Plus side: Large scoops, many flavors--and they're such good flavors! Natural- tasting when you order the natural-looking ones (Superman doesn't taste natural--but why would it!? :-). They were generous with the toppings, too, and I could see that the friendly guy behind the counter was careful and neat about his work. He gave us good reason to tip well, which we did. The location is good in that you can sit at the (nice clean) tables outside to watch people go by, and you have a great view of the lake. The service was fast and generally pleasant, and the place was clean.
Neutral: I did not try the strawberry topping, which is always the key test to whether an ice cream place cares about actually good, natural ingredients. So, someone else should comment on whether the strawberry topping/shake flavoring is good. (If they use defrosted real frozen strawberries in their own juice, it will be delicious, but if they use strawberry syrup or canned topping, you might as well go to McD's or eat a strawberry tootsie roll.) The place is local seeming, not big chain-like, because it doesn't look all smooth and prefab--and that's good--but it also doesn't have charm or feel inviting. There's a goofy, brightly colored, hand-painted mural on the wall, which is fun, but since you're not expected to spend time inside, you might not notice it. Your experience will be weather-dependent.
Minus side: Mainly I was disappointed about atmosphere combined with price. This is NOT what I imagine as an old-fashioned ice cream shop at all! It's like a Baskin-Robbins, which is designed for you to stop in for a treat and then walk out carrying it. There are only a couple of tiny tables inside, and they're not inviting because you'd feel you were in the way of the standing people in line if you were to sit down. Everything is paper or plastic with a to-go, utilitarian look to it. No fancy dishes for sundaes or frosty tall glasses for ice cream sodas. No extra-special signature treats in shareable proportions. This despite the fact that a 2-scoop sundae is almost $9. Even this double order is designed for one person to carry while walking (and that person clearly is expected to overeat). I was taking my kids out for a special treat after my son finished a big school project. And $30 just for dessert is a lot for us to spend. So, I wish we could have had a more delightful experience overall. For example I would have liked to sit at a cute table and enjoy fancy looking treats in glass dishes, while also enjoying the people-watching and the lake town feeling. Not sure if such an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and sweet shop sort of place exists in Lake Geneva (though the prices do). Unfortunately one of my sons (who loves chocolate) did not like the taste of the hot fudge sauce. He had to pick around it. Also the other employee--who served us part of the time, was unsmiling and seemed put out or at least overly businesslike. (She was balanced out by the sweet young guy who recommended certain flavors and took so much care to make the sundaes nicely.) I gave it 4 stars for its many good points, but I could...
Read moreDo NOT go to Scoops in Lake Geneva. After ordering two ice creams and one Italian ice, two were awful!
My mom asked to switch out her “Electric Watermelon Italian Ice” for a different more popular ice cream or Italian ice in hopes that it would not be sticky with ice crystals. She was told, "That's how the ice cream is supposed to be. We are not switching it out!" Suraya, one of the ice cream scoopers, then continued to attack my mom. Shouting at her to 'just deal with it, nothing is wrong, we're not doing anything.' I explained that I had also tried the Italian ice and it looked and tasted off. I worked as a manager at an ice cream store for several years and know what the consistency of Italian ice should be. She continued to yell at us both. In my entire life, I have never had such a terrible experience with a server. Suraya was incredibly rude, disrespectful, and outright abrasive. We asked to see a manager and were told there was no one available and to come back 2 hours later. After this whole experience, my friend didn't even try to explain what was wrong with his.
We will not be returning and you shouldn't either!!
Dear Scoops Owner,
To begin, I am happy to update my review to clarify that we ordered the "Electric Watermelon Italian Ice." As someone who worked in an ice cream store for years, I know that Italian ice should never be gummy or sticky; it should be smooth and/or crunchy, which this was not. While I understand that you and your employees do not make the ice cream or Italian ice, the quality of the product reflects on your store. If a product is improperly made, stored, expired, or tastes off, it should be addressed by those selling it.
More importantly, you did not address the main issue: the way we were treated. As stated in my original review, we politely asked several times for a replacement or refund. Each time, we were met with rude and dismissive responses. The way Soraya reacted was uncalled for. Based on your reply and previous reviews, it seems this is a common way customers are treated at your establishment.
Everything in my original review is factual. I will not be making any changes nor responding to...
Read moreAh, Lake Geneva wouldn't be the same without a stop at this beloved ice cream shop! Here's a review capturing your tradition: A Lake Geneva Gem: This Ice Cream Shop is a Must-Visit! For us, a trip to Lake Geneva is simply incomplete without indulging in the delightful offerings of this particular ice cream shop. It's truly a gem of the city, and the consistently huge lines snaking out the door, especially on warm days, speak volumes about its popularity. People willingly wait, eager to sample their impressive variety of ice cream tastes. During our latest visit, we opted for the cherry and pistachio flavors, and the portion we received was generous enough to share between the two of us. As always, the taste was simply amazing. Each scoop was a burst of flavor, a testament to the quality of their ice cream. It's a treat we genuinely enjoy every single time. Despite the constant flow of customers, the service remains nice and surprisingly fast. The staff efficiently handles the crowds while maintaining a friendly demeanor. One minor observation is that the tables outside the shop appear rather worn and old. However, it's clear that this cosmetic detail does not deter the throngs of people eager to sit and savor their frozen delights. The quality of the ice cream and the overall experience clearly outweigh the need for fancy outdoor furniture. In conclusion, this ice cream shop is an integral part of the Lake...
Read more