After some fellow Yelpers suggested Capital Ice Cream, my boyfriend and I decided to check it out before we headed home from Hartford, and it successfully lived up to the hype. The shop has such a fun, vibrant vibe. Between the colorful graffiti artwork, décor, and playful atmosphere, the atmosphere instantly puts you in a good mood. We tried their award-winning Gram Jam, and I completely understand why it's one of their signature flavors. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. I also tried a plain vanilla ice cream topped with Lucky Charms. There were lots of toppings to choose, from crushed Oreos, cookie dough, brownie bites, Reese's Pieces, sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and cherries...making it fun to customize whatever you're craving. The staff were friendly and the shop was clean. Between the creative flavors, quality ice cream, and unique atmosphere, I'd definitely recommend too. read more

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At the recommendation of my CM when we leaving a Yelp Event, I decided to walk over to Capital Ice Cream from the Peruvian Bar on Main Street. Yeah... you read that right. Just a 0.6-mile walk, nbd, right? :D But on the way there I did get to see where the State Capitol was since I walked right by it. Yeah, there's a reason it's called "Capitol Street". I also didn't realize I would be walking into Frog Hollow, so that was cool, I guess. But the visit was worth the walk. The intent of coming here was so that my liver could oxidize the drinks I had earlier. Additionally, the ice cream did make me thankful the walk was longer than I had intended it to be even though I don't really know Hartford pretty much at all. I did have a sneaking suspicion I had had this before, so I looked back at my old reviews. Lo and behold, I DID have Capital Ice Cream before at the Hartford Taste Festival when I went last year and tried their Hartford Dough Down. In fact, it was one of the places I had remarked I most wanted to give an in-earnest visit to when I talked about it in that review. Because of this, I have now gone to a place in-person after first visiting their stand at a festival (I still need to do that for Sandra's Next Generation one fine day since I had their festival food the day before the historic flood of 2024). This time around I got to see a little of what the interior of the place looked like. You can find some interesting fact about Connecticut while you're there. I didn't get to take too many photos of that, but I at least got to snap myself some lore about Hartford. Apparently it's one of this nation's oldest cities, being founded in 1635. Cool stuff! I'd love to come back even if only for the lovely history. They have an outdoor area you can have your ice cream in, and an area where you can go downstairs to eat I believe. It's a bit cramped when trying to order, so something to keep in mind. Thankfully the service is great, quick and efficient. This time I nabbed myself a large key lime pie milkshake, and I HAD to go with The Force! I may not come from a galaxy far, far away, but I needed some Force goddammit! Originally I was going order the Charter Oak until I'd realized there was key lime pie ice cream and I couldn't say no to key lime pie. The Force is a chocolate ice cream with Oreo's mixed in and whipped cream on top as well as confectionery sugar. Overall, it's a definitely a great stop for ice cream lovers who want to do a CT Ice Cream Tour. I'll even go so far as to say it is a great ice cream to have when walking by the State Capitol. While I am more partial to having ice cream at harbors and sea shores (think having the ice cream on a dock while my feet dangle over the water), ice cream by a major government building is still a very beautiful thought. Of the two things I had, I would definitely say I preferred the milkshake over the sundae. I think on summer days key lime pie ice cream is more refreshing overall. But both things were very good. For hot days, this is an outstanding choice! If you're someone who loves to learn some new history, definitely come here. If you like having ice cream walking by a state capitol, this is definitely the place for you. This might not be my number-one place to have ice cream, but I definitely think this was a tasty treat that I'd be more than happy to visit again in Hartford. read more

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Sundaes and sizes are pretty big. It is definitely cool there there is a cold plate to fold all the toppings in, though will say I think it makes the ice cream a bit softer/ melted. Staff was super friendly and ready to explain the background and flavors. The place itself is pretty small but has some outdoor seating. Pricing wasn't crazy high by not cheap either . Flavors were pretty standard . My favorite part was all the themes, I did think the fake fangs in the Cookie Monster was pretty funny! read more

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What a beautiful way to end the night with an ice cream treat after dinner. Capital Ice cream did that!!! It's been a while since I haven't been to this shop, but what I very much appreciate is having more seating options indoors with a new feature with basement seating. It was not there before. Service was top notch with very sweet and knowledge young adults that help my experience more exciting! I'm so happy for Capital Ice Cream with their success and it makes me so proud to support them. I got a small mango sorbet, and it is divine! Fresh and delicious. read more

