If you're looking for a dessert experience that's completely different from the usual ice cream shop, do yourself a favor and visit Vampire Penguin in downtown Lakeland. We ordered the Nevermoreo and it was absolutely incredible. The dessert starts with Vampire Penguin's signature "snow" -- a unique frozen treat that's neither ice cream nor shaved ice. It's made from a creamy frozen base that's shaved into incredibly thin layers, creating a light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike anything we've had before. The Nevermoreo was loaded with chocolatey goodness, cookies, marshmallows, graham cracker crumble, and rich chocolate drizzle. Every bite tasted like a gourmet campfire s'more with an Oreo twist. It was beautifully presented and even more delicious than it looked. The atmosphere deserves a mention too. The gothic bookstore vibe, moody lighting, vintage décor, and cozy seating make it one of the most unique spots in downtown Lakeland. It's the kind of place where you want to stay awhile and soak it all in. And don't skip the Dirty Sodas! They offer a fun menu of customizable soda creations and specialty combinations that pair perfectly with their desserts. Between the incredible snow desserts, creative drinks, and unforgettable atmosphere, Vampire Penguin has quickly become one of my favorite dessert destinations in Lakeland. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu. Highly recommend! read more

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I had never heard of this place until yesterday when I decided to look up coffee shops in Lakeland. The concept of coffee shop meets bookstore drew us in immediately. 30 minutes later, me and my friend were walking in through Vampire Penguin's door. As soon as you walk in, you're met with a dark and moody ambience. The accent wall covered in a beautiful, floral wallpaper, fitted with a fireplace and wooden bookshelves lining the wall with whimsical accents such as candles and vintage books. On the opposite wall, dark wood creating an air of mystery. Upon walking in, the store itself is fairly small. There's one large booth in front of the only window, and maybe 3 or 4 smaller tables. I wouldn't call this a proper bookstore as they only had a couple of floating shelves with books for sale. All smaller, indie authors. Most of them looked to be fantasy/romantasy and there was at least one I saw for kids. There were large bookshelves along the rest of the wall, but those books seemed to be just decorative and not for sale. All looked antique and had a cool vibe to them. Still cool to check out! We went on a Friday around 3 pm and with kids being out of school and this being a shaved ice place, it was in fact packed with families which we didn't take into account. They mainly offer shaved ice; there are several different options you can choose from as well as small or large sizes. We just wanted coffee and they had a few fun options to pick from. I ended up ordering the Custard Eclair which has chocolate syrup, custard, and shortbread. We waited for about 10 minutes for our lattes and a croissant. It seemed there were only 2 workers manning everything between running the register and making the orders. The space got more packed with little room for new customers to line up and the other people waiting trying to make room while an employee ran orders back and forth. We finally got our order and decided to sit outside due to how loud and overstimulating it was inside. They have some outdoor seating in the shade and that's where we spent some time sipping our coffees. The lattes were actually delicious. You could taste a good amount of the espresso they used while still tasting the nice blend of sweetness. Would I go back? Sure, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. Now if I'm in the downtown Lakeland area already and I'm doing a little shopping, a little exploring, I might stop here and grab a cup to go. Like I said, the latte was really solid. I wouldn't recommend getting your laptop and working here, but for a quick stop, I say go for it! Giving this place 3/5 stars read more

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First visit to Vampire Penguin this afternoon and we really enjoyed it. We ordered 3 coffee drinks (Withered Rose, Spiced Cookie, Honey Butter@ $5.25 each as they were all small) and a Pistachio Croissant. Withered Rose- dark sugar and sweet rose. Spiced Cookie -sweet spices and molasses cookie Honey Butter- brown butter, vanilla and honey I am usually a little nervous ordering flavored coffee drinks as sometimes the flavored syrups have a wacky aftertaste. These flavored syrups were quite tasty with no wacky aftertaste taste. The staff was nice and welcoming. The vibe is dark and elegant with a slight gothic feel. One wall is basically a library with a collection of vintage books. They also sell a small selection of books. There are several tables inside with a booth on the window that felt like an area where fortune telling or crystal ball reading might take place but none of those things were. There is one table outside on the sidewalk. My only critique is that I feel that they need a few more food selections. I definitely don't think they need a full menu, just a few more pastry/snack options. We really enjoyed the whole experience and look forward to returning as I think this is now our favorite coffee house in Lakeland! read more

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I loved this kitschy little drink and shaved ice shop. The decor reminds me of Dracula's library. The Green Tea shave ice also called Vampire Penguin was absolutely delicious! read more

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This place is so unique! It has a spooky vibe but not truly spooky. My favorite is the Victorian style seating nook. We enjoyed our iced and hot coffees. I had the butterscotch brew. But the items that really stand out are the shaved ice desserts. We three chose the most unique ones: the invisible mango, the taro root with ume, and of course had to try The Vampire Penguin. Indie authors visit each month and their books are sold here. read more

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My wife and I visited Vampire Penguin for dessert after having dinner at a nearby restaurant. This establishment specializes in "Shaved Snow" which comes in a variety of sweet toppings you would commonly find on ice cream. We split the War and Reese's which had a light sweetness of peanut butter and chocolate flavor, with pieces of peanut butter crumble and drizzled with rich chocolate syrup. Even though the dessert looked heavy and decadent, the "snow" was nicely airy and light. Overall, this was a great stop for a delicious quality dessert. read more

Vampire Penguin - War and Reese's - Desserts Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

This place is so cute! It's the perfect vibe. The inside is a little dark, but it compliments the decor nicely. The staff were very welcoming! We came for the snow, but we had to try one of their flavored coffees as well. Everything was absolutely delicious. I can't even describe the snow, but it was super flavorful while still being a really light dessert. I highly recommend! read more

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This business opened up only a few weeks ago and my daughter and I decided to visit. It's located in a good and easy to access location in the downtown area. When we went inside, it gave an old school coffee shop vibe with dimmed lights and bookshelves filled with books. The staff was really nice and helpful. The shaved ice was really good and so creative - they have all sorts of options and I believe I chose a banana pudding one. They all had clever names so I'm not sure everything that's in it. They have cool soda options too which is so fun. We will definitely go back! read more

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It's very yummy and a unique concept for the food, but I wish it was more of a happy ice cream shop feel rather than a dark "vampire bookstore" feel. I guess it just confuses me read more

Vampire Penguin - Desserts Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

I had never been here before but it was actually very cool place and the food was very good and Wren helped me out when I was there and she was super amazing and helpful and kind to me it was very welcoming I would definitely come back here for sure read more

This is the coolest and most unique shaved ice place. Got the butter beer with the sugar free option. Tried the "Edgar Allen Snow". So unique but sooooo good. This is definitely a must try place. read more

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We hit up Vampire Penguin at-least once a week. It is our favorite spot for yummy but not overwhelmingly rich dessert! You can't go wrong with any of the snow options but the "But first coffee" and "Berity" are our go to's! Yes she place is small but they also have seating outside and we usually just sit out there! read more

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I have been here twice! The shop is so amazingly charming. A goth bookstore that sells snow! The snow is not nearly as heavy and filling as icecream. The flavors are endless and tasty. It's not for everyone. I took some young friends and we all loