Big Dipper Ice Cream — Restaurant in Missoula

My party of 10 (2 families of 5) visited this ice cream shop on a Sunday evening close to 9pm. We were intimidated at first, noticing how long the line was when we arrived. The parking lot is very small, so you may need to find street parking which is what we did. Seating is all outdoors, which adds to the charm. Despite long lines, they moved quickly with two cashiers taking orders. Reviews mentioned that cashiers take your name for orders, but mine didn’t. Each item comes out separately and not necessarily in the order placed. I only noticed one name being called while we waited. All other orders were called by the item. I ordered five items (for my family), but one was missing, though it was ready within minutes of me asking about it. Everything we ordered was delicious and servings were generous!

Kids mocha chip in a waffle cone Kids bubblegum in a cup Bake sale cookie dough shake w/ cookie dough topping Tangerine sorbet shake Double vanilla & espresso chip in...

The best ice cream place in the West! Great atmosphere, low prices and amazing ice cream. They cover all the bases with a large selection of homemade flavors and spice things up a bit (both figuratively and literally) with experimental special flavors every week. Some of my favorites include Tipu's Chai and Cold Smoke (both made with ingredients from other local shops). Toppings and specials are both standard and all-inclusive; nothing especially exciting here but if you've had it before chances are they'll serve it here.

The community centered around Big Dipper is unique as it has become a staple of Missoula food. Everybody in town knows and loves it, and on hot summer days it can become crowded -- sometimes too crowded. Still, the ice cream is well worth the wait and chances are you can strike up a good conversation with someone else in line.

Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a treat. Try it, you...

The best, freshest, tastiest flavors of ice cream I've ever had, anywhere. Big Dipper has what it takes to go the distance and be as big and successful as they want to be, easily besting known brands such as Baskin Robbins & Dairy Queen. Their customer service is fast and polite, even when a line is literally going around the block. People wait, socialize & brave cold and wet weather just to get a tasty treat. Once you get to the front, you will be brought a sample flavor if you ask and then you'll have your order in just a minute or two. Every bite of ice cream has an amazing slightly chewy texture, which melts in your mouth. Flavors are anything but boring, changing daily and having some that are always available. My favorite regular flavor is Salted Caramel, but their Huckleberry and Mexican Chocolate are great as well. They also have vegan sherbet options every day. This is one of Missoula and Montana's most...