a Duane’s pizza

Charlie’s Ice Cream Parlor

Ice cream, that childhood favorite, has come to downtown in the form of a cherry-topped ice cream parlor by the name of Charlie’s Ice Cream Parlor, named after the owner’s child and not the famous fictitious confectioner.

Located right behind Sammy’s Pizza, it has a turn-of-the-century look, with ice cream and root beer. The first thing I noticed was the dark, hardwood shelves. The entire service area is in plain dark wood: simple without coming off as expensive, pretentious retro. The menu is chalked, the tables are metal with vinyl coverings tacked in place, that give it a do-it-yourself charm. These tables are of heavier metal with thick round seat cushions. An old coke machine takes up a corner and a small shelf with some picture books sits against a wall in the middle.

There are around twenty ice cream flavors but I didn’t sample any or look too closely because I was immediately sold on their root beer float. They use 1919 root beer, from New Ulm, Minnesota and big scoops of vanilla ice cream, in a big red paper Coke cup which seemed simultaneously out-of-place and appropriate.

I took a seat by the window and looked out on the night, watching people scurry about in the cold, contemplating the ice cream. I looked back up at the menu. It was simple and to the point. They have waffle cones, regular cones, Italian sodas, sundaes, and a very elaborate concoction called the sundae of the week. Two soups are served with bread. They serve a regionally roasted coffee but they don’t have espressos. They also have nickel-and-dime candies that are child level, so parents, watch out. Adults should watch out too because they are irresistible.

I spent $3.55 for a large root beer float and another dollar on candy. That’s in line with the other ice cream places in town. The atmosphere was simple and uncluttered. When they aren’t busy, I bet this place is great for getting lost in a book or journal.

Alisa the co-owner was friendly and familiar with the area, and she’s quick to point out the pictures of her son, Charlie. Cute kid but my root beer float was cuter, not to mention edible.