CJ's Big Dipper

128

714

841

8 years ago

Attention Vegan and dairy free folks - this ice cream place has options for you! And dairy eaters, you have a ton of choices. I have been dairy free for years and in need of a latte. Stopped in and was happy to see almond milk latte available. To my surprise, they had two flavors of almond milk based soft serve and about six flavors of dairy free ice cream and sorbet. And not your average dairy free offerings such as raspberry sorbet - orange pineapple, chocolate peanut butter, raspberry chocolate and a few others. My score is based on the dairy free options I had but hubby said the full dairy ice cream was very good. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Julie F.

4 years ago

Very over priced. $11 for a 2 scoop waffle cone and $7 for 1 scoop of sorbet. Cash only- have to pay $2 for an atm. Unfortunate that this business nickel and dime their customers. I won't return. A block further down the ice cream is half the price. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

MaryBeth G.

4 years ago

The only place I could find ice cream made with almond milk! Delicious! Thanks for remembering those of us that steer clear of milk!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Loren L.

6 years ago

My family was visiting Bar Harbor back in July, and WOW were we happy when we found this place!! My sister and I are both lactose-intolerant, so when we saw the sign outside that mentioned dairy-free ice cream we were stoked. I got the blueberry almondmilk flavor, and she had vanilla walnut, or something like that, and we both LOVED our ice creams. This is probably one of the best ice creams I've ever had! Thank you, CJ's, for making our bellies happy read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jetta C.

Elite 23

107

116

4 years ago

Did the trick for ice cream. Not the most friendly staff but whatever! Blueberry ice cream was super yummy. Black raspberry was okay (I've had better). Wish it was a bit more affordable! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mary A.

Elite 21

117

127

6 years ago

Really great selection of non-dairy and vegan ice creams. My husband couldn't even tell I had low fat frozen yogurt - I had the chocolate peanut butter flavor and it was exactly what I needed to end the night. Take a cone on the go and eat it in the park right across the street! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anni W.

Elite 21

430

6 years ago

BLUEBERRY SOFT SERVE!!! Das all I gotta say. It was creamy and not too sweet! Had bits of blueberry also. Soft serve is a nice change from all the scooped ice cream read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Neha B.

384

9 years ago

While this street is lined with a number of inviting ice cream stops and desert places, CJs had a line out the door even in the chilly weather so I had to check out what the hype was about. I ordered their specialty, the blueberry pie topped with ice cream and chocolate drizzle. As much as I would have hoped to LOVE this desert, it was slightly disappointing. While the serving was enormous, the blueberries were extremely tart, and the generous scoop of ice cream on top made the pie get soggy really fast. I would recommend getting both separately to enjoy their respective flavors and temperatures. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Stephen L.

729

1577

9 years ago

I got the blueberry cheesecake ice cream, and it was delicious! I asked for one scoop, and the guy gave me a gigantic scoop of ice cream, which was certainly generous of him. There were quite a lot of people there this afternoon, but I was still able to claim one of the outdoor tables. I don't really have any complaints about this place, and the ice cream is great so I'm giving CJ's Big Dipper 5 stars! read more

CJ's Big Dipper - Blueberry cheesecake flavored ice cream. I asked for one scoop, and this sure is a big scoop! It was delicious. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sam T.

7 years ago

Well this place turned out to be a disappointment. They do not accept credit cards as payment so you need to come in cash handy lest you pay a $2 service fee in the ATM inside. At the time I went (3:30 on a Friday) they were also very understaffed which kept the service slow and the line long. Ice cream was overpriced at $7 for two scoops and turned out to be pretty average. Although I've heard good things about the blueberry custard I won't be returning to CJ's since its sort of a ripoff and Udder Heaven does just about everything they do better. read more

CJ's Big Dipper - The shop and the line - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bill J.

3 years ago

Some unique flavors but between my wife and kids tried 5 different flavors and every flavor was heavier on the ice than cream. Just a poor texture unfortunately. I think I goofed not getting the soft serve blueberry and go8ng hard ice cream. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Billy R.

