Hovermale's Tastes Best

Great Icecream! Incredible staff, unbeatable prices. Will certainly return before they close up for the season. Already sent the recommendation to a few people prior to writing this review. Wish I could eat this regularly!

Love this place. I've been taking my kids here for years. We get a light dinner (hot dogs and beef BBQ sandwich) and then ice cream. We enjoy the food sitting on the stumps in the grassy area behind the parking lot. Always easy to find a parking spot. Sometimes there's a long line, but it always moves quickly. Cash only so be sure to bring cash (prices are very reasonable).

Only cash....but man was this an amazing throwback to the 90s. They also have food that isn't just frozen dairy based such as a half smoke. Be warned ....they won't dip chocolate

Truly, a local gem! Open seasonally from around Memorial Day to the end of summer, Hovermale's Tastes Best is a small soft-serve ice cream stand just off the highway in Fort Washington, Maryland. Cash-only, there's a small parking lot. Order from a takeout window and in return you get a generous portion of soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate or swirl. They also sell milkshakes, floats, etc. The soft-serve is very good and worth a drive!

Hovermale’s “The Shack” as my grandparents used to call it, was the highlight of my summers coming to D.C. to see my grandparents! I never could get past the same thing, every now and then, there was an additional item but the order was the same almost every day of my summer: BBQ w/shredded cabbage, UTZ plane chips and a large chocolate malt. Sometimes when a second trip was warranted, it was a sausage and large chocolate dip cone!❤️😋 I had the pleasure recently of being back for the first time in several years, just as good as when I was a kid!!

This wonderful ice cream spot is a staple in the Fort Washington Area and has been here since the 50’s. Great ice cream and half smokes. The BBQ sandwich was not as good as I thought it would be. If you are looking for great ice cream, floats, sundaes this is the place to go. They are only open seasonally (summer) and cash only. Catch them while you can.

This place is a historic landmark that sells ice cream. I have come here over the years for decades. The area has become a little bit run down over time - urban blight has set in. The parking lot is easily to get to but can be a little more challenging to exit with traffic congestion Malts are still the thing I try here - I don’t think I would try the food. The place is probably very nice and clean- but you would not want to see your food made here. There are some places in that kitchen that have not seen a mop in years (under things? OMG). The young woman behind the counter was disinterested in my presence to say the least. Cash only sir! See you in 4 years lady.

Every year I wait for this spot to open. The best soft serve ice cream in the area in my opinion. On a cone or in a cup. I usually get chocolate vanilla mixed on a cone. Banana split. Hot fudge sundae. Half Smoke. Hot dogs. Its a great family spot. If you are an Ice person like me they have the small round almost crushed ice for the sodas 🤤 Closed on Mondays and it's Cash Only. Don't say you didn't know. No cards Cash Only.

Let's go back to the 1970's when we were young children. The simpler times of life. This place is it, this small place (CASH ONLY) is a true Landmark and go back down memory lane. The food, especially the ice cream is Top Notch, upside down *Banana Split*! The dogs are good also. The ice cream is so good BUT, it ain't sweet. Nothing but, good old fashioned ice cream. The service is great and this is service with a smile. It's a small place so, if you drive to fast you will miss it. It's across from the Shell station. The people who come are even nice. No one acting crazy which is another positive thing. Fresh clean air to breathe.

A Ft. Wash staple!!! I grew up coming here, wishing that it would be open all year long, but unfortunately it is not. Staff are always kind, cash is king here and nothing else will be accepted. I have always and will always get a chocolate dipped cone, because duh, they're thee best. The ice cream is soft, sweet and the chocolate has a perfect crunch for me. I will always return, because it just can't be beat.

