Picture a small town where summer tastes like vanilla swirls, crispy cones, and porch-light evenings. Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City is that sweet spot locals swear by, with old-fashioned scoops that make memories feel brand new. You can smell the waffle cones before you see the cheerful window and that iconic soft-serve curl. Come hungry, stay curious, and let nostalgia do the rest.
The Signature Vanilla Twist
Locals say the vanilla twist at Goldie’s tastes like the first day of summer vacation. It is impossibly creamy, with a clean vanilla note that is sweet but never cloying. One bite and you remember bike rides, fireflies, and sticky fingers on a warm Iowa night.
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Order it in a classic cake cone or upgrade to a waffle cone for extra crunch. The soft-serve holds its shape with that perfect carnival-style curl. Add rainbow sprinkles if you want a little sparkle without overwhelming the flavor.
You will finish the cone faster than expected, which is a good excuse to order another. Simple, nostalgic, and totally satisfying, this twist sets the Goldie’s standard.
Chocolate Dipped Cone
There is something magical about the chocolate dip at Goldie’s. The shell snaps just right, revealing soft, cool ice cream underneath. You get that warm-cold contrast as the chocolate melts and the vanilla chills your tongue.
Ask for a thick dip if you want extra crunch, because the team is happy to oblige. The chocolate has a cocoa-forward taste that avoids waxy sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the classic vanilla or the seasonal twist flavor.
Wear a napkin like a badge of honor, because summer drips happen. That perfect crackle and drip are part of the fun. A dipped cone here turns an ordinary treat into a little celebration.
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Sundae
This sundae is summer in a dish, piled with ripe strawberry topping that tastes like farm-stand fruit. The sauce is bright and not too sweet, with soft chunks that burst as you eat. A cloud of whipped cream and a cherry make it photo-ready.
Get it with vanilla or a half-and-half twist if you like the creamy balance. The chilled dish keeps everything frosty until the last spoonful. You might want extra napkins for the happy pink trails.
It is classic without feeling dated, and you can share, though you probably will not. The portion is generous for the price. This is the flavor that makes locals sigh, yep, that is summer.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Legend
Goldie’s is not just ice cream, and locals will insist you try the breaded pork tenderloin. It is pounded thin, fried golden, and dramatically larger than the bun in true Iowa style. Each bite crunches, then gives way to juicy pork and tangy pickles.
Order it with mustard and onions for that roadside-diner vibe. The sandwich pairs surprisingly well with a vanilla soft-serve cone for dessert. Salty then sweet, crisp then creamy, your taste buds will thank you.
This is the kind of sandwich that inspires road trips. It is humble, affordable, and utterly satisfying. Come for the scoops, stay for the pork tenderloin that might steal the show.
Caramel Turtle Sundae
When you want decadent, the caramel turtle sundae brings the goods without going overboard. Think velvety soft-serve, warm caramel, hot fudge, and a sprinkle of pecans for buttery crunch. Every bite is a cozy hug that sticks with you just enough.
The balance here is key, with nuts providing texture and salt. Ask for extra caramel if you prefer a drippier finish. It is the kind of sundae that slows you down in the best way.
Grab a spoon and dig for pockets of sauce at the bottom. You will find hidden treasure in every layer. This one turns a quick stop into a sit-and-savor moment.
Peach Shake Seasonal Special
When peaches hit their stride, Goldie’s turns them into a dreamy shake that tastes like front-porch hospitality. It is thick, creamy, and studded with soft peach bits that surprise your straw. The flavor feels sun warmed, like fruit picked an hour ago.
Ask for a spoon and a wide straw if you like to alternate sips and bites. This shake is sweet but keeps a fresh tang that avoids syrupy overload. It is a seasonal must that flies off the menu.
If you see it, order it, then walk the block to enjoy the breeze. The cup chills your hand while the peach warms your mood. Summer, bottled and blended.
Chocolate Malt Like Grandpa Loved
Some flavors never age, and this chocolate malt proves it with nostalgic charm. The malt powder adds toastiness and depth, balancing the cocoa and cream. You will taste childhood memories you did not know you still had.
It is thick enough to stand a spoon, yet sippable with a steady pull. Ask for extra malt if you want that old-soda-fountain oomph. A cherry on top makes it feel like a treat you earned.
Pair it with salty fries or a pork tenderloin for the sweetest contrast. The paper cup sweats in the warm air, and you will not mind. Simple, sturdy, and deeply satisfying, this malt delivers.
Sundae Flight For Sharing
Can not decide between flavors? The sundae flight makes choices painless and fun. Three mini sundaes arrive lined up, each with its own sauce and sprinkle personality.
Mix and match classic hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry. Or ask for a surprise trio if you like to be delighted. Sharing is easy, but you can also claim a spoon and guard your favorite.
The flight is perfect for families and indecisive dessert enthusiasts. It turns a quick stop into a little tasting adventure. You will leave with a new favorite and plans to come back.
Kids Cone With Sprinkles
Small hands, big grins, and a cone designed to make both parents and kids happy. The kids cone at Goldie’s keeps portions modest without skimping on flavor. Rainbow sprinkles add color and joy, and the cone is easy to hold.
