Little Dreamer Ice Cream — Restaurant in Bellingham

It's okay. I have a lot to say (I love ice cream) but I'll try to keep this brief (this didn't happen, sorry!). I love that this is a try at a local ice cream shop and I want to support smaller business, but for some reasons (a few I will get into) this just missed the mark for me. I will say that mix ins seemed plentiful and well disbursed and the person I was with said the waffle cone was delicious, albeit a little overpowering for some of their milder ice cream flavors. However, #1 They need signage or a better flow as the door everyone was coming into that faced the parking lot brought you to the pick up. When we walked in, we weren't greeted and it took us a second to figure out where to order, which is also different from where they do taste testing (?). I get that it's early days so hopefully they figure this out before they get really busy but it made ordering a little chaotic and we had people all in our bubble trying to taste test while we were trying to order. Also, the workers all looked very young; especially in the first few days/weeks of opening, I would think they would have someone older to provide guidance as they all seemed a little nervous and overwhelmed. #2 The prices are insane. A little scoop, which looked to be about or less than 1/4 cup was $3.25 before tax. For two people who both got "little scoops", the total was about $13. This brings me to #3 #3 For my GLUTEN FREE peeps; I'm bummed. They have five flavors available: vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, mint chip and "dream crunch" (which is vanilla ice cream with Caramel, granola and chocolate chips). I tried mint chip and dream crunch. Both were okay. For perspective, the person I was with got a waffle cone with berry cobbler and I think it was called "circus cookie"(?). I get this may be niche, but to me I was disappointed to realize that all the "fun" flavors were once again out of reach for me due to gluten. Some people may like granola in their ice cream, but that is not me. I also love simple flavors like vanilla or mint chip, but not when I'm at a dedicated ice cream shop with steep prices. I want to be able to try "brookie" or "peanut butter s'mores," but instead the options are very basic (even though they are all the same price???). So, if I got vanilla and wanted to add a topping to make it more interesting (and still gluten free), I would have to pay more. #4 The texture is icier than other prime ice creams and doesn't have that rich mouth feel that would lead me to want to pay a higher price.

Overall, the texture, flavor availability, and price are all a no for me. Again, love a local option but I think they'll need to up quality and diversity in options for everyone if they want to compete with places like Mallard's or even my favorite pint from the...

It's been a long time since I've indulged in ice cream, but when I heard others praising this new ice cream shop, I had to go get a taste for myself.

There was a short but fast libe, which gave me time to peruse the menu and decide which flavors to try. I was offered samples but I knew what I wanted and proceeded to order two scoops in a cup. Waffle cones are also on offer -- they look and smell fantastic. My ice cream was quickly yet carefully dished out into the cup and served promptly. And the flavor... heavenly! This is nice, rich, smooth ice cream! The price seemed maybe a touch high but after a taste of my order, I quickly decided that the price was, in fact, well worth it. Next time I visit, I will order one of the small scoops rather than the two big scoops that left me stuffed (but very happy!). I decided to enjoy my ice cream inside and I watched a steady stream of customers come in and get quickly and kindly served. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their scoops every bit as much as I did! Lots of happy smiles! I will definitely return to sample other flavors. I highly recommend trying...

New to Bellingham so maybe this is the average price in the area but I was shocked to see the cost here is the same as some of the best ice cream and gelato shops in the city of Portland. (Seriously if you ever get the chance to go to Pinolo Gelato it will change your life) I got the circus cookie and I really liked it. I agree with the other reviewers that it has more of an icy texture than a creamy texture. If you let it melt a little it gets creamier. The texture reminds me of when you make ice cream at home in one of those old fashion ice cream makers. I don't mind it personally but may not be everyone's texture preferences. The berry cobbler one was a let down though. My husband didn't even eat it and he's never not eaten and ice cream. It wasn't bad, it was just lacking in berry flavor. It was only a dollar less than the famous Salt & Straw but their berry series knocks it out of the park. Overall, it's ok I just have higher expectations at that...