4 years ago

Really good ice cream here; especially for those with dairy allergies since they have non-dairy options.

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

A F.

7 years ago

Flavors are interesting. Quality of the actual ice cream is very basic. Got $20 from the atm (paid $2+ in fees), tried a few samples, then I walked out WITHOUT ice cream. Not worth the money. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Patrick W.

Elite 22

171

914

1961

9 years ago

Blueberry ice cream is something you definitely need to try in Maine. CJ's Big Dipper is a great ice cream shop to try it at. I tried some of the blueberry ice cream and it was great. However, it was the blueberry soft serve that drew me into the shop. The serving size was generous and the taste was glorious. I have been to Hawaii the last two years and love the Pineapple Whip at the Dole plantation on Oahu. The blueberry soft serve actually rivals the Pineapple Whip as my favorite fruit soft serve. If you are visiting and planning a trip to Bar Harbor/ Acadia and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me for my itinerary. You can also find the electronic copy through the link my profile. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rachel O.

247

237

7 years ago

Great ice cream selection for reasonable prices! Loved the blueberry/ vanilla twist cone!!! Will probably come again during our trip to grab another twist or maybe try the blueberry on its own! We have two little ones under the age of 6 and although there were other ice cream options in the area, we didn't want to waste our money on something they weren't going to finish! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tom P.

Elite 24

166

495

2561

7 years ago

What a nice way to finish off a night then ice cream and a walk by the water. Dropped by after dinner and ordered three ice creams between four people. Blueberry soft serve, blueberry ice cream, and some sherbert mix that my 5yo son wanted. The place is packed and sometimes has a line running right out of the door, also they only take cash, so make sure you stop by the ATM before coming. The ice cream was great and had the distinct blueberry that this area is known for. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jenna T.

173

247

5 years ago

I had the blueberry ice cream in a waffle cone. Ice cream was very delicious! There was a bit of a line but it moved quickly.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shaily C.

5 years ago

What a disappointment! Stumbled upon this shop yesterday after spotting a sign advertising vegan ice cream. While we were helped quite quickly, the girl at the counter was clueless. I asked about their homemade gelato and was told they didn't have any even though it was listed on several signs around the store. We then inquired about the vegan ice cream and she looked at us like she didn't have a clue what we meant. They were out of that as well. Finally I simply ordered a chocolate malt. Should be straightforward. She stared at me with a confused look and told me she didn't know what that was. I had to tell her what it was. She had to ask one of the other workers for guidance on making a pretty simply item. Needless to say, it was a disappointing experience. I wish I hadn't wasted my time. Go elsewhere for ice cream. There's plenty of other shops. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Melinda D.

5 years ago

I did not care for this place at all. Unfortunately, it was the only ice cream place open...all the others had closed for the season. The ice cream was bland and didn't have much flavor. But, what was really disappointing was the fact that they take cash only and don't have it posted anywhere except the cash register so you don't see it until after you've already ordered. The staff was also not very nice, and had very little personality. I would definitely go somewhere else for dessert. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jando S.

Elite 26 All-Star

3869

5390

57262

15 years ago

For all of the touristy businesses in downtown Bar Harbor, CJ's Big Dipper may win the most popular award. Throughout my time in Maine, I haven't seen a business with a more constant flow of customers than CJ's. For all of the ice cream parlors along Main Street, CJ's isn't necessarily the best, but perhaps the most touristy. There is almost always a wait it seems. Hordes of families crowd this joint, especially on the weekend. And of course, like most things in Bar Harbor, prices are steep. A scoop of ice cream will run you $3.50 and two scoops is something like $6.50. But to their credit, it is locally made ice cream. I'll take my chances with CJ's than any Haagen Dazs or Ben and Jerry's shop. I went for a scoop of the ever popular Maine blueberry ice cream and the artery clogging cookie dough on a cone. Each hearty scoop barely fit on the cone, leaving an uneven "leaning tower" of ice cream mass as I quickly attempted to even out the mess. (#1) And after buying a few of them for myself and my dining companions, I was nearly $30 poorer. The ice cream was tasty, but not nearly $7 tasty. The cookie dough was a bit bland but the Maine blueberry shined through. The blueberry flavor was strong and the creaminess of the milky ice cream made it the perfect summertime treat. But would I come back again? Not for that line and certainly not for those prices ... unless someone's buying ... with cash. (Credit cards are no bueno here) ________ (#1) Using my tongue. Yes, I just went there. read more