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Randomly ended up in hartford recently so I had to check out the new to me ice-cream spot. The space itself is brightly colored, well decorated and incredibly welcoming. The staff were super nice and patient and just gave wonderful customer service. The icecream I had was good, it's admittedly not my favorite in the area but it was a good product. I am really excited to have such a cute neighborhood spot in hartford. read more

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Great place to stop for ice cream in downtown Hartford with the kiddos. The servers are always so friendly and happy to talk. And they are generous with their scoops. So if you're looking to beat the summer heat, come down, grab a cone, shake, smoothie, slushie, or other frozen treats. And they now have a new seating area inside if it's too hot out so you can eat your ice cream without it running down your arm. read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

The inside of the ice cream shop felt a bit posh and industrial especially with the brick walls and downstairs to some extent. I got the ice cream nachos and their unique take on cookie dough ice cream is green which is a bit odd but it tasted good. I also got the birthday cake and blueberry cheesecake flavors for my ice cream nachos. read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

The service was good. The aesthetic is great. The ice cream was just okay. The samples I had were good but my ice cream was kinda icy and not smooth. I would definitely go back to try another flavor. read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

They where closed at 8. The website says it closes at 10:00. The ice cream looked solid. Wish I could have tried it. read more

They have a big variety I'm old fashioned so I went for a soft serve chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone. Friendly people love the fun environment. Looked down stairs colorful tables and chairs everywhere along with pictures all over Connecticut. read more

It was my first time getting ice cream from Capital Ice Cream, and I've been kicking myself for not trying it sooner. First of all, this place is so cute! They are small, but downstairs they have super cute and colorful seating arrangement. The inside is filled with chalk walls of all of their delicious offerings. I got the Mocha Cappuccino flavor. This blew my mind with how accurate this was to its name, and how insanely tasty it was! If you enjoy coffee, there's no way this flavor would disappoint you! This flavor is vanilla based, with the tastiest layer of mocha, then the syrup on top made it so much more coffee. This isn't overpowering coffee at all. It is such a balanced and delicious flavor. Don't sleep on Capital Ice Cream, try their ice cream, you'll be dreaming about the next spoonful! read more

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"You've been so kind and generous For your kindness I'm in debt to you For your selflessness my admiration Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave" (Natalie Merchant) Today, I was the beneficiary of outstanding community service by the good folks at Capital Ice Cream. We were volunteering with Rebuild Hartford and loved the afternoon ice cream break they provided. They drove to our work site and opened up big coolers chock full of cups of ice cream in a dozen or so flavors. I had strawberry cheesecake, and if it was fantastic. Thank you for your generosity and for being such a great partner. read more

Capital Ice Cream - Capital supported Rebuild Hartford 2024 with an afternoon delivery of ice cream for the volunteers - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Service was quick and friendly. Ice cream was delicious- I got a scoop of grape nut and pistachio. Serving size was small but very tasty and fresh. Could not give 5 stars due to 1 downside - as I was waiting for my order, a couple entered the shop with their dog (young pitbull). Not everyone likes strange dogs and certainly not inside a cafe....i literally had to ask them to hold the dog out of the away so i could exit the small shop. Dogs or any non-service animal should be outside...especially for comfort of all, especially in a tight space, and definitely for liability reasons. Please and thank you. read more

Our first time here! The staff was Super Friendly, chatting with all the customers and helping them decide on their orders when asked. My daughter and I had been walking all over downtown for a few hours and just wanted something cold, creamy, and refreshing, so we ordered the soft serve chocolate and vanilla swirl. Yummy! Based on another Yelp review, I think I'll have to try the mocha cappuccino next time! Sounds scrumptious! Really cute decor and plenty of seating indoors downstairs and outside. read more

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My friends and I walked over here the other day now that they're open for the season and let me tell you, the rum raisin they have is beyond delectable. I've had their cookie dough before as well and that is even more tasty. Such a cute ice cream shop, I love all the vibrant colors and flavor options. Can't wait to come back again to try another flavor! read more

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Small first floor store front but with good colorful seating tucked down the stairs. Tasty and clever menu including hard and soft serve ice creams with unique flavors like a Graham cracker and honeycomb, and several others. Several options for serving from shakes, sundaes, and "nachos" with waffle cone chips. Chantelle, the owner, was super friendly and proud of her eighth year in business. Definitely be back if we're in town. read more

