The end of the season is fast approaching. We stopped by for dessert. The crowd was all happy and enjoying the lovely weather while waiting for their orders. Everyone inside Snookies was buzzing around the inside. The interior was extended to house all the goodies and options. Ordered a small chocolate malt and hubby got a large marshmallow malt. They were both fantastic. We got our orders and headed back to the car while the crowd continued to grow. Love this place forever. read more

We stopped by on a Thursday evening and there was a line for both drive-thru and walk-up windows. We ordered one mango flavored Dole whip and one medium cup with twisted soft serve and crunch topping. Both items were very lacking in flavor. In fact, the chocolate for the twisted looked more like vanilla. The crunch topping, a crushed peanut brittle with sprinkles, was good though. read more

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First off, they do not sell ice cream. It's soft serve, and it's overpriced. Next, you'll never see more than one adult inside. They hire children. By Iowa law, 14-year-olds can work part-time. I wouldn't normally have a problem with that, but on more than one occassion it became clear that the boy or girl who was working the cash register was fine working the charge/debit, but did not know how to make change when I paid in cash! In short, don't call it ice cream, price it reasonably, and give the register help a short math test before hiring them. read more

Great little spot for ice cream and everyone must feel the same way because it was packed! Great variety and great service.

It was such a fun stop--an old-school soft-serve stand in Beaverdale, with a classic menu and kind staff on a hot day. Yup, it was quite good. You can't miss the sign and the traditional look, and I begged for us to drive back after spotting Snookies on the way to run some errands. It has its own parking lot, and there are tables in front and "booths" along the rim. My chocolate cone prevailed in myriad options, and it was exactly what I was hoping for. They also have pup cones for your four-legged friend. read more

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Great place for the classic vibe. I ordered a chocolate malt shake, and it was creamy and flavorful. Would definitely go back!

Super busy parking lot. Short line, seamed like efficient service. I thought I knew what i was ordering but when it arrived it was not what I thought! The Zinger- I thought I was ordering a vanilla cone dipped in peanut butter. What I got was a vanilla ice cream pop dipped in peanut butter. It was made fresh, on the spot which is cool. But I ordered it to share with my 2 year old and it wasn't enough. If it was the cone... It also flaked apart everywhere. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Zinger! (PB) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Awesome lil IceCream Shop! Old school feel and great ice-cream and service! And puppy sized cones for the lil pups! Love the older style places that have some character! read more

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Classic local spot for sweet treats. Good variety of soft serve, novelties, and slushes. Service is usually quick, drive through or walk up, very retro feel. read more

It's been awhile since we were last here. It was a nice evening temp-wise, drive in line was short and there was a moderate sized crowd outside. About blew my socks off to have our small dip cone and turtle sundae be over $8. Definitely a turn off to have the gal at the drive up ask if we want to leave a "tip for the crew." But I'm not a total scrooge. Glad to support the local business. And happy to see the iconic neon light is back up. Oh, and the 4 star rating because ultimately the ice cream was really great. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Turtle sundae and small dip cone ($8) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Pumpkin arctic freeze was fun and seasonal. Portion size is big for a speciality freeze though, so we split one. Amazing that they do free puppy cones. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Pumpkin arctic freeze - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Snookies is the best. I am an ice cream snob. I'm so much an ice cream snob that I don't believe soft serve ice cream should exist. Snookies is the exception. I can't even try everything on the menu because the malts are so good that I can't imagine ordering anything else. My personal favorite is the black raspberry although the butterscotch is a close second. read more

What a great place to get ice cream with that 1950's vibe that really makes you know you are in the heartland of America. We were in Des Moines for one day of our road trip and it was over 100F and after walking around the downtown area and finally cooling off by the time we got back to the hotel, we decided to look for an ice cream place to indulge in and Snookies fit the bill. The line was long since it was so hot, but the pay off was great! We all enjoyed what we ordered. I decided to give the peanut butter soda a chance since I've never heard of it. The first few sips were so gross. It was like tonic water and peanut butter mixed together. So I decided to mix around the soda, ice cream, and peanut butter and then it all made sense and I really enjoyed my beverage. They have these unique swings to sit in on the side which we did and slowly rocked back and forth while enjoying our ice cream. I have no clue if I'll ever be in this area during a hot summer night, but if I am, I will come back here! read more