Helpful 4

Thanks 0

Love this 5

Oh no 0

Jenn S.

1589

1176

3503

12 years ago

LOVE this spot for a mid afternoon/late night ice cream break! Especially on a hot day, to sit lazily out on their patio area with a huge waffle cone filled with their wild blueberry ice cream and people watch is the best! They have the usually flavors that we all come to love for ice cream but also have some funky ones called the Dirty Turtle and I'm Not Sure Yet. Plus they make some amazingvhomemade dairy free options as well. Standout flavors for me were the wilde blueberry, butter pecan, strawberry cheesecake, Chocolate Moose Track. Staff is always super fast and friendly but I so wish they would take credit cards for large orders... read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 4

Oh no 0

D L.

115

5 years ago

Possibly the worst ice cream business in Bar Harbor. I would 100% recommend Mt. Desert Ice Cream across the street over this, which was much more interesting and better quality ice cream. The staff at CJ's was rude and misleading. They lied about the size of the scoop and then gave us all the wrong flavors. The staff was very aggressive and yelled at my friend when he asked if it was possible to get a different kind of cone. Worst of all, the ice cream itself was not worth the horrific endeavor and tasted like freezer burnt grocery store ice cream. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 3 of 9

150 Main St
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Directions
(207) 288-2128
Call Now

Hours

What time does CJ's Big Dipper open?

CJ's Big Dipper opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does CJ's Big Dipper close?

CJ's Big Dipper closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does CJ's Big Dipper take Bitcoin?

No, CJ's Big Dipper does not take Bitcoin.

Does CJ's Big Dipper take credit cards?

No, CJ's Big Dipper does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does CJ's Big Dipper have catering options?

No, CJ's Big Dipper does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does CJ's Big Dipper allow dogs?

Yes, CJ's Big Dipper allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does CJ's Big Dipper have bike parking?

No, CJ's Big Dipper does not have bike parking.

Does CJ's Big Dipper have parking?

Yes, CJ's Big Dipper has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is CJ's Big Dipper wheelchair accessible?

No, CJ's Big Dipper is not wheelchair accessible.

Does CJ's Big Dipper have free WiFi?

No, CJ's Big Dipper does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We have a wide selection of non-dairy, vegan friendly soy ice cream, sorbets and almond-milk swirl soft serve ice cream! If you'd like to taste the best ( and only in Bar Harbor) blueberry soft serve ice cream, made with fresh wild maine blueberries, CJ's Big Dipper is the place to be!

Ask the Community - CJ's Big Dipper

View 1 Question

Verify this business for free

People searched for Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 412 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

4.5(673 reviews)

0.0 mi

•$$

Great service, great central location, and AMAZING ice cream. We waited in line for almost 40…read moreminutes and it was totally worth it. You can tell in every aspect this business knows where to focus -- and it's on their customers. They provide a great product, they are kind and thoughtful. These are the kind of local business owners I want to give my money to on vacation. Highly, highly recommend.

I have been coming to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream for many years. The original is here, but it…read morewas explained to me that through some business connections the remarkably remote locations of this brand have sprouted up in Mount Pleasant in DC (where I have been many times) and Japan (which I have not been to yet). The original here is on the town square and is spacious. I was surprised that their non-dairy offerings were not quite as robust as the DC shop, and they didn't have my usual favorite flavor. However, the fresh mint and sweet cream flavors that I was able to try delivered a characteristic richness. I was quite happy to have tried this one, and now I have to find an excuse to go to Japan.

