Big Dipper Ice Cream — Restaurant in Town of Owego

Stepping into Big Dipper was less an anticipated treat and more a descent into the depths of dairy disappointment. Big Dipper proved to be a masterclass in how to take a simple pleasure and render it utterly uninspired. Let's start with the ice cream itself. Advertised as having a vast array of flavors, the reality is a rather tired lineup of the usual suspects, often looking more like they've been lounging in the freezer since the last ice age than freshly churned. The "generous portions" that so many rave about are nothing more than a desperate attempt to distract from the lack of quality. You'll get a mountain of ice, yes, but it's a mountain of bland, watery, and often flavorless goo that melts into an unappetizing puddle before you can even properly lament your purchase. If you're hoping for rich, creamy, or vibrant flavors, prepare to have your hopes dashed faster than their early closing times. And speaking of early closing times, it's an absolute lottery whether you'll even get served. Their posted hours seem to be more of a suggestion than a commitment, leading to frustrated families and wasted trips. It's a prime example of a business that clearly prioritizes its own convenience over customer satisfaction. The "charm" of Big Dipper is lost in its execution. The supposed "family-friendly" atmosphere feels more like a conveyor...

Have to give it up to the Big Dipper ice cream although I think they missed the chance on calling themselves little dipper since the barbecue next door is also Big Dipper.

You're going to have your standard fare of ice cream here they got the soft serves, they got the dip tops, and they have a decent selection of hard serve ice creams as well. All the toppings you expect are on the menu. Banana sundae was okay: came with two vanilla and one chocolate ice cream instead of one vanilla one chocolate one strawberry... I'm a fan of the classics. They also do chili dogs here! I've always been a fan of the ice cream/chili dog combo even if my wife is not after a few hours. The chili dogs are tasty although... I would not mind that they bring their philosophy of topping variety from the ice cream side over to the chili dog side. I'm talking onions and cheese, jalapenos, relish... Bacon bits. Toppings baby, the spice of life.

Another thing that sets this place apart is that they actually have two fairly large shaded pavilions and a playground along with some pay to ride toddler pieces. A little something for the kids, pack them full of sugar, pull the rip cord, and toss them...

There were four of us, two adults and two children. The 9 year old got a soft serve black cherry. He said it was the best ever. The 8 year old for a chocolate milk shake. We asked for a small but were told they only came in on size. It was way too much for him, but he enjoyed what he did have of it. My husband got a M&M flurry. He said it was good. It was also reasonably priced. I got the upside down banana split. Haha. Mistake. The thing was huge! It was very good, but way too much for one person, probably too much for two people. There was a small playground area for littles. There were also a couple of gazebos for people to eat out of the sun. If you have to go to the bathroom you will have to use the one porta potty that is there. It is handicap accessible. If in the area and in the mood for ice cream you should stop at the Big Dipper....