite scoop spot (or two or three, if they really like ice cream).

There’s no shortage of places to pick up a cool cone or dish in Erie, but here are a few of the places the locals love and what you should try there.

1. Creamland, 6221 West Ridge Road

Order: Cookie Sundae

This West Side legend is the kind of no-frills, high-reward ice cream stand that locals swear by. Locals rave about their sundaes, particularly the turtle and cookie Sundaes. Ice cream AND cookies. Ice cream AND chocolate. Want to take it up a notch? Order fries and dip them in your sundae. Don’t knock it till you try it. Salty & sweet is a perfect *chef’s kiss* treat.

2. Whippy Dip Two locations: 2527 Chestnut St. and 3100 W. 12th St.

Order: Vanilla cone with Twinkle Kote or Strawberry Shortcake Crunch

The original Whippy Dip on Chestnut Street has that old-school roadside stand vibe that makes you feel like a kid again. The soft-serve here is super creamy, and the Twinkle Kote (my personal favorite) or Strawberry Shortcake Crunch give it that, well, satisfying crunch. Another fav here are the Dole fruit whip twists, like black raspberry and banana, twisted with vanilla…or get crazy and twist it with chocolate.

3. Sara’s, Peninsuala Drive at Presque Isle State Park

Order: Orange-Vanilla Twist

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without a stop at Sara’s. Located just outside the entrance to Presque Isle, this retro-style diner and ice cream counter is the place to cool off after a day in the sand. The Orange-Vanilla Twist is iconic — part creamsicle, part nostalgia, all delicious. Be ready for a crowd on sunny weekends, but don’t be scared off, you’ll be amazed how fast they move at Sara’s. We also highly recommend the curly fries!

4. Straw Hat Sundae Shop, 207 S. Lake St, North East

Order: Mighty Fine Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

With over 50 years of sweet history, Straw Hat is a local favorite in North East — and now at UPMC Park, too, where they scoop ice cream while the SeaWolves scoop up grounders. They serve both Perry’s and Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream, but the standout? The Mighty Fine Donut Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s exactly what it sounds like: ice cream packed between a locally-made glazed donut. Yes, it’s as over-the-top and amazing as it sounds. BTW, the Straw Hat also sell’s Penn State’s Ye Old College Grilled Stickies! Note: the ice cream sandwiches and stickies are only available at the North East location. Only ice cream is sold at the ballpark.

5. Denny’s Ice Cream Stand, 929 Parade Street

Order: Blue Moon

Denny’s is a classic neighborhood ice cream shop where generations of Erieites have cooled off on summer nights. Their menu has all the soft-serve staples, but locals know to ask for Blue Moon — that vibrant, electric-blue scoop that tastes like childhood (some say it’s fruity, others say marshmallow… no one really knows, and that’s part of the magic). It’s whimsical, weird, and totally Erie.