Awesome. A one word review would capture it all but why stop at one? That would be like stopping at one ice cream flavor. And who in their right mind would do such a thing? Flashback...1969. Children's Theater Group. I am Charlie Brown in none other than You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. "HAPPINESS IS WALKING HAND IN HAND. HAPPINESS IS TWO KINDS OF ICE CREAM." Well, here I am over 50 years later walking hand in hand WITH THE LOVE OF MY LIFE into the perfect ice cream shop having not one, not two, but THREE SCOOPS OF ICE CREAM with three delicious toppings AND even a CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY ON THE TOP! Well, let me tell you, there was a lot more than just happiness going on there. So, here is the scoop (see what I did there). A cute and inviting storefront. A marvelous little shop with one table (would have preferred to sit in the comfortable outdoor setting but it was pouring), a great and accommodating staff, and a friendly and rightfully proud owner. And the ice cream? I tried Rocky Road, Pistachio, and Mocha Almond Fudge. Each as much a work of art as a creamy taste extravaganza. I could not even try to pick a favorite as they were all outstanding. Hot fudge...deliciously creamy and filled with flavor. Marshmallow (I was actually expecting melted marshmallow but shocked at how the mini-marshmallows added delightful texture and absorbed the ice goodness), whipped cream that was just the perfect amount of sweetness and soooooo wonderfully creamy, and the ultimate ice cream Grand Finale...an exquisite chocolate covered cherry on the top. Okay, so to say I loved it would be an understatement. But one word really sums it up. Awesome. read more

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We stopped at Capital Ice Cream for dessert after Friday night dinner at Parkville Market. The shop is very colorful and well decorated. The service was super friendly and helpful. There was ample street parking in the area. I ordered birthday cake ice cream, fluff and Lucky Charms in a chocolate covered waffle bowl. Great flavor and texture. It was my first waffle bowl. Loved it. My wife ordered green cookie dough ice cream and fluff and she liked it a lot. One of the cool things about the visit is that a little girl was sitting at an outside table and eating ice cream with her family and having a great time. I think that speaks to the fact that Capital is not just providing tasty ice cream, but a terrific experience with the attention to color, design, decor and friendly service. We'll definitely be back. read more

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If you haven't been, make your way to Capital Ice Cream! It's a super cute ice cream shop in the heart of Hartford. I had my son's 6th birthday party here and it was amazing! The owner and her team were kind, hospitable, and efficient. The host catered to the needs of the adults and kids. Prices for renting out the space were also super affordable, especially for what was included. The kids had a blast and the birthday boy serving sundaes to his guest was the cherry on top of a great day! read more

So good!! I was drawn to this place because of how much they offer-- they have mix-up ice cream (when they chop it on the board with toppings), shakes, soft-serve, cones. The apple pie flavor was to die for. They have great topping options. Such a cute place and also a great treat after eating at Aurora's next door :) The people working were really nice and helpful. read more

Capital Ice Cream - Sundae with apple pie ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a chocolate covered cherry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

There's so much to love at this place which is on a great block in Hartford. We stopped by on a nice spring day. My companion got two big scoops of cookie dough and mint chip. The cookie dough was Green! But it's not mint. Just fun colors. Service was a standout. Great helpers who are always quick to offer a hand or suggestion. They even packed up two pints for us. Loved it!! read more

Capital Ice Cream - Outside - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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What a great local ice cream shop, I can't believe this was my first time here! They're right in the heart of Hartford on Capital Ave which means they get their name from two things -- the state capital and being on Capital Ave, very cool! They have a lot of flavors but not enough where it's overwhelming. I wanted pistachio but they JUST sold out before I got there, bummer. Since I was feeling the green, I went with green cookie dough. It was just as good, if not better! I also got two scoops of grape nut because it's a flavor you don't see often and SO GOOD. Better than the ice cream was the staff! All super friendly and welcoming. As a black-owned business, I saw a lot of spotlights about them after the BLM movements and loved reading every feature. I wish I would have gotten here sooner but I'm so glad I got to visit today. I will definitely be back with the whole fam ASAP. And to try that pistachio ice cream ;) read more

Capital Ice Cream - TRIPLE SCOOP! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

This was my first time here . I have passed so so Many times but never stopped. I am glad today I had the Opportunity to do so. This cute little ice cream shop is colorful and inviting. It's small inside with Covid, rules and regulations going on they have 2-3 people insist a time. They have a good amount of flavors. At least 20.staff were great. We had a Scoops and Shades Even and all staff was wonderful, helpful and friendly! I'm so happy I got to try the ice cream because it was delicious plus I've been wanting to check this please out. I was so into My ice cream I forgot I take pictures. It was cold and there was a few people waiting to get in. Sorry. Didn't get to take more pics. But.. if your in the area , stop in and get a scoop! read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