You can choose vanilla, chocolate, or twist, and nobody will feel left out. Ask for a napkin bracelet to catch drips before they win. The staff is patient and kind, which helps wrangle little sugar tornadoes.
It is affordable, cheerful, and reliably crowd pleasing. Snap a quick photo by the window for a keepsake. This cone turns an ordinary errand into a bright mini celebration.
Root Beer Float Classic
Few things scream American summer like a frosty root beer float. Goldie’s nails the ratio, letting the soft-serve dome float on fizzy, peppery soda. You get creamy sips followed by sweet foam mustaches.
The first spoonful is pure nostalgia, then the straw steps in for easy sipping. Ask for extra root beer if you like it more bubbly than creamy. The soft-serve melts into silky swirls that taste like childhood fairs.
Set it on a picnic table and listen to the fizz pop in the air. Each gulp refreshes without feeling heavy. This float is a porch-swing mood in a cup.
Waffle Cone Freshly Pressed
Follow your nose to the waffle cone press, where the air smells like butter and brown sugar. Goldie’s makes cones that are crisp at the edges and tender inside. They hug soft-serve beautifully and add toasty flavor.
Ask for a warm cone if timing lines up, because that is a tiny luxury worth chasing. The ridges catch drips and hold toppings without collapse. You will hear the crunch that makes every lick feel bigger.
Even a simple vanilla twist becomes a little feast in this cone. It is an upgrade that feels special but stays affordable. Treat yourself to the full waffle experience.
Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae
When the sweet tooth roars, the hot fudge brownie sundae answers with confidence. A warm brownie anchors the dish, then soft-serve cascades over like snowfall. Hot fudge pools into pockets that you will chase with your spoon.
The temperature contrast makes every bite exciting. Ask for nuts if you like crunch, or keep it smooth and chocolatey. Whipped cream and a cherry crown the whole thing like a victory lap.
Share it or claim it solo after a long week. Either way, you will not leave a crumb behind. This sundae proves Goldie’s can be cozy and bold at once.
Local Love: Community Vibes
Goldie’s feels like a community living room disguised as an ice cream stand. You see neighbors waving, baseball teams celebrating, and road trippers joining the line. The staff greets regulars by name and newcomers with genuine smiles.
That feeling starts at the window and spills onto the curb. You can sit, chat, and watch Prairie City roll by at an easy pace. The prices stay fair, which keeps everyone coming back.
If you need a pick me up, this is the place. The joy is contagious, and the scoops taste better for it. Summer energy, even on breezy fall afternoons.
Budget Friendly Bites
At Goldie’s, small-town prices still exist, and that makes trying new treats easy. You can grab a cone, share fries, and split a sundae without stressing the wallet. It is a relief in a world where simple pleasures feel pricey.
Combo ideas help you stretch dollars while tasting a little of everything. The menu is posted clearly so you can decide before the window. Kids and teens can order with their own saved-up allowance.
There is pride in being affordable without cutting corners. You taste the value in the quality and portion sizes. It keeps the place buzzing with happy regulars.
Hours And Best Times To Go
Goldie’s opens at 11 AM most days, with longer hours on Saturday and closures midweek. Wednesday and Thursday are closed, so plan ahead to dodge disappointment. Evenings bring lines, but service moves quickly and the wait feels festive.
Early afternoon is golden if you prefer a quieter vibe. Weekends have a fun buzz and families celebrating after games. Bring patience and sunscreen during peak summer heat.
Check the website or call before you drive if weather looks iffy. Iowa skies can surprise, and hours sometimes adjust. Either way, the first lick makes the timing worth it.
Practical Tips For First Timers
Bring cash and card, because flexibility helps when you spot a sudden craving. Scan the menu while waiting, then ask the friendly crew for recommendations. You will want extra napkins for dipped cones and sundaes with warm sauces.
Parking is straightforward on nearby streets, and the walk is short. Keep an eye on little ones near the curb at busy times. If you are road tripping, a cooler helps for take-home pints if available.
Snap photos quickly, because soft-serve is a sprinter, not a marathoner. Sharing bites is encouraged to maximize tasting. Leave room for a second round if something steals your heart.
Why Locals Say It Tastes Like Summer
It is not just dairy and sugar. It is the way Goldie’s scoops pair with warm sidewalks, cicadas, and casual conversations. You taste sunshine, even when clouds drift by.
Old-fashioned recipes keep flavors clean and honest. The soft-serve feels silky, not heavy, so you can enjoy another cone. A little salt from the tenderloin sharpens the sweet, making everything pop.
Memories attach themselves to each visit, and that is the secret ingredient. You come for ice cream and leave with a mood. That mood is summer, pure and simple.
How To Find Us And Plan Your Visit
Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe sits at 304 W 2nd St, Prairie City, IA 50228, easy to spot near the heart of town. Pop the coordinates 41.5963176, -93.2394488 into maps and follow your cravings. You can call +1 515-994-3190 or check goldiesicecreamshoppe.com for updates.
Hours usually run 11 AM to 8:30 PM most days, with Saturday later and Wednesday and Thursday closed. The rating sits at 4.7 stars, which locals will tell you is well earned. Bring friends, an appetite, and curiosity.
Order at the window, snag a seat, and soak in the small-town charm. Take a tenderloin to share and a sundae to savor. See you soon under that cheerful window.
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