Do NOT sleep on Big Dipper Ice Cream! This place blew my mind with the amount of ice cream flavors they had to offer. I made the mistake of coming here solo and then having to call hubby to read to him alllll the flavors because I couldn't dare do that for him. One flavor sounds better than the next - strawberry cheese cake - what?! Moosetracks? Yeah, i'm gonna need that too! Then they trip you up with toppings! Too many decisions! I'm on vacation! I opted to get two scoops for each of us because no one walks outta here with just one. I got the strawberry cheesecake and moosetracks - a deadly sinful combo, while I got for hubby pistachio and cookies n' cream. We didn't come up for air while eating these! I found these flavors to be far superior to Ship Bottom Ice Cream - yes - I said it! There's a reason why everyone comes here as soon as the sun comes down. It's a great little family establishment with the hardest working teenagers and young adults I've ever seen. Sit on the benches outside or drive back to your beach rental and enjoy while watching the sunset. HUGE fan! read more

Go here for the best ice-cream on the island and huge generous portions! We've been coming here for years and keep coming back despite trying many other ice-cream joints on the island. This is our go to!! I love the coconut icecream with rainbow sprinkles and get it everytime. HUGE Generous portions and toppings!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they put sprinkles at the bottom of the cup before your ice-cream is scooped to ensure you get sprinkles in every bite! This is a key differentiator that will bring me back every time!! With this "small size" barely anyone is able to finish it...they say it's two scoops but you know no scoop like the Big Dipper...it does live up to its name! If you ever saw the movie Uncle Buck the best way to describe the portions if you imagine how it was when uncle buck has to "eat and finish the grizzle" for the steak eating competition and it's nearly impossible! I used to get a lid and would save 1/2 in our freezer when we were staying in Harvey cedars but now we are further away so that's no longer an option. TIP: After several years of ordering the "small" (which is anything but small) I noticed they have a "Little Dipper single scoop" option and went this route this time without whipcream or the cherry...which was a smart choice...as it was still a generous portion but I was able to finish it this time! Before, I felt like I was often unable to finish the "small" and felt bad throwing out 1/2 the ice-cream...every time...there's so much wasted. One time I told my son to just give me his mint chip before he threw it out because it's really a big enough portion for two to share. If I was having a birthday on the island I'd like to have an ice-cream cake from here bc Johnny's cakes look like the best ice-cream cakes I've ever seen outside of cold stone creamery. I'm always blown away at the people who order anything other than a small or even the banana splits which offer a ridiculous and obscene amount of dessert. The milk shakes also look amazing if you're into them. The only heads up I'd say is if you have a peanut allergy be careful because I did wind up with a few Reeces pieces in my topping which was actually a nice surprise/accident for me but might not be for everybody esp if you have an allergy. Kids bring your quarters! One other watch out: If you get a blue gum-ball make sure it's the cerulean lighter blue color vs the dark royal blue so you don't get your hopes up about getting a free ice-cream as was the case for us! The staff is always kind even though they have a huge line! No shirt, no shoes is no problem! However the floor is sooo gross and sticky I'd highly recommend wearing footwear! read more

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Best ice cream place I've ever been to! My family and I always come here on vacation. The staff is fantastic and they have immense flavor options :) read more

As a current ice cream shop employee I know what it's like to work at a busy shop. I got here and the employees not very happy to be here they look like extremely miserable. I understand ur working but some people are on vacation and ur bad attitude makes me sad and hate my life. I got a PB milkshake after seeing a scoop A SCOOP of ice cream is $7 so I got the $10.50 milkshake. She handed it to me with the dirtiest look and it was liquid. I got two more and they were like normal. Had to ask for a new one half full and a bitchy look. Thanks Big Dipper more like Big Diaper. read more

I got a chocolate milkshake and it was basically a cup of milk. I had my friends try it and they agreed it was the worst milkshake they've ever had. We asked the worker to add more ice cream or something to improve the taste but it was still horrible and it was $10.00 which is ridiculous for a milkshake. read more

We visited during the off season when things settle down. - One of few ice cream spots open long hours - Dairy, non-dairy and egg-free options - Good ice cream and sorbet, cakes are so cool! - Service was reasonable and accommodating to everyone's questions and requests - Not much seating but everyone seems to rest up wherever they feel comfortable outside Support local and patron this cute ice cream shop on this beautiful island! read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - The cakes are ridic! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

Good service, good ice cream and nice size scoops of ice cream. Lines are not long and quick service

