Step Inside This 1950s Florida Burger Spot For Legendary Banana Splits
Walking into Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant feels like stepping into a time machine that runs on nostalgia and ice cream. This Dania Beach treasure has been serving up massive banana splits and juicy burgers since 1956, making it a true Florida icon.
The walls are packed with quirky memorabilia, the portions are ridiculously huge, and the homemade ice cream tastes like childhood dreams come true. I swear I felt like a kid again just trying to decide which sundae to tackle first.
A Timeless Journey Back To 1956
Jaxson’s opened its doors in 1956 and has been freezing time ever since. Monroe Montgomery founded this sweet spot when Eisenhower was president and sock hops were the rage. The restaurant has stayed family-owned through decades of change, refusing to modernize its charm or downsize its portions.
Located at 128 South Federal Highway, the building itself looks like it jumped straight out of a vintage postcard. Neon signs and retro lettering welcome visitors to experience authentic mid-century dining.
Every corner whispers stories of countless families who’ve celebrated birthdays, first dates, and random Tuesday nights here. The commitment to preserving 1950s authenticity makes Jaxson’s more than just a restaurant. It’s a living museum where you can actually eat the exhibits.
Memorabilia Madness Covering Every Surface
Forget minimalist design trends because Jaxson’s believes more is more. The ceiling, walls, and every available inch burst with vintage toys, old signs, movie posters, and random treasures collected over nearly seven decades.
Staring at the decorations while waiting for your food becomes its own entertainment. Antique lunch boxes dangle next to old Coca-Cola ads, and toy trains chug along overhead tracks.
Finding something new to look at during each visit feels like a scavenger hunt designed by a very enthusiastic collector. The cluttered charm separates Jaxson’s from corporate chains that hire designers to create fake authenticity. This mess took decades to accumulate naturally.
The Legendary Banana Split Experience
Banana splits at Jaxson’s aren’t just desserts but rather architectural achievements that defy gravity and common sense. Three giant scoops of homemade ice cream sit atop split bananas, then get buried under mountains of whipped cream, hot fudge, nuts, and cherries.
The ice cream gets made in-house using recipes perfected over decades of trial and delicious error. Flavors range from classic vanilla to rocky road to seasonal specialties that change throughout the year. Each scoop weighs enough to count as a small meal by itself.
Sharing becomes mandatory unless you possess the appetite of a competitive eater. Multiple spoons attacking one banana split creates bonding moments families remember forever.
Burgers And Hot Dogs Done Right
People rave about the ice cream so loudly that the food menu sometimes gets overshadowed unfairly. Fresh burgers get cooked to order with quality beef that tastes nothing like frozen patties from a box. Toppings arrive crisp and generous, tucked into soft buns that hold everything together during that crucial first bite.
Hot dogs at Jaxson’s earn their own fan club for being what one reviewer called the biggest ever. Grilled to perfection with a satisfying snap, they come dressed however you want them.
The kitchen makes everything from scratch, which explains why flavors pop with real ingredient taste instead of processed blandness. Prices hover between ten and twenty dollars, which seems reasonable given portion sizes that could feed small armies. Value meets quality here consistently.
Homemade Ice Cream In Every Flavor Imaginable
Walking past the ice cream counter feels like entering flavor paradise where decisions become delightfully impossible. Jaxson’s churns out homemade ice cream in dozens of flavors, from traditional chocolate and strawberry to creative combinations that change with the seasons.
The pecan ice cream gets special shoutouts in reviews for its rich, nutty perfection. Dairy-free options accommodate guests with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste quality.
Toppings range from hot fudge and caramel to fresh fruit and candy pieces. Building your perfect sundae becomes an art form with unlimited creative possibilities.
Service With Genuine Warmth And Attention
Servers at Jaxson’s treat guests like family visiting for Sunday dinner rather than anonymous transactions to rush through. Multiple reviews praise staff friendliness and attentiveness even during packed weekend rushes when lines stretch into the parking lot. Fresh popcorn arrives at tables as a surprise welcome, filling the air with carnival aromas that make mouths water before food even appears.
I remember my first visit when our server patiently explained the menu’s greatest hits without making us feel rushed despite the crowd waiting.
She steered us toward sharing options that saved us from ordering way too much food. Her genuine enthusiasm for the place made the experience feel special instead of routine.
Carnival Atmosphere That Entertains Before Food Arrives
Carnival vibes permeate Jaxson’s from the moment you spot the building until you waddle out overstuffed and happy. Bright colors, playful decorations, and the constant hum of excited conversations create energy that makes waiting for tables feel less tedious.
Fresh popcorn smells mingle with waffle cone aromas, creating an olfactory experience that triggers happy childhood memories. Music from past decades plays overhead while kids press their noses against glass display cases filled with impossible-to-choose ice cream flavors.
Everything feels designed to spark joy rather than rush customers through quickly. This festive environment transforms ordinary meals into celebrations worth photographing and posting. Instagram feeds fill with Jaxson’s content for good reason beyond just food quality.
Outside Window For Quick Scoops On The Go
Not every ice cream craving requires sitting down for a full dining experience, which is why Jaxson’s offers an outside window for quick service. Customers in a hurry or just wanting a single scoop can order without entering the building or waiting for tables. This setup proves perfect for beach-goers who need a frozen treat before heading back to the sand.
The window serves the same homemade ice cream available inside, maintaining quality while offering convenience. Cones get handed over quickly, dripping slightly in Florida heat as you race against melting time.
Waffle cones add extra crunch and flavor for minimal upcharge. This dual-service model shows smart business thinking that accommodates different customer needs. Whether you want the full experience or just a quick cone, Jaxson’s delivers without compromise.