Maine sea salt caramel and blueberry sour cream crumble (split single scoop)

See all

Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium

3.5(451 reviews)

•$$

This was our first stop for ice cream in Bar Harbor and loved it! We heard this spot had lobster…read moreice cream, so we had to get it. In addition, we also tried the blueberry ice cream (one of their most popular). In terms of the lobster ice cream, it pretty much tasted like vanilla ice cream with frozen bits of minimal lobster (so the ice cream tasted slightly salty). For the blueberry ice cream, we had to come back to get it a second time--so rich and creamy, full of blueberry flavor at just the right sweetness. Once you walk in, the store is structured in a clockwise circle to help with moving/organizing the line as it gets busy during the summer months. No seating inside but there are some benches outside along with the park not too far away. Overall fairly yummy ice cream, just pretty expensive! Prices start a bit above ~$8 + tax, at the lowest tier, which is a kiddie size in a cup, sugar cone, or cup cone.

We stopped in for a sweet treat while out shopping. Service was fast and friendly. I ordered a…read morescoop of blueberry ice cream, which hit the spot!! Fun little space, lots of candy options, many flavors of ice cream and a handful of Gelato flavors to choose from! They also have coffee and other hot beverages.

Salted caramel brownie ice cream

Lobster ice cream in a waffle cone

See all

Ben & Bills chocolate emporium S HUGE RIP OFF

Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge

4.5(156 reviews)

0.2 mi

The best ice cream we had in Bar Harbor. The Maple Walnut was so good-- strong maple flavor. The…read moretiramisu was rich and delicious. The staff are the kindest that I met in town-- genuine, pleasant girls. Can't wait to come back!

Good ice cream. Lots of flavors to choose from…read more Metered street parking in the area via credit card or Park Mobile App. Would love to return to try some other options including some of their fudge offerings.

Blueberry and Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

See all

One of the ice cream cases

The Travelin Lobster

4.8(18 reviews)

7.4 mi

Best lobster roll I have ever had! Tasted very fresh, and was service was ready pretty quick…read more Seating is pretty awesome! Across the street in the park, and the restaurant provides blankets to sit on. (weather permitting) Pretty expensive...

We like this place, their good is really good, they have gluten free bread, a nice bar area,…read morebeautiful dining, huge parking lot, the greatest lobster mac and cheese that I ever tried, they always have big lines to order but they are actually fast and also the food is fast, we ordered a whoopy pie but honestly it was very bad, it tasted like plastic, I don't know how they cooked it but they put it in plastic and sell it like that, when we opened it, it also smelled like plastic, I hope they can do something. Also their prices are very expensive, I loved their food but honestly is too expensive.

Inside restaurant

1.5 pound whole lobster with mussels

See all

Outside restaurant

Udder Heaven

4.5(135 reviews)

4.3 mi

YES YES YES! This was an incredible place! It was packed when we got there on a Saturday night and…read moreit was packed even at closing time. We got to see the MOO-mobile drive and "moo"!! I am semi-lactose intolerant and I can't handle a lot of sugar at one time. So I went simple and got a small cup of soft serve twist. It was delicious! And I was able to eat it all. When I get fancy desserts, it always ends up too much sugar in a short timespan that I end up throwing away a lot. So I'm happy I was able to enjoy the dessert and enjoy all of it! My boyfriend got the Pastor Brownie Temptation! He ate all of it - he loved it so much! I did get to have a couple bites and it was indeed very good. He did say that the brownie had nuts in it so if you have a but allergy - this is NOT your dessert. But if you are not allergic - my boyfriend said this is a must-try!!

Absolutely delicious ice cream, high quality ingredients, real fruit in the sorbets and fruit ice…read morecream, fast service, and a wide ice cream selection.

See all

Road sign

The Stadium

4.6(268 reviews)

•$$

So good, worth the trip! We stopped in twice during our stay, each experience was excellent. The…read morepopovers are fluffy and delicious, the blueberry scone was very nice. The breakfast crepe with ham, egg, and cheese was a light, filling breakfast. We would 100% return-- I missed out on trying the cookies and cinnamon rolls.