Marvelous South New Jersey ice cream shack. How was it? What was it like? Big Dipper was like a set from a movie. Bright neon signs, about 250+ different flavors. There were all sorts of stickers, drawings and signs on the walls inside - it was run by local school kids but there was practically no line. There's Haagen Dasz (delicious) and then there are places like this that bring back that student vibe. That long ago type - maybe even simplicity - vibe where the ambiance is just disheveled and haphazard enough (not too much) to elicit that uniqueness and happiness associated with real ice cream and ice cream cones. Big Dipper offered above and beyond what anyone could imagine in an old-days (bygone days) ice cream establishment. The staff was quick and super efficient with scoopers and they were very, generous with their lumps of ice cream! There were seats out front to sit (not enough for all those sweet-toothed older folks I might add) but it didn't matter anyway, because some of the young teens just sat on the porch or the stairs and gazed at the stars chattering away.. My two scoops were Black Cherry (scrumptious) and I thought it was caramel, but it ended up being peanut butter (also great!). They were heaped into a standard wax cup and it started to melt a bit on the way home. In the back you could see the actual flavors and ice and dairy: PROOF that this place - Big Dipper - make some of their own ice cream on site. Awesome place. Hands down: YOU CAN'T GO WRONG YELP!. Review: Boom 5 read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Peanut Butter underneath Black Cherry on top at The Big Dipper ice cream shop.. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

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The best scooper on the island Patrick Quinn showed me a different kind of cream in the back!

Completely overrated. I'm guessing the high ratings are for the amount of ice cream they load into a a cup. But when I'm paying $8 for a brownie sundae and they're using factory-made ice cream, factory-made brownie pieces, BARELY ANY hot fudge, and rocky road ice cream with NO nuts in it, it was a complete disappointment. Ice cream taste wasn't that great either. I prefer QUALITY over quantity. And here is how I'd improve the sundae: start with a generous portion of hot fudge on the bottom of the cup, use half the amount of ice cream (nobody needs 4 scoops of ice cream in a small sundae when the toppings are being sacrificed), and BAKE the brownies in-house. Threw away most of it, and won't be back. read more

I remember going to the Big Dipper years ago as a kid. It hasn't changed much, and that's a good thing! They still have awesome ice cream options, quick service, and a friendly staff. And the serving sizes are very generous! For us, a single scoop was more than enough...just as I remember years ago. Prices were reasonable, and they accept credit cards. We arrived and the line was out the door and almost around the corner, but we were served in a little over 10 minutes. Make sure to bring some cash for tipping the servers who are college students on summer break. Hope they continue to keep this LBI staple going years to come! read more

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This was my first time coming here but I'm sure I'll be back soon as my boyfriend raves about this place! So a small cup is apparently 4 scoops here, which we definitely weren't disappointed about and it was definitely reasonably priced! I had the chocolate marshmallow flavor and my boyfriend had death by chocolate. We both loved our flavors and the service was great! We were served right away. The servers were all very nice and the ambiance was nice! read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

Big Dipper was a wonderful find in the off season! I was able to get a delicious custom ice cream cake at the last minute. They accommodated my next day request with no problem! My family and I were grateful and enjoyed every bit of the cake! They made our birthday getaway complete in LBI :-) read more

They have a ton of flavors of ice cream, and water ice. I also saw some "ice cream cannolis"...Perfect for late night treats!

Always good quality and actually too much quantity!!! The small cup or cone is huge! I've always experienced good workers, good flavors and good quality. Vanilla Peanut butter is great. Come here, visit the Book Worm a couple doors down. read more

You can get a lot of ice cream for your money here, however it's not good ice cream. It lacks taste, quality, and texture. Go elsewhere. Also- no vegan options. read more

No wonder I see a crowd gathered outside this place. Not only is this one of the busiest spots in Surf City on LBI, its most likely the busiest on the island. The ice cream here is homemade and the several different selections make this one of the top places to come in and try a variety which includes sundaes, frozen yogurt and soft serve. They also take credit cards which is an added plus and the staff is fast and friendly and there are plenty of them. Prices are decent and what you would expect and portions are gigantic! read more

Would probably give this place 3.5 if I could. Better than average with creamy ice cream and very generous single scoops (a double scoop would be a challenge for me). The milkshake was tasty but a little thin and though scoops were generous my heath bar crunch did not have a lot of Heath bar. read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Vanilla milkshake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

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Stopped in here right around closing. The kids running the shop we're very nice and happy to serve us, even with it being closing time. The ice cream selection is very good as was the taste. A small was huge, to the point I asked to have less, because I'm getting fat. Great little ice cream shop! read more

Best ice cream on the island with a great price. They certainly live up to their name for the BIG Dipper... not sure who can eat a large but it's fun to try! read more

They give you HUGE cones/bowls and the ice cream is so yummy!! Great flavor choices!