Snookies Malt Shop - the sign - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Having been parked out on the Jersey Shore for the last tan years or so, Snooki has finally made a foray into real America, middle America, the flyover zone, named as such because you need to fly right over here and try these delicious malts at your earliest inconvenience. What to get: A Malt! What not to get: Assaulted. What to get: Amalted! While I obviously prefer that JWoww Malt Shop (I mean she's just so tall and stunning), I love Snooki madly, especially in her early days, and she's definitely my kind of girl. Which is appropriate because this place is serving my kind of malts and All-American sweet treats for bargain prices in the Des Moines suburbs. I first tried this place 10 years ago when I was on tour in Iowa (my first ever concerts there), and there's a picture of me looking pretty chunky at this Malt Shop. Now I'm in slightly better shape, but I still coming back for the Malts here during seasonal hours. Please be aware they close for the entire winter. But my bedroom is open for the entire winter. Especially if you look like Snooki or J Woww. read more

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Such a cute little ice cream place in Des Moines. It has a drive thru and many places around the shop to sit at. I'll be back! read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Brownie treat - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I stumbled upon this place last night and I'm so happy I did. I will now come here whenever I want a treat! The chocolate malts and arctic blasts are to die for. There are always a lot of people outside, but they are very quick at taking and making orders. I love the different type of seating they have around the back. Great place to bring the family. They are similar in price to other ice cream places with similar offerings. 5 Stars! read more

Wow! The hot fudge malt brought me back to growing up in a little mulch shop in Pueblo Colorado. Delicious not too sweet and very malty, perfection ! I think the ice cream is key along with the malt... I highly recommend it shake was good according to my partner, as was the freeze according to my grandson, so do yourself a favor and give it a try! Also, very cute outside seating with shade and swings. Staff is very nice as well. read more

The ice cream is your standard soft serve. Nothing spectacular, which is why I give it three stars. This place could be something extraordinary, if they made their own ice cream and had lots of flavors. Pre-covid, they offered indoor seating, which is now closed, but they provide enough patio seating instead. There's almost always a line, but it moves at a decent pace. They are always well-staffed, and the folks there are friendly. The prices are reasonable, and they are very dog friendly!!! The drive thru can be an annoyance, and always spills out onto Beaver Ave, causing traffic headaches. The parking lot is tight and only offers a handful of spaces. Trying to turn left out of the lot is the biggest pain. We're lucky to live close by, so we can just walk. The building is very nostalgic, and after a sleepy driver knocked down their neon sign, the kind neighbors in the dentist office next door allowed them to erect the old sign on their property, when the city refused to allow them to put it back where it originally was (new zoning laws). A perfect representation of the kind, neighborly neighborhood of Beaverdale. read more

This is a busy spot. I had a milkshake and it was very good. Be prepared to wait in line to order, but the line moved quickly read more

We came to Snookies on opening day with Yelp's Festival of Firsts! This was another true first for us! It was a bit of a drive (for us) but worth it to get a cool treat on a nice spring day. You order at one window and pick up at the next. They had really fast and friendly service. I had never seen blue raspberry or peanut butter as a dipped cone option before so we were sure to give it a try. They were both yummy with great flavor! And who could forget the special extra of an animal cracker on top! They have plenty of parking around the building. There is a lot of street traffic at this awkward intersection but that also leads to some entertainment (if you like cars screeching or speeding up). Overall, a nice place to come enjoy some ice cream on a sunny day! read more

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I have been going to this malt shop since I was little. I had my first ice cream cone here! There is always a wait, but it is always worth it. Driveway normally takes about 20 minutes to be served because there is normally 2 cars ahead of you. Same with the wait in line. Inside seating is normally only open during the week unless its raining. I love the fact that this place has been passed down through the family. This ice cream is also so much healthier than dairy queen and made with real milk. You can never go wrong with any of the toppings. I have not tried their hot food options, but I am always trying something new for dessert. Right now I am loving a brownie bite artic blast with peanut butter or brownie bite artic blast with red raspberry. Yum! So good. Tip: cash or check only. No plastic. Also tip the kids that work there. All tips go to a college fund for the people working there and they do such good work! read more