I agree with the person that indicated the ice cream was just okay. There wasn't any unique about it and it seems like many people come here for that nostalgic feel from when they were growing up. The prices are reasonable but when I thought about it, $5 for a large cone, I could have just bought a tub of ice cream from the store. I thought they would have toppings for the cone but from what I gather they don't have sprinkles so that was a bit of a let down. I do think the parking lot and the lawn area are great for hanging out while you eat your treats. It seems like instead of toppings they are most famous or their dipped cones and banana splits. I just wanted to try the ice cream in its basic form. It kind of tasted like a whipped custard or something whipped. It tasted like that yellowish ice cream you get in the store that comes in 5 gallon tubs, only more air was whipped into it. This place does give off the old ice cream shoppe type feel and I was glad to have been able to try the ice cream but it didn't blow my mind though.

Truly, a local gem! Open seasonally from around Memorial Day to the end of summer, Hovermale's Tastes Best is a small soft-serve ice cream stand just off the highway in Fort Washington, Maryland. Cash-only, there's a small parking lot. Order from a takeout window and in return you get a generous portion of soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate or swirl. They also sell milkshakes, floats, etc. The soft-serve is very good and worth a drive!

Best soft serve around and the prices are affordable. My only complaint is that it's not open all year.

Stopped by Hovermale's for some soft serve as I was in the area and found it to be just okay. Cash only and they offer three sizes in a cone. I thought the small was a good size, so I can't even imagine what the large would look like! I found the swirl to be similar in flavor and couldn't tell the difference between the chocolate and vanilla. In additional to soft serve in a cone, you can get it as a sundae or shake. They also serve "sandwiches" (hot dogs, chili dogs, cheese dogs, half smokes, and BBQ), as well as soft drinks. Be sure not to come on a Monday or after 8pm as they'll be closed.

Absolutely the best soft serve in the DMV. Very reasonably priced. A great value, if you haven't tried Hovermale's you really should.

The service is great, the workers are polite and the atmosphere is nice, the ice cream is delicious, I highly recommend if you're in the area to give them a try. Take cash as of now they do not take credit cards. Enjoy!

When I drove by this place, I wanted to try this place really bad. My friend wanted to get an ice cream from Van Leeuwen but I instead to go here. TBH the vanilla soft serve was just ok but you cannot let these types of business go. This is a landmark of this neighborhood. So protect it by buying the soft serve in the summer time. Cheers, Maryland!

1st time experiencing this ice cream ... OMG .... I thought I was lactose intolerant until I tasted their vanilla/chocolate swirl in a small cone!!! BEST ICE CREAM I've tasted since my childhood days!!!

This place really took me back. I remember coming here as a young lad with my parents. This place has not changed much. It is an old school, nostalgic ice cream shop. They have a huge parking lot and in addition to their cones and sundaes, they have hot dogs, half smokes and barbecue sandwiches. I ordered a half smoke and an upside down banana split sundae. I have two issues with the place. First, they do not have anywhere to sit and eat your sandwich or treats. Not even a picnic table outside. Second, the place is cash only. I like the shop keeping up its nostalgia, but they can at least take credit/debit. Few people carry cash anymore. It was not a huge deal though, I just had to go to the ATM in the gas station across the street. It did not take long for them to have my food ready after I got back from the ATM. I would say less than 5 minutes. The half smoke was decent. It was kind of small, but decent. The sundae was pretty good. It has lots of banana and other toppings mixed in. IT was packaged to travel, but I found it odd that it was in a Solo Cup. Anyway, I enjoyed this walk down memory lane. It had been about 25 years since I had been here. They have some good treats at very reasonable prices. I recommend paying this place a visit.

I stopped by for a swirl cone. It was tasty, reasonably priced, and service was quick and friendly. I will definitely return.

The best ice cream in fort Washington! That's all this review needs lol. The ice cream is fresh! They move really fast with the orders. The outside area is always kept clean. Please, check them out if you're looking for some fresh and delicious ice cream!

