They sell Richardson's icecream. What's not to like about that? It's a cute little colorful shop that offers a decent amount of flavors. The owners are very nice. There is never much of a wait time whenever we go which is great. Sizes seem fine except I'm not happy with how small the milkshakes are compared to other shops. If it's a hot summer night and you don't feel like waiting in the crazy lines at Mad Maggie's or Benson's, I would recommend swinging by here. Plenty of parking behind the building and it's woman owned! read more

Please note many of the negative reviews are from when the place was under prior ownership. It's a cute shop that sells Richardson's ice cream (delicious) as well as candy, coffee, and some simple sandwich options (hot dogs and grilled cheese). My son said the cotton candy ice cream changed his whole life. read more

Soooo.. tried for the second time this season to go for ice cream here. It is 3:30 on a Sunday, and their website indicates they are open. Nope... closed. Really? We live just up the street, and notice that they are always closed. Super frustrating. Is this place still in business? read more

Under NEW ownership. If you're like me and didn't think much of this place before give it another chance. This is a women owned local business which truly cares about their customers and their employees. Handicapped access ramp in the back. read more

Love visiting Cows Rock with my kids. The owner is great and the employees are always super friendly. Great menu of flavors. I like the walk-up window option and it's nice that there is indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Yummy ice cream. Friendly staff. Love the messages of kindness throughout the store. Fun place!

Owner or manager idk guy who wears backwards hat is soooo creepy when you come in. Also there are no signs with the menu of what items you can purchase. Felt very awkward being there. Couldn't wait to leave lol not worth getting ice cream. read more

I love cows rock. I recommend the blue vanilla slush. I revived such lovely service from Sophia. Definitely going to be going here often. Yum yum yum mm mmm mm makes me want to do a little dance because it was just so scrumptious. read more

Really great employees that are very nice and friendly. They also have delicious ice cream and there frappes are unbelievably delicious. If you want ice cream in North Andover this is the best place. read more

The place was not very clean looking inside and smelled a bit. But the worse part was the "nurse hatchet" woman behind the counter. I brought out of town guests there because Smolacks ice cream closed due to power outage. Was going to go to Mad Maggie's but thought I would try Cows Rock. Big mistake. This was around 1pm on July 1st. When I asked Nurse Hatchet what flavors were she pointed to sign below with a scowl. After ordering a double scoop...my friend asked for a cherry and strawberry sauce. She said....well I'm going to have to put it in another cup now. If I were not with my guests I would have walked out and told her to stick it on her face. I will never return and will tell everyone this story. I just hope that woman was not the owner. read more

Highly disappointed that gift certificates issued under old management were not accepted. In the state of Massachusetts gift certificates do not expire. An ice cream shop that maintains the same name, clearly to keep the business the name draws in should accept all Cows Rock Gift certificates. read more

It takes effort to mess up Italian ice, but this place has done it! Odd chunks of unflavored/uncolored ice does not add to the flavor. Additionally, I saw the sign that they provide no public (or, apparently, customer) bathrooms, but when you've got a six year old about ready to pee on the floor on in front of you, it might be nice to show a little flexibility and compassion on that policy. (At least a boy can pee on the exterior wall of the store instead.) read more

Good Ice Cream (Richardsons) and People are Nice, Friendly and Helpful. Good Location.

Reviews mentioning small portions and odd layout are what I experienced too. Not sure why the inside was setup as it is but there is no inside seating ( will they close in winter?) and the space to get ice cream requires the servers cross a huge space to top ice cream. I really want this place to succeed as Old Center North Andover could use an ice cream stop considering the great youth center and beautiful green. But the prices verses portion and lack of inside seating will keep me from coming back once it gets cooler. They could add a few round tables instead of a drink cooler. I hope they reconfigure the inside and adjust prices a bit. If so they will get kids streaming in for many years. read more

Pass by all the time and decided to stop tonight close to 8p because hubby had a craving for ice cream (from Richardson's). There were a few patrons outside with ice cream and a few inside at the tables. Two young people were eagerly waiting to serve us and each of them took one of our orders... Two baby cups (strawberry and kahlua chocolate brownie) with a sugar cone on top. Each were $3.05 plus tax. Average portion, served at perfect temperature ...not too hard and not too soft (my pet peeve is runny ice cream) and definitely Richardson's quality and that we expect! My hubby commented that even the cone was fresh and crunchy. My server forgot to place the cone on top so I had to ask a 2nd time but she happily obliged. The 5th star is reserved for a second visit when ice cream will be in demand and for an atmosphere that would make me say "wow". Somewhat barren inside. read more

Decent little place. While they sella Richardson's Ice Cream they jack up the prices. There are usually seats open inside. The place is clean and they have a bathroom available. I would go somewhere else for ice cream. Too high of prices. read more

Delicious ice cream, good coffee and yummy food. A nice little place to get a treat and caffeinated when I get to Boston area

