Grandpa's Ice Cream and Pies — Restaurant in Lake Ozark

Grandpa’s Ice Cream and Pies was basically the only dessert spot in Lake Ozark and we couldn’t say no to ice cream so we gave it a try. They have a pretty big selections of flavors and it’s all supposedly homemade so I was excited. Unfortunately they fell flat with delivery. I’m assuming the older gentleman that helped us was “grandpa”as in the owner of the establishment. He didn’t really seem friendly to me, I felt like he just wanted to know what we wanted so he could get it and we’d get out of his store type of vibe. I could tell the other customers that came in both before and after us seemed to be regulars and I’m assuming they are the ones leaving five star reviews. Because I will say that the place isn’t all that. It’s very rundown and half of the store seems to be storage for their products. They sell a variety of apparel and Trump memorabilia. It’s very chaotic.

My husband and I tried their mint chocolate chip ice cream with hot fudge on top. I’ll be honest. It was some of the worst ice cream I’ve ever had. The ice cream tasted like it had been sitting for a while. The hot fudge, if you can call it that, was a strange consistency and almost appeared like it was separating on top of the ice cream.

We ate what we could then got out of there with a quickness. I would honestly never be back, not that they would care anyways. I got the vibe that they were a bit racist anyways. 100% do NOT recommend.

Edit: the fact that the owner responded the way they did should say enough for anyone planning on visiting this establishment. I obviously have pictures of the front of their store and their god awful ice cream. Yes, unfortunately I did walk in and give them my business. This is NOT a fake review. Maybe the owner shouldn’t have all of their friends and family write the fake five star reviews. Those are the ones that should be taken with a grain of salt because this place is definitely NOT good or worth the price at all. I stand by my one star review. DO...

Very rude lady behind the counter. The Friend I was with asked for her suggestion on something peanut buttery and she said she didn't know what to suggest so we just red descriptions which wasnt necessarily rude but then I asked for an ice water with lemon and was told no 2x. She said I had to buy a bottle of water...then after the 3rd time of me repeating it she says ok but Ice water is 2/$1 which I agreed to the price then she gave in and made me a cup of ice water (which the soda fountain had an ectaul section just for water so I wasn't sure why she was being so hesitant). She set the water down on the counter and I looked behind her next to the drink fountain and saw a bowl of lemons cut in half and asked again could I have a lemon slice I my water please. She snarled at us and said no then laughed as she rang up our order which somehow came to $9 for ice water and a scoop of ice cream in a bowl and an icee that was advertised for 1.50. anyhow we didn't argue, we just payed and went outside. We noticed on the window of this place it said homemade pies delicious pies cooked here....within 10 min of sitting out front of this place a man in an old pickup shows up smoking a cig with a frozen shrink wrapped pie in his windshield .... Then he proceeds to pull at least 10 frozen shrink wrapped pies out of his dusty old truck and meet the rude old cashier lady at the door with each one as she took them inside. Now what she did with those frozen (not homemade-not made there at the store) pies that she took inside I can't say bc we left shortly after but between the rude service and false advertisement of prices and products we won't be going back...

It's unusual for me to not read the reviews before visiting a shop, but my son and I are trying to visit a mom n' pop ice cream shop in each state and we were in Lake of the Ozarks just as tourist season ended and not much is open. It was a rainy and chilly Sunday and my daughter's 8th birthday, so probably no review would have kept us from going out for ice cream. But alas, maybe I should have. The "Grandpa" was helpful and patient as our family of six made our selections, but in no way friendly, hospitable, suggestively selling or in the least bit seemingly grateful for likely the only business of the night. The ice cream was average, but having the options of 40ish flavors, multiple cone types and accompaniments (e.g. brownies, pie, cookies) was great. Exactly what I look for in a shop. The general ice cream shop decor is very dated but homey. I think the picture wall of 1st birthdays probably showcase babies that now have babies. But it's important to note that the other half of the store is absolutely unprofessional and somewhat offensive. I'm all for small business, I go miles out of my way on vacations to support them, but I also expect an environment that is open to all walks of life and political thoughts. This shop was filled with for sale merchandise supporting one political candidate, including tshirts and signage with guns and ammo. We are a military family and I still felt uncomfortable with my children asking questions why the shirt said to shoot someone instead of calling 911. The number of US flag code violations was abhorrent. Hopefully after election day this will...