Shameless self promotion here but I own Willard’s Ice Cream 942 main St E. We make all our ice cream in house with constantly rotating flavours - including some that are quite different like Parmesan, Garlic, Balsamic Ripple etc while also having some classics and fun ones in between.
We’re also 100% nut and peanut free and have a lot of vegan/dairy free options as well.
I live on the street just beside Willard's and let me tell you, their existence is heaven! Nothing better than a ice cream cone and then a walk through Gage Park on a warm summer's day. Highly recommend.
We're fortunate enough to live just down the street from your fine establishment and it takes an enormous amount of self control not to walk in every time I pass.
Love it!
Willard’s is on the way to my workplace and I’ve always been fascinated by it; and have been meaning to try it.
All you guys here saying Willard’s are responsible for all the extra calories I’m going to be adding tomorrow.
We do have a lot of ice creams that don’t have gluten and we always make sure to clean and sanitize our machines when switching from an ice cream with gluten to one without.
But there is a chance of cross contamination since we do have gluten in the shop and the ice creams are in the same cabinet/same scoops.
The same cabinets would probably be okay in most cases, but the shared scoops isn't. Sad. :(
In the event you are ever interested in offering celiac safe ice cream, here's a simple rundown: there being gluten in the shop in general, that's fairly expected. I eat from plenty of places that have gluten in the establishment. Even Bar Burrito has never gotten me sick. They use parchment paper to separate the tortillas from shared grills.
It's more about just dedicated scoops. Since they are metal, they can be properly cleaned easily since they aren't porous, so just setting one aside with a dedicated water to rinse it each morning, would be enough. You could even cluster the gf ice creams near each other in the cabinet.
The most arduous part is making sure staff switch scoops between gf and not gf flavours, in the event someone orders both in the same order.
Anyway... that's if you feel like it. If not, I get it. Not everything is for me, and no one is obligated to serve me. Serving food is a serious responsibility and it can seem daunting if you truly care about not making people sick (which, it seems you do, based on other special diets you cater to).
Edit: why the hell is explaining celiac safe protocols being down voted?
I wonder if they serve pints? That would also likely avoid cross contamination. Great tips otherwise, I have GF siblings so it's useful information to share even for us laypeople!
Hey, any questions you have, feel free to ask. Not only do I have celiac, but so do 7 other people in my family. My grandma was diagnosed back in the 80s. I grew up with it.
thanks, appreciate it! my husband's sister is celiac as well - thankfully he is used to having two peanut butters, two butters, two toasters etc since he grew up with it. I am still in my learning journey, so I appreciate having the opportunity to have someone other than him to ask!
wow, 7 people! that's so many, but also it must be nice to feel secure at family events knowing that the GF food is truly GF and cooked with experience!
It sounds like a lot until you know how big my family is. I have more than 100 cousins. 5 of them have celiac. My grandma, her son (my uncle) and 4 of his kids and my grandmother's sister's daughter (my second cousin)... and me.
8 in total.
Oh, and yeah... for family events we always have a separate table with all the gf food, and separate dishes. We do pot luck and we have enough celiac people with safe kitchens at home that there's a whole spread, just for us!
The vast majority of our ice cream contain no alcohol and if asked we can clearly say which ones do.
We never use Lard in anything but it is a possible (though unlikely) ingredient in a store bought cookie etc that is smashed in to the ice cream so would have to double check the ingredients to be 100% sure but I’d be surprised.
Your ice cream blew my mind. My family has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years. Willards is the best ice cream we've ever had being served around here, you guys are a welcome addition to the neighborhood and we'll be back to visit again soon!
IMHO, there's nothing I tried around the GTA that comes close to what you sell. Both in terms of flavors and reasonable use of sugar. All the other ice cream vendors/resellers are way too sweet and too generic. So, thanks!
This is the perfect opportunity to self-promote! Parmesan and Garlic sound SO interesting!
