Pat's Ice Cream Parlor — Restaurant in Valparaiso

I always really want to like Pats, they are locally owned and the creamery they get the ice cream from is really good. But the customer service and customer experience sucks the fun out of the ice cream. The owner is short with customers and makes you feel like you’re an inconvenience. My 6yo asked to sample a flavor and the owners reaction was clearly annoyed. So much so, my 8yo took notice and decided not to ask for a sample. We go here a few times a year because we love the ice cream, but I can’t keep supporting this place. I have never received a smile, a friendly hello, or any appreciation for coming in. Hands down the worst customer experience I can imagine at what should be a fun outing with the family. Finally, The pricing is completely unjustified. The scoops are not full scoops and they nickel and dime you for every sprinkle (literally). The pricing is very high and not worth what you get. Unfortunately, I think we are...

Sad to say but my experience was very unpleasant today came in with my 2 sons one who has a dairy allergy and asked the young lady at the counter what non dairy flavors they had available she didnt really seem to want to be here or to be helpful at all she said whatever is out that says non dairy and I asked if they had any others that were not out and she didn't really want to answer the question so after pushing her to go look in the back my son had a simple request of chocolate soy he usually gets the soy ultimate oreo and after a few minutes of fumbling in the back she tells me they have none of the soy flavors so my son upset settled for the blue raspberry Italian ice then it costs me 11.29 for 2 kids single scoop and adult single scoop I am very disappointed in this experience and probably will not be bringing...

For starters, the ice cream here is decent (but nothing special) and the service was fine. However, the place has a creepy, cheap vibe, condescending and ancient signage and paper clutter everywhere. They appear to be selling old sunglasses left by customers which is both disturbing and unhygienic. The decor is a bunch of strange, Hobby Lobby-esque paintings which do not go with ice cream parlor decor at all.

Additionally, they have an extra charge for credit card purchases under $5 which they are technically not allowed to do according to the credit card companies themselves. I have no idea how they've stayed in business this long. Valpo Velvet is significantly better both in terms of ice cream quality...