Loved the delicious varieties of ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, etc. Was worth it even on a rainy day. Just be aware they only take cash but do have an ATM in the shop. read more

After coming here for 15 years, this sumer has been a disappointment. The quality has gone down, the owner does not oversee the shop anymore and it shows. Twice I have gone in tis summer to get my favorite chocolate peanut butter yogurt only to be served straight chocolate. Both times they just say sorry and try to argue that it is really chocolate peanut butter. Really??? No peanut butter swirl- come on. Sad to say not the best in Bar Harbor anymore. After years of telling everyone not to go to Ben and Bill's, guess I will have to see what I have been missing. The owner might want to show up before he loses more long term customers like me. read more

Ice cream was fine. Service was horrid. The gentleman serving was in a hurry, had a brutish disposition and literally said "if I let the kids keep trying flavors, we are going to be here all day." There was one other group in the store and they were still trying to decide on what they wanted to purchase. We come to Bar Harbor annually with the rest of the "tourists" that bring with them 12 million in revenue for a town of 4500 residents. I do this because the geography is breathtaking, the town is a living historical document of what an industrial people can do with little more than their heart and back, and the locals are nothing less than warm and inviting. Next time I'm interested in dropping $30 on cones and ice cream for the family while in Bar Harbor, I'll be doing it at one of the other 20 fine frozen treat establishments within a stones throw of CJ's. read more

Six dollars for two LARGE scoops of ice cream. Oh well, I'm on vacation, what did I expect? This may be the first peanut butter cup ice cream I ever had where I complained of too much peanut butter cup. Aside from the huge amounts of broken up peanut butter cup bits in my serving, I pulled out two additional whole peanut butter cups. LOL. OMG. WTF. Sorry for the acronym swear. My point is, I would come back here in a heart beat. Here, take my six bucks!!!!! read more

Nasty service. Fair ice cream. With all the choices and great places in this wonderful community, you can certainly do better.

We went here twice during a short stay in Bar Harbor. Ice cream parlors are tough for our family as my son has VERY severe food allergies to milk and nuts. He can eat most sorbets provided the server uses a clean scoop and scoops from a part of the container where the sorbet hasn't yet been touched by another scoop. CJ's has a few sorbets and even a couple of dairy free ice creams so we thought they got the whole food allergy thing. On our first trip there, the server eagerly washed a scoop for us and scooped the sorbet from the untouched side of the container. No problem and the sorbet was really good. We went the following night and had a completely different experience. After explaining my son's allergies to a man behind the counter--who claimed to be a member of the family that owns the business--we were told that all the products were cross-contaminated because of the close proximately to other products containing milk and nuts. When we explained that the server the night before washed a scoop and took sorbet from the opposite side of the container, he insisted that wasn't possible as his staff is trained not to 'break the frame' (which seemed to mean they could only scoop from one side of the container) and told us that "If someone did that, they were breaking the rules." No matter how hard we tried to explain how he could serve my son safely, he insisted that the choice was to have sorbet that was cross-contaminated or go without because he was not going to break the rules. You'd think that one of the joys of owning a business is getting to break the rules, especially when it comes to making an easy choice about safely serving sorbet to a kid who can die eating ice cream. What this guy did not consider is that when business owner is rude or unwilling to accommodate a customer, he doesn't lose only one customer. He forever loses the business of that customer's friends and family as well. read more

Good ice cream. Unpleasant staff. Keep walking down the street for Ben and Bills. So much better all around

This was the second time we have been there. The first time we were very impressed but that was several years ago. This time was just okay. Had lemon sorbet and cherry vanilla ice cream. Neither seemed to be anything special. When we asked if we could do half one flavor and have another on the same cone we were told only in the large size. That's just poor customer service. The help there wasn't that friendly either. read more

We stopped by here to get some ice cream after a day of hiking, and certainly enjoyed the treat of their blueberry ice cream. The "line" was a little messy cos there was an "Order Here" sign that the staff didn't honor, so it was a little tricky trying to be polite to the rest of the waiting customers while I tried to get my fix. I'd go back though. read more

Yum. Lots of choices here. Classics and more. Kids size scoop is generous. Glad I saw the kids size before ordering a single scoop. Nice that they offered sample so I could make my choice. Had the mudslide which was Kailua flavored ice cream with Oreos and marshmallow swirl. Kid had the cookie dough. Spouse had the "I am not sure yet" flavor (see photo) and was pleased. Next time would like to try the chocolate cookie dough or a ice cream cookie sandwich. Good stuff. read more

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The ice cream was delicious and the portion was unexpectedly huge. The older gentleman who I assume was either the manager or owner was in a visibly bad mood and made a passive aggressive comment to one of the workers who was going on break. The employees did not seem happy to be there and the line to order was very disorganized. The ice cream itself was so good though so it made up for the unpleasant atmosphere. read more