I have been to this place twice, but the second time was very different. I sat downstairs and the music was super loud. She would put the volume up when customers came. I could barely hear what my partner was saying. Ice cream was also semi too soft as if it was melting. First time it was at night and it went great but this second time during the day was not as pleasant. read more

Came down for my Yelp Elite ice cream fix. Unfortunately, my own fault, I thought they were already open for the day and I was too early. I left and came back a few hours later to find a rather long line. No biggie as it's a small space. Once inside, I ordered a triple scoop of strawberry lemonade cheesecake, black raspberry and coconut on a chocolate waffle cone. It was DELICIOUS!!! I was driving and without having to ask, the staff offered a cup and spoon! My eyes were bigger than my belly...I ended up putting the remsinder of my half frozen ice cream in the freezer when I got home. The proof of a quality ice cream is when it is melted and refrozen, it tastes just as creamy. This did not disappoint. It was just as delicious and the perfect sweet treat after dinner! I'll definitely be back! read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Our first time into this delightfully cute and charming ice cream shop that packs a punch on flavor! We drove an hour round trip to try their goods and we all are so happy we did. We love ice cream and trying new places, Capital didn't disappoint in any way. Everyone was super kind, clean shop, eclectic decor and fun topping choices. A nice area to sit outside and enjoy the sweets too. Easy on street parking and easy off RT 84 read more

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Capital Ice Cream is such an adorable place! We decided to walk over after our Yelp clean up day in Bushnell Park and it was a great decision. Walking distance from the Capital building and Bushnell Park. However there is lots of street parking if you aren't walking. Walking up I fell in love with how adorable this place is! I love how colorful and bright everything from the tables and chairs outside to all the decorations inside. We were welcomed by the staff when we walked in. The staff was friendly and service was quick. The shop is small but cute and clean. I ordered two scoops of the birthday cake ice cream in a waffle cone and it was delicious! So yummy!! I'll definitely be back!! read more

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Do yourself a favor, go check capital ice cream out. This place is amazing. The atmosphere is welcoming, bright, and creative. It is women owned which makes it that much sweeter. The ice cream was delicious. We tried the cookies and cream, birthday cake, mocha almond, and strawberry cheese cake. None of the flavors disappointed and it left you wanting more. The staff made you feel so welcome. We will definitely be back! read more

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Awesome black owned ice cream shop right in downtown Hartford! They're open until 9, which came in clutch after an evening dinner close by. They offer all sorts of ice cream flavors and a variety of toppings. Really impressed with the dairy free options and affordable prices. Really good to see a family oriented/budget friendly Ice cream shop in the area. read more

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Capital Ice Cream is the best! The colors, atmosphere, the flavors...it really is Hartford's Happy Place as the sign says. I had a three scooper on a waffle cone. Green Cookie Dough, Blue Cotton Candy and Watermelon Sherbet. Crazy flavor combo, but so good! The outside patio is such a cool spot in Hartford. If you haven't enjoyed some ice cream out there yet, you've got all the summer to make it happen. Staff is awesome. Chantell is great. Oh!! Amazing ice cream cakes too! My suggestion is the Capitall Adventureland Ice Cream Cake. Be the superstar of the next party you go to and pick one of them up! read more

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Five stars ALL the way for our wonderful proprietress of this family owned ice cream heaven! What a Wonderful welcome when we walked in. So many great choices -that was the hardest part! I could keep eating more ice cream all night it's that good. We honestly didn't want to leave. I finally chose 3 flavors straight up to review 1) Rocky Road 2) Pistachio 3) mocha almond fudge. I had all three piled up on a sugar cone for a stunning effect. POW‼ The flavor and consistency hits your tongue like a dream. The flavors were all mighty solid, each held its own uniqueness. All were very creamy, no added air, just all that unadulterated goodness. A total Quality product. When I finished the sugar cone at the ending final crunch, all I could think of is when can we get more⁉ Not even kidding -Haha! I just had to leave a tip in the bowl- how could one not?? Yelp elite is back in business with a banging event. We'll be back, sooner the better. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

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How do we LOVE CAPITAL ICE CREAM!! Let us count the ways!! *Fabulous Ice Cream Flavor Staples *Community Outreach *Commitment to Quality *CLEAN FACILITY *Family Friendly (more than just friendly TBH) *Owner is generous We feel like we return to a little piece of home every time we stop in for a treat! Chantell and her family reside in the neighborhood and CI feels like an extension of their home! On this particular visit, we tried a double scoop cone of green cookie dough and strawberry & a signature sundae: Tiramisu!! Both were like no other! The flavor combinations complimented each other so well that you feel like you're in the sweetest of dream worlds! We also found out that CI sponsors fundraisers and the one for the next month is suicide awareness! And when speaking with the owner she also shared that just because she may not personally experience one of the sponsored causes, it doesn't mean that we all shouldn't come together and show support! CI IS The Community!! Hartford not only "Has It", but it also is lucky to have Capital Ice Cream!! read more

