Shady Glen Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

This place is really good. I tried the classic crispy cheese cheeseburger and an incredible ice cream sunday. The cheeseburger was great but the sunday was probably one of the best I've ever had. Highly recommend!

Friend asked me what’s the best burger I ever had & this diner came to my mind. The grill cheese is definitely to die for 🧀

Egg salad Sammy was good, and the regular size ice cream sundae is big. Mostly the atmosphere here is great to bring a book and read at the counter and have a treat. I'd do it again!

I was extremely disappointed in the food. We ordered Cheeseburger platters and a side order of fries. The burgers were not great and my son's girlfriend couldn't even eat the fries. she said they were to greasy. cost my $62.00 for burgers and fries. Will not go back. This place has gone down hill!! I used to go here all the time growing up.. What happened to the condiment trays??

Love this place. Founded by a local couple in the 1940's and still run by folks with long ties to the business and community, Shady Glen is a rare gem in a sea of chains and corporate sameness. Their signature burgers with cheese melted on the grill on a lightly toasted bun are one-of-kind. The set-up and uniforms are strait out of Happy Days, as is the menu and the welcoming, family-friendly vibe. And don't even think about leaving without getting a sundae for dessert. Or, if ice cream is all you want, they do that too.

I grew up in Connecticut and have been coming to Shady Glen for most of my life. If it's your first time here I can recommend the cheese burger other then the plain taste you we be pleasantly surprised with presentation of the burger. The fries are not that great but if you like crinkle fries it's ok. The onion rings are pretty greasy from the oil it's cooked in. For a the price, you can go to five guys for the same price roughly and have a tastier burger. This place has always been a cash only restaurant, not sure why they choose not to update that but it is what it is so make sure you bring more then enough cash otherwise you will have to use their ATM and pay the fee. The milkshakes are great as always and the ingredients are fresh. I would highly recommend a shake or sundae over most else of their offerings. They do sell pints of ice cream as well so for ice cream lovers this is a great stop for visitors of Connecticut! Hopefully you found this review helpful, especially if you have yet to visit the Shady Glen. And thanks for taking the time to read this honest review.

Hard to read menus mounted on the walls. They bring you a Dixie cup with tepid water in it? Condiments are in packets. The relish packets were all sticky. The waitress brought me some that she washed. Couldn't open them because they were slippery. Tried using my teeth, no luck. The onion rings were overcooked and didn't have a nice onion taste. Tried my grandsons fries. The most tasteless fries. Wich went cold very fast. We got Sundays. They came in a very small metal dish. The hot fudge was dripping all over the sides. I couldn't hold the cup without getting it all over my hands. I had to hold the cup because when I tried to get a spoonful of ice cream it would slop over to the other side. Had to ask waitress for a plate dumped it on that so I could eat it without a mess. Ice cream did not have a nice flavor. Almost $18.00 for a lousy burger platter with no drink included. Very disgusting meal and atmosphere. Will never go back. Better meal at burger king or Wendy's

We have been talking about eating at Shady Glen for many years. Even though we grew up in the area it was our first time here. Just a heads up, this is a cash only place but they do have an ATM on site. When you walk in, you are immediately teleported back to 1950. It’s a quaint, retro diner, a little dated but very clean. We got the cheeseburger with the fried cheese and the cheesefurter, which is a hot dog with fried cheese. The fried cheese was definitely something you need to experience to understand. We loved it and we have never had anything like it. Also, I am kind of a Cole slaw snob and I actually loved the Cole slaw here, very good!! The overall quality of the food was excellent, definitely what you would expect from a retro 1950’s diner, the waitress was very attentive and sweet and we finished the meal off with some ice cream, which was also very good. We will definitely be going back soon, it’s a great overall experience!!

You can't beat the yummy burger with the unique, crunchy cheese! You can also upgrade to a platter, my husband did that and got onion rings and coleslaw as his sides. I stole some on my kid's French fries and they were crinkle cut, crisp on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. We had to wait a few minutes for seating, but it was worth it and we knew to expect it. It wasn't too loud when we were there, and we were able to get in and out fairly quickly to make it to see the Christmas lights a couple of towns away. I miss the relish trays of the past (pre-COVID), but still love a trip to Shady Glen when I need a great burger.