Extremely rude! Ended up walking out when the guy yelled at my 10 year old son who asked for a sample. We were extremely excited when we walked in there & saw all of the flavors that they offered. It's not like my son would have asked for more than 2 samples but to have such an attitude toward a kid is unacceptable! My advice...go down the street where the customer matters and asking for a sample is not a crime! read more

First of all, I kind of consider myself an ice cream connoisseur. I like fresh home made ice cream, unique flavors, creamy consistencies. I asked if the ice cream was home made, and the employee said it wasn't, the only things made in-house is the gelato and soft serve (vanilla and blueberry). I asked what was the name of the ice cream (like a local Giffords variety) and she said again, that it is not made in house and after glancing around none of the big barrels of ice cream had any labels. So I gave it a shot and ordered some vanilla raspberry swirl type ice cream and it was pretty unmemorable. Fiance ordered a brownie sundae and the brownie was pretty horrible. He is a sucker for all things sweet and he ended up tossing the brownie in the trash bin. It tasted burnt and did not have the nice chewy density that brownies ought to have. I really do not understand the appeal here except for the enormous list of flavors, and perhaps the HOME MADE soft serve and gelato. Everything else is pretty much blah. read more

The absolute worst service I have ever encountered. I went to the counter and the two people working stared at me then talked amongst themselves. I waited. The lady looked at me and walked away. I then just stated my order and the guy that was working sighed annoyingly and started working on it. Not one word was said to me the entire time I was in there. I had to look at the cash register to know what to pay. Had my husband not been extremely ill waiting in the car and was only able to drink a milkshake, I would have left. There are plenty of other ice cream places around, I just didn't have the time to find it with him waiting in the car. read more

CASH ONLY! One of the places I must visit when we come to Bar Harbor. They have a great array of low-fat and sugar free options, not just vanilla or -ugh- peach. Ths time around, I had the low-fat chocolate peanut butter. It was so good! My husband had the "I Need Another Minute," which was cookie dough, peanut butter cups and fudge in a vanilla base. It was very rich, but I did go back for a second bite. read more

Good ice cream and they moved fast even with a crowd. They didn't have napkins out and it took a few minutes for the staff to give one to me. They didn't put any more out. That's why I gave a 4 because napkins are a must with ice cream! read more

DO NOT GET ICE CREAM FROM THIS PLACE. I was visiting from Texas, understanding that southern hospitality doesn't exist everywhere, but the man behind the counter (likely the owner) was a complete asshole to us! We were so polite and friendly, and he got extremely aggressive with us when we were looking for cash since they didn't allow credit cards. We didn't do anything to merit such rudeness, but he was terrible to us. Should have noticed how there was a HUGE line down the street at the other ice cream shop, yet no line here. The ice cream sucked too! Too bad. Don't go here when there are so many others with delicious ice cream and friendly staff. read more

Be forewarned that "soft serve" means yogurt not ice cream. And although it doesn't say it, this place is cash only. They have an ATM with a 2% charge. Guy that served us wasn't very friendly. There are many other ice cream places nearby that are far better. read more

I guess it's not just me, I see other reviews about unpleasant unfriendly staff. I had a mixed bag here. Been there two times, first time really nice person second time young man with no out right interest in customer service, did his job and took my money, oh well summer jobs, what can you do. Ice cream is fine nothing out of the ordinary. Prices are high, but this is Bar Harbor. read more

Worst possible customer service! People at the counter are very rude and can go to the extent of passing insulting comments to their customers. We had ice cream every day of our 8 day visit to the park and found several other better ice cream stores in the area with a much better service. You may have a better experience only if you know what you want and not ask for tasting. Wonder how they stay in business with such an attitude towards their customers. read more

Lots of really great dairy free choices! They had 6 delicious flavors to choose from with two dairy alternatives (soy and almond milk). The almond milk maple and walnut ice cream was creamy and smooth. It was nice to feel like I had choices even with a dietary restriction! read more

Everyone is very rude. Lighting BAD, customer service BAD! They say they change the vegan ice cream everyday but we went three days in a row only to find the same two freaking flavors and when we asks what the new ones have to "be made" yet they didn't have soy milk for a milkshake? Very Suspicious I would look into it. First night I was served by a rude woman who said she couldn't give me a cone with two flavors she said it was quote: impossible. JUST TAKE HALF A SCOOP OF ONE HALF A SCOOP OF THE OTHER JESUS as my friend john says FIND YOUR CHILL CJs Second time the girl gave me literally half a scoop and charged me for a big size COME ON Ben and bills is much better it smells good and they have every candy and people are please t because THEY WORK IN A GOD DAMN CANDY SHOP!!! The ice creams pretty good I went about a total of 5 times in a week so whatever, do what you want. read more

