Lake Effect Ice Cream — Restaurant in City of Lockport

Are you /kidding/ me? How have I lived in WNY so long but hadn't tried this? It's extraordinary. I'm from farm country (rural SD and NE), and my second uncle owns a dairy farm. Maybe as a result, I've tried boutique ice cream in NE, NY, SD, NJ, and a bunch of other states. This is probably the best I've had. I sampled the wing-flavored stuff; good, but more a novelty for me, then went with a "flight of five." The Butter Lamb (you beautiful weirdos of Western NY have some great traditions) was exactly as promised: butyraceous and rich with just enough sweetness. The black sesame had a genuinely toasted flavor, and the floral tang of the Earl Grey flavored icecream defied how rich it actually was (which I didn't realize until I went to get up. I rounded it out with the tangy raspberry and, of course, a Paula's Donuts ice cream. My wife had a sundae (she loves ice cream but it was so big she only made it through half!) and our friend managed about 2/3 of her two scoops before we all felt ourselves drifting into a pleasant sort of food coma. The place was lovely and inviting, and it was wonderful to see the many couples, families, and solo adventurers getting a cone or dish and chatting amiably in the warm June sun. This will now be my go-to destination to bring visitors from out of town, and I look forward to many more...

I stopped into the Lockport location during the Locktoberfest celebration. I had not been to Lake Effect in a couple of years due to Covid. I was so disappointed though by the way I was treated by a male counter person. I asked about Butterbeer to see if they had it any longer. In a snappy kind of rude tone I was told flatly NO! Can I get you something else? Can I try a small taste of the Salted Caramel? Again flatly and a little rude NO we don’t give tastes out. No reason why no apology just flat and rude. I decided it better to take my business elsewhere today because it just wasn’t worth it. I also realize Covid has changed things. Staff is short a lot of the time. Taste tests may be suspended due to Covid policy etc. I was not told any of that though I was just treated rudely. Milkshakes are 6 bucks now plus tip and nobody wants a milkshake they don’t like. Anyway maybe after Covid is over I will give Lake Effect...

If you want some delicious and creative ice cream, this place is for you. Great local-themed creations of fantastic ice cream and a pair of locations with a clean and fun ambience. Prices are affordable for families and singles alike, and the staff are very helpful and friendly. I frequent the Hertel Ave location which is quite a nice little spot at the east end of the neighborhood which has blossomed and developed. It's a safer stretch of that street with residential surroundings so you're not in the midst of the commercialized strip, pleasant for enjoying your ice cream!

I recommend several visits per summer and the following flavors: Paula's Red Velvet, Sponge Candy, and the North...