Cheeseburgers, french fries and a strawberry milkshake. Finish it off with a hot fudge sundae whipped cream and a cherry. Roll me out. Such a great place. Been eating their cheeseburgers since 1974! Luv Shady Glen

Wow, my review was severely overdue for an update. Although they closed the location Middle Turnpike West in Manchester a while back, the original location on Middle Turnpike East over near the Bolton line remains a cult classic staple in the region for simple burgers/cheeseburgers, diner type sandwiches, hotdogs, and of course delicious ice cream, shakes and sundaes. - Venue - The venue is classic 50/60's diner, from the tables and service areas, right down to the uniforms, limited menu, and cash only payment. Authentically. It's like a step back in time. Unlike how many similar restaurants would slather the walls with decor from that era, Shady Glen just lives it. - Service - Seating and service are usually quick, attentive and polite. The food is up quick too, but it's so basic that anything else would be hard to imagine. - Tips - Save room for ice cream. Seriously. Don't mess this up. They make it in house, and the flavors are delicious. If you screw it up, however, note that they have packed ice cream to go as well. If you're curious about the fried cheese, it comes on the cheeseburger, and there will be extra, so don't order the side of fried cheese if you're getting the cheeseburger and aren't sure if you'll like it or not. It's Cash only.

I ate there last night and I am sorry to say I had the worst cheeseburger I have ever had. My wife agreed. The ultra thin burgers are way overcooked to the point of being dry and tasteless. They lacked all flavor. The buns are dry and equally tasteless. They should upgrade their buns by using brioche rolls and maybe add an extra ounce of meat to the burgers. They may look pretty, but I honestly believe that McDonalds and Burger King make better burgers than the Shady Glen. I paid $18 for a burger, fries and cole slaw. Ugh. Yes, they make a terrific milkshake and their fries are also good but anyone can do that. The service is excellent-they have wonderful staff. Nice old time ambiance.

The time has come. I've known about the GREATEST OF ALL CHEESEBURGERS for decades and now I'm sharing it with you. The fact that the GOACH is served at a veritable time capsule of an establishment is a delightful by-product. The secret of the unparalleled cheeseburger are the crispy wings of cheese which envelop the burger and stick out the edge of the bulkie roll. The GOACH comes with no special sauce or salad ingredients. This is an unadulterated cheeseburger. This cheeseburger expert can't say enough about the wonders of said cheeseburger. Service is unparalleled, but I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil the surprise for those who haven't yet been there. Just know that if you haven't been treated to the Shady Glen way you are missing out. There's nothing fancy at this old fashioned "dairy bar" but it's clean and bright. No doubt many folks just go for the AMAZING ice cream (pumpkin chocolate chip a seasonal fav). You can eat outside at picnic tables too. There is oodles of parking in a lovely location. Whenever I get to Connecticut from the west coast I always go to Shady Glen.

8:30 "just so you know, the grill is closed, ice cream only" But you close at 9:00 You don't want my business.

I love nostalgic places like this, the atmosphere was awesome. The seating setup is fun with cool angles so everyone can be a served by a server behind the counter. The cheeseburger was ok, sort of felt like a gimmick. The cheese was good but the burger itself wasn't great and the bun was too bready. Fries good and onion rings above average. We had a strawberry shake and it was great. Also had a fresh coke. I wish the coke was sweeter probably not worth the $2.95 except for the fact that I am a sucker and loved watching them make it.

Absolutely one of the top five dining experiences of my life. The most amazing cafe you will ever visit. Words fail me. I really wish I had better command of the English language to do this place justice. Let's begin at the beginning. It has been open since sometime in the '40s and definitely has that vibe. Cooks on a griddle wearing paper hats and waitresses in classic diner outfits. The staff can magically navigate a maze of aisles behind the counter and access every booth and stool without ever leaving. The menus are posted on the wall and somewhat hard to navigate. They have a guy scooping ice cream at the front and you can get a delicious shake with your meal (although know that a shake will fill two glasses with some left over so two can definitely share). The fries are exactly what you would expect from an old-timey burger joint. Frozen crinkle cut fries that are cooked to perfection. I got a medium rare burger which was cooked to perfection - an amazing feat for a thin burger patty. And now for the true miracle. They overlap four pieces of cheese on the cheeseburger that spills out over the grill and creates an unbelievable, caramelized "cheese skirt". You can also just order the cheese grilled on the griddle without the burger, which is also amazing. Oh, how I wish I still lived close-by. Actually I don't. I would weigh 300 pounds.