A popover with blueberry jam was amazing! I ate mine at the park down the street and it was…read moreperfectly crispy on the outside with a soft inside. The flavor reminded me a lot of French toast with the eggy batter and I'd love to have another one again in the future.

Blueberry Lemon Scone

Blueberry Popover

See all

Blueberry lemonade

Graffiti Donuts

4.0(76 reviews)

Grab-and-go

Women-owned & operated

What a cute shop and concept! It's located in a really nice city center building with two levels…read moreand tons of shops (jewelry, liquor, clothing, several restaurants) on the lower level in the back with a main central area. Their communal bathroom upstairs for customers was a great surprise, clean, updated and smelled amazing! They have some interesting donuts on the menu and flavors rotate. The day we were there they had a carrot cake donut which I have never seen anywhere and it looked wonderful. My husband went with a safer option and just chose a glazed chocolate to take with him into the park for an after-hike snack. He said it was fresh, moist, and delicious. I saw smoothies and other goodies on the menu here and the staff behind the counter were really friendly.

Food : blueberry smoothie so good Coffee so good and clean…read moreblack coffee Service great Would recommend! Come here for a yummy snack while walking around!

See all

Coffee Hound

4.3(331 reviews)

Really a spot for some quick breakfast options; like a shorter line for a pop-over than elsewhere…read morein the further off sections of the park. However, I think we would've gladly retried our coffees elsewhere they were very much not anything we would have wanted to retry. It can get crowded quick because it's got the curb appeal and some of the other local coffee houses equally seem to struggle with consistent recipe-quality. Maybe try more of the food and report back.

Coffee Hound was right in front of us and we almost missed it. Found the signage on the window. The…read moremarquis says The Stadium. Don't miss this place. I got a hot latte which was delicious. The pastries in here will be something I'd like to go back for. Cookies the size of my head and fresh blueberry crisp. Yummmm. They also had dog treats which we will go back for. Staff was full of energy, including singing a bit with the store music. Nice way to start the day.

The Stadium coffee shop/bakery (The Stadium and Coffee Hound are in the same space).

Popover with blueberry jam

See all

Brrrr! Harbor: Bar Harbor

4.8(10 reviews)

0.2 mi

My family and I have been going here for 4 years now and every time we have made the trip up to…read moreMaine it's a necessity to stop for some Brrr Harbor. the youngest in my family has lots of allergies and this place is one of the few that she can order from. The service is amazing everybody's always so happy and ready to help out. The coffee is so good definitely try it up with some of the endless flavor shots to choose from and of course the shaved ice is to die for. I love this place so much definitely recommend.

Very refreshing summer treat! The all natural pink grapefruit flavor was delicious and…read morethirst-quenching.

Allergy friendly!!!!

See all

A Slice of Eden

4.2(128 reviews)

0.2 mi

Out looking for a hot latte and found A Slice of Eden. Look for the red door to find a wonderful…read morecoffee shop. Service was excellent. I chose my milk type and number of espresso shots (two please). Bakery items looked good, especially the sticky buns, but I only came for the coffee. The place was cozy with lots of patrons chatting and a beautiful sunny patio out front. Great stop.

I thank the owners for providing a delish cup of coffee and a tasty lemon poppy seed doughnut…read more Their ambiance is warm, welcoming, and relaxing. I especially thank them for allowing me to sit on their patio after hours to take one of those "can't miss" calls. Given the number of coffee shops, bakeries, breakfast restaurants in Bar Harbor, I would return to spend my money with A Slice of Eden for food quality and outdoor seating. There is lots of space, a water bowl for our 4-legged friends, and flowers along the edges. The name is apt as they offer tranquility from all the tourist activities. Highly recommend as a not miss to recharge, relax, and re-orient oneself before planning more activities! I wish them a great season! Patrick Shaughnessy Chicago, IL