Ice Cream Month #4: The Inside Scoop

The Inside Scoop

301 North 3rd Street
Coopersburg, PA 18036
610-282-1955

Hours:  Mon-Thur 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 9:30-11, Sun 9:30-10

Where to start? Currently included on the list of Evans’ Eats LV&B  Top 7, The Inside Scoop has undoubtedly changed the face of Coopersburg and the routine of the Evans family.  Since my husband describes himself as an ice cream connoisseur, giving his approval of this relatively new local establishment as the best ice cream in the Valley and Beyond.  The Inside Scoop is a cut above because it provides the overall experience. 

Reading the history of its conception should excite any loyal local resident.  Renovating a historic property into an ideal ice cream setting is one of its many assets.  In every way, the owners have captured Southern Lehigh culture—a charming, down-to-earth, and combined modern yet vintage ambience will charm young and old.  Their investment in excellence is easily displayed in the infrastructure as well as their products.  

First of all, one can enjoy a booth with individual juke boxes, or lounge in the comfy leather chairs and couches by the fireplace.  In a childlike mood, you can even snuggle next to the fire in a bean bag chair!  This back room provides ample seating yet feels like a personal living room.  For the energetic, there is a loud air hockey-like game and “claw” machine.  The large screen TV enables you to not miss the latest episode of American Idol or The Bachelor while enjoying a treat.  The counter is sure to be filled with regulars who are nostalgically seeking  the  old-fashioned drug store feeling.

Their ice cream is made on the premises fresh daily—another factor that my husband thinks is vital to serving a superb product.  The vast menu includes soft and hard ice cream, milkshakes, malts, and sundaes.  Some features include their waffles and ice cream (another aspect that encompasses local culture); the supremely delicious hot fudge that is served on several creative sundaes; and the atomic freeze—a machine that will take any hard ice cream, including a customized “mix-in” to create a soft-serve ice cream served in a waffle bowl!

Their flavors are continually changing—at times the unique combinations are created by one of their own employees.  Yet, you’ll be sure to find your regular favorites. 

• For the traditional:  you’ll notice the rich cut-above flavor of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate peanut butter cup, black raspberry and more.  Do not be intimidated by the bright green in their mint oreo—they do this to please the kiddos.

• For the more adventurous:  My personal favorites are oatmeal and brown sugar and pumpkin harvest (a great combo on a sugar cone!)  My husband’s favorite is their “signature flavor” mocha chip—you will find every bite of their ice cream is bursting with flavor…and full of its ingredients. NO bite in vain! Other enjoyable flavors include maple walnut, ice cream sandwich, dulce de leche

• For the fruit lovers: purple cow, blueberry swirl, pineapple, key lime pie or apple pie

• For the chocolate lovers, recommendations include black forest, milky way or double chocolate chunk.

• For the very daring:  Tabasco, beer and nuts, maple bacon, Mexican spicy chocolate,  and our very own, Parker’s playground—made by charming VIP employee Greg Parker, this includes a colorful birthday cake ice cream base with m and m’s, oreos and gummy worms.

There’s more…for non-ice cream lovers, enjoy their selection of water ice or delicious smoothies (Pink Ladies is a popular one).   Inside Scoop is also open year round and during the day too---It’s an ideal setting for a business appointment or date with a friend…Think outside the box.  They have a full coffee/hot beverage menu—with an excellent brewed coffee or delicious espresso base for your lattes and cappuccinos.  Their breakfast items include waffles, muffins, oatmeal and a personal preference—the yogurt parfait—vanilla yogurt combined with locally made granola (request a sliced banana on top!)

On a warm summer evening, you’ll join dozens of locals who are ending a church, sporting or community event with friends and family by grabbing some ice cream at the Scoop.  Its prime Route 309 location make it easy to find for near and far travelers.   There is ample outdoor seating and you may even catch a movie on “the only outdoor sit-in movie theatre in the Lehigh Valley!”   In a rush?  No excuse—the Inside Scoop offers a drive-through window.

Making her selections for the Volcano

If you are a regular at “The Scoop”, be sure to become a member.  It will provide a free scoop on your birthday and will earn points for free products.  Our family successfully earned points for a Volcano…enjoyed in celebration of our nephew’s birthday—this “largest sundae in PA” included 14 scoops of selected ice cream, 8 toppings, whipped cream and a cherry….served with a siren and smoking volcano---it will prove to be a memorable event.  If you complete it, your picture could be seen on the Volcano Wall of Fame.

As you can see, I have much to say about this local favorite.  This review would not be complete without including a remark on the friendly, efficient and responsible staff.  Many of them young people who visibly enjoy working there and are trained well for their role. 

    

Will I return? Definitely—most often on a weekly basis! While their prices are not the most reasonable in the Lehigh Valley, you are paying for an excellent product and experience.  Give it a try and be sure to leave a comment with your favorite flavor or menu item!  (Kiddie:  $1.95; Small Scoop: $2.75; Double:  $3.75; Triple: $4.75)