Trenton Ice Cream Parlor — Restaurant in Trenton

I recently had one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming ice cream shop experiences. Here’s the scoop:

Trenton’s been my little food lab lately—I’ve tried a halal cart, a Ghanaian spot, and even have my eye on a restaurant called NJWeedman (don’t panic, it’s organic 😉). So when I heard about a place called TIP, I figured why not? TIP doesn’t stand for the Telephone Industries of Pakistan, but rather the Trenton Ice Cream Parlor.

I was originally in town for a barbershop conversation event, but when that plan fell through, I nudged my colleague to check out TIP instead. He wasn’t thrilled, made some less-than-glowing comments, but since he had the wheel and I had the will, we moosied on anyway.

We pulled up to a bustling corner in a city that often goes quiet after dark. The vibe was immediately different—alive, awake.

Inside, we were greeted warmly by a woman behind the counter—more talkative than most food shop folks I’ve met in the U.S. Before I could even decide what I wanted to order, she asked, “Do you want to meet Eric?” She pushed open a door, and out came someone with a smile big enough to shame the moon.

That simple visit turned into a full-on conversation—more like a shared moment. Mimi, originally from Ethiopia, and Eric, from the States, told me about how they met, but what stood out most was the origin story of the parlor itself. It began as a dream sparked by their daughter, who is autistic. At the time, they were feeling isolated—disconnected from any real sense of community. People told them not to go through with it, said it wouldn’t work. But five years in, here they are—still standing, still scooping, still building connection one cone at a time.

As I spooned through a flavor I’d never had before (rum raisin—who knew?), their daughter quietly brought out popcorn, and our conversation just kept going. We talked about Eric’s upbringing during a time when interracial marriage was still taboo. We talked about Chambersburg, Trenton’s old “Little Italy,” and I shared my own journey living in the U.S.

It didn’t feel like small talk. It felt like something you don’t usually find unless you’re lucky: strangers turning into friends over ice cream. Before leaving, we hugged and took a photo together. The ice cream was good—but the hospitality, that’s what made it unforgettable.

If you ever find yourself in Trenton, do yourself a favor and stop by. TIP is a labor of love, built on resilience, family, and a belief in community. Thank you, Eric and Mimi (and I hope I got your name right, Kanjit!)—you’ve got something really special going.

And may we all keep screaming for ice...

I heard a lot of people said good things and I just can't wait to go there I'm going to stop by sometime this week I give it 3 star right now because I'm loving the theme the way they have their logo and their store and just all the love that they give out that is awesome but when I get done eating some delicious ice cream then I'll probably give more stars to it check this out my son went there with his mom that's some ice cream stop by let me taste some and I was loving it I like the fruity pebbles ice cream that day had they still got it I'm coming there to get some so I'm not going there and check it out hopefully I can get them a five-star rating right now three will be good because of what I heard and when I know this ice cream is going to be the best we had many ice cream stores around here but I'm hoping this one be the one to...

My husband and I stumbled upon Trenton Ice Cream Parlor on the last day of the Taste Trenton festival. As new residents of the city, we are pleased to say we now have a favorite ice cream parlor here. The ice cream was great! I had the Better Brownies and the Strawberry Donut, and my husband had the Coconut ice cream. However, what really made our experience exceptional was Eric and MiMi. Learning about their story, their family, their inspiration, and their ambition to not only be an ice cream parlor, but a place where members of the community can come and be authentic and have authentic convos with them, makes them stand out in so many GREAT ways. We will definitely make this one of our frequented treat places. And we will be back to see and speak with them soon! Thank you for welcoming us to...