This Classic Ohio Ice Cream Counter Has Been Winning Hearts Since 1948

I still remember the first time I slid onto a stool at this Ohio ice cream counter and realized time had politely stepped aside. Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville has a way of making the outside world feel optional the moment the neon hums into view.

This is not just a place to grab a scoop; it is where generations line up for the exact same sweet ritual.

Open since 1948, this classic Ohio spot blends chrome, nostalgia, and unapologetically generous sundaes into an experience that feels unchanged for all the right reasons. I have watched grandparents order without looking at the menu, and kids stare wide-eyed at the counter like it is a stage show.

Somewhere between the roasted cashew aroma and the first spoonful, it clicks. This is what an institution truly tastes like.

A Zanesville Landmark You Can’t Miss

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl sits proudly at 532 McIntire Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701, and trust me when I say you’ll spot it from down the street. The building practically radiates old-school charm with its classic signage and welcoming outdoor seating area that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

I pulled up on a warm Saturday evening and immediately noticed families scattered across the patio, kids clutching towering cones while parents relaxed on vintage gliders. The place has been holding court in this Ohio neighborhood since 1948, and you can feel that history in every corner.

What strikes me most is how Tom’s has stayed true to its roots while the world around it changed completely. The building itself tells a story of simpler times when ice cream parlors were community gathering spots.

Walking through that door, I left 2024 behind and entered an era where a sundae and good company were all anyone needed for a perfect evening.

Roasted Cashews That Changed My Life

Before visiting Tom’s, I never understood why people raved about their cashews. Nuts are nuts, right?

Wrong. So incredibly wrong.

Tom’s roasts their cashews fresh throughout the day, and the aroma hits you the second you walk in.

I ordered a small bag on my first visit, mostly out of curiosity after reading dozens of reviews mentioning them. The cashews came to me still warm, perfectly salted, and I popped one in my mouth without much expectation.

That single bite converted me instantly. The warmth brought out a buttery richness I’d never experienced with store-bought nuts.

The real genius move is getting these cashews as a topping on your ice cream. I watched the server sprinkle them over my vanilla scoop, and the combination of cold cream and warm, salty nuts created this perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

Now I never leave Tom’s without grabbing an extra bag for the road, even though I know they’ll be gone before I hit the highway.

That Famous Marshmallow Sauce

Tom’s marshmallow sauce deserves its own fan club. I’m not talking about the jarred stuff you find at grocery stores.

This is thick, fluffy, house-made marshmallow that cascades over your ice cream like a sweet waterfall.

My first sundae at Tom’s came topped with this magical concoction, and I actually paused mid-bite to appreciate what was happening in my mouth. The marshmallow has this perfect texture that’s simultaneously light and rich, coating your tongue without feeling heavy.

Paired with their hot fudge, it creates what I can only describe as a religious experience.

I’ve watched people order it on everything from simple two-scoop bowls to elaborate banana splits. One regular told me she’s been getting the same marshmallow-and-hot-fudge combination for forty years, and I totally understand her loyalty.

Some things are just too good to mess with. The sauce alone is worth the drive to Zanesville, and I’ve seriously considered asking if they sell it by the quart.

Breakfast at an Ice Cream Shop

Finding out Tom’s serves breakfast blew my mind. An ice cream parlor that opens at 7 AM seemed odd until I realized this place is a full-service diner that just happens to have incredible frozen treats.

I showed up one Tuesday morning, curious about what breakfast at an ice cream counter would look like. The menu offered everything from eggs and bacon to pancakes and French toast, all served with the same care as their famous sundaes.

I ordered a simple breakfast sandwich and was genuinely impressed by the quality.

What makes breakfast here special is the atmosphere. You’re sitting at a 1950s-style counter, surrounded by candy displays and ice cream freezers, eating perfectly cooked eggs while planning which flavors you’ll try later.

The staff moves efficiently between breakfast orders and early-morning ice cream requests from people who believe there’s no wrong time for a scoop. Honestly, they’re not wrong.

Starting your day at Tom’s sets a tone of pure joy that carries through until evening.

Ice Cream Flavors That Keep Me Guessing

This place doesn’t mess around with their ice cream selection. Walking up to the counter, I faced rows of flavors ranging from classic vanilla to adventurous options like Biscoff and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.

I’m the type who usually sticks with chocolate, but Tom’s made me branch out. On one visit, I tried their cinnamon roll flavor in a milkshake, and it tasted exactly like liquid cinnamon rolls.

Another time, I sampled the sorbet, which was so light and refreshing I almost forgot I was in Ohio and not at some fancy coastal shop.

The seasonal rotation keeps things interesting. Each visit reveals new options alongside the reliable favorites that people have loved for generations.

I’ve noticed regulars who order the same flavor every single time, and I’ve seen adventurous kids asking to sample five different options before deciding. The staff handles both approaches with equal patience and enthusiasm, never rushing anyone through this important decision.

Lunch Counter Classics Done Right

Sure, people come to Tom’s for ice cream, but sleeping on their lunch menu would be a mistake. I’ve tried their cheeseburgers multiple times, and they’re exactly what a diner burger should be: simple, satisfying, and cooked just right.

During one visit, I ordered a burger and onion rings while my friend got the Monte Cristo. My meal hit all the right notes with a juicy patty, melted cheese, and crispy rings on the side.

The portions are generous without being overwhelming, leaving just enough room for the real reason you’re there.

I’ve also sampled their chicken tenders, which came out perfectly crispy, and a BLT that used quality ingredients instead of the sad, limp versions you get at some places.

The lunch menu serves as the perfect excuse to visit Tom’s, giving you a reason to stop by even if you’re trying to convince yourself you don’t need ice cream at noon.

Spoiler alert: you definitely need ice cream at noon, and Tom’s makes it easy to justify.

Candy and Chocolates by the Pound

The candy counter at Tom’s deserves serious attention. Glass cases display an impressive array of chocolates, including dark chocolate maple cremes that I now consider essential Ohio souvenirs.

I spent probably fifteen minutes just staring at all the options during my first visit. Chocolate-covered marshmallows caught my eye immediately, sitting plump and perfect in their rows.

The staff let me sample a few varieties before committing, which I appreciated since choosing just one type felt impossible.

You buy everything by the pound, which means you can create custom assortments mixing different chocolates and candies. I watched one customer carefully select exactly twelve pieces, while another filled an entire bag with nothing but peanut butter cups.

The flexibility lets you build your perfect takeaway, whether that’s a small treat for the drive home or a massive box to share with family. I always grab some dark chocolate maple cremes now, and they’ve become my go-to gift for Ohio-loving friends who live out of state.

An Atmosphere Frozen in Time

Tom’s hasn’t changed much since the Eisenhower administration, and that’s precisely why people love it. Chrome counter stools line the bar, vintage signs decorate the walls, and everything feels authentically retro rather than artificially themed.

Sitting at that counter, I watched servers work with practiced efficiency, building sundaes that looked like edible sculptures. The outdoor patio filled with families enjoying the warm evening, and vintage gliders offered the perfect spot to rest and people-watch between bites.

Nothing felt rushed or modern or trying too hard.

What really gets me is how Tom’s brings generations together. I’ve seen grandparents pointing out where they used to sit as teenagers, parents introducing their kids to flavors they loved as children, and tourists discovering this Ohio treasure for the first time.

The place creates shared memories that span decades. Walking out after each visit, I feel like I’ve experienced something increasingly rare: a business that respects its history while still serving the community with genuine care and quality.