Few things are better than ice cream on a beautiful summer day. School is out, summer sports are in full effect and daylight sticks around until after 8 p.m.… that’s how you know it’s officially ice cream season. Ice cream is good all the time—but there’s arguably a season for it.
You’re in luck because St. Joseph’s very own ice cream hot spot is dishing out (no pun intended) some of the smoothest and most refreshing ice cream treats in the Midwest. If you aren’t acquainted already, allow us to introduce you to Cabana Ice Cream.
The shop got its humble start way back in 1990. It was purchased by a local couple, Dave and Patty Burns in 1993, who expanded it from a 360 sq. ft. shack to a 1,200 sq. ft. location at 3002 S. Belt Hwy. Their son, Scott, opened the second location at 2131 St. Joe Avenue in 2001, then purchased the original store from his parents in 2006. Cabana has now become a third-generation ice cream shop and added fast food to its menu in 2016.
Cabana has garnered quite a loyal fan base of locals and ice cream lovers from all around. The menu features specialty sundaes, “hurricanes” (their version of mixers), tropical shaved ice treats, and the largest cones around. When you visit Cabana, you know you’re in for a sizable ice cream serving, and you always get your money’s worth. They now offer items like burgers, tenderloins, fries, onion rings, cheese curds, and more—perfect if you’re looking to pair that silky-smooth soft serve with something savory and fried to perfection.
Cabana may be known for its massive and delicious ice cream treats, but it’s also the place to be in the summer. Families and friends are enjoying themselves, music is playing, the sun is setting, and with an ice cream cone in your hand, Cabana creates the most stereotypical and serendipitous summer night experience.
So, when you get that ice cream itch, take a trip to Cabana, which has been satisfying St. Joseph’s love for ice cream for over 30 years. Their cones are big, but the grin on your face while holding one might be even bigger.