Downeast Ice Cream Factory — Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor

If you're an ice cream lover, then Downeast Ice Cream Factory in Boothbay Harbor is a must-visit! Nestled in this charming town, this gem of a shop offers a delightful adventure with its array of over 50 ice cream flavors, each more tantalizing than the last.

During my recent visit, I indulged in three exquisite flavors: peanut butter, chocolate, and pistachio. Each scoop was a masterpiece of creamy texture and rich, authentic taste. The peanut butter was perfectly balanced, not too overpowering; the chocolate was luxuriously smooth and decadently dark; and the pistachio was wonderfully nutty and refreshingly natural, without the artificial tinge that often mars this flavor elsewhere.

The staff at Downeast Ice Cream Factory are as sweet as the treats they serve. Their passion for ice cream is evident in every detail, from the carefully crafted flavors to the cheerful service. This place not only serves ice cream—it serves joy.

I'm already planning my next visit to try more of their flavors. If you find yourself in Boothbay Harbor, do not miss the chance to experience this splendid ice cream paradise. Highly recommend for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with quality...

Nestled right on the pier in Boothbay Harbor, the Downeast Ice Cream Factory has been scooping up smiles since 1979. Its classic facade—bright white clapboards, a colorful cone mural, and hand-painted sign—welcomes visitors into one of Maine’s most beloved ice cream spots.

Inside, more than 65 homemade flavors await on rotating menus: think Maine Blueberry, Peanut Butter Fantasy, Whoopie Pie, and sugar-free or vegan sorbet options. Everything is super-premium—rich, creamy, and made in small batches. Coolers are stocked with soft serve, frozen yogurt, frappes, and more so every craving is covered.

Whether you’re grabbing a cone before strolling the docks or settling into the parlor for a treat with a view, this is one of those coastal Maine rituals. Visiting the Ice Cream Factory feels like tasting the sweetness of summer, any time you stop by. #DowneastIceCream #BoothbayHarbor #MaineMade #IceCreamLovers...

My 1 star isn’t for the ice cream but the way you treat your staff/customers … today me and my family walked into your shop on a SUPER HOT DAY… I would just like to say on behalf of the owner I feel embarrassed for the kids working here drenched in sweat because there is no AC and only 2 people really working… Whoever owns this shop is a joke. you own a prime real estate shop in probably one of the busiest shopping areas in coastal Maine… and you don’t have AC for your workers? Are you joking? Not only your workers but the costumers? Genuinely embarrassing. I’m sure as a business you make well over enough to get or put in AC. There was a line almost out the door today and I can 100% say it was hotter inside than outside. I should have gotten a photo but I was in a hurry to leave the sweat shop you call an ice cream...