Well when I went there at 7pm tonight on a beautifully bright Friday evening for the first time I was prepared for a long wait - as anyone that has been to Treadwell's, Smolak Farms or Richardson's Ice Cream can attest - this is prime ice cream time. When I was able to park right in front and go in with only one other lone customer inside, it was my first clue that something was definitely amiss. Especially considering it's right next to a playground and youth center full of kids. The service was slow with young high school kids working the counter with no supervision and we were informed the owner had already left for the day. They were all over the place in terms of service. My order consisted of 3 "large" hot fudge sundaes. However their "large" is a joke. I'm not expecting a whole pint of ice cream or anything but I legitimately thought they had given me the wrong sizes before they explained otherwise. I guess I should have paid better attention. Their small size was about the size of a small Hoodsie cup I used to get in grade school. Certainly not worth what they were charging for them and especially when they don't even fill the dish with ice cream and then load half of it with the most bitter tasting hot fudge I've ever had. The hot fudge was so bad that I was forced to eat around it because it completely ruined the taste. The whip cream was painted on so fine I could barely distinguish it and they forgot my cherry. My friends and I all agreed to cross this place off our lists. They get two stars solely because they had the good sense to serve Richardson's ice cream. That's it. It's definitely worth the ride straight to Richardson's in Middleton the next time we have a craving rather than ever going here again. read more

Cows Rock Ice Cream - Bitter hot fudge in "large" container. - Desserts Near Me - North Andover, Massachusetts

I took my kids in for ice cream this afternoon to beat the heat. There was a gentleman overseeing two young, probably high school-aged kids, and all three were serving clients. One of the kids appeared to be brand new and the overseeing gentleman was loudly and critically commenting on every single move the new kid made (say something funny, use your brain, don't do that) in front of all of the waiting clients. As a business owner, I understand that feedback is necessary to run a tight ship but the loud and bold criticism of the poor kid who was clearly mortified about what was happening, and just trying to do his best, left us feeling worse about the poor kid who had to work for him, than paying any attention to the ice cream we were eating. In your effort to train your employees, you've created an unfortunate experience for everyone involved. Praise publicly, criticize behind closed doors. This is not a business I'll be returning to & I hope the new kid figures out quickly that there are much more pleasant & respectful workplaces he can get started in. read more

Came in at 2 PM on a Thursday and it was not that busy at all. The two ladies behind the counter were very nice and it was clean inside. The ice cream was pretty good, the first time I've had Richardson's. Not the most amazing ice cream I've ever had, but still fulfilled that summer afternoon craving. I guess I came here early enough to beat the rush/bad service from all the other reviews, but I found it comfortable, friendly, and homey. Would come back again to try more flavours. read more

Good ice cream but very slow service, (very slow) had a lot of different flavors and had slushy and hot dogs read more

Cows Rock Ice Cream - american flag outside building - Desserts Near Me - North Andover, Massachusetts

Sopped in Friday night with a friend for our first ice cream of the season. I've heard they carry Richardson's ice cream so thought it would be ok. I ordered a kiddie pistachio in a cup with a cone on top. 3.35 plus tax. I wasn't really thinking when the clerk charged $3.85. We left and my friend commented they charged for the cup. OK, I'm a bit annoyed but the more I think about it it wasn't mentioned, wasn't posted. $.25 up charge plus tax. Back to the ice cream... mine tasted old, with very few nuts. My friend thought hers seemed sweet. I'll never go back read more

It's good, depending on who works there,there is a sweet older lady that works here and who is really nice read more

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Plenty of flavors, generous serving sizes, nice staff. They have the "skinny" sprinkles which are the best. :) Free doggie ice cream.

At first I was not impressed with this place, but as time went on and I tried it a few more times it got much better. Their main issue was an employee with very bad skills and attitude but they quickly took care of that. I'm glad to say I now have a good local place to go with quality ice cream and service! read more

Amazing food/ice cream and excellent customer service by far my favorite ice cream shop

Went here for the first time with a large group this past Wednesday night, and was taken aback by the rude manner in which the customer before us was being treated. He was a coach, and he had brought his whole team. Apparently there was some dispute as to how many ice creams he had ordered. To my mind "the customer is always right", and all the more so when the shop has just opened and is presumably trying to build a clientele. But the owner did not seem to have this philosophy, and for the sake of the few extra bucks that she ultimately squeezed out of this guy she will lose his future business and mine. Furthermore the service was slow and the shop lacking in seating and any kind of charm in how it is decorated. With so many other great alternatives nearby (Smolak, Mad Maggie's, Pazzo and Dolce Freddo Gelato) why would anyone waste their money here? read more

The service was fine, although I was the only one in the shop. I asked for a small sundea with no whipped cream..got barely one tiny scoop of ice cream and a tablespoon of hot fudge for $4. Literally took me about four spoonfuls and it was gone. The ice cream and fudge was good, what there was of it. When I looked at the cup she asked me if there was too much hot fudge in it! Ha...better step up the portions or they'll be OOB soon. read more

I love Cows Rock - a little neighborhood ice cream parlor. My only complaint is at Known busy times, they don't have enough staff so there are long waits. read more

$10 for 2 skimpy single scoop ice cream cones! Been three times over the last year and a half and won't go back. Yes it's Richardson's ice cream but it's NO Richardson's. Also definitely not the cleanest place. read more