If you haven't yet been to Shady Glen, I highly recommend it! Growing up in the area, this is a local treasure and I have so many fond memories here. The environment is so unique with the staff wearing the little white hats, the murals on the wall, and the charming feel of being in an old ice cream shoppe. I HIGHLY recommend their ice cream-- truly best ever! And if you haven't tried fried cheese at Shady Glen-- it's worth trying! When they make their cheeseburgers they put a special, crisped kind of cheese on top that is AMAZING and part of what makes Shady Glen legendary. I used to go and order just the cheese by itself -- to go with my ice cream of course. Shady Glen is the best!!!

Shady Glen, is still some of the best food i love to eat, ever time in come to CT. The staff is great and the food and ice cream is delicious. The ambiance is old dining experience.

Came to try the ice creams only. As usual this place is packed. We had a large group of kids and adults about 20 of us, we got there to have the ice creams. The place is wide and has plenty of seating. They also have a bar like area. The must try ice cream flavor is the orange pineapple. I personally got it as a milk shake. They scoop the ice cream in front of you and put it in the milk shaker machine to give you the best tasting flavored shake. You could get your ice cream either in a cup or cone. Service is quick they are all dressed up with aprons and deli style. I highly recommend this place for great ice creams, will return to try out the dining.

This was an establishment that I went back in the day. It was always the place to get the special cheese the way they make it. I brought my kids to experience it and they were not thrilled. They have not remodeled and looks the same as it did back 30 years ago. They still use handwritten paper checks and old registers. Cash only as if you don't have it there is a ATM in the restaurant. The poor waitresses wear the same ugly informs and the men have to wear the uncomfortable white paper hats. I wasn't happy w the portion sizes either and for 4 people it was $35 and laft to go to DQ for more as we were still hungry.

**NOTE** Shady Glen is 'cash only', but they do have an ATM on site. As noted before, Shady Glen is a CT icon. A throwback to the old diners and Woolworth lunch counters. The women wear green dresses with white aprons, the men wear white shirts, maroon bowties, and paper hats, and they mix their soda the old-fashioned way: the syrup first, then the soda water. You may want to stir yours thoroughly before drinking. Or get a delicious shake! Service is usually quick, but I should note that weekends can be busy, and you may have to stand in one of the lines (there are two... left side and right - more tables on the right side) for a little bit. But it's worth it! I, too, always get the same thing. The hamburger platter, which comes with 2 4-ounce patties, fries, and coleslaw. I am not a slaw fan, so they substitute with extra fries. Top it all off with a sundae or cone or buy a carton when you leave. Shady Glen makes their own ice cream. FUN FACT, that delicious cheese on their burgers is made especially for Shady Glen by a Wisconsin dairy with just enough oil so it doesn't stick to the grill when they fry it.

"Well, I did not think the girl Could be so cruel And I'm never going back To my old school" (Steely Dan) Talk about Old School. Shady Glen is about as Old School as it gets. About as Old School as humanly possible. Shady Glen goes way back to 1948 and you sure get the vibes of a 1950's kind of diner when you walk in. They have a full menu of diner style foods, and are best know for their ice cream and "winged" cheeseburger that feature a big oozing crispy puddle of melted cheese surrounding their burger patties. Their burgers are so unique and fantastic they were spotlighted on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" in 2009. We didn't go there for food, but popped in after spending a few hours in the hot sun at nearby Charter Oak Park. I guess you could say that ice cream was on our mind. We sat at the counter and noticed there were no paper menus or QR codes. After all this is an Old School place. Instead there were a dozen or so ancient menu boards all over the walls advertising sandwiches, burgers, platters, breakfasts, and ice cream. We ordered two small dishes - orange pineapple and chocolate chip. Have to be honest, the smalls were pretty small for $4.50 a pop. Some ice cream shops give you 2 scoops in their "smalls", so you can mix and match flavors. Not here, a small is one smallish scoop. But the ice cream was FANTASTIC. Service was average, and our cash tip wasn't even acknowledged with a smile, a nod, or even a plain old thank you. That always bothers me.

