By Vivienne Le & Katie Ngo
Overlooking the ocean is a quaint little seaside ice cream parlor providing delicious ice cream that’s sure to brighten the day. A short walk from Main Street and the popular shopping mall Pacific City, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is a great place to stop by and have a little treat by the beach.
The ice cream recipes originated in Youngstown, Ohio, after the 1945 summer heat convinced Alice Handel to create a cool treat. The ice creams she made using her homegrown fruits quickly became a neighborhood hit. To this day, the parlor still makes daily fresh batches using her recipes, following her commitment to quality and spreading joy throughout their community.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream offers the usual cones, cups, as well as popsicles, shakes and sundaes in a mountain of flavors even Candyland’s ice cream queen would quiver at. Walking into the parlor doesn’t reveal much, as visitors only see a little counter and large vats for ice cream. However, behind their generally understated appearance are friendly service and wonderful treats, all for a good price.
Vivienne – Graham Central Station
The Graham Central Station ice cream was everything I hoped it would be. As a fervent ice cream lover, Handel’s especially stood out to me with its rich and creamy texture; no doubt because their ice cream promises to be freshly made in each store every day. The abundant chunks of graham cracker give the ice cream the same richness as other chains like Cold Stone Creamery without the price tag.
Katie – Blue Monster
The Blue Monster is a delightful dessert that is sure to garner a smile once you finish, even with the blue tint it leaves behind. It’s a tasty blend of vanilla ice cream, Oreo and Chips Ahoy crumbs that will make any cookie lover cry tears of joy. This local favorite is a safe and delicious option if you don’t know what else to choose.
With its large variety of flavors and decadent ice cream, you’d be hard-pressed to find a spot that beats Handel’s beloved treats.
