About five years ago, I randomly discovered Staunton. Visiting during the day while on a road trip, I got the false impression that Staunton was a sleepy Shenandoah Valley town. Visiting again recently, I discovered how wrong I was. Staunton is a vibrant, happening town and this place is an epicenter and representative of its energy. Walking in on a Saturday night, it seemed like the entirety of Mary Baldwin College was enjoying the under-21 social scene (and made the place quite loud if one isn't into that) and the old-timey feel of the gelato parlor. Yet despite a severe lack of tables, the service at the counter was only slightly lacking. It wasn't fast, shocking with three counter staff, but it was definitely friendly. I didn't try a lot of their flavors because I knew what I wanted immediately upon looking into their brightly colored, 18 rotating flavor case. Their cinammon gelato was absolutely incredible because it wasn't overpowering like many places make it. But my pumpkin pie gelato was the star. Instead of resorting to gimmicks (like making the gelato bright orange or Halloween colors) like some places do, it just tasted like fresh pumpkin pie and it didn't even need any whipped cream to complete the effect. We ended up sitting by the piano which I had thought upon entering was just for show. But one of the employees, who I had thought was ironically wearing a top hat while serving, sat down and started to play. I'm not sure if this is normal for a Saturday night, but I definitely enjoyed it. That they produce all of their own gelato and distribute it to other places in Staunton really made me happy. It's one of those little locally proud places that make Staunton kind of magical. I'd recommend it to anyone passing through who wants to see and taste the delicious heart of this city. read more

The Split Banana - The piano in the corner actually works. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

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So YUUUMMM! Very pleased. Nice little ice cream shop. Plenty of flavors. I was able to try the pineapple basil as well as the coffee toffee. Delicious. read more

My family has loved the Split Banana for years. We live in downtown Staunton and SB is a staple of our dining out routine. There are always lots of new, interesting flavors to try, along with their staple flavors. We even ordered bulk Gelato during covid, as we love our downtown eateries and don't want them to close. Having said all that, I was disappointed that SB was recently asking for vaccination status of people entering their establishment. My son and I walked down and ordered at their new window. We had our dog with us so we were obviously staying outside. Some other folks, while entering, were asked by employees if they'd been vaccinated. They can do what they want with their private business but I'll hold off going back until all this covid nonsense is over. read more

Been going here since we moved to Staunton 6 years ago and it just gets better. These folks struggled through Covid and are doing what it takes to make things work. My little one and I go in to order a mystery shake which is a shake made up of a mix of ice cream that the employee chooses without telling us. Then we try to figure it out. We love it, ask them for a mystery shake. You can't go wrong. read more

I love their ice cream hands down the best I have ever had! Amazing and refreshing the decore is dated and needs a makeover to bring more guests in but overall it is about the ice cream read more

Spent a few days in downtown Staunton and my family and I went here every night. The gelato is amazing, a small is all you need since the ice cream is so rich. I love how you can mix the flavors. I got hazelnut and chocolate which made mine taste like Nutella. A few others from my party got peppermint and chocolate. The atmosphere is very old school and attractive. Will definitely return and maybe buy a souvenir shirt! read more

The Split Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

The best gelato shop ever! Service and gelato are both amazing! We have never had a bad experience here

Best. Gelato. Ever. This place is a must try in Staunton. It has an old soda shop feel with friendly staff and incredible desserts. The price was also not bad at all. Perfect for strolling around downtown Staunton on a warm day. Next time we head to Staunton, I'm bring a cooler with dry ice so I can bring back a whole pan. My only complaint is that my stomach is not big enough (yet) to try it all and they don't deliver to Lynchburg, which is only an hour and forty-five minutes away. Seriously guys... it's not that far. read more

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This is the prototypical old-timey ice cream shop. It's got flawless ambiance, super friendly scoopers (staff), and most importantly of all, some really bloody good ice cream! I went full traditional and got a ridiculous banana split with all the bells and whistles. The hot fudge is on point, and never has there been a more perfect union than with strawberry ice cream and the aforementioned banana. read more

The Split Banana - The namesake! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

An awesome variety to choose from and everything tastes amazing! Definitely one of my favorite places to visit!

This locally-owned and operated ice cream & gelato shoppe is a "must visit!" The confections are made on site using best quality ingredients and the resulting product is as good as any ice cream I've ever had ( and I've eaten a LOT of ice cream!). The flavor selection is outstanding and service is great. Quality this good isn't cheap, but I think it's a bargain. If I lived in town, I'd stop in every day. read more

Very good ice cream! the employees are very helpful and nice as well. It is a bit pricey but I think it's worth is as a treat.

