tom's ice cream bowl

I spent 3 years in Zanesville as a child. We had a tradition of going to Tom's almost every Sunday evening for ice cream. Even then, I knew that this was the best ice cream ever. It still is. And they don't give you skimpy little portions. They are generous with the toppings, too, as the marshmallow creme is always overflowing and running down the sides of the bowl. I live an hour and 15 minutes away. It is worth the drive to get the best ice cream in the world.

Going toTom's is like taking a step back in time. Ice cream varies tfrom OK to very good depending on the flavor, but the nuts and candies are always good..

We have been going here since I was a kid. Love it. Takes u back in time. Love the ice cream cake roll!

It has the small town atmosphere and the usual soda pop food but I think the Ice cream in my opinion is over rated, it's grainy. I know this won't go over real well but I'm just giving my view. They must be doing something right because they have been here a way long time but as for me I'll be getting my Ice cream from Velvet or the Dairy Queen.

This ice cream shop has won awards as one of the best in America. Folks traveling through Zanesville from other states will often make a stop here. When you walk in it is like you have found the set of "Happy Days" The food is decent and the ice cream and candy are sinfully good.

This place looks like the 1950's. The ice-cream is made from a mix. Nothing special.The soup tasted like canned soup.The restroom leaves a lot to be desired - such as cleanliness!

Our original plan was to visit Velvet Ice Cream but instead opted to try Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville. The atmosphere is amusing and similar to diners back in the 50’s. The diner was crowded on a Saturday afternoon and all tables were full to capacity. To receive and experience the full 50’s effect, we chose to sit at the soda fountain bar table. The bar stool was extremely wobbly and uncomfortable to balance so as not to fall off. The paper hats worn by male employees were a nice touch to bring into play the 50’s feel. Unfortunately the female employees were simply dressed in all white. It would be much more entertaining to have all employees participate in the 50’s vibe. To add a little more nostalgia, the addition of vintage soda fountain glasses, retro napkin holders, and collectible signs from 50’s diners would also add some missing ambiance to the room. The food was average in taste and price but nothing fantastic. I had a burger and onion rings and my friend had fried bologna and fries. Food portion was also average. We noticed that the ice cream bowls that patrons ordered were ENORMOUS! We knew we couldn’t eat that large of portion of ice cream after our meal so we each opted for one scoop on a cone. One scoop at Tom’s equaled to about two scoops compared to other ice cream parlors. I ordered the toffee chip and was not impressed. Rather than informing me that the ice cream was soft and suggesting I order something else, I was provided a spoon and bowl with my cone. The firmness and texture was similar to a Frosty from Wendy’s rather than ice cream for a cone. The waitress apologized for the ice cream being soft but still applied it to our bill. My friend ordered orange pineapple ice cream that was refreshing but overall, not fantastic ice cream. We were expecting a homemade ice cream taste unlike ice cream purchased from a grocery store but were disappointed. If you are looking for a quaint diner, go to Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl. If you are looking for great food and ice cream, keep searching.

It is like reliving a fond memory from your childhood. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has the best ice cream and toppings in the area bar none! Plus the 40's - 50's soda fountain and bar stools are excellent! Homemade and delicious, multiple mouth watering combinations and concoctions to satisfy even the most demanding of the frozen confectionery palates.If you can not find something you like at Tom's you won't find it anywhere!Give yourself a treat and check it out!

Great throw back in time place. My son used to work here and I know that the ice cream is made at the store and the nuts are awesome. The cashews are the best ever and I give them as Christmas gifts.

This is an historic ice cream restaurant that I've been going to since the early 50s. Nothing has changed. It has to be one of the top ice cream paroles in ghe United States. Awesome

Snap a picture of this historic landmark then eat somewhere else. Low quality food, freezer burned ice cream served, when we asked for whipped cream they said they don't have any. Uncomfortable chairs and seating, Service is not great but not horrible. Candies and chocolates are one of the best things but neither are made on site and can purchased directly from Ben Heggys. Building is old, interior is dated and covered in a layer of mysterious ancient grease. How they store their nuts in the handmade case is a little scary and appears unsanitary. When you purchase chocolates from them around x-mas they slip in cheap non-chocolate candies as filler effectually raising the price per pound.

I was SO excited when I moved to Zanesville to try the best-in-the-US ice cream! I was expecting an ambiance to match the title, however, I was a little disappointed by the cramped-quarters and 50s decor (not 50s decor - not CHANGED since the 50s decor). HOWEVER, the ice cream, service, and food more than makes up for it! Their food is inexpensive, simple, and delicious! Their ice cream lives up to it's honors and is also inexpensive. It is homemade by Tom's Ice Cream Bowl. They also have a wide variety of homemade nuts and candies. You can really take your whole family there and get dinner and a fabulous dessert for under $20. They also have a juke box!

Great icecream and simple sandwiches, love the soup. While there you need to buy some nuts or candy. It looks like it has not been touched since the 50's, love it.

We were returning from a trip to the Wilds and asked the GPS where the nearest ice cream shops were and lucky for us it sent us to Tom's Ice Cream Bowl. It was after 2pm on a Saturday afternoon but the place was absolutely packed! We stood in line outside the door just to get in. It was worth the wait as the atmosphere and the ice cream were terrific. We also bought some candy and despite the crazy crowded atmosphere we were glad we stumbled on Tom's. We would definitely return if we ever find ourselves in the area again.

Just go as soon as you can. Ice cream was delicious. Experience was delightful.