[Coronavirus review] This place was new to me, but it's been around a long time. Like 1950's long. You can look up pictures, and the building doesn't seem to have changed much. It's an outdoor takeout window, so operations haven't changed much during the pandemic, except for the social distancing tape to manage the lines. They are still cash only; with prices that look like bizarre numbers but with tax work out to a more even figure. As befits its retro vibe, the menu is quite straighforward, with vanilla and chocolate soft serve, a couple of shakes and sundaes, and some fast food. I got an "upside down banana split", which was a few pieces of banana, some preserved strawberries and pineapple, with ice cream and whipped cream on top. This place's name is unsubtle, but if I had to pick a plain vanilla soft serve that tasted the best, I'm not sure I'd pick against them. It was rich. For those wanting to avoid dairy or looking for more flavors or creative options, this isn't the place. But if you like what they're offering and still carry cash money, stop on by.

Although this place looks old and outdated, don't judge it by its looks. Probably the best ice cream I've ever had. Something about it just sticks out. It's not artificial, not too sweet, just...perfect. Not too much vanilla bean flavor too. My go to ice creams would be the chocolate vanilla swirl, or vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered. You just gotta try it yourself!

The best ice cream in the world. Hovermales is a tiny little hut with the best soft serve ice cream, quick service, and fair prices. They only accept cash!!!

Hovermale's is a beloved community staple that has been around for decades. One of the highlights of the restaurant is its ample parking, making it easy for customers to visit. It's important to note that Hovermale's is cash-only, but there is an ATM on-site for convenience. The menu is simple, featuring no-frills ice cream and hot dogs, but they are consistently good. Additionally, the staff is friendly and always provides excellent service. If you're in the area and looking for a classic, straightforward dining option, Hovermale's is definitely worth checking out.

This place is a local staple. I've been going here since I was a little girl and now my kids love it. The only thing I ask is plzzzzzz consider expanding the payment method. They still only take cash which is so inconvenient for customers nowadays.

My 9 year old announced to me this is the best soft serve period. I can't say I've had better.. it is very creamy. The simple vanilla cone is my favorite. It's a local staple and love it!

Do yourself a favor and go. This always hits home from me because u grew up in their ice cream!

Came here on a hot Sunday evening for a milkshake, vanilla ice cream and two half smokes.... I'm not sure what a half smoke suppose to look and taste like but truthfully, it looked and tasted like a skinny hot dog. Overall, everyone enjoyed their snack.

So you want something to take your mind off the sweltering inferno and the stop-and-go traffic of a summer commute on Route 210? The solution is simple: pull off at Hovermale's and grab a cold treat, then walk back to your car, crank up the a/c, and dig in. The bliss will begin immediately. This place may be a somewhat shabby-looking local institution, but it features frozen custard that is second to none in the entire region (and way better than the soft-serve offered at that other local institution, a few miles further down the road, that shall remain nameless). The menu isn't vast, but it's more than adequate. Pick from three sizes of cones with the usual vanilla, chocolate or vanilla-chocolate twist options, three sizes of sundaes with seven choices of topping, and five flavors of shake, plus malts, floats, and three slightly more ambitious novelty items. There are also fountain soft drinks (served with paper straws, yay!) and, for the few and the brave, several non-dessert items involving warmed-over meats on a bun. Okay, so the place has neither tables nor pleasant ambience--you can snarf down your goodies in the car or just stand there in the parking lot and stare at the chain-link fence and listen to the cars go by while you stuff your face. But the employees are friendly and efficient, the prices are refreshingly modest, and the soft-serve really is delicious. Because this is an ice cream stand, not a restaurant, the customer experience is open to the elements, a serious advantage in the age of Covid. Hovermale's is closed on Mondays, and they shut down for the season way too early, long before Mother Nature is done throwing hot weather our way in this age of climate crisis. But six days a week, for five or six glorious months, they are the happiest place on the 210 corridor. One more thing: if you're seriously hungry, first go to Smoke Shack a few yards down the road and snag some barbecue, then double back to Hovermale's and end your meal on a luscious sweet note. Some might call that decadent, but I know better and so do you.

Our favorite summer spot. My family and I literally go almost everyday for ice cream here. The creamiest and most delicious ice cream we've ever had!

Been coming here since i was a kid. My parents started the tradition. Now i bring my daughter here. Since she was a baby. Halfsmoke or chilidog and an icecream. Whenever i come anywhere near Hovermales i need to stop by.