Really great spot for some good ice cream as well as giving more than enough of a portion size! I really recommend going with one scoop as it's more like 3 scoops! Definitely recommend! read more

The Best Ice Cream on LBI without a doubt, genuinely there is no competition. They give you such large portions for super reasonable prices, the staff is always enthusiastic and kind, and the ice cream is to die for read more

Hands down, the best ice cream shop in LBI! A small cup here is the equivalent of a large anywhere else. Couple that with their excellent taste and it's no wonder the lines are out the door and thru the parking lot. If you're looking for a healthy dessert don't come here but if you're looking for a delicious, decadent dessert this is for you. read more

Best ice cream on the island for your money. Huge servings, great ice cream, delicious toppings, and friendly staff. Scoop City has nothing on this place. read more

The Big Dipper is a fascinating ice cream shop. While at the stir you will always get your moneys worth. They truly live up to the name "Big Dipper". It is a great ice cream shop and I would strongly recommend checking it out while staying in Surf City or even all of LBI. read more

I cannot express how awesome this shop is! We had the pleasant experience of having Emerson be our scooper. We ordered 8 sundaes and a pup cone for Brody waiting outside. Emerson was patient, professional, did not "rush" the sundaes, put them all in the freezer until the last one was made, then offered a box for us to carry them in! Ice cream is great, service is amazing! read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Brody patiently waiting for his pup cone! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

The best ice cream on LBI. They are very generous with their portions. My whole family kept saying "this is a small cup?" We are never disappointed. The staff is excellent and they move people quickly. It's a great way to end your day after time on the beach. Peanut butter was my favorite, but my kids like mint chocolate chip and the my husband loved the coffee ice cream. read more

Delicious, big servings, helpful staff, line moved quickly. They're homemade product us really creamy and yummy.

Messily delicious "brownie": fudge swirl mixed w/ Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and sandwiched between freshly baked brownie chunks and topped by chocolate whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

I have been coming here every year I come to the island. The main attraction of this place is there wopping servings and I know your thinking on a lot of ice cream places give you a lot but seriously this place will give you an insane amount for just small and that's not there only attraction they have a ton of unique ( but still tasty) flavors , almost every time I come here the line is out the door. Like I say I can't promise you a million dollars but can promise you if you come here you will be filled up read more

We ordered single scoops and what we got looked like ice cream cones that had been licked down to 1/4 scoop. Also, i ordered cookie dough and there wasn't a single cookie dough chunk in my cone. It was terrible. We look forward to coming here every summer and have been coming here the last 10+ years. We will never come back. read more

Big Dipper Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Surf City, New Jersey

We made our annual trek across the street to Big Dipper only to find the line at least 10 people outside the door. I convinced my wife to stay and she grudgingly agreed (she actually took advantage of the time to shop next door). Now I really like Big Dipper, but last night was a bit crazy and disorganized. Three of the four kids behind the counter seemed to be having fun and making the best of the situation, but you KNOW which person I got, right? Yep, the cranky guy who just wanted to be somewhere else. Oh well... Anyway, the experience and the ice cream just wasn't what we'd come to expect. No new flavors, less than enthusiastic staff (ok, just OUR server), and a serious lack of consistency with serving sizes. My wife's small cup had at least a full scoop more ice cream than my small cup...and the guy standing next to me with a smiling happy server got even more than my wife. The ice cream is still great, which is why they got three stars, but I think we'll try a new place (up the street a couple blocks) the next time we go out for ice cream... read more

Best Ice cream place down here by far!The scoops are huge.Every flavor is amazing!Great service!10/10 recommend!

Fantastic! Friendly staff, delicious ice cream, and an energizing atmosphere. Love their unique touch of putting sprinkles on the bottom. Big Dipper is the perfect end to a beautiful LBI summer night. read more

Good little strip mall ice cream shop. Got myself a nice chocolate malted milkshake. Wasn't expensive, the ice cream tasted great. They do have a bunch of flavors. They only had 1 kid working, it wasn't too busy, but he had to do everything. Make sure an tip your ice cream worker! read more

The ice cream was super delicious and creamy, and worth the money. The portions were enormous. Recommend the Jersey Shore, Big Dipper, and Brownie sundae with salted caramel pretzel ice cream. Our new LBi ice cream spot. read more

BEWARE - This Ice Cream Parlor is NOT OPEN this time of year. Even if Yelp says they are open, their VM says they are Open and their website says they are open...THEY ARE NOT OPEN. Great ice cream, but very misleading information. read more

I have always enjoyed ice cream near my home at Aunt Ollies and when she retired it left a void in my craving for my favorite passion Ice Cream. Then one day we came across Big Dipper were flavor and service with a smile are king . Want to mix flavors on a small cone no problem. Want a taste no problem. I look forward to leaving a tip here and returning on a regular basis read more

Really hate to pull the race card in the climate we're in but anyone care to explain why I was ignored for 10 minutes as your "servers" happily walked by serving other guests (including my own friends) who clearly entered the establishment AFTER me? Furthermore, I loved being addressed as "sassy" when I raised my hand to flag down a server & asked for the service I rightly deserved. First come first serve right? Unless you're black? read more