First opened in Ocean City in 1939 by Daniel Dumser, Dumser's Dairyland is an essential Eastern…read moreShore institution. Famous for its retro 1940s-style ice cream parlor decor--complete with high-back booths, ice cream counter service, and vintage charm--the shop makes its ice cream fresh daily right on the premises using classic, original recipes. Using their exact menu terminology, here is how the ice cream offerings break down: Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Made fresh daily on the premises, featuring a rich, old-fashioned cream base folded with buttery, crunchy pecans. (It also serves as the base for their popular Southern Treat Sundae, topped with butterscotch and chopped almonds). Thick Milk Shakes (Chocolate): Hand-dipped using their house-made chocolate ice cream and blended thick with milk. In classic soda fountain style, milkshakes are served in a tall glass topped with whipped cream, with the extra left over served right alongside in the stainless steel mixing cup. Service is fast, friendly, and quintessential beach-town nostalgia. An essential stop for traditional hand-dipped ice cream and shakes when visiting Ocean City.

I've been going to Ocean City, MD since I was a kid. I have seen Dumser's Dairyland every single…read moretime I've been there. And yet...not once -- NOT ONCE -- had I ever actually stopped in. Why? I truly cannot explain it. But this year? Birthday trip. Solo adventure. No one to stop me from making questionable (but ultimately excellent) life decisions. And that's how I ended up at Dumser's at 5pm on a random March Saturday, fully prepared to eat a gigantic ice cream sundae for dinner. Because I do what I want. I walked in and found a few people happily enjoying their ice cream, keeping things low-key and wholesome...while I approached the counter with a plan to absolutely disrupt the peace. I had my eye on the Peanut Butter Supreme Super Sundae -- three dips of peanut butter fudge ice cream topped with peanut butter topping, hot fudge, Reese's Pieces, whipped cream, and a cherry. A masterpiece. A commitment. A lifestyle choice. My original plan was to order it with just one scoop, pretending to be reasonable. I explained my plan to the very kind gentleman behind the counter, and he gently said, "We can do that, but it'll be almost the same price as the full Super Sundae...we do have lids. Do you have access to a freezer?" Sir. That was all the encouragement I needed. Upgrade me. Immediately. I handed over $13.05 and braced myself for greatness. Moments later, I was holding what can only be described as a mixing bowl-sized sundae, and I have never felt more aligned with my life choices. I found a table, sat down, and dug in with zero hesitation. And let me tell you -- this thing was not just big, it was GOOD. The peanut butter fudge ice cream was rich and creamy, the toppings were generous (shoutout to that employee for not holding back), and every bite felt like a reward for finally making it into Dumser's after literal decades of driving past it. I made it through two scoops and most of the toppings before I had to admit temporary defeat. I returned to the counter, humbled but determined, and asked for a lid. There was absolutely no chance I was letting the rest of that masterpiece go to waste. After a quick break, a little walk, and some fresh ocean air, I finished the rest while watching the sunset just a few blocks away -- which, honestly, felt like the most perfect ending to the most unhinged and delightful dinner choice I've made in a while. I'm slightly embarrassed it took me this long to finally try Dumser's...because WOW, I've been missing out since childhood. Safe to say, this is now a mandatory stop every time I'm in Ocean City from here on out!

This ice cream is simply amazing. We have been to dozens of these types of ice cream venues all…read morearound Maryland, Pennsylvania D.C and Virginia. This place is near the very top. Just simply delicious whatever flavor you get. Very good service and many outdoor seats to enjoy.

The ice cream itself was great, and the portions were generous. The customer service from the staff…read morewas friendly as well. I also appreciate businesses that hire younger employees and give people what looks like their first opportunity in the workforce. The reason I'm only giving three stars is because there appeared to be an owner or manager who was constantly micromanaging the young employees. While I was checking out, a blonde woman with a baseball hat making cones aggressively corrected and criticized the staff in front of customers. It wasn't just giving direction, it came across as embarrassing and uncomfortable to watch; even comparable to downright bullying. Constructive feedback is important, but it should be done respectfully and when possible in private, but instead she openly berated them in front of customers as well as each other. The employees were doing their best, and the atmosphere would have been much more welcoming without that dynamic. I'd happily come back for the ice cream, but I hope the management style improves for the sake of both the staff and the customer experience. Hopefully this brings attention to the right people so it can be addressed on behalf of the staff.

Can't go wrong with Dumser's Ice cream! My personal favorite is the coffee flavor. I've been here…read morein the past, and their milkshakes hit the spot too!! Service is always quick. They usually have a line but it dwindles down fast. You can choose to sit on the benches outside which is nice on a warm day.

Who doesn't love ice cream before heading back to the hotel after a day of fun? Cute ice cream spot…read morewith indoor and outdoor seating. You can get any combo you desire. Clean location, friendly staff, and smiles all around.

We got the raspberry white chocolate ice cream which was refreshing on such a hot summer day. It…read morewas a bit grainy but not sure if that's the same for all their flavors.

The cookie dough here is very good. I was there at 7:30 on a Saturday and there was no line. There…read moreis no indoor seating, but there's a few tables outside! To keep in mind: cookie dough is much denser and more filling than ice cream, i wasn't able to finish a Double (middle size.)

I was in need of Gelato lol. Also love the cooper sharp sticks. Decided to try some banana…read morepudding too. All were great.

Address is wrong. Wouldn't let me check-in. Staff is less than bright. The scoops were just a…read morespatula smeared on a cup. Cups were considerably too small for the product. No lids. The top I was given didn't cover anything, it just spilled out if the side. Absolute mess to take with me. Didn't end up eating much of it. Plus, you have to pay separately for that place and the Pretzel place even though they are the same building with the same worker.

Good ice cream and custards and cozy atmosphere. Some of us had the custard which is a limited…read moreselection of 3 or 4 flavors and they also have about a dozen or so flavors of scoop . We tried both and everyone in our group enjoyed what they ordered. I had chocolate vanilla swirl custard and it was very creamy. We went when it was pouring rain outside and it was perfect because they have nice seating inside. It also connects to a little Bethany beachwear shop and during the daytime, a bagel shop, We will definitely go back, rain or shine

10/10 smoothies and coffee! They are connected to 19 dough but ambiance and service is much better!…read moreThey also sell cute tshirts! Will be back!

As always Rita's is a winner and I tried their peach loved it totally refreshing at the beach…read moreespecially for all the concerts we were watching. Nice staff easy acres and tons of flavors is custards and ices . Rita's has the market in home made ices .

A must have if you're on the boardwalk!!! Ask for Gianna for the best service you'll get in OC!read more

This review is for the Frontier Land town. I can't believe I do not see any other reviews on here…read more What a cool flash back in time. They have free shows daily except for Wednesday. We watched the Indian dance show and it was great. They were a great family. At first, I thought the town was gone because the arcade is now modern. Years ago the arcade has gold tokens and cowboy type theme. If you go back to the little town it has a saloon, leather shop, gift shops, and more. I'd highly recommend visiting for a break from Ocean City or your way to or from Assateague Island.

We camp at Assateague every year and we've been stopping by here for years. I think it may have…read morechanged ownership, it was Turkey Hill ice cream at one point and there weren't as many coffee options. The array of flavors is great and they give big scoops. A great spot to stop at to/from Assateague. Nice and cold air conditioning, outdoor picnic tables, and plenty of parking.