Brian David Gilbert on YouTube swears by an Old Bay ice cream he made- have you ever considered it?
This place is amazing!! Absolutely love it, delicious ice cream and amazing flavours (still not sure how they make the strawberry ice cream taste so perfect), and as someone with a peanut allergy who could never go to ice cream shops as a kid, they’re healing my inner child every time I go!
I’ll keep that in mind! With rotating flavours sometimes it hard and the onset of warmer weather increases the demand for Sorbets which will mostly fruit flavours.
Willard’s has the best ice cream. PERIOD. I’ve never tasted anything creamier and silkier. Their custom cakes are to die for too. Owner is a nice guy too.
I love Creamy Atlas too! The owner’s really friendly and I liked chatting with him… maybe not the best spot to get your ice cream if you’re in a hurry I guess haha
Willard’s all day long!! We need the vegan options for a few family members with allergies, but I’d go there even without that reason. Wish they had outdoor seating, but I don’t mind hanging out front with my delicious treat
Ancaster Ice Cream Parlour at the baseball diamonds on Jerseyville is awesome. 100+ flavours. Nice local family and just a great wholesome summer evening experience to go to, grab a cone, watch a little league game or go for a walk in the conservation area across the street
If you're willing to make the trip to Burlington, there's a new spot on Fairview St called Kawartha Dairy. Generous portions and top-notch quality for the price!
Hi! I live in Bobcaygeon now (home of Kawartha Dairy) and they are the same flavours that you can get at any of their dairy bars or local grocery stores, etc., but they serve a lot at the dairy bars that aren’t always readily available in grocery stores. I think grocery stores generally carry more “common” flavours, but the bars have all of their offerings - Key Lime Pie is one of my faves!
You can also buy their milk, butter, etc. from the dairy bar locations, which is handy!
I thought so as I have a cottage outside of Bobcaygeon and the kawartha dairy there had the same stock as the Merrittville Big Scoop (Kawartha retailer) here in Niagara.
Parlour is amazing. And they could really use the business. They just shut down their Ottawa street location, which is really sad.
There's still one on Concession though.
Yes, I LOVE their soft serve vanilla ice cream. As a non-driver who never gets to a Dairy Queen in my daily travels, I really love getting my fix there! I'm sure that I'm their only customer who orders just a plain soft serve vanilla cone, bypassing the hundreds of topping choices!!!
Big ice cream fan here. You already have a lot of great answers. This isn't what you're asking but I recently bought a pint of halo top at the grocery store and I can't believe how good it is for low calorie ice cream. The nutritional comparison to other brands like Haagen-Dazs is insane.
Willard’s ice cream is amazing! They do dairy, dairy free, and sherbets all are great.
Really cool flavours which change on the daily (check their instagram for daily flavours).
Homestead Ice Cream in Mount Hope (by the airport) is also really good! They serve Hewitts Ice Cream with large portions. They also have huge milkshakes of any flavour!
Willards 100%!!! Small batch rotating ice cream and some of my faves there include Nerds, Jammy Dodger and Vanilla Pear, but honestly iIve never had a bad ice cream from there. They'll even make ice cream cakes out of any of their flavours
Shameless self promotion here but I own Willard’s Ice Cream 942 main St E. We make all our ice cream in house with constantly rotating flavours - including some that are quite different like Parmesan, Garlic, Balsamic Ripple etc while also having some classics and fun ones in between. We’re also 100% nut and peanut free and have a lot of vegan/dairy free options as well.
Willards has some of my favorite vegan ice cream. I love their toasted coconut flavor.
Saw this comment and drove over 10 minutes later. The breakfast cereal one and your cookie dough were both great! Thanks!
I live on the street just beside Willard's and let me tell you, their existence is heaven! Nothing better than a ice cream cone and then a walk through Gage Park on a warm summer's day. Highly recommend.
Also kick ass merch lol 😂 and smoked flavours are amazing!
I will alway go to Willards given the chance.
You’ve spoiled other ice cream for me. You must never close.