Delicious food, excellent service, charming country ambiance, and amazing ice cream. A must-visit!

This place was so good! We walked in and it was a very diner style place and I loved the style of the spot very classic and took me back in time. The service was quick and good. There was no menus and only cash. The ice cream was delicious very tasty. And the fries were also very good fresh and tasty. I will be coming back to try their food or more ice cream. !

It's been a while since we stopped here for lunch. We were going home after vacationing in New Hampshire and decided to stop here for lunch. We were immediately seated after arriving. Daughter ordered the cheesefurter platter, which was recommended by our server. The cheese is fried directly on the grill until it has four crisp corners, or wings, and these protrude far out from under the top bun like a crown when the hot dog is served. She liked it and thought it was different and was glad she tried it. I had the cheeseburger platter and it was made the same way. I liked it and never had it that way either. Hubs had Cod sandwich and thought it was ok. It was just a fried rectangular cod on top of a roll. We also ordered minestrone soup and thought it was ok. There was beef in it and we didn't expect it. Hubs said it tasted like beef chili. Usually, minestrone soup is vegetarian, so we were surprised. I was bummed that I couldn't bring a container of ice cream home with me because we live far away. Our server left while serving us and we didn't realize it until it was time to get our check. They have all these half gallon ice cream containers that you see upon entering. I was bummed I couldn't get one because we had a long drive ahead of us and it wouldn't have survived the ride. I'm glad that we got a chance to try it again.

The family & myself were looking for a light bite & ice cream. Not knowing what to expect, decided to eat there. This being our first time, after entering, it was like taking a step back in time. It's old school ice cream fountain, counter with stools & booths. Service is old school dresses & bow ties. The service was good & the prices were reasonable. There were numerous trained & dedicated employees. They needed them to accommodate what I suspect is a typical crowd. They only take cash - (there was an ATM) which could be why the prices are reasonable but the reason why I didn't award five stars. And oh yea, the strawberry shortcake is the best I've ever had.

Pretty sad how it's turning. New young line cooks need to be let go. Close breakfast 20 minutes before 11 when for the last 20 years I have been able to sit down at 10:59 and still be served breakfast. Line cook said he was lazy because they weren't busy. That shouldn't be a reason to get even less customers. Says Billy isn't here so he doesn't care, not sure if the owner lets this lingo slide but last I knew Billy was very proud of his business. Wild how they act different when Billy isn't present.

Food was like it came off a conveyor belt burger plater was just patties and fries and it seemed all prefrozen The people were friendly yet the decor gave you the your kind isn't welcome fifties vibes

I haven't been here in 20 years back when my mother would take me after hockey practice in Bolton. I was back in CT with my kid and took him on a nostalgia trip. It's exactly the same as I remembered it. If you've never been, get the burger with the fried cheese. The burger itself isn't anything special (I'd even dare to say it's slightly below average) but the cheese makes it. Fries, onion rings, and ice cream are all on point. The service was friendly. Bring cash- they don't take cards.

Cash only , no organization as far as seating goes, first come first served. Once you get past that, be prepared for a step back in time. Totally worth any wait. The signature cheeseburger is to die for, the shakes are perfect! Wished I lived closer!

It pains me to write this but the Shady Glenn has lost its luster. During a recent trip the service was terrible and the food subpar. Little details like the tiny drink of water in a dixie cup matter. The relish tray is from a bygone past replaced with packets of condiments. Bernice wouldn't want her name on THIS burger. It was shameful. The oversized stale hamburger bun was all i could taste. Hopefully my experience was an anomaly but i fear this is the new norm . Stick with the ice cream sundae and shakes

Be sure use correct address. Chessbuger and milkshakes very good The waitress were great the atmosphere very nice. Nice time traveling experience.

