Made a dinner-table dash down Route 86 to get there before 9. No regrets. Black Raspberry twisted with Vanilla -- tall, cold, and gone too fast. Same antique machine, same family, same obsession with fresh milk and real ingredients since 1953. You taste every bit of it. I was there opening day, May 2026. Five stars. See you next time! read more

Fun family experience! Note to look on Facebook for daily flavor. One option BUT that makes the fun experience! We were welcomed and immediately told how the store works (one flavor a day twisted with vanilla). We will go back for sure! read more

So glad to have been tipped off about this place by a local! Hugely popular but tiny ice cream place where they only have one machine. As a result, every day is a different flavor. Today's was a peach/vanilla twist. Lemme tell you, this was the most delicious ice cream I have eaten in a long time. Creamy, flavorful and served with a smile. Get there early as the line can get really long, but since the only options seem to be cup, cone, shake or hot fudge sundae, decisions are made quickly and the line moves. No photo, as I dove into it quickly. read more

Donnelly's Soft Serve is easily one of the most unique ice cream stands I've ever been to -- and totally worth the detour if you're anywhere near Saranac Lake. We made the short drive up from Ampersand Bay Resort to sweeten up a Sunday night before our big hike to Mt. Marcy, and Donnelly's didn't disappoint. What makes it so unique? Simplicity. This place runs with the "In-N-Out" model -- do a few things and do them well. Your only decision is cup or cone, and what size. The real twist (pun intended) is that they offer one flavor combo per day, served as a twist. That's it. No exceptions. It's kind of got that "Soup Nazi" vibe from Seinfeld -- so be sure to check their Facebook page to see the daily flavor before you go. On our visit, the flavor was Chocolate twisted with Vanilla -- classic and crowd-friendly, which worked well for our small but mighty hiking crew. The night before, though, was Chocolate & Peppermint, which I probably would've vetoed. Honestly, I'd love to see them offer two flavors per night to avoid that scenario -- but hey, the place was busy, even on a cool, overcast evening, so clearly their model works. Another standout feature? The shape. Most soft serve comes with a tall spiral and a little point on top. Donnelly's? Not even close. Their cones are round and a bit flat on top -- totally different. At first I thought, "Why?" but it actually works. It gives the cone a nice texture and may even help slow down melting. Whatever the reason, it adds to the charm. The vibe is classic small-town ice cream stand. Tiny building, nostalgic energy, no frills -- just good ice cream and friendly service. The staff couldn't have been nicer -- welcoming in that warm, small-town way that makes you want to support the place even more. Parking was easy out front, and even though the line was steady, it moved quickly. Bottom line: If you're in the area, Donnelly's is a must-stop. Just don't forget to check that daily flavor before you make the drive! read more

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Soft serve is the reason for so many cars that go in and out of the parking lot. They have rotating flavors and we had the chocolate with peanut butter swirl. It takes almost $5 for a standard cup. The soft serve was creamy and had good flavor. This is a cash only establishment. read more

This place is very popular and recommended by all of the locals. So many cars to one tiny place! The line was long but moved fairly quickly. It wasn't what I had envisioned. I was thinking homemade fresh ice cream, scooped onto a homemade cone. They serve one flavor a day and I was slightly disappointed that the day we came was plain vanilla and chocolate. The cone was prepackaged cones that can be bought from the grocery store. The swirls came out of a machine that reminded me of McDonald's ice cream. Once you walk out with your cone that as you can see in the pic was handed without a paper around the cone. So very much held by the server to you, the ice cream melted almost immediately. I had to eat it really fast. No tables or chairs to sit but lots of green grassy area to do so. I suggest bringing a little picnic blanket or sitting in the car. If there is a next time I hope I get to try something new! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - a view of the ice cream shop - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

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Most of the appeal is the experience: you line up with dozens of others, next to roped milk cans, in a quick moving line towards a tiny shop. You don't choose anything except the size -- baby, regular, or large. The flavor is chosen for you. The ice cream is great, today's flavor peppermint swirled with chocolate. You scramble for some shade to devour your treat before it quickly melts away. Not the creamiest or the best soft-serve we've had, but an awesome experience. Would do again on another day, for another flavor. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Peppermint chocolate swirl - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

You can never go wrong here! Everyday is a different flavor twisted with Vanilla. You may have to wait in a long line but it's definitely worth it. read more

This spot should be on everybody's Adirondack itinerary. Not too far from Saranac Lake I have to say it's worth the drive if you're anywhere within about an hour of the ice cream stand. Follow their Facebook page to see the flavor of the day. They are only open seasonally. Beautiful views in the meadow across the road. Convenient to Saranac or Lake Placid or Tupper Lake They only serve one flavor a day and it's a twist... Always something twisted with vanilla. Cash or local check only. Expect a line but it moves fast. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - people standing around a fire hydrant - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

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I've only been introduced to this gem of an ice cream shop last summer and when we returned to vacation in Saranac Lake, we naturally had to come try their daily flavors. Our week up there was met with rain day after day, but that did not put a damper on the crowd over at Donellys. They are still cash only, and to my disappointment, 5 out of 6 times we tried there this year was kind of lackluster. we were looking forward to the black raspberry swirl the most but it was lacking in flavor. there was maybe the slightest hint of black raspberry. the one that surprised us the most was the strawberry vanilla swirl as it hit us with a nice berry punch with the sweet, creamy vanilla. nevertheless, what a hit. will visit next summer and hopefully the flavors come back read more

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Best ice cream I've ever tasted. Highly recommend it. Small but worth it even if it's a long wait.

We had the unpleasant experience of visiting this place. The young girls working there were less than professional. This is unfortunate as they have good ice cream. Unfortunately for them customer service is lacking!! read more

No doubt the best soft serve in the area. We love the swirl and being surprised by the flavor can be fun. Nicest view eating ice cream I've ever had! read more

This place was recommended to us and it was worth the drive! It was a great little break after we hiked some trails - exactly what we wanted. So creamy and yummy. Cute little spot! read more

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I've been coming to Donnelly's since I was 6 years old. That's 28 years!! I went a big gap without visiting but it was exactly the same when I finally returned as an adult. Donnelly's is a staple. They have a single flavor per day, twisted with vanilla. They post the flavors a week out on their Facebook page. They have previous days flavors for sale in their freezer to take home, if you want! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Peanut butter vanilla swirl, August 2022 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

First time at Donnelly's Ice Cream. But hopefully not the last! I was shown this location by a local. They always know the best spots! This yummy ice cream store features one flavor every single day. You don't know what the flavor will be which is part of the excitement. It's always a soft serve and always mixed with vanilla. That's it. You only get to choose the size. They put the leftover for that day in a case and sell it. Today's flavorful was, drumroll please, honey cinnamon swirled with vanilla. The verdict? It was fabulous! Very different like nothing I've ever had but absolutely delicious. What a great concept it's been around forever and everyone flocks here. We were lucky to come on a rainy day when there weren't many people so we didn't have to wait in a line. Cash only. read more

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An Adirondack classic. I've been coming here since I was a little kid, and have such great summer memories getting an ice cream cone. Absolutely love the rotating menu. Every day is something different, Saturdays a surprise! The gift that keeps giving, will always make a point to stop here when I visit family. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Black raspberry swirl - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

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One swirl a day, today was black raspberry and peach. Everyone loves the rich and creamy ice cream. It is pouring today and people are still packing the parking lot. Highly recommend for an afternoon or evening treat. We ate in car - they have a few small benches but not much place sit. read more

Delicious ice cream, and have been going for years. Was disappointed to learn that all the "brown flavors" (like chocolate) have gluten! No where do they tell you this, but a server happened to mention it. For the 1/100 people with gluten intolerance this is a big disappointment. read more

"We pick the flavor, you pick the size" as they say. One soft serve flavor per day. This is NOT your McDonald's style soft serve that comes in a bag that you load into a listeria-laden mystery machine. Oh no, this is virtually farm to cone soft serve, and it shows. There's just something creamier and poppier about this. I had pistachio vanilla twist on the last day of the season. It was the best specimen of that flavor I've ever had. I can see why there was a line. Good stuff, even if somewhat in the middle of nowhere. But I think that just adds to the old-school vibe of this place, and lends to their reputation for having survived on quality since the 1970s. Good stuff! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - In line... - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

The best best best soft serve in NY and possibly the US. Farm fresh -- delicious and surprisingly "light" -- you won't feel grossly full after one of these. Absolutely love this place ! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Chocolate vanilla twist - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

Best soft ice-cream, love the suprised flavor daily. The wait was worth it, the view was lovely, and the staff is friendly. We come from downtown and after a long road trip, Donnelly's ice cream is always our first stop. And by the time it comes to leave, we're always getting our fill and wishing we could bring some back with us. Lots of love, saranac lake.​ read more

Most delicious ice cream and a rule one of a kind place. Been using the same soft ice cream machine for over 70 years. One flavor a day so check it out read more

This shit is so fire!! I literally sprained my ankle and still stopped to get ice cream here first lol. Probably the best soft serve I've ever had, and I met a lady here who said this place has been open since 1950. Really unique since they change the flavor every day but you can check what they're serving on their Facebook page each morning. I don't have anything but good things to say about this cute spot- the ice cream is good, the staff are nice, although the wait can get a bit long at times. It's worth it though! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

Imagine stepping back into 1973 and ordering ice cream - that's what you get. Can get super soft on those hot days so eat it fast. The high school girls try to help you out as fast as possible but that line can stretch to 50 plus people but service is always good. It's a definite throwback and follow them online so you can figure out the flavor (the only flavor) of the day... read more

This is Ice Cream to die for. They make the ice cream in a machine from 1953. The ice cream is some of the softest you will ever have and they make it in a few seconds. The shop is small and cozy but there is lots of area to stand outside. Some days, there may be a line but they still service you very quickly. In my eyes, the best flavor is Black Cherry but all the others are delicious. read more

Amazing have been going forever and love everything they offer. This little ice cream stand has been a place we always visit when on vacation so worth it. read more

Soft serve in a multitude of flavors?! Yes please! We made a pit stop here on our way back to the city and wow i'm so glad we did. The flavor of the day was pistachio, which i normally don't care for, but mmmmm mmmmmmm this was sooooo good. A perfect vanilla swirl compliment! So smooth and creamy and the icecream fills up the cone. I wish i lived closer so i could have soft serve every day! read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Pistachio and vanilla - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

This ice cream is so delicious! Best soft serve I've had. We came at 12 pm on a Friday when there was no line. I've seen it with 20+ people in line at peak time. Best road trip food with a view. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Regular strawberry twist - partially eaten - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

Stopped for an ice cream treat. The waiting line was organized and kept social distancing. The soft ice cream was tasty. We had the black raspberry/ peach swirl. The view across the street is wonderful. Make time to stop. read more

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A local spot known as the "best soft serve in Saranac Lake." A proclamation like that deserves to at least be at least tested out if you're in town It's Locally owned; they also hire local students at Paul Smith's. It's a small little shack off of the main road with plenty of parking in front of the shack. The staff picks the flavor (aka there's only one flavor) and you let them know which size (baby is like 3 big bites, regular is like 8, big is probably the most appropriate for a hungry hiker like me). There is nowhere to sit down or lean agains so you better place your order and grab a ton of napkins so you can finish it before it melts in your hands! If you don't like the flavor offerings or want to take some home, they have tons of flavors in the freezer at the front in quarts. Overall, I would say this is one of the best soft serves I've ever had and the presentation is beautiful! Instead of the typical soft serve peak, this is more like a twisty cylinder. More ice cream for the lovin!The soft serve itself is creamy and light at the same time. Phenomenal! Tips: min credit is $10 read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - Two larges! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

You can't find better ice cream, it doesn't exist. Donnelly's has been around forever. They are farm fresh, offering one flavor daily. The flavors rotate throughout the week, bringing you back for more. They always have a line, showing how much the ADK loves their ice cream. I will go here after a hike or just for dessert. A mask is required and they ask people distance in line. One group at a time allowed indoors (and hardly more fit than that, anyway). Don't forget your cash, they are basically cash-only. You can't beat their soft serve. read more

Of course they get 5 stars. They've been around for decades and have never let us down. The custard is so creamy. Love it here.

Customer for 30+ years. Best ice cream I've ever had. One flavor a day but it's always delicious. Family friendly, low cost, and supports the local community. Be sure to look up the flavor schedule if you're interested, it's normally posted on Facebook. If you're considering going, just go. read more

Best ice cream I have ever had! One flavor for the day and so creamy. You don't get to choose the flavor but you won't be crying about that! A little white shack in the mountains so unassuming! Totally highly recommended- read more

Pretty great place just outside Saranac. Super reasonable prices and really decent soft serve. Easy to recommend and worth the trip. The line may appear intimidating yet it moves quickly. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - the reflection of a store window - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

This was the best soft serve ice cream. The day we went, they had chocolate twisted with vanilla. The four of us had cones and they were delicious. read more

Donnelly's Ice Cream - a hand holding a cone of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Saranac Lake, New York

"Ice cream is just ice cream" I overheard someone say in the line at Donnelly's and I just thought to myself... can't be a local! In the Adirondacks, it's a very contested argument about who has the best soft serve ice cream. Needless to say when you are in the saranac lake / lake clear area Donnellys is super creamy ( it's the original equipment loving maintained by the owner) single choice per night mountain of joy to lick, slurp, or OG it as you wish. Flavors change daily and can be found on their FB page, being 5 minutes away while at camp we try to go a few times a week!! I did not post any pictures since the one up already due them justice. Local teenagers service you so please Tip well as we all should!! Oh yeah that guy came out with his cone tripped and the cone fell ! I heard him say "OH $&@? !!!!! I really liked that ice-cream read more

What can be said that has not been said about the best soft serve ice cream in the ADK! All one needs to do is look at the rating and how many reviews posted and it's a no brained !!!Be careful coming out big step and lots of dropped cones lol it's totally worth it read more

Wonderful ice cream one flavor a day (check website before going) expect long lines don't give up it's worth the wait.