Everyone! This ice cream shop is the bomb, for real! Super delicious soft serve ice cream. I have been going to this shop off and on for years - my Godmother lived in this area (for years before passing). I highly recommend this ice cream shop. The BEST!

I love this little place ! It's like going back to the 1950s! Incredible soft served ice cream ! I had the chocolate and went back again the next day and then again the next day and the day after that and the day after that again. I got the Vanilla dipped in chocolate and I will try the banana split next time ! Oh yeah Cash only business so bring your piggy bank !

I go here for the soft ice cream. It's amazing. Very 1950s! Vanilla, chocolate, twist, or my favorite, the dipped cone.

I've been enjoying the ice cream sundaes and cone dips at Hovermales since I was a child. If you are visiting the area, You must visit our favorite ice cream spot. You won't be disappointed.

I have been coming here for over all my life! This is by far the best ice cream I have ever had no doubt!

Best ice cream in Maryland! Has a great rich and homemade flavor to it. Prices are reasonable and the food is definitely worth it.

I don't particularly like ice cream but on a hot day, this ice cream is just what you need! Soft serve not overwhelmingly sweet, just creamy.

I haven't had a real shake in a very long time...I wasn't aware of this place as a newbie in the area. Hovermale's definitely makes great shakes! I had chocolate this time...will try vanilla next time since I plan on going back. The hot dog was a bonus! Bring family, friends and cash.

I finally found a place similar to my favorite at home! Found this spot on yelp and just had to go! Parking is ample and easy to find on GPS. They had two lines going and we were served within five minutes. We both got vanilla and chocolate swirls in cones - cost $6 for a small and a medium. This is a cash only spot ! My boyfriend's only complaint was he felt there was more vanilla than chocolate- not an even mix -- but I loved mine! Go visit !

Good Ice Cream and sundaes. In a world where everybody uses their debit card to pay for items, this establishment will not accept debit or credit cards and takes no cash larger than a $20 bill. I just came from the bank and had gotten cash and had 2 50 bills. They would not accept a $50 bill for $25 worth of ice cream. I'm really glad there are businesses out there that can be this picky about What sales they'll accept or turn down

Soft serve on point! Just don't order a small lol. It's really small. Not sure if it was just the day I was there but the outside doesn't smell very well.

Best, creamy ice cream I've had! Love it! The service is quick, the ice cream always tastes great! I enjoy their cherry and their hot fudge toppings. One day I plan on trying their floats and milkshakes. They are cash only but I don't mind.

Great ice cream and prices, I'm always in the area so I'm a regular at this point. Good ole school ice cream, you can't beat. The strawberry shortcake will take you back I promise.

I'm kind of happy its roughly 25-30 minutes away from me, or I'd probably be fat. We come here allll the time. With kids, without kids, any time. It is only open during certain times of the year. I think from Easter weekend till October? They even board up the windows when its closed for the season. Closed on Mondays, but open 11/12-8/9 the rest of the days. Its definitely a mom and pop owned little place. It doesn't look fancy and it can be easy to miss. CA$$$$H ONLY! Small restaurant with the basics, like hot dogs, sodas, shakes, ice creams and sundaes. Its all priced pretty cheap too. There are no chairs or tables. But you can easily bring a lil lawn chair and post up in the grassy area surrounding it. The line can form quickly, but the employees move through the line just as fast. All the employees are super friendly and quick too! We always order hot dogs, cheese dogs and ice cream! I love their hot dogs and I neverrrrrrr ever eat hot dogs... so that must say something. Their ice cream doesn't upset my stomach like other ice cream does, you know, when you're lactose intolerant. I usually get the vanilla chocolate swirl, my husband gets the chocolate and my kids get vanilla. I've never gotten it dipped... but I need to. My father in-law loved the upside down banana split. He said it is filled with fresh fruit and it was a pretty big portion. I need to try that too. I guess I'll head over there this evening.. hah.