Love this place and the pup cone is adorable! I got the cherry dip cone and my only wish was that there would have been more cherry because it was so good! read more

I came here expecting to only be served malts, but contrary to the name, they offer much more than just that! Various ice cream novelties, bottled water, and napkins are served for prices that adjust with inflation. They even serve puppy cones, that's just another reason why I wish I was a dog! There was no indoor seating, but I guess that's how they keep their ice cream recipe secret from the public. My go-to order is a turtle sundae without the nuts and caramel, it's a state of ice cream rapture! read more

Smookies is just the cutest little ice cream shop you've ever seen. They have ice cream cones, milk shakes, malts, sundaes and so much more. They are a staple of Beaverdale and Des Moines. Snookies is only open for the summer months, usually from March 31st- September 30th. I personally adore their Chocolate shake. It even comes with their staple cookie on top. They offer seating inside and out for those beautiful and not so beautiful days, because every day is a good day for ice cream. Even better, they have free "pup cones" for your furry friends! Little puppy sized ice cream cones for your dog! We absolutely love Snookies and will be around all summer long! PS: Snookies used to be Cash Only, but they now also accept cards! We love this new addition to the shop! read more

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Wish there was easier access, I had to turn left and go around so I could turn right into their parking lot since cars were blocking my entrance with the driving lane. I just wanted to park. The strawberry shake and peanut butter shakes were both excellent! Reasonable price. read more

A wonderful neighborhood place who old owners finally retired and the new owners have worked very hard to create a safe environment this summer to early fall in order to serve their tasty treats. They have all the classics the only thing is kind of a bummer is they serve their cones in cups but they need to do that in order keep people safe. I always enjoyed their orange or lemon freeze as well as their shakes it's a really good family place where you can get your stuff to go and you and your family can social distance somewhere and have a great cold treat. I hope that by next summer things have settled down for them there are really nice neighborhood owners who are trying to do a good thing. read more

Simple ice cream, done well. The perfect place to walk up to and grab a cold treat to enjoy with the family. Nothing fantastic or over the top, but a good neighborhood staple read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Banana Delight: Hot fudge sundae with whipped cream, banana slices, and nuts. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Definitely a popular place! Not from this area so we looked up dessert near us. We like trying small businesses everywhere we go. My husband got a peanut butter malt and I got the strawberry shortcake. It definitely satisfied my sweet craving! read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Peanut butter malt and strawberry shortcake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

First time visiting Des Moines and so glad I found this gem! They have walk up windows AND a drive through, both of which had long lines (and it was totally worth it). We got a reese's cup artic blast which is like a Blizzard but better. There are tables outdoors as well as indoor seating with a classic Malt Shop theme. Pets are welcomed in the outdoor area. read more

We drove from Grimes to check out the hype! I was craving peanut butter (I don't like peanut butter but pregnancy is weird) and I had to come try a malt! Best malt I have EVER had. I went with chocolate and peanut butter. The sizes are huge, and it was definitely worth the wait. Bring your dog for a free pup cup. We really liked the convenient drive through! Having a toddler and being super pregnant, I really appreciate drive thrus right now. Especially in the heat. The girl at the window was sweet. You can tip with cash or card. We will definitely be back! Maybe I'll bring my mom by when she is here from California for the summer. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Large chocolate malt. 32oz $5.99 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This place knows us (or at least knows our dog). It's one of those neighborhood treasures that's so ingrained and part of Beaverdale. Updates this year: they take cards and pup cones are still free. We love Snookies! read more

Got a plain sundae with toppings: cookie dough and cheesecake. It wasn't too sweet like though pastries you get from grocery stores (you know that taste) but satisfied my craving for something sweet enough. I liked the cookie dough bits more than the cheesecake topping. The cheesecake topping tasted freeze dried. This simple combination of flavors were complimentary too each other. Highly recommended. Lots of parking spots (I have been here twice and never had problems with parking) and nice location. Kind of homey. Oh! This is a cash only place so do bring cash. Don't worry. Everything is affordable and not overpriced. ;) read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Vanilla ice cream with cheesecake and cookie dough toppings - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