Delicious! Tried the take 5 flavor. Don't skimp and get it in a waffle cone. Would totally go back for more

The staff was very friendly and helpful. Pleasantly surprised. My first time having butter pecan gelato. Very tasty.

I got the small with the chocolate and peanut butter scoop. It was delicious! Unfortunately due to staffing they were only serving at the window, but the street was closed down and they had some tables outside which was nice. Definitely recommend! read more

Creamy and delicious gelato. Highly recommend the espresso with hot fudge. Prices are very reasonable.

The best creamy gelato! A staple of downtown Staunton. We visit as often as the bathroom scale will let us! Favorite flavors are cocoa ancho and white chocolate grisbi. Served with waffle cone shards :) read more

Love the vibe, love the ice cream, love that I can get a multi flavored milkshake. A Staunton staple. Enjoy!

A much stop. Service is excellent. Gelato is the best and reasonably priced. Nice venue right in town.

If you have a nut allergy, you will likely be well cared for here! They scoop from fresh buckets of gelato using clean scoops and new gloves -- just ask. For that alone, The Split Banana is to be commended (not every place does this, which is kinda silly) but the gelato and sorbet is fantastic, too! Some super-interesting flavors (pineapple basil sorbet, anyone?). It's a really home-style place, with little tables and booths strewn about. A perfect post-theater stop! read more

I've tried a lot of gelato before and I am a trained pastry chef and I'm here to tell you this place is SO good. Properly made gelato is hard to find! read more

The Split Banana - Hazelnut gelato - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

Split Banana is amazing! It's a go to spot for gelato downtown. The variation of flavors is amazing, and each and every scoop I've had is worth five stars. My personal favorite flavors are chocolate, vanilla, and brownie bash. They also make amazing floats for the Harry Potter festival. Amazing place, five stars all the way. read more

First off, the building and location is very charming, the smell of waffle cones hits you as soon as you walk in the door. The gelato was so good! Unique flavors and classics, they offer samples. The prices are great too. read more

How I wish I lived closer to Staunton so that I could stop by often to try all the wonderful flavors of gelato on offer here. My husband and I had the sticky rice, hazelnut, espresso and vanilla, all of which were delicious. Highly recommended. read more

We were just visiting town and looking for dessert. We were pleasantly surprised to find this cute little non-pretentious gelato parlor. Whether you are looking for an old fashioned sundae, a scoop of gelato, or a shake, I think you'll find what you're looking for at The Split Banana. The place and the folks working there seemed down to earth and I really liked the ingredient list on the wall. I also liked the thoughtful waffle cone chip on the side of my chocolate and peppermint double scoop. Someone else in my group got scoops of mango and sticky rice and I thought they were fantastic!! Overall, the gelato was great and it was a fun place to visit. The prices were also very reasonable. If you haven't tried gelato and we're looking for ice cream, I'd recommend giving this place a shot. read more

Not the best if you are looking for gelato but not many other ice cream options around. It didn't have a smooth and creamy consistency as I have had with other places. Got too flavors, espresso and cookies & cream, very similar in taste. If cold has a flavor this is it. read more

Boy did this hit the spot today. Excellent homemade fresh ice cream, sorbets and gelato. Excellent. Also, an Italian Espresso Bar, doesn't get better than this! read more

The Split Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

I have passed by this gelato shop a few times and have always wanted to go in. Finally got the chance to go and I am so happy I did. The inside of the shop is adorable. Inside it has old school looking tables and seats as well as a little bar area to sit. It is rather small inside but regardless it is really cute. Also up on the wall is a chalkboard that has the locations as to where the ingredients come from which is great and gives you an idea as to what you are eating as well as where your favorite flavor is coming from. I found the prices to be pretty fair and affordable for all that you get. The menu is great and has some classic staples for a shop like this. Also there are enough flavors for customers to try and a good variety to pick from. I got the coffee toffee and hazelnut which were amazing. Very creamy and fresh tasting. When ever you get the chance go on out and get some gelato! read more

The Split Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

One of the best ice-cream places ever! Homemade, great flavors, and espresso. Very clean and cozy.