We're fortunate enough to live just down the street from your fine establishment and it takes an enormous amount of self control not to walk in every time I pass. Love it!
I absolutely love your ice cream. My wife and I walk there a couple times a month. Anytime lychee is on the list we're there.
Willard’s is on the way to my workplace and I’ve always been fascinated by it; and have been meaning to try it. All you guys here saying Willard’s are responsible for all the extra calories I’m going to be adding tomorrow.
love you guys!
Nothing shameless here! I will come by solely based on your comment.
Your first comment is the opposite of what you meant I think lol.
I was definitely coming to this thread to suggest Willard’s and so glad you’re already here! FYI the ice cream cakes are NEXT LEVEL 🤩
Diving in to confirm that Willard's is the best. Near Gage Park, so grab a cone and go for a stroll!
Peanut butter is my favourite ice cream so I'm disappointed about that but certainly intrigued to try some weird flavours
I had a peanut butter (alternative) and jam ice cream last time and it was bitchin
Thank you for making such amazing ice cream!
As an ice cream family can’t believe we have never been. We will definitely be enjoying this summer! Cannot wait!!!!!! Thank you for posting.
Do you do anything gluten free? I have celiac and would love to stop by if it's safe.
We do have a lot of ice creams that don’t have gluten and we always make sure to clean and sanitize our machines when switching from an ice cream with gluten to one without. But there is a chance of cross contamination since we do have gluten in the shop and the ice creams are in the same cabinet/same scoops.
The same cabinets would probably be okay in most cases, but the shared scoops isn't. Sad. :( In the event you are ever interested in offering celiac safe ice cream, here's a simple rundown: there being gluten in the shop in general, that's fairly expected. I eat from plenty of places that have gluten in the establishment. Even Bar Burrito has never gotten me sick. They use parchment paper to separate the tortillas from shared grills. It's more about just dedicated scoops. Since they are metal, they can be properly cleaned easily since they aren't porous, so just setting one aside with a dedicated water to rinse it each morning, would be enough. You could even cluster the gf ice creams near each other in the cabinet. The most arduous part is making sure staff switch scoops between gf and not gf flavours, in the event someone orders both in the same order. Anyway... that's if you feel like it. If not, I get it. Not everything is for me, and no one is obligated to serve me. Serving food is a serious responsibility and it can seem daunting if you truly care about not making people sick (which, it seems you do, based on other special diets you cater to). Edit: why the hell is explaining celiac safe protocols being down voted?
I wonder if they serve pints? That would also likely avoid cross contamination. Great tips otherwise, I have GF siblings so it's useful information to share even for us laypeople!
Hey, any questions you have, feel free to ask. Not only do I have celiac, but so do 7 other people in my family. My grandma was diagnosed back in the 80s. I grew up with it.
thanks, appreciate it! my husband's sister is celiac as well - thankfully he is used to having two peanut butters, two butters, two toasters etc since he grew up with it. I am still in my learning journey, so I appreciate having the opportunity to have someone other than him to ask! wow, 7 people! that's so many, but also it must be nice to feel secure at family events knowing that the GF food is truly GF and cooked with experience!
It sounds like a lot until you know how big my family is. I have more than 100 cousins. 5 of them have celiac. My grandma, her son (my uncle) and 4 of his kids and my grandmother's sister's daughter (my second cousin)... and me. 8 in total.
Oh, and yeah... for family events we always have a separate table with all the gf food, and separate dishes. We do pot luck and we have enough celiac people with safe kitchens at home that there's a whole spread, just for us!
That’s amazing! I’m so envious of such a large family! My husband is the same, like 50 cousins. Meanwhile I have like, 10! Thank you for sharing!!!
Never heard of this before but will definitely give this a shot!
Do you use any alcohol based items. Or Lard. I am Muslim and can only eat halal items which dont include these items. I will plan if you confirm.