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Came here as part of a Yelp Check-in week and fell in love with this gem. Love the ice cream and fun sundaes! I got a three-scoop ice cream -- Moose Tracks, green Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Birthday Cake, while my husband opted for the super cute Cookie Monster Sundae. I loved the look of the monster's face (eyes made with HOMEMADE whipped cream!) and that chocolate covered cherry is definitely a reason for me to come back! This little shop is cute and small. The vibe is cute. While there is no room to eat inside, you can grab a chair at one of the small tables to eat your treat outside like we did. Current COVID restrictions means only three guests allowed inside at once. Overall, this store has a cute, neighborhood feel with delicious ice cream that will keep me coming back for more! read more

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With a chocolate dipped cherry on top!!! This ice cream is YUMMY!! And the owner was working behind the counter scooping the ice cream. Only 3 people allowed in the store at one time but there is outdoor seating. We got there 30 minutes before closing time and were able to enjoy our treats inside with the only interruption being my son dropping his scoops on the ground. The owner was quick to "dry his tears" by immediately offering him a replacement (in a cup this time) and even offered him sprinkles. She was genuinely a nice person and made our visit excellent. I had a scoop of rocky road with hot fudge, whipped cream (which I believe is made in-house), and a cherry on top. A chocolate dipped cherry!!! That had me so excited, obviously :o) my fiancé had strawberry cheesecake on a sugar cone (that I sampled and can tell you is amazing) and our son had chocolate and vanilla ice cream on a wafer cone. They both also like their choices. Pricing is fair and the service was awesome! Can't wait to return and try another flavor, or two, or three... with a chocolate dipped cherry on top!! read more

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So cute inside and the people that work there are so excited and friendly!! We loved how decadent and creamy the ice cream was and we loved both flavors we got. Green cookie dough and peanut butter cup were excellent. The chocolate chips in the peanut butter cup were HUGE which I love! There were plenty of toppings to pick from! It was a rainy day but I'd like to sit outside on one of their cute tables to eat my ice cream next time. Street parking FYI but it wasn't too bad to find a spot. If I ever get to another event at the XL center this would be the perfect spot to grab a yummy snack since it's right near there!! We are coming back SOON! read more

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What a cute little shop! Everyone was super friendly, and I found this place to be really unique with the beautiful flavor listings and outside of the shop. I enjoyed my scoops of black raspberry chip and chocolate. The waffle cone wasn't bad, though I've had better, and I always enjoy ice cream made by Big Dipper. Definitely worth a visit when in the area! read more

Capital Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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I have been waiting for them to open up again for the longest time and when they did I RUSHED! I got the May the Force and it is DELICIOUS. So much chocolate and brownie bits! The serving was incredibly large and it was great quality ice cream! Service was incredibly fast and the workers are very kind! I cannot wait to go back! read more

Capital Ice Cream - May the Force - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

It's a cute little place to grab some ice cream. The people were really nice and the price were adorable. I had The Force and it was everything. I Would definitely recommend! read more

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This is a small ice cream shop closer to Hartford downtown, may be 1 mile. They have some creative sundaes and good ice cream flavors. Among sundaes I liked the Capital cone the most. It was a 3 scoop sundae - chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice creams. There is a wafer cone in the middle. I also went for the Tiramisu you. It was coffee ice cream, which was good. They use chocolate dipped cherry, which is really cool. Among their flavors I liked the banana walnut with chocolate chunks the most followed by the strawberry ice cream. They have colorful outdoor seating. There is fresh flower on the outdoor tables. read more

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What a fun spot! Thanks to Yelp for introducing me to this hidden gem! I went as a guest of Scott K and was seriously impressed! The 3 person minimum inside makes sense better place is tiny. Don't worry-in this case size doesn't matter! Although it was chilly outside waiting, but we'll worth the wait! We were greeted by 2 incredibly sweet gentlemen that were so welcoming and knowledgeable! Found out that the ice cream is from Waterbury (I believe). Probably the best I've ever had! I chose cookies and cream in a small cone. SO FRESH AND YUMMY! I enjoyed the frisbee and glasses as we sat outside on the adorable patio to enjoy our treat! Thank you Capital Ice Cream for the chance to meet you! read more