Amazing. Simply amazing. My fiancé and I are having a gelato bar at our wedding, and our caterer uses gelato from The Split Banana, so we decided to stop in and do a taste test while in Staunton this past Saturday. The incredible aroma of waffle cones and sugary sweetness hits you as soon as you open the door. It's quite the inviting smell that invokes memories of childhood and immediately puts a smile on your face. We sampled the White Chocolate Grisbi and the Mint Stracciatella, and while both were insanely delish, we decided on the white choc. What's White Chocolate Grisbi? White chocolate ice cream mixed with pieces of Italian lemon cookie. Absolutely heavenly. All of the flavors looked incredible, and I can't wait to have this deliciousness at our wedding! If you're in Staunton, treat yourself! read more

Holly Split Banana foodie. Great spot and the consistent flow of customers says it all. Ice cream was creamy delicious and the wafer cones as really good. read more

Great place, great sundaes and banana splits. The only downside is that the whipped cream could use some work...a lot of work. Other than that a great place to fulfill a sweet tooth fantasy! Update: The whipped Cream that I had tasted granular like it was frozen or old? Not creamy at all (I know it doesn't make sense must have been an off day) I feel more research may be needed in my future. :o) read more

This is literally the best place to get some amazing gelato. It's one of the few reasons I enjoy coming home...seriously, it is. I've had so many flavors, it's not healthy... tiramisu, banana, M&M birthday cake, Guinness Extra Stout, espresso biscotti, cappuccino, mint stracciatella, cocoa ancho... Does that prove it? I'm sure there are more I've tried. Every single one I've touched, I've loved. Anyone who works here must hate me for how long I take for a decision at the counter... Also, the cute waffle cone piece is a wonderful addition every time. I can't speak to the sorbet, but that's because, well, I don't eat it. Seriously, if you're in town, stop here. You won't regret it! read more

We love the Spilt Banana. The gelato is always great and their seasonal flavors are fun. The 50s soda shop vibe makes it a comfortable spot to sit and visit. read more

Oh. My. Goodness. YUM! Nestled in the charming downtown of Staunton, Virginia, the Split Banana is simply a tasty must do. I understand it to be a favorite among the locals, and I can understand why: the locale, the quaint soda shop style decor, the friendly staff are just delightful! And THEN there's the ICE CREAM!!! Nom Nom Nom! I just inhaled a waffle cone with cookies&cream ice cream and blackberry-raspberry sorbet. So delicious and so now need another. I would definitely recommend this establishment and will look forward to my return visit to Staunton, much thanks to the Split Banana. :) read more

The Split Banana - Yum! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

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I would not normally review something this - while it's good gelato, and it is made on site, I have trouble differentiating between gelato. It's rare I can really rank them, as it kind of all tastes like ice cream to me. But I do want to comment that their "cocoa ancho" is worth getting - hopefully it's not a seasonal flavor. I'm sure the "chocolate with chile" thing has been around for a while, but I feel like I've just started to see it lately. First the jalapeno chocolate ice cream from New Rebozo in Chicago, and then several other variations since. But I think The Split Banana has the best so far. Their version has darker, richer chocolate flavor, and the chile contributes not just heat, but actual red chile flavor. I don't know if it was really ancho, but it had more complexity than any of the "spicy chocolate" ice cream (or frankly, even chocolate bars) I've had in recent memory. They're even open late...dangerous knowing this is just down the street from my hotel... read more

So grateful to the ladies at the Woodrow Wilson House for suggesting we walk downtown and try The Split Banana. What a delight! The flavors are incredibly fresh and crisp, mostly locally-sourced, and make for a delectable sweet treat. The pricing is spot-on, and reasonable, considering the high quality of the gelato. They let us try a few different flavors to help us decide what to order, and I couldn't have been happier. The best part is that they have games on each table! A must-visit for any trip to Staunton. read more

Absolutely wonderful gelato, it doesn't get any better than this. You walk into the shop and it has that nice old school 50's ice cream parlor look and the smell is just intoxicating, you can smell it down the street! My favorites are the highland county maple, raspberry blackberry, pineapple basil (to die for), and cookie dough! Every flavor is good tho! read more

We've had gelato all over Italy -- it's how you keep kids walking all day -- and the Split Banana's offerings don't suffer in comparison (in fact they are better than most we had there). This is the richest, most flavorful, most natural tasting gelato you can find. And they make the best espresso drinks in Staunton. No competition. read more

I came to staunton for business And I decided to stop by split banana. Amazing. They have amazing sorbet for people who have dairy allergens or for people who just like sorbet. The gelato is also amazing my personal favorite is the "sticky rice" gelato. I was in staunton for not very long and yet I filled up a punch card to get a free cup of gelato or sorbet. I highly highly suggest that when in staunton you stop by the split banana and check it out read more

The Split Banana - I loved getting gelato late at night - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Staunton, Virginia