Russell's Ice Cream — Restaurant in Town of Gates

This is a local gem, and if you are visiting, add it to your list of places to go. They are open year round and in all weather! You can purchase at the front windows, or there is a side door where they have their display case and you can purchase there, too. Just remember, cash only, but the prices are good.

They have excellent ice cream, both soft and hard, and a huge list of flavors! Their toppings are always fresh and good quality. They also do ice cream cakes and other specialty items. We are partial to their generously-filled home-made round ice cream sandwiches - chocolate, vanilla, twist and sometimes other flavors. As of this writing they are $1, or 10 for $9. Beats those commercial rectangles every time!

Parking is easy and the lot is large (though there is a lower spot in the front of the lot that can have a large puddle if it is raining), they have a neon OPEN sign on the front that they use, and there are some benches along the side.

It is not uncommon to see people in FEBRUARY, while it is SNOWING, buying and eating ice cream right there (but usually in the car, instead of the benches, at that time of year). I know, because we have done it. Throughout the "milder" months, weekend evenings often find the lot full of cars and people happily and patiently waiting in line for...

I love Russell's and I've been going there since I was a kid. Last time I was there, however, there were some issues. The woman before me in line had to come back because she found a hair in her ice cream (GROSS), and the person behind the counter was a little rude to the customer about, too. That same worker was also a bit rude to my mom, who was treating me at the time. The portions my mom and I received did not match the portions of ice cream we ordered. I received significantly less that I should have, and my mom got so much more than what she asked for that she had to ask for a second, empty dish to be able to catch everything that was already starting to melt.

It’s rare for me to have a bad experience at Russell's, but that last trip was really disappointing. I’ll definitely go to Russell’s again after this, though. If those future visits go well, I’ll definitely change my rating to something better, but I’m not ready to do...

My family has gone to Russell’s for years. I was compelled to give them a review after going there in search of a vegan ice cream though. They serve a variety of Perry’s flavours which are oat based. Very appreciated in a family with dairy and nut allergies. It’s truly delicious & not a sugary slushy; very comparable to dairy treats. I would recommend asking for a clean scoop though if you have a serious allergy, one don’t think of that. Their soft-serve is also the best, flavour and price for the quantity. Russell’s has, and will remain, the staple family ice cream shop. This is a small shop though- cash only, and there is not an ATM or much seating so be prepared....