I have driven by the Sterling Ice Cream Bar possibly 100 times and have never stopped. Clearly this is the off season for ice cream. Often seeing cars in their lot with ice cream season over, I assumed they were selling sandwiches, seafood, etc. Never assume. When I walked in, despite old posting that show menus of what I was looking for, I found a cafe selling everything bagel. Disappointed, I saw they offered soup, but they were out of soup. So I opted for a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese and a garden salad. The bagel was exceptional. The best I have had in a while and the salad was generous. Lots of off street parking. Eat in or take out. Staff was friendly and attentive. Ambience is of a coffee shop. Definitely go for the bagels and for ice cream during the summer, when I always see lines. I shall return. read more

A hidden gem for sure! I'm jealous of the locals. They just launched their spring special ice cream palette which lets you choose 5 flavors. We had fun on this unique twist for ice cream. The service was friendly and quick. They have in door seating too if you don't want to sit in your car but most people opted to do so. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well as indoors read more

We came for the palette ice cream to try 5 different flavors on a weekday afternoon. As many other ice cream places, there are a ton of flavors to choose from, so it was great to get to try 5 different ones. I got strawberry, cotton candy, pistachio, sea salt caramel, and dino crunch. The display of the scoops are pretty and not too big. However, the ice cream is very artificial tasting or had no flavor to them. The pistachio was by far the worst in my opinion, while the strawberry and cotton candy had a very strange aftertaste. The dino crunch tasted like very plain vanilla and the best out of the 5 I got was the sea salt caramel. The service was good and would be great for kids to share a flavor each. It was very messy to eat all 5 flavors at once since they were melting over the cups. They also have a food area with fried seafood and snacks. There's tables under a tent to eat your food. It's a nice novelty, but I wouldn't be back to try anything else. read more

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Hidden gem for ice cream! Plenty of flavors to choose from, generous portions, fair prices, quick service and plenty of parking and spots to eat outside! What more could you ask for? Perfect spot to enjoy ice cream during the summer! read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Small cookie dough - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

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Smallest ice creams anywhere. Food portions are also small. Wish it was like the old days. The cups are not filled or topped off like everyone else but the sides of the cup are empty. Wont be back. Too bad I go for ice cream almost every night. I even asked her if this was it she said yeah sorry. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

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Have worked 1/2 mile up the street from this place for about 30 years. I've eaten there for lunch 2 times and was less than delighted with the food & value. This time I bought a chicken salad roll plate with onion rings. It's the first time I've ever had onion rings that were actually dry and crunchy including the actual onion inside! Unable to eat the rings although the Chicken salad roll was good the meal was $17.00. For a hotdog bun with some chicken salad and onion rings that I had to toss. Can't imagine going back there with other better places close by. read more

Ordered fish and chips and a side of scallops. Scallops tasted spoiled, and were inedible. The fish and chips were subpar at best, fish was tough, like it was previously frozen and fries undercooked. Never again! read more

Good food and atmosphere! Makes you feel like you're at a family cookout for good $ and amount of food you receive:) service is usually fast and officiant even when busy!! read more

Been coming here for years food was always good, except yesterday. Brought 9 friends out in our old cars, food was terrible. Fried clams were black and rubbery, nasty ! threw most of them in the trash. Chicken tenders we could have gotten in any frozen food section at the supermarket. Lost my slip had to tell them they forgot us. Had to apoligize to my friends :-( not a good experience. read more

I got food poisoning from the tartar sauce last year. Thinking quality is went down hill. keeping on running

Food is delicious! The fish is fresh and homemade onion rings! Device is great. Clean inside and out. The ice cream is fantastic. Waiting for the opening for the season. See you there. read more

As long as the prices don't keep rising she's a safe bet for quality food and ice cream

Love the Onion Rings and French Fries !!! The Bacon Cheeseburgers are my favorite ! Fast service

Good food, polite staff, quick service, nice large tent to sit under in the shade will tables spaced well apart from one another (indoor seating available too). read more

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I'm an ice cream girl since birth (okay not that young, but you catch my drift) and this was just plain bad. I appreciate them offering unique flavored ice creams instead of just your typical vanilla and chocolate so I tried Muddy Boots. It consisted of vanilla ice cream with pieces of brownie and a caramel swirl. Sounds delicious right? There was barely anything in it. Such a disappointment. The picture shows otherwise but I promise inside, it was bare. I was sad about it. I'd come back for their food though since I've never had it. The seafood looks yum. I'll update my review when I try it but at this point, Sterling gets a 2. Bummer. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Muddy Boots - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