It is really tough to invent a time machine But if you want to make a good version of a true food experience Shady Glen Dairy. Is worth the drive I look forward too my next visit Tell friends and family I found a true food experience travel to Shady Glen Dairy

Excellent food, especially the cheeseburger. The service is top-notch--fast, courteous, friendly, and accurate. The diner feels comfortable, welcoming, and clean.

The food is great !! Service was fast and very polite the place has a cool old school vibe as far as ambiance.

Oh baby we're back! Shady Glen used to be our old spot in high school and we had a spur the moment idea to go this weekend. Just as good as we remembered and still an absolute CT gem. FYI you have to know what you're doing when you come here - so come with a friend or read some reviews. It's seat yourself and if there's a line, you wait until you're at the front and wait for an open table. On a Saturday night in Oct. there was no line and we sat down right away. They're also CASH ONLY but have an ATM on site. The menus are on the wall but honestly they're not needed because you're obviously here because you heard about the fried cheese... so of course you're getting a burger. Get a side of fries and a side of onion rings and sit back and enjoy. OH and definitely order a soda as they're mixed to order just like a 50s diner with free refills. It's magic. I never drink soda but I had 3 glasses during this trip... AS ONE SHOULD. Of course, be sure to finish with a bowl of their homemade ice cream or even better, order a milkshake. The chocolate milkshake is absolutely the best - reminiscent of a classic McDonald's shake but 150% better. I can't say enough good things about this joint, it's an absolute CT classic and I'm so happy it lived up to how I remembered it! Never change Shady Glen, never change.

This place has such a nice vibe. I love the old fashion theme, although it is cash only, I'd still come here often!! The ice cream was AMAZING. Haven't tried the food yet but when I doooo I will be back! The service was great, the waitress was very attentive, and helpful. Staff is very friendly. Not to mention, the prices are very very good! Will be coming back for sure.

It was ok. I was curious to try their burgers because WFSB is having a contest on CT best burger place & SG seems to be getting a lot of votes. So the cheese that folds around the burger was the best part. The burger was bland, the fries were mediocre and the menus were on the wall.. I can see but not everyone can. That was stupid. It cost me $41 for 2 platters & I'm one & done. I know what good food is supposed to taste like..it was passing but not going again.

When in Manchester your can't not come here for the "winged cheeseburger". Upon arrival at your table your greeted from your waitress with a paper doily and a dixie cup of water before ordering. My favorite is a cheeseburger platter with a side of winged cheese and crispy French fries. As always these are piping hot and cooked to perfection. This place has been making burgers since the 50s and they keep with the nostalgia look and atmosphere. Be prepared to wait a few minutes, people love it here so it's usually packed. The location is perfect and plenty of parking. Of course, you can't leave with out a half gallon or two of their homemade ice cream! The staff is a very nice and accommodating. Got her you won't regret it! PSA... they don't take credit cards but there is an ATM there.

So sad to see an iconic place like this go so downhill. We used to LOVE coming here for the juicy burgers with the crispy cheese, the retro vibe, everything clean as a whistle. We came here last night and noticed immediately how trashed the place seemed; smashed french fries and bits of burger and straw papers all over the floor. This should have been a red flag, Then proceeded to order--and try to eat--what was arguably the worst burger I've ever had, anywhere. Super dry, overdone and tasteless--I wanna say hockey puck but I honestly think a hockey puck would have been tastier. Didn't even finish half of my $8.10 burger. So disappointing. Partner had the scallops platter, which used to be pretty good, The breading was hard and tasteless, the french fries tasteless as well. I didn't even bother to try to negotiate with the waitperson. We came here last year and it wasn't great then either, but I thought, "well, every place can have a bad night." And we loved Shady Glen!i I rarely, if ever, ding a restaurant outright, because I've worked in the business and understand that any place can have a bad night, but this was SO bad. We won't be back. I feel bad for the kids who work there. Save your money and go to Burger Heaven in Portland instead. They are what Shady Glen used to be.

What a cool place great burgers and fun old school ambiance. The service was also good servers were friendly and attentive.

