Smiling Parrot

The Smiling Parrot is a seasonal ice cream joint owned by a Swedesboro-​Woolwich resident and is a throwback to the locally owned South Jersey custard stands of yesteryear. The decorating will likely remind you of your first apartment with cast offs, hand painted signs, and mismatched menu boards. But, just like that apartment, that just means that the Smiling Parrot knows how to party!
The Smiling Parrot is set back from the road with plenty of parking and seating all around the former house that holds the business. Jimmy Buffet is blasting over the speakers and potted plants and Christmas lights provide just the right atmosphere to enjoy a warm Spring day or hot summer night. It will remind you of sitting out on your back deck, but with better dessert (ummm … and no beer)!
Kids are welcome and they have sidewalk chalk set out for kids to draw on any of the paved surfaces — fun!
Their soft serve is a little creamier than I prefer, but it is still delicious. They have the flavor jet machine that lets them add artificial flavor to vanilla or chocolate. The water ice is homemade with plenty of flavor selection. They feature hard pack ice cream from Richman’s and some delicious combination premium sundaes — I can’t wait to try the peanut butter one the next time I come.
Like all good dives, they offer a food challenge. The Hurricane is 10 scoops of ice cream with hot fudge, caramel, nuts, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and cherry for only $ 9.95. If one person can finish it in 10 minutes or less, you win a free $ 10 gift card!
They lost a star today because it looks like they only had 1 person working which meant that the service was a little slow. I went during an off peak time, but I think there should always be two people. New for this year they are taking credit cards, which makes things more convenient for that family trip because the prices are not what I would consider cheap.
Enjoy summer at The Smiling Parrot!