Ice cream was creamy! Reasonably priced, especially for someone who drove from Washington, DC ... however they ONLY ACCEPT CASH! NO DEBIT or Credit cards and they have no atm machine on site ! They also would not accept any bill over a $20 . I had to play frogger and run across the street to break a larger bill to pay for $22 order. So MAKE sure if you go, you bring cash ! It is a nice place to get ice cream, and they are very expedient with your order and very friendly!

Summertime favorite!! Chili cheese dogs and ice cream! Great family outing for family and friends. The customer service is always 5 stars as well as the food. Do yourself a favor if you haven't this summer! Will be back multiple times before they close down for the change of season.

Having lived in Fort Washington during my high school years I've come to Hovermale's many times since the early 80s. For me it's about the soft serve ice cream and only the ice cream. I've never had a sundae or milk shake here (I'm sure they're delicious too) and have only gone as far as the dipped cone to dress up my order. Maybe I'm a purist when it comes to soft serve and I'm perfectly happy with that. The rich, smooth, creamy, simple and expertly formed chocolate, vanilla, or swirl cone makes me happy on a warm day. Service is prompt and good, cash only, and please know what you want when you get to the window to order.

Great flavor all natural milk and you can taste it , they're awesome, is a busy place but is walk in walk out

Yummy. Yum. Yum. So happy that they are back open for the season! Always on point and the young people inside are always extra friendly. Make sure to bring cash as they don't accept credit cards. I was reminded of that tonight. So, I drive across the street. Pumped my gas at the Shell gas station. Went inside to the atm. Got a news paper and a coke for later. Must remember. Cash only! I got my medium sundae to go with a lid. My sundae was still delicious after driving 6 miles to my home. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Every year, the freshest and best soft ice-cream. Since I moved away, I still drive to Fort Washington to enjoy a cone from Hovermale's.

The rude customer service ruined the experience. They are some RUDE young adults working this ice cream stand. Also, when ordering an ice cream cup option, they give you more whipped cream in the cup than ice cream. I came here for ice cream, not a cup full of whipped cream ...smh. I've patronized Hovermales for years. This by far was the worst experience. A Customer Service skills refresher is absoultely needed at this establishment. So very disappointing.

I love Hovermales. Hometown favorite for people in the area....Small menu but a good spot to stop at with your kids My biggest issue that they only accept cash so if your going to stop by make sure you have cash in hand.

Great soft serve ice cream next to an über cheap driving range in the middle of nowhere in Fort Washington by National Harbor and It's every bit worth the drive. The large cone is huge by the way, the heaping tower of ice cream is three times the length of the cone supporting it, but if I am driving all the way out here this fat kid is getting a freaking large cone. The cherry milkshakes are so darn good with real cherries!!! Seriously the creamiest soft serve ever. Cash only, and worth the lactose intolerance stomach pains I will be experiencing later. Don't forget they are closed all winter so get yours now!

Best place hands down! Ice cream is amazing, chili dogs are amazing as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I love the Dip Top here. That's vanilla soft serve dipped in chocolate that hardens a la Magic Shell, for all of you old enough to remember that. I wonder if they still make that. Anyway, the soft serve is tasty, dense, but creamy at the same time. I've had the plain soft serve and the twist, but the Dip Top is it. If you're within an, I dunno, 10 mile radius, check it out. So what if it looks like a little shack! You go to the window, get your stuff and eat in the car or just sit/stand in any random area surrounding the place. Driving away with a Dip Top in your hand is dangerous. I know. Don't do it. Don't you worry about safety either. There's chain link fencing around you. HAHA. All those other people out there can't be wrong, can they? Just go.

Pretty amazing soft serve. Definitely a neighborhood gem hidden from the masses of the DMV area! Small parking lot, walk to window and no seating or anything, but good prices and the creamiest, smoothest, amazing tasting soft serve ever. I usually don't do the whole soft serve thing for fear of the thousands of calories and fats (yea I'm a froyo girl), but THIS--- So. Worth. It. I don't care if you live 45 minutes away, if you haven't had this soft serve, don't tell me you know the best soft serve place around.