Scoop up the Past: 20 Vintage Images of Ice Cream Parlors

Nostalgia March 25, 2025

There’s something unmistakably timelessly cool about the old-school ice cream shop. They were the kinds of establishments that would instantaneously swarm their eager customers with all kinds of delectable aromas the moment you set foot through the door. Whether it was one of the family-owned parlors or a soda fountain, ice cream shops were able to immediately capture the pure essence of the much simpler days. We’ll now take a look at some of the best vintage photos that capture old-school ice cream shops that we could find.

1. Getting some ice cream, Times Square, New York City, early 1980s

A shirtless boy with red hair and red shorts stands by a street ice cream cart, interacting with a smiling vendor in a white cap and shirt. Yellow taxis and city buildings are in the background, suggesting a bustling urban setting.
diosmioman63

2. A decent enough day at an old-school ice cream shop back in the 40s

A woman in a white uniform leans over a long metal counter, smiling at the camera. In the background, two people are working in a kitchen setting. The scene suggests a busy diner or restaurant environment.
electricalaspect13

She looks like she’s having her most fun shift yet.

3. Ice Cream Sandwich Special at S.S. Kresge’s Paterson New Jersey, 1925

Vintage photo of a shop with a man behind a counter selling ice cream sandwiches. Two women, one on each side, are selecting items. Signs advertise a special sale on ice cream sandwiches for five cents.
mrhistoricalmaniac

4. Mary Pickford and Joan Crawford at an ice cream parlor in 1939.

Two women sit at a vintage soda fountain counter. One is stirring a drink while the other sips her milkshake and looks at a menu. The counter is lined with metal dispensers and malted milk bottles. Retro decor surrounds them.
eltieburonmoron

Now that’s a truly distinguished snapshot of a day in the life at an ice cream parlor.

5. Everyone looks genuinely thrilled to be there

Black and white photo of people queuing inside an ice cream shop. Adults and children wait at the counter where cashiers are serving. A display board advertises special offers. The scene captures a mid-20th century atmosphere.
electricalaspect13

Every day at the ice cream parlor is a good day.

6. Those hot sandwiches were probably delightful too

A smiling woman in a 1950s-style dress operates a vintage hot sandwich vending machine labeled "Radio Snacks" inside a shop. An ice cream menu is visible, offering pints for 25 cents and quarts for 45 cents.
electricalaspect13

The melted cheese was likely something magical.

7. The team is looking ready to go

Four women wearing white uniforms stand behind a diner counter. The counter has structured wooden panels and glass cake domes. Signs on the wall display ice cream options and prices. The scene has a nostalgic, vintage ambiance.
electricalaspect13

Everyone looks all ready to roll.

8. Now that’s a groovy scene if I’ve ever seen one.

A vintage scene shows a group of people gathered outside an ice cream stand named "Jack Frost." A woman leans on a convertible car, and a large snowman decoration is visible on the roof. Some people are on bicycles, and trees are seen in the background.
axlcobainvedder

Jack Frost might be one of the best names that I’ve ever heard of for an ice cream parlor.

9. Getting ice cream cones out in Shady Grove, Alabama, in 1956

A 1960s ice cream stand with two serving windows labeled "White" and "Colored." A Black man and children stand at the "Colored" window. The sign above offers shakes, sundaes, and cones. Trees are in the background.
mrdangerman

Nothing better than a fresh soft-served ice cream on a hot summer’s night.

10. Maybe the coolest ice cream parlor shot that we’ve seen yet.

Three people sit on a bench in front of an old ice cream advertisement. On the left is a woman in a halter top and dark pants, a man in a uniform and sunglasses in the middle, and a woman in a light dress and socks on the right.
derpedelian

Now that’s a stud if I’ve ever seen one.

11. Prince Castle Ice Cream, Chicago area during the 50s and 60s

A vintage black-and-white photo of a small stone building with large windows, labeled "Prince Castle Ice Cream" on the sign. A wooden bench is in front, and trees and houses are visible in the background.
jaykirsch

That ice cream shop looks like it means some serious business.

12. Hoot Hoot I Scream Ice Cream parlor, Los Angeles, CA, 1928

A large owl-shaped building with textured feathers and round eyes serves as an ice cream stand. A sign reads "Hoot Hoot I Scream." Two children, a girl and a boy, stand at the entrance holding ice cream cones. Trees are visible in the background.
anonymous

What an aesthetic. Huge fan.

13. An ice cream stand in the 1970s

A vintage-style diner named "The Shake Shack" is situated in a rural area under a cloudy sky. It features a large ice cream cone sign. A few people and a yellow car are parked outside, adding a nostalgic feel to the scene.
skipperbob

Now that’s a vintage Shake Shack if I’ve ever seen one.

14. The front entrance menu signage to an Isaly Dairy Co. ice cream store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A man wearing a white uniform and cap stands next to a store display advertising chocolate bubble brick ice cream for 55 cents per quart. The board lists various food specials, including roast pork and creamed chipped ham.
axlcobainvedder

The pork sandwich with potatoes sounds like a delightful high-protein meal.

15. Buying ice cream, New York City, 1950s

A black and white photo of a street scene with several boys gathered around a vendor selling items from a pushcart. The vendor is an older man wearing a hat. In the background, a shop window and brick buildings are visible.
cincodemayofan

New York City truly has all of those gemlike ice cream parlors.

16. Borden Ice Cream Parlor at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

People walk along a bustling street filled with shops and ornate buildings, including the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. There's a light blue sky and a prominent American flag atop one of the buildings, evoking a lively, festive atmosphere.
axlcobainvedder

Of course Walt Disney World has the super nice ice cream parlor action.

17. Interior view of Meadow Gold Ice Cream Parlor in San Jose, CA

Black and white photo of a bustling 1950s diner with patrons seated at a counter. Staff in uniforms serve ice cream and drinks. Floral wallpaper and signage, including "Meadow Gold Ice Cream," decorate the walls. A lively and busy atmosphere.
anonymous

What a lovely day in the ice cream parlor.

18. Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor, New York, 1952

Two women share a milkshake with multiple straws in a vintage ice cream parlor. They stand next to an old-fashioned jukebox in a wooden booth. The sign above reads "Jahn's Since 1891 Richmond Hill.
anonymous

Because who doesn’t love a nice malted milkshake every now and again?

19. Customers at a Currie’s Ice Cream parlor, somewhere in Los Angeles, Circa 1946

A vintage scene of people sitting at a diner counter. Five patrons, including men and a young boy, sit on stools, served by two women. A dog is below them. The menu board in the background lists malt and sundae options.
axlcobainvedder

Love that the dog is in there enjoying themselves too.

20. 1880s: Horton’s Ice Cream Shop, NYC

Two women in long dresses stand outside an old-fashioned shop with a sign reading "Horton's Ice Cream." The shop has a striped awning and displays various items in the window.
anonymous

Now that might be the most vintage shot of an ice cream parlor that we’ve seen yet.

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