Avondale Dairy Bar — Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake

I’ve been going to Avondale Dairy Bar since I was a child — it was once a place filled with sweet summer memories, warm service, and nostalgic charm. For years, it was our go-to spot, and I proudly brought my own children to continue the tradition. But sadly, the experience in 2025 has changed dramatically.

Over the past three visits this year, the service has been consistently disappointing. The staff — particularly management — seem disinterested, dismissive, and at times outright rude. Rather than resolving a simple issue with professionalism and care, the manager insisted on being right instead of doing right. Please bring back the old wonderful manager that always had a smile on her face!! The new managers don’t care about the customers, the experience, they seem like they don’t even want to be there themselves! The warmth and customer focus that once set Avondale apart are simply gone.

It’s heartbreaking to see such a beloved local spot lose what made it special. We used to tell everyone it was worth the drive — that the experience outweighed the price. Now? Unfortunately, we can no longer recommend it.

Looking for a better ice cream experience in Niagara? Here are some truly delightful alternatives:

🍦 Creekside Creamery (Chippawa) – A hidden gem with excellent ice cream, a welcoming atmosphere, and an incredibly kind owner. Their ice cream cakes are a must-try!

🍦 Cool Licks (Welland) – A fun retro vibe with a drive-up window that adds a nostalgic twist. Always friendly, always quick — a great Welland staple.

🍦 Merrittville Speedway Ice Cream Stand – Tucked beside the track, this place offers a wonderful surprise: friendly service, generous scoops, and a family-friendly vibe that’s hard to beat.

🍦 Gelato di Carlotta (Niagara-on-the-Lake) – Authentic, silky Italian gelato with outstanding quality and flavour. Perfect after a stroll in NOTL.

🍦 COWS Ice Cream (Niagara-on-the-Lake) – A fan favorite with fun flavours and consistently great service. A Canadian classic that lives up to the hype.

🍦 The Frosted Fox (Vineland) – An adorable ice cream truck with creative treats and great service on the go. Always a hit with families!

🍦 Sweet Jesus (Niagara Falls) – Wild toppings and bold flavours in a vibrant setting. It’s as much a treat for the eyes as the taste buds.

🍦 Sundae Drive (Wainfleet) – Delicious soft serve in a peaceful, rural setting. Friendly faces and a community feel every time.

Bottom line: Avondale’s ice cream is still good — but with such a wide range of wonderful, local spots that also deliver excellent service, there’s no reason to settle for a subpar experience. We’ve moved on, and we’re making even better...

First and foremost, the ice cream here is nothing short of fantastic. Every scoop is bursting with flavor, and you can tell that they use quality ingredients to create their delectable treats. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or adventurous enough to try their unique creations, you're in for a delightful taste sensation.

The ambiance is equally inviting. The shop has a great selection of music that provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy your ice cream. It's a place where you can relax, chat with friends, or simply savor your dessert while immersing yourself in the tunes. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The staff deserves special mention for their friendly and attentive service. They are knowledgeable about the ice cream offerings and are more than happy to assist you in choosing the perfect flavor. Their warm smiles and enthusiasm make you feel right at home, enhancing the overall experience.

One of the standout features of this ice cream shop is its kid-friendly environment. The outdoor area provides a great space for children to run and play while enjoying their ice cream. It's a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together, and it's evident that the establishment takes pride in creating a space where everyone, young and old, can have a wonderful time.

Finally, the pricing is fair and reasonable, making it accessible for all. You get top-notch ice cream and a memorable experience without breaking the bank, which is always appreciated.

In summary, this ice cream shop offers a winning combination of great-tasting ice cream, a pleasant atmosphere with good music, a friendly and attentive staff, and family-friendly outdoor space, all at fair prices. It's the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet treat and a...

These guys have always been a 5-Star rating for me as they have an amazing flavor assortment and customer service has always been top-notch for me in-person considering how busy they get. However, I was pretty disappointed in a conversation I had with a female "manager" over the phone for my son's birthday. It's mid-December, and I call on a Wednesday about cakes for Sunday. She (at the time I didn't know she was the manager yet) said they have two left and I can come in to purchase it as they're first-come-first-serve. I asked if they were making more from now till Sunday as we didn't have room in the freezer to store the cake, and she said that it's not the season for cakes. I asked if I can have one made for Sunday, and she said that she just asked her baker and he said no as it's not the season (she could've at least put me on hold and pretend to ask, but she quickly said the baker said no without even asking, lol). After hanging up, I thought that was a disappointing conversation as per my initial opinion on their level of customer service so I decide to call back and ask for a manager. The same young female voice picked up, I said I just called about cakes and want to talk to a manager. She said you were talking to me and I am the manager. I continued to tell her that it was disappointing to not accommodate (she said it's just because it's the season... again), that I understand the season argument but it's a for sure transaction, I'd rather support a local business then go to a chain grocery store, but again she replied with it's simply because it's not the season. I guess repeating the same point over and over is part of their manager...