I have 2 kids and have been taking them to Drummond Park for 13 years. I have always said that there needs to be an ice cream/ snack shop near by rather than getting robbed by the ice cream truck each time we go!! Finally there is a place that sells lunch, drinks and cold treats!! We went to Cows Rock Ice Cream the other day and loved it!! The atmosphere was clean, bright and air conditioned! The girls were friendly and patient as my son sampled practically every flavor! The owner even made suggestions for ones he should try!! The portions were huge and the ice cream was great! As we sat in the deep window sills eating ice cream I had to laugh at the diversity of the customers that continued to flow in and out! They ranged from business men in suits sneaking in for a quick ice cream to crowds of kids from the rec. center and play ground!! When we left the place was hopping with teens enjoying ice cream and slushes on the benches out front and a family out back sitting under the umbrella at the picnic table! They said that they will soon have a walk up window in the back with more shaded outdoor seating! Can't wait to see! They also have already gotten involved with the community, sponsoring the 4th of July Road Race and teaming up with the Rec center to do weekly activities!! This is what North Andover is all about, community involvement! I commend their willingness to dive right into that! The place has only been open for a few weeks but they are off to a great start! My family and I will definitely be back for more!! read more

Stopped in near closing time and was the only customer. While the owner hand packed two quarts of ice cream we had a nice chat which included an honest conversation of how the business was doing. I think many of the complaints listed by other Yelpers are trying to be addressed by the owners. I hope people give Cow's Rock a chance. Good things take time....and local support. I've been to all the area ice cream shoppes and have had good and bad experiences with them all. It's not easy starting your own business so maybe with customer patience and constructive criticism these folks will survive. I'm going back...you should too! read more

Cows Rock, the lousy overpriced ice cream shop near the youth center does not. I am a person who loves milkshakes, so on a hot day when I went there I got a milkshake. Their "milkshake" there is apparently just milk and syrup so I asked for a "frappe" which in that place is an actual milkshake. The "frappe" robbed me of 6.50 and wasn't even that large, it was more of a medium size. At this point I am thinking this better be a pretty damn good milkshake. It sucked. This was the 2nd worst place I had ever gotten a milkshake from. McDonald's is higher quality, gives better portions, and is cheaper. Save yourself the disappointment and the money. Don't go here, I spend your money on somewhere better and cheaper like Starbucks (that is a joke as Starbucks is expensive, yet maybe cheaper?). Really though, Cows Rock sucks. read more

Took the grandkids there for ice cream -- ended up with food as well and enjoyed everything. Great location and atmosphere. Will go back for sure. read more

Wanted to try out the new place and was surprised on a warm weekend evening that there was virtually no one there. To see what is considered a large Sundae just floored me for the price that was being charged ($6.50 each) for three tiny scoops of ice cream. Now when we drove home to enjoy our expensive treat we uncovered them, sat down and upon putting the first spoonful in we were shocked at the awful taste of the extremely bitter and sour so-called hot fudge. This was so terrible that we had to try and scrape out just the ice cream in order to salvage the Sundae. This will not be any place that I would recommend going to. read more

I have visited twice in the last few weeks and the service was bad both times. The young people they hired are more interested in themselves than addressing the customers. The ice cream was okay, but doesn't taste like the Richardson ice at the their location. Also the prices are for the ice cream ONLY not including the cup or the ice cream cone. I won't be coming back even though it is closer than Richardson's or Benson's. read more

Great to have this store and Richardson's Ice Cream in this location! Very busy when kids are at the youth center, but easy to get a slush or ice cream at other times. read more

Cows Rock is now open for the summer with much more indoor seating plus picnic tables outback. Ice Cream is Richardson's which is always delicious. For a change of pace, have a grilled hot dog with a nicely grilled bun. read more

For years this small space has been kept empty, as there hasn't been a business that could thrive in this nearly hidden area. Finally, the families of North Andover now have the convenience of Richardson's ice cream, Richie's slush, as well as lunch, drinks, chips, and a variety of candy. The location is wonderful! It's very convenient for the families that decide to take a stroll around the playground or the Common. There has been times that I've been there, and the lines are long with families awaiting their turn to order. Behind the counter are usually kids with bright smiles, ready to serve even the most undecisive costumers, as myself. The manager even comes out of her office to talk to and serve the customers. Very friendly, and very welcoming environment. Not to mention the decor of the shop. The theme is very cute, and it's easy to see that someone put in alot of work to get it together so fashionably. I've noticed the procedures the workers take when they get a customer with an allergy. I've watched them take out new tubs of ice cream and washed scoops from the sink just for that one order. It's very reassuring. Who doesn't love Richardson's ice cream? One of my favorite parts of this place, are the serving sizes! I've seen people complaining about this shop, but I'm just grateful that North Andover finally has a shop that serves awesome ice cream at such a convenient location, and in such a fun and clean environment! I will definitely be back! read more

i love this place. if you want to bask in the old center history (the original andover) as a north andover townie and enjoy the best ice cream on the northshore go no further.....its cows rock!!! read more