Donnelly's Soft Ice Cream — Restaurant in Town of Harrietstown

We had a very disappointing experience there two weeks ago. It was a hot August day, and the place was absolutely slammed, with lines snaking from the front door to almost the edge of the property. In other words, it was mayhem.

We waited online for at least 25 minutes, and the crowds were still coming in. I offer this background to set the scenario: the lines were extensive, we were hurried along once we were inside, and while it seemed like we may have been overcharged, we live out of town and are not familiar with Donnelly’s pricing. We paid $47 for two cones, a quart of ice cream, and a pint of ice cream. This seemed rather inordinate, but the natives behind us were restless, and we did not want to hold up the line so we left.

When we got back home several hours later, we really began to question the pricing and called the business. We spoke to a man who was very polite and apologetic and promised to send us a check for the difference. He later changed his mind and said it would be too much of a bookkeeping hassle to send a check and would we mind Ice Cream coupons for the equivalent of the overcharge. Not wanting to make a big fuss, we agreed.

Imagine our shock went in the mail a week later arrived coupons for two ice cream cones… That’s IT. But the biggest travesty was the expiration date was September 1 of 2025. They know we live almost 3 hours away. We had not planned on racing back up there again before they close for the season on September 1.

So we’re out about $25 that we didn’t need to spend, because of an oversight on the cashier’s part. It’s certainly not the end of the world, but it also is not good business practice and leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Would it be such a big deal for the powers that be to make good on such a significant overcharge? I certainly wouldn’t be able to live with myself as a former restauranteur. Either make the coupons good for a year, or send the check equivalent.

The two young women behind the register were not exactly friendly types either, so it really wasn’t a good experience, and I would urge management to rethink a few policies...

Donnelly’s Soft Serve is easily one of the most unique ice cream stands I’ve ever been to — and totally worth the detour if you're anywhere near Saranac Lake.

We made the short drive up from Ampersand Bay Resort to sweeten up a Sunday night before our big hike to Mt. Marcy, and Donnelly’s didn’t disappoint.

What makes it so unique? Simplicity. This place runs with the “In-N-Out” model — do a few things and do them well. Your only decision is cup or cone, and what size. The real twist (pun intended) is that they offer one flavor combo per day, served as a twist. That’s it. No exceptions. It’s kind of got that “Soup Nazi” vibe from Seinfeld — so be sure to check their Facebook page to see the daily flavor before you go.

On our visit, the flavor was Chocolate twisted with Vanilla — classic and crowd-friendly, which worked well for our small but mighty hiking crew. The night before, though, was Chocolate & Peppermint, which I probably would’ve vetoed. Honestly, I’d love to see them offer two flavors per night to avoid that scenario — but hey, the place was busy, even on a cool, overcast evening, so clearly their model works.

Another standout feature? The shape. Most soft serve comes with a tall spiral and a little point on top. Donnelly’s? Not even close. Their cones are round and a bit flat on top — totally different. At first I thought, "Why?" but it actually works. It gives the cone a nice texture and may even help slow down melting. Whatever the reason, it adds to the charm.

The vibe is classic small-town ice cream stand. Tiny building, nostalgic energy, no frills — just good ice cream and friendly service. The staff couldn’t have been nicer — welcoming in that warm, small-town way that makes you want to support the place even more.

Parking was easy out front, and even though the line was steady, it moved quickly.

Bottom line: If you’re in the area, Donnelly’s is a must-stop. Just don’t forget to check that daily flavor before you...

Tourist in town and tried both here and Mountain Mist (Pine Cone was always closed with no posted hours). Mountain Mist has the best location right on the water in downtown Saranac Lake, but this place has a great view of the mountains, some lawn you can sit on, and a nice farmy vibe. They have a tiny little shack and no options other than the flavor of the day on a cone. Your only choice is size, honestly given the LONG lines we stood in (probably 50 people deep every time), I wish they wouldn't even offer a size choice (listening to people debate the sizes inside was torture). The soft serve is $3-$4 per cone depending on size. We went multiple times as this place was by far the creamiest and most tasty soft serve we had ever had. I mean I don't totally get this place - in the summer you can get $1 soft serve at McDonalds so these are incredibly expensive, but I guess you are paying for local and high quality. The incredible thing is they closed mid-week while we were there for the rest of they year, in spite of the 50+ never ending line every day. I don't know about you but if I could charge this price for my cones and my only overhead was high school kids hourly salary and some of my local cream, I would keep this thing open a lot longer. Anyhow, if you want the best, this...