YAY, what a legendary shop Snookies is! I had the pleasure of seeing so many smiling faces get their first cone of the year on opening day today! Snookies is your classic Ice Cream shop with indoor and outdoor service, lots of family friendly places to sit, and a wonderful fun environment! It makes the kids smile and makes the grand parents feel like kids again! Tons of flavors, all the classics, and every cone is topped with a little animal cracker for added cuteness! Snookies is only open seasonly so make sure you check your dates if you are coming in the spring, fall, or winter! A true Des Moines landmark and a must for anyone who loves ICE CREAM! read more

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Nostalgic old-timey approach to a soft-serve ice cream store. I see the appeal, but the product they offer isn't really much different than Dairy Queen. This place is packed all summer, which does add a very nice "busy hangout" atmosphere that makes the experience seem that much more legit. I've been several times, I can't find a significant draw to the place but ice cream in general is hard to say 'no' to so I'll likely be back occasionally. The ice cream sandwiches have been my favorite item so far. read more

This place is poppin' during the summer season. I've driven here many times over the years seeing crowds and crowds of families, but have never actually stopped in until recently. The menus taped on the windows are a bit confusing as specials are all garbled, kind of triggered a bit of ADD in me. I decided to reel myself in a little and order what the rest of my group ordered: a dipped soft serve cone. To be honest, I feel like I opted for the dip just to "Do It For the 'Gram" as I realized halfway through eating my butterscotch dipped swirl cone, that I actually appreciate the simplicity of soft serve ice cream in and of itself. Next time no dip for me! The rest of my crew, however, seemed to enjoy their dip flavors. I love the patio area and people watching. The little kids and their families were at tables, teenie boppers huddled together, furry friends accompanying their humans - - - all partaking in their love of frozen treats! Ps. Snookies serves puppy cones, but be sure to have cash on hand as they do not accept cards! read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Really cute little local malt shop, it's been in the neighborhood for at least 20 years. I heard great things and wanted to love it, but the vanilla sundae I tried was disappointing. It was soft serve, like DQ but not as sweet. I really love homemade ice cream, like really love it, but snookies flavor just wasn't there. I may try a malt next time, but won't go out of my way to stop by. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Sign out front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Like a Dairy Queen but better! Everyone must like it too! We waited in line for about 20 minutes while 4 or 5 young girls ran the ice cream shop. I had a vanilla cone dipped in butterscotch. My favorite! Their dip is a little thicker than DQ and delish! My friends both had a sundae-chocolate ice cream with hot fudge. Plenty of room to sit outside and talked to people in line. Was fun! There were 2 or 3 messed up orders while I was sitting there - but the girls were gracious and remade the order. They are young but clearly holding down the fort. They even have frozen and chocolate dipped bananas! A blast from the past for me! I'd better go get one! read more

It's Summer. It's Hot. It's Snookies time! What a sweet little Ice cream stand that doesn't seem to close (it actually does though!). I came here and got a dilly bar, which i definitely would NOT recommend. My friend had their butter finger (malt?) and it was delicious. They really do a fine job of incorporating the flavors! I love the inside. It really shows the personality of the malt shop. So cute! I also love how they put an animal cracker on their cones. It's a Snookie's Signature! Every year, they say it will be their last season, but it never is! Which.. I guess... is a good thing! NO credit cards. Cash ONLY. Enjoy! read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Inside! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Small little ice cream shop with many options. I went here to try the dipped cones. They all tasted good but the coating wasn't as thick as we thought it would be. Still good though. If we're ever back in Iowa, will definitely stop by and try something different. read more

Snookies Malt Shop - Dipped Cones - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This was hands down the BEST malt I've had in my life. I got a marshmallow malt and it tasted very strongly of both marshmallow and malt, and was creamy and delicious. Thick enough to use a spoon but also drinkable. Absolute perfection. I thought the prices were on the higher side, but totally worth it for the quality. Not to mention it's an adorable kitschy spot to hang out especially on beautiful days. We sat on a unique covered glider swing once it was free. This place is pretty awesome and our order was ready very quickly. My husband loved his butterscotch malt, too. read more

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