Ed L.
Yelp
Thanks to Google Maps. I was searching around my hotel and there was an ice cream parlor a block or so away from Drake University.
I was like, I'm on vacation here in Des Moines in late October 2022 before the winter cometh, so I figured why not? Black Cat isn't the normal type of ice cream parlor that you are accustomed for the usual suspects when it comes to the standard flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberries. They have pre-made mixtures of themed ice cream concoctions that may enrich your tastebuds and is cool to have in the community, especially so close to Drake University campus. My experience here in late October 2022 started when I was looking for dinner in the area within walking distance. I noticed Black Cat first before walking to Drake's Diner. And so, I was here at Black Sheep first to check things out and to pick up a pint to have with my dinner. Upon arrival, Black Cat is a small ice cream shop next to a local park in a suburban neighborhood. The line was short and I was indecisive. While I was waiting on the side, a group of 6 people decided to show up and in line. I guess that was okay, since I got in line afterwards. The entire experience took about 20 minutes, with 10 minutes of waiting and for the line before me to clear out. I asked the counter guy if they had any chocolate items. He showed me one that is a creamy one that had chocolate bits mixed in. I asked for a pint of that and that was it.
The overall experience here at the Black Cat in Des Moines, Iowa was quaint, quiet, casual, and good. While the long line gave pause to what I was doing here in this city, it reminded me about all the things that lead me to here. With that said, I thought that the flavor that I picked up was reasonably good and delicious. While they do sell ice cream here, I had preferred on regular chocolate or chocolate fudge, but this will do in the meantime until I find something otherwise. For the most part though, it was a cool visit to a local ice cream parlor to supplement my dinner in a nice area of Des Moines, IA. Although there was enough lighting here and it was still daylight out when I was here, it did seem dark in here a little bit. The ambiance was cool, although I did wear a face mask due to the number of people in the store with me at the time. And so, if you are in the area and want that alternative taste that is ice cream, consider Black Cat in Des Moines, IA. The prices here are pretty reasonable for ice cream actually. The restaurant itself is small and walk in traffic is always welcomed.
This Black Cat Ice Cream is located at 2511 Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. It's about a block or so from the main campus of Drake University. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. For myself though, I walked here from my hotel on University Avenue to here. If you are coming by car, there are plenty of street parking nearby. Of course, there is Lyft and Uber, if you are needing their service. For the folks who use public transportation, consider the routes that the local DART uses and plan accordingly. All I can say is that it was worth coming here to Black Ice Cream. Too bad I couldn't buy more otherwise, I'd have to run a lot more miles just to have more ice cream. Then again, it is worth it in the end, I think. Best bet would be to come early enough to secure parking. Not sure if they rotate ice cream flavors, but its worth coming to see year round.
4.0 stars for the overall experience. 5.0 stars for the ice cream and the ambiance. 3.0 stars for the prices and 4.0 stars for the service.
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