This place has the RUDEST staff, and, I know why! Always starts at the top, called the owner who was just as rude, made some very nasty, somewhat racist remarks when I described my experience there. There was a hair in my ice cream and I threw it out. The rude staff made the experience even worse. Went in to get napkins, they made a huge deal out if it! I needed a few and they acted like I was bothering them....and don't ever ask what ingredients are in their products, because they have no idea. Poor training and example of leadership...no wonder, owner could care less. He hung up on me. Nice, very professional. Go to Mount Desert instead or one of the other ice cream shops in town...they are much nicer and let you sample flavors if you are unsure, UNLIKE CJ's Big Dipper....ought to be called CJ's BAD Dipper. read more

Visiting from Cape Cod. We found the ice cream below average. Poor customer service . Overall a less than average experience

CJ's Big Dip....ER into your packet. TOTAL rip off!!! Paid 8.50 for 2 scoops! It was 7 for the ice cream plus $1 for the paper cup because I refused to use styrofoam because it is devastating to the environment. The guy behind the counter literally said... oh if you want to use the paper cup, it's expensive.... (for a Dixie bowl) so you have to pay $1 extra. I could't believe it!! especially when you consider paying $7 for two scoops!! This place uses styrofoam cups because they are the cheapest. They are in it for the money regardless of the cost to the beautiful environment and the health of their patrons. This ice cream left a bad taste in my mouth! read more

Great choice of flavors, I had the peanut butter Iditarod in a cup and it was delicious! My boyfriend had the cashew caramel turtle and loved it. Nothing fancy about the place but it sure does have good ice cream. Lots of great flavor choices didn't have a chance to try the blueberry serve everyone was yelping about. read more

Went here twice during our stay at Bar Harbor. Ice cream is wonderful! Blueberry soft serve was amazing. My kids wanted cookie dough twice- which is why we came back. First trip, service was great. Second trip, all of the employees were yelling at the customers. Reminded me of pushy NYC deli counter employees. Not necessary and some rude behavior towards elderly customers was witnessed. read more

It was cold when we got here. Like in the 50s. I didn't care. I wanted ice cream. I got the blueberry since Maine is about blueberries and there was blueberry everything everywhere. I don't really like blueberries. But this ice cream was to die for. Seriously. Now anytime I see anything blueberry flavored, I'm hooked. read more

We had ice cream. It was nothing special. Maybe I'm spoiled because I'm from Wisconsin, but this was no Cedar Crest...

Pure bliss! The orange dreamsicle drink is perfection (though I'm a total twit and don't remember the actual name of it...)!

A popular stop on Main because of the great variety -- both in flavors, and by the fact that they do soft-serve and smoothies in addition to ice cream, and have low-fat and non-sugar options. But I ended up here because, sadly, MDI was sold out of blueberry ice cream. They do serve large size "single" scoops, but I thought the ice cream was average. The blueberry flavor just didn't compare to MDI, which has much stronger blueberry notes, and chunks of pie crust. read more

Ehh. Nothing fancy. Ice cream tastes like store bought. Kinda bummed because the lines are always out the door so we thought we found something amazing. read more

My name is CJ, so of course I HAD to eat here! This was our lesser favorite ice cream place. They had nondairy options for my husband, but he wasn't "wowed." I had the "I'm not sure yet," which was good but not remarkable. Service was average. read more

the selection of flavors was great and the ice cream was excellent. Soft serve blueberry was very tasty as was the salted caramel. Just know it's going to cost you about $4 a scoop and they ONLY TAKE CASH read more

This place is wonderful as recommended by a few people. The best way to enjoy the cone is to go across the street to the Village Green. According to the American Planning Association it was declared one of the top ten public spaces in 2012. It also has free WiFi and a wonderful view of the water. Certainly a hidden gem in the city and a quite place to get away from all the tourist activities. The park also provides a great place to relax and enjoy the historic buildings and Italian fountain. The site was once the location of the Grand Central Hotel, built in 1873 and demolished by the City in 1899. read more

Great selection, served at just the right lickey temperature. Doesn't disappoint when you need an ice cream for yourself and kids.

Worst service - owners/customer service nonexistent. Server was extremely rude - actually used the F WORD after telling us no credit cards allowed. Avoid at all costs. read more

best vegan ice cream in the whole north east. that almond milk soft serve swirl was 10/10. I wish it wasn't 4 dollars, but then again bar harbor is a touristy place. doesn't make it any less delicious. read more

It was sooo good! I had the Maine Maple Walnut and it was delicious. The service was fast and gave very generous portions. The only negative was that there was too much cookie dough and not enough ice cream in the I Can't Make Up My Mind ice cream, according to my mom. Otherwise it was great! read more

Good ice cream and a good selection of flavors but the service sucked! I went early afternoon when there were only a few customers in the shop but the staff still acted like they were rushed to serve an entire crowd. The guy was extremely rude, told use we couldn't try more than one flavor and then got pissed off because I had to remind him to follow me to the cash register. Maybe I should've just walked out without paying? He was actually annoyed about having to move to the other end of the counter to ring the bill up. read more

CJ's Big Dipper - Black raspberry disaster is awesome - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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