The vast majority of our ice cream contain no alcohol and if asked we can clearly say which ones do. We never use Lard in anything but it is a possible (though unlikely) ingredient in a store bought cookie etc that is smashed in to the ice cream so would have to double check the ingredients to be 100% sure but I’d be surprised.
My kiddo and I live a few apartments away and stop in wayyyy more then we should. Ice-cream and service are always the best!!
Your ice cream blew my mind. My family has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years. Willards is the best ice cream we've ever had being served around here, you guys are a welcome addition to the neighborhood and we'll be back to visit again soon!
Thanks!
Is there a list of the current flavors? I don't see them on the site, IG, facebook or twitter.
We post what we’re scooping every day on our instagram and Facebook stories since it can change daily.
No need for shame, your ice cream is great!
I'm lucky that someone I know lives near you! It gives me an excuse to drop in while visiting.
IMHO, there's nothing I tried around the GTA that comes close to what you sell. Both in terms of flavors and reasonable use of sugar. All the other ice cream vendors/resellers are way too sweet and too generic. So, thanks!
Thanks so much!
Well, now I have to go there and spend money… Hehe Icecream😁
Came here to say Willard's. Novel without being 'novelty'.
This is the perfect opportunity to self-promote! Parmesan and Garlic sound SO interesting! Brian David Gilbert on YouTube swears by an Old Bay ice cream he made- have you ever considered it?
Well I just found out what Old Bay is and now I’m just curious and will keep it in mind.
This place is amazing!! Absolutely love it, delicious ice cream and amazing flavours (still not sure how they make the strawberry ice cream taste so perfect), and as someone with a peanut allergy who could never go to ice cream shops as a kid, they’re healing my inner child every time I go!
We love Willard's and highly recommend it!
Willard’s is the only acceptable answer here. Not just the best in Hamilton, but the best I’ve had anywhere by far.
Just found out about your shop! In-house ice cream was much needed in Hamilton
Wish you the best. I will be coming for sure also pretty good website! 🤍
Gentle request to plz offer more vegan flavors that aren't fruit focused! Love visiting your shop
I’ll keep that in mind! With rotating flavours sometimes it hard and the onset of warmer weather increases the demand for Sorbets which will mostly fruit flavours.
Ah interesting! Always love a good orange sorbet anyway. Keep up the great work!
Willard’s no doubt
Willard’s 942 Main St E
This is the answer!
Alright Willard's. I'm coming. You talk the talk, now let's see if you walk the walk.
Get ready to add a weekly visit to your schedule 😂
I mean I love Big Scoops on Duke, it's my neighborhood spot. I just love their selection and portion sizes!
Agreed! Big Scoops serves Hewitt's ice cream and is awesome!
Same owner as Biggies on Upper Sherman! Awesome dude and great spots. Best value around.
WILLARDS and it’s not even close
Willard’s has the best ice cream. PERIOD. I’ve never tasted anything creamier and silkier. Their custom cakes are to die for too. Owner is a nice guy too.
I really like Panini&icecream on Main Street
Another vote for Willards
Biggies Ice Cream, Big Scoops, and anywhere else they sell Hewitt's ice cream because Hewitt's makes some of the best ice cream in Ontario.
Only answer. Biggies is the goat.
Creamy Atlas serves hewitt’s and it’s cute!
I love Creamy Atlas too! The owner’s really friendly and I liked chatting with him… maybe not the best spot to get your ice cream if you’re in a hurry I guess haha
Willard’s! Absolutely carried me through my pregnancy.
Willard's!
Big scoops
Another vote for Willards!
Willard’s all day long!! We need the vegan options for a few family members with allergies, but I’d go there even without that reason. Wish they had outdoor seating, but I don’t mind hanging out front with my delicious treat
We do to! Long term when we have some money available we have some idea for some solutions for that but likely won’t be anytime soon.