I've driven by this place so many times and was tickled pink by the "corporation" title, for some reason. My wife and I finally stopped by today and got a large ice cream (a giant serving for just under $6) and a small clam strip side ($12). They were both great! I got a weird combo of watermelon sherbet and Milky Way ice cream and while my wife didn't care for them in one bit (lol), she agreed they were both delicious! Both clearly homemade and we can't wait to try more (with a very discerning 4-year old in tow, next time!). The strips were perfect. After we moved back to the area from Los Angeles, where we lived for 13 years, we were all over fried seafood and we've been treated to great, ok, and ew. These were awesome; not chewy, didn't take long, and perfectly fried. Absolutely in love. Next visit we'll also be giving their coffee a try! Lovely staff, clean restaurant and kitchen, lots of parking and seating both indoors and out, and fantastic food. Just remember to tip on your card before they swipe it, or bring a few bucks for your server. An excellent evening! read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Small side clam strips with tarter sauce - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

I should have taken a pic. The order of fish and chips was promptly picked up as soon as order was placed-(7 minutes from SICB). When my husband brought this order home, I said the bag is cold, no steam or heat. Upon opening the bag the onion rings were dark brown as is if re-fried (still cold) or at least "old" oil ( I'm from a restaurant family so I know what causes this color and texture). Even the fish (cod) looked liked yesterdays food and non-edible. I don't know if some kind of joke, but the owner should be aware. This occurred on 4/2/24 supper time should they wish to research the staff's actions or lack of. Living locally, we have been patrons for a long time, BUT I will NEVER be back. A loss of money, but a lesson learned. NEVER AGAIN-LOST OUR BUSINESS!!! read more

The. Best. Grill. Cheese. The onion rings & fries were alright. The lobster roll was really pricey... (taste: 2/5) A grill cheese is so simple but the flavor & crisp was perfect. read more

We love it here everything is always cooked perfectly and plenty of food. Spending $35 on a seafood plate at an ice cream stand is a little pricey but it's so very good. Have to go at least once a year. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Seafood platter. Little pricey now but so isn't everything. $35 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

Just okay.. three ice creams plus a frappe.. taste is average.. They could be bit more friendly and polite.. Okay updating: it's been few hours we left this place .. now at Davis Farmland.. I am downgrading my rating to 1 star for below reasons.. Since we left. They sure have some generously added laxatives in our ice cream and frappe.. 3 out of four of us had what you can call a "power wash" effect.. not recommending it for anyone especially if you have a day planned with outdoor activities read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Coffee frappe - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

A great little roadside stand for classic fried food and ice cream. Have a seat at a picnic table and enjoy your takeout right after you visit Sterling town common's Mary Had A Little Lamb statue. read more

We've always enjoyed their ice cream when we are in the area. The portions were generous and very tasty. My wife had the peanut butter Oreo, which I thought was wonderfully peanutty. My kid had unicorn delight, which was, intense. I mean, it made my teeth chatter it was so sweet and bubble gummy, but they loved it. read more

Went in the mid afternoon as a treat on Mother's Day. We had the seafood plate. The portions were generous, served hot and tasty. The fried seafood was not greasy. The whole belly clams were spot on, not gritty. The scallops were tender and juicy. The fish was flaky. The only complaint was the fries were a bit soggy. The seafood was placed on top of the fries on the plate, and once I worked my way down to them, they had steamed with the seafood on top. This was not a deal breaker for me. I was there for the seafood and focused enjoying that. It was served with homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw. The kitchen staff all wore masks, and customers were using good common sense with physical distancing. The outdoor picnic tables are upside down to safely discourage gathering. We look forward to going back! read more

Stopped in here this afternoon with my daughter not for the ice cream, but for some lunch. There were a few tables full of people enjoying their food and ice cream, but not a soul in line. We walked right up to the counter, took a peak at the menu above the window and placed our order. We ordered a Chicken Strips Dinner, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich and a large Pepsi even though my five year old reminded me of the fact that I hate Pepsi. Note to the owners, I'll give you the fifth star if you switch to Coke products. After paying for our food and receiving our order number, we took a seat to enjoy the beautiful weather while we waited. Though there's not much of a view, there are plenty of tables out in front overlooking the street. Our wait was not long, maybe about seven minutes until we heard "number 24, your order is ready" and my daughter was up and racing me to the counter. Again, we went back to our table, to sit and enjoy our meal. The Little Miss, was quite with her Grilled Cheese, not coming up for air, except to steal some fries from my plate. The Chicken Strips were absolutely fantastic. The we're only four pieces, but the were huge. They were a breaded crunchiness on the outside, yet very juicy on the inside. There was plenty of food for the two of us, all for about $15.00. The menu was actually quite extensive as it included chicken, seafood, hamburgers and hot dogs, and subs. Pretty much something for everyone. Though, it's a bit far from home, I would definitely make a return visit at some point. read more

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Second time I have spent over $40.00 for fried clams with bellys and got strips. I don't know what they are trying to pull but never again. Stop misrepresenting your costly product. If i could give less than 1 star I would. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Fried clams - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

Let me start with this: I wouldn't write if I didn't care. I grew up going to this place, it's been an institution with my family, so better than 30 years in my memory, much longer in the older generation. Their onion rings have historically been excellent, supporting cast of dairy bar-type food (grinders, fried seafood, ice cream) has been good, their portions sizes were good and the value was solid. I really haven't needed another dairy bar. Fast forward to this year. Singularly embarrassing. I'm unclear, but I strongly suspect we're dealing with a new ownership group/management team who has done a menu, sizing, and pricing re-work. Clearly they're after efficiency and profit based on some low-volume items (meatballs and spaghetti) being pulled form the menu as well as some dramatic down-sizing of their offerings and re-working of the nature of the ingredients being used. Not to mention dramatic cuts in food quality. I've been there 3 times this year (what can I say, I'm an optimist) April 14, 29, and most recently earlier today. I'm having a tough time figuring out whether or not I can keep going based on their consistent inconsistency and menu-demonstrated lack of respect for their clientele... Service has been spotty (not very quick)... The April 14 visit featured a pathetically small lobster roll with Italian dressing (which hasn't reappeared since, but was completely inconsistent with their typical mayo-based and historically generous offering). Their side of onion rings, again, normally generous, was tiny. A chicken finger plate did include actual breaded chicken tenderloins, so that was a positive, but again, the side of onion rings included was small. All food was served cold, which was particularly disappointing in light of the half dozen or so souls present. I noted a smaller plate in use, I assume to make the offering appear larger, but the downsize was very obvious. This was a very bad experience and I very nearly made the call to stop coming. The April 29 visit featured a lobster roll consistent with year's past, generously assembled with a balanced amount of mayo, again, small offerings on the sides and a similarly done chicken finger plate. When asked, the staff had no knowledge of the previous lobster roll experience (particularly the Italian dressing). Not a bad experience on the whole, unfortunately just good enough to get me through the doors again. I hate being led on... Today's experience featured a good lobster roll with a generous side of onion rings (trying to attach a photo, we'll see if I succeed?), but was contrasted against a terribly small "large" side of onion rings and a very poor chicken cutlet sandwich. The "cutlet" was actually 3 very small breaded chicken fingers made from mechanically separated chicken and byproducts. Cheese was included without being asked for and the bread was stale. Hadn't seen these guys at Sterling before, but I'd have been embarrassed to serve a sandwich like that for $8.50 and onion rings of that size for $7.50. Clearly the management group and I disagree with what should feel embarrassing... A very mixed bag as one dinner was good and the other was extremely poor. This sort of teasing is brutal... I'll be reaching out to them to ensure that somebody other than the teen with a summer job there or the folks on here are being poked about the rash of inconsistent and generally negative experiences I've had. Just disappointed to be in a position where I'm writing this. Again, I like the place... I just hate where it's headed and I'm hopeful that other folks share their disappointment as well. It's tough when folks still show up and don't make a peep about a less-than-great experience... It just reinforces the sub-standard offerings the place is throwing out and is generally disrespectful to the legacy the restaurant has created. Such a shame. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Large onion ring is now as small as the included side? - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

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This is an awesome restaurant it makes really good hotdogs and onion rings. I love my butter crush it's really good it taste like peanut butter and chocolate chips in it read more

When the cheeseburger plate you ordered comes out in 3 minutes, that is not a good sign. Horrible burger and tasteless onion rings. Too bad because the staff is nice and friendly service read more

I came here cuz I heard the fried clams were good. I should have not listened to whoever told me. The french fries were good The clams look like they were cooked in oil that was God knows how old. Other stuff may be good, the fried clams are not. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Fried clam roll. If you're looking for good clams don't come here. Overcooked some sand and just not very good in general. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

3 days later I went back for lunch again ... I got the same chicken cutlet sandwich with let tom and onion ... on wheat .. Their chicken is awesome ... crazy good sandwich for cheap $$ .. I might try something else next time but it's hard to get away from the cutlet sandwich .. read more

Excellent ice cream and frozen yogurt. Fried food options including fish and chips. We also got water for the dog. If you are looking to treat yourself after a long walk or run on the rail trail, this is the place!!! read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Sterling ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

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I haven't been here since I was a kid about 25 yrs ago Prices were high, place wasn't that clean and food was ok read more

This is the place to go in the area for Seafood! We've often tried other places and we keep going back to Sterling Ice Cream. The Haddock is always super fresh, and cooked to perfection. The portions are HUGE! 9 times out of 10, we're too full to get ice cream, but the stuff we've had has been awesome. There is an indoor seating area, as well as picnic area off to the side. It's always busy, but they get the orders out quickly. It's best to go inside and order your hot food. You can order it outside as well but the ice cream is served outside only, so you may have to wait. The hot dogs are also wonderful, although I'll warn you that they're foot longs, and if you get the chili, it's very spicy. We feed a family of 4 (2 seafood, 2 kids meals) for under $25. You can't even do that at McD's these days. read more

On average, the price per portion has increased a bit, the portions today weren't as generous compared to similar orders over the prior 2 years, but today's orders are noticeably improved in quality. A new order entry system for food takeout sped up the process a bit. Maybe new management? $9 for a steak and cheese sub with added grilled onions. I got what I call a small sub roll with about 1 1/4 cups of filling. Good blend of steak, cheese and onions, no gristle and very nice shaved steak, so at least the price brought some quality to this meal. I expected closer to 2 cups of filling for this bun at this price, so in my mind, this was a tad expensive for what I got. I'll live with this, lol. $10.25 for a Cheeseburger plate, the order slip proclaimed 'Bun, Lettuce and Tomato'. 'Bun'? As if it is an extra charge. Probably a typo. Otherwise this was a good but clearly pricey burger. Again, I'm assuming the price brought quality, but it wasn't my meal. $13.99 for Fish and Chips plate. Fish was very large and very good, nice batter. Probably the most price effective of the 3 meals. She bemoaned how big the fish was. I tried it, and considering the size, it was cooked perfectly. In fact, the length of this fish was the same as the length of the steak and cheese bun! I presume they had only recently opened for the season (stuff wasn't set up 3 weeks ago), so I'm thinking they are still getting their act in gear. We traveled 15 miles or so to get here. All told, we're not going to avoid coming back later in the season. Regarding a comment a year ago about 'lame' hot dog buns for clam rolls, that's actually a popular situation. I know local seafood chains which serve Lobster rolls on the same buns. What else would a clam roll be served on? No dessert today. read more

I went yesterday to have my fried clam roll..the clams were served very cold and due to it being seafood took it back to the window to say I could not eat this...the woman at the window was very caring and said we will remake this for free..what they did was add approximately 4 clams to the top of the roll with cold clams on the bottom..was very sick all night due to food poisoning...i will never go back to get sick again...this was my favorite place for clams for years..i think it has been bought and under new management..never even offered my money back..i will find a new place to gi read more

Stopped in here tonight and was pleasantly surprised. I know a couple people who live in Sterling or Clinton and asked them if they had ever been here. There answer was of course why would we go there when Rota is open. Well I decided to give it a try and am very glad I did. While it is certainly not a picturesque setting like many other places the ice cream was great. They also have a small indoor seating area and offer a full menu of grilled and fried food. There are some picnic tables off to the side under some trees, but the place is basically a giant parking lot so eating it in your car is the name of the game here. I ordered a small cup with their Chocolate Lovers (Rich chocolate ice cream base with fudge ripples & chocolate cookie dough) & Moose tracks. Both selections were awesome although I don't think I could have done a single order of Chocolate Lovers as it was crazy rich, but not in a sickening way. The small was beyond huge and is the size of most larges at other ice cream stands. The best part was it was only $2.80. I thought the girl charged me the wrong amount and asked her if that was right and she said yes it was. There was also a sign that they took credit/debit cards if your purchase was more than $15. The dinner food looked to be similarly priced at prices were I wonder how they are making any money so I will definitely have to try them again to see if it tastes as good as it looked. read more

I don't know why people are complaining . They have huge portions everything was great every time I went. I moved to Mass 6 years ago I always get a clam strip dinner every summer and this is one of the best clam strips I have had. read more

Fried seafood done right....what more can I say? we got the fried clam strips, fried scallops, and chicken fingers. all was good. Big portions, not soggy when I got home which is important with takeout seafood, and everything was cooked real well. Not too many places like this around anymore...didn't spend too much time looking over the menu so can't say too much about anything else but I always hear good stuff about this place. read more

Sterling Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Sterling, Massachusetts

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This past sunday, I ate my first and last meal there. Let us back up to my first stop of the season about a month ago and they were out of the only flavor I wanted. We got irrationally upset when we were in line and some people cut in front of us. They explained there were two windows open. However, it was not clear if there was and the windows in question were next to each other. The whole front of this store had windows to serve. I do not blame the rude people rather I place blame on the business for not being clear with lines and which windows they were serving food. I am very upset with our order. It was 28 dollars for a drink, a burger, and a visually overfried clamstrip and fries combo. For real? I called the restaurant to see if they overcharged us and they explained the price of the clam strips and french fries $18.45. read more

I always feel dirty and taken advantage of when I go to this place. $7 for a grilled cheese and a handful of fries? $12+ for chicken strips and some flavorless onion rings? And god help you if you ask for tartar sauce! That's 50 cents extra! Their ice cream is mediocre and over priced. Can't figure out why the place is crowded at times. I've been here at least five times and I've never been impressed, and always feel abused. My own stupidity for going back! You've been warned. read more