Great little spot for ice cream and desserts. Was driving by and remembered I had heard about this place and their burgers so we decided to stop in. Just walk on in and have a seat. Don't wait to be seated. Menus are on the walls all around you but the wait staff kind of expect you to already know what you want. Took a bit to look around, took a seat at the counter and both of us ordered the cheeseburger platter. Their big thing is a cheesy skirt around the burger. Maybe the wife and I came in a bad night. The "skirt" was rock hard and disintegrated into pieces when you bit into the burger. Speaking of the burger, it just tasted off to me. Like it was old beef. Coleslaw was great though and loved the fries. Waitstaff was friendly enough but more interested in their friend that was visiting. Winner of the night was the strawberry shortcake dessert. Even if that's all you want I would recommend giving that a try. It's a can't miss on that.

I've been here twice and like most of the review say it's a flashback from the past. Burgers are OK though it is fun the way they come out and I do like the cheese,onion rings and fries don't have much taste and the ice cream is pretty basic as well. They only take cash.

They only take cash, their ATM only lets you take out 20's, staff is unhelpful to people who have never been. The milkshakes were good but burgers were not. It was extremely over priced 75$ for two people who only got a burger and a milkshake each.

Shady Glen Dairy Stores is an American diner-style restaurant and ice cream parlor that opened in Manchester, Connecticut in June 1948. It was founded by husband and wife John and Bernice Rieg. John was the son of German immigrants and also a dairy farmer. In 1946, he worked closely with Leonard Dowd (a University of Connecticut Professor of Dairy Manufacturing) to come up with new formulas for ice cream. After successfully selling their homemade ice cream on their farm, the Riegs decided to open their own restaurant where they could sell it. Their menu consists of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, French fries, onion rings, and several other diner-style staples. They also carry about 20 flavors of their homemade ice cream. Arguably their most popular dish is the "Bernice Original": a cheeseburger made with four slices of American cheese. The corners of the cheese cook directly on the griddle which results in the cheese having a crispy "winged" appearance. William J. Hoch (the son of the Riegs' cousin) began working at the Shady Glen in 1953 at the age of 15. By 1970, he became the Executive Manager. John Rieg passed away in 2003 and Bernice followed him in 2007. Ownership passed onto Hoch, who passed away in 2017. Today the establishment is owned by his son William "Billy" Hoch. A second location opened at the Manchester Parkade shopping center in 1965, but it closed down in 2020 due to the pandemic. I was first introduced to the Shady Glen by one of my best friends who grew up in Manchester. I've been there several times over the years and I've never been disappointed. I recently brought my wife and son for lunch; it was their first visit. Walking into the Shady Glen is like journeying back in time to a 1950s soda shop; the employees still dress in uniforms from that era. I ordered the Bernice Original with a side of Onion Rings, my wife ordered a Chicken Sandwich with a side of Fries, and our son had a Cheesefurter with a side of Fries. Everything was delicious! We washed everything down with some delicious Shady Glen milkshakes: I had Black Cherry Chocolate Chip, my wife had Chocolate Chip Mint, and our son had Cookies and Cream. We ended up purchasing a half gallon of Cookies and Cream ice cream to take home. I've made new Shady Glen fans out of my family and we look forward to returning again and again.

One of my favorite restaurants, wish they were in MASS. Love those burgers. They have ice cream too.

Gave this a try after many years and was pleasantly surprised! Yet 2 times after not so much. Last order buns were old and falling apart. Burger wasn't cooked all the way. Fries had no salt, rings were ok. Sadly most of the burger ended up in the trash. Service was fine and restaurant still looks the same.

Shady glen is the epitome of old school. They have been doing the same delicious food and service w a smile now for 75yrs. As soon as you walk in and see the male employees wearing shirts and bow ties and the women employees wearing these nostalgic green uniforms you feel like you have gone back in time to where every town would have a luncheonette spot where you could get simple food done right. Speaking of the food, after my wife and I tried a bunch of stuff including the cheeseburger, fried chicken, hot dog, French fries, onion rings, side of cheese and a lemon cooler (lemon sorbet frozen drink) I recommend the cheeseburger for sure the onion rings over the fries and that lemon cooler was amazing (they make a orange one as well) the fried chicken was good but I def prefer my fried chicken on the bone and the hot dog was well enough but didn't necessarily stand out. I'm not much of a coleslaw person but shady makes a good one if you are Into that. Def don't leave without having their very creamy and delicious ice cream or if possible take some home. They have various sizes already packed or you are welcome to have them hand pack a flavor if you don't see in display. Man I wish there were more of these kind of spots still around.

Yes, it's Kitchy, old fashioned, and people that don't get the crispy cheese overlap just never will; but it's tradition! And delicious! Go watch a few old episodes of "Happy Days" if you need to get in the mood. And try the coke slaw! And the grape nut ice cream, admire the soda fountain uniforms and for Gods sake, don't count calories or think about nitrates in hotdogs. Just go eat and have FUN. It's amazing!!!!!

First I will say the service is always good, and the ice cream is always top notch. However the food is not great. $8 for a tiny dried out 1/4 pd patty. Don't care how much cheese they put on $8 is to much for a frozen product. The food is never seasoned (pre seasoning is the most important step in cooking). I understand that this place is a staple in Manchester, but if you want to eat good quality tasting food this place is not it.

My first visit here was as a toddler at age two fifty-five years ago. Coming here during the week before Thanksgiving has been a family tradition - I can remember my grandfather bringing all of us (20+), and I still come with my mom and my child. I hope that the restaurant stays with us for another seventy-five years. You MUST try their cheeseburger or cheesefurter and their ice cream (this may be the only place to get Mince ice cream and Egg Nog ice cream(. Don't be discouraged by how busy it gets. Just join the group of 'vultures' along the walls and be patient for a booth or an individual seat to come open- I promise it's worth the wait, and the wait for the food once seated is not very long. The staff is a very helpful mix of ages. A special tip of the hat to Meghan and Lilly! Be aware - the place is cash only.

Classic spot. ICE CREAM is ICONIC. I recommend the hot blueberry! The burgers with the crispy cheese are fantastic. This is my Dad's favorite spot.

We usually stop by when visiting family..a little surprised I haven't left a review previously. I love the cheeseburger with the fried cheese (it's a Shady Glen specialty. The ice cream is also not to be missed. The tables are all booths, and we have been here before where the line for a table snaked around the restaurant. It feels a little like stepping back in time. Love this place on all levels!

Step back in time to the 1950s. The booths, counter & stools, and details down to the ice cream dishes and server's uniforms are authentic. Ice cream flavors are mostly traditional with a few current favorites. There are many toppings, including a few I hadn't seen in a while such as hot blueberry and pineapple. The peppermint ice cream with hot fudge, chocolate almond joy, and cherry vanilla hot fudge sundae topped with whipped cream were delicious.

I had heard a lot about this restaurant. The hamburger looked like a preformed frozen burger with a stale crumbling roll. The Diet Coke was flat and they gave you a very small Dixie cup of water. The ice cream and service was very good.

Been coming to the two locations since the seventies as a kid. I know it was almost a crisis when the cheese supplier was changed. However, thankfully they were able to find a supplier that had the cheese that did exactly what they wanted to I cannot say the same about the rolls. Why the change I can only imagine again it has to do with the manufacturer or supplier. However, they need to find a better substitute. The roles are too bulky and dense and detract from what essentially to me is a piece of history. The service and everything else is top notch, it's not like I'm not going to die there again, but the rules have to be changed.

Super charming place that feels like a trip back in time! They don't take any cards, so make sure you bring cash handy! (They have an ATM machine inside if you need.) The decor is reminiscent of an old diner in the 50s- from the plastic booths, neon lights and the uniforms. We came at 1pm on a Friday and it was packed! Turnover is pretty quick, as ice cream is the highlight! The food is what you'd expect from a diner- burgers, grilled cheese, egg salad, cole slaw, etc. They have a signature crispy cheese that is featured on their burgers- I wish I was hungrier, I'll have to come back to try that! The onion rings look crispy! The ice cream was delicious. I had the blueberry sundae (blueberry ice cream with fresh blueberries, fresh whipped cream and topped with a beautiful cherry. My friend had a sundae with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Very cute place! My only wish is that they had an outdoors seating / ordering area for ice cream! Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity there for the warmer seasons. We will definitely be back with emptier bellies so we can dig into some food!