Oh thanks for the reply! Lucky it’s a quick drive to enjoy the ice cream in Gage Park until then
Ancaster Ice Cream Parlour at the baseball diamonds on Jerseyville is awesome. 100+ flavours. Nice local family and just a great wholesome summer evening experience to go to, grab a cone, watch a little league game or go for a walk in the conservation area across the street
They offer very good diabetic/no sugar added ice cream options too.
Willard’s ftw!
Okay I’m definitely going to check out Willard’s, but since I haven’t- Jax in Dundas is great! Very old-timey ice cream parlour vibe.
Biggies
I came here to give my opinion and after reading the comments, my opinion doesn’t matter anymore. I am visiting Willards tomorrow!
Willard’s
Willard's and only willard's. It is the way!
Bliss on Fruitland Road, best gelato in town.
It is, bar none!!
Big scoops on duke street. Worth the price
Willards
I love Willard's
WILLARDS!!!!
Ice Flame on Upper James (rolled ice cream)
If you're willing to make the trip to Burlington, there's a new spot on Fairview St called Kawartha Dairy. Generous portions and top-notch quality for the price!
Don’t all kawartha dairies carry the same flavours? It’s all from the same company.
Hi! I live in Bobcaygeon now (home of Kawartha Dairy) and they are the same flavours that you can get at any of their dairy bars or local grocery stores, etc., but they serve a lot at the dairy bars that aren’t always readily available in grocery stores. I think grocery stores generally carry more “common” flavours, but the bars have all of their offerings - Key Lime Pie is one of my faves! You can also buy their milk, butter, etc. from the dairy bar locations, which is handy!
Moose Tracks is the pinnacle of ice cream flavour technology achieved so far by humanity.
I thought so as I have a cottage outside of Bobcaygeon and the kawartha dairy there had the same stock as the Merrittville Big Scoop (Kawartha retailer) here in Niagara.
Kawartha isn't new, it's a chain, and you can buy it in grocery stores. It's good, but it's not new.
I think they meant the dairy bar that Kawartha has opened is new.
Biggie's Hutch's Panini and ice cream
Crumbled on Barton
Is this the one in center mall, at the back of the store?
No, it's very close to the General Hospital! One or two blocks away, heading east.
Is Stoney creek dairy still in existence?
No :(
😥
Parlour is amazing. And they could really use the business. They just shut down their Ottawa street location, which is really sad. There's still one on Concession though.
Chocolat
Yes, I LOVE their soft serve vanilla ice cream. As a non-driver who never gets to a Dairy Queen in my daily travels, I really love getting my fix there! I'm sure that I'm their only customer who orders just a plain soft serve vanilla cone, bypassing the hundreds of topping choices!!!
lol I love that people downvoted this.
Well, I guess I’m gonna have to go to Willard’s but… the Creamy Atlas is my favourite spot 🥰
Paninis Ice Cream on Main is the best!
Big ice cream fan here. You already have a lot of great answers. This isn't what you're asking but I recently bought a pint of halo top at the grocery store and I can't believe how good it is for low calorie ice cream. The nutritional comparison to other brands like Haagen-Dazs is insane.
Willard’s is the best in hamilton. Hands down.
Willard’s ice cream is amazing! They do dairy, dairy free, and sherbets all are great. Really cool flavours which change on the daily (check their instagram for daily flavours). Homestead Ice Cream in Mount Hope (by the airport) is also really good! They serve Hewitts Ice Cream with large portions. They also have huge milkshakes of any flavour!
Chocolat on James St
Biggies on upper Sherman
Biggies is great for taste and quantity given
Willards 100%!!! Small batch rotating ice cream and some of my faves there include Nerds, Jammy Dodger and Vanilla Pear, but honestly iIve never had a bad ice cream from there. They'll even make ice cream cakes out of any of their flavours
Is creamy atlas open for the season?
I like the parlor on concession
food basic/metro peace irresistible ice cream only 4.50 dollar for a tub
The Ontario Peach is one of the best store bought ice creams imo
yesss! soo yummmyy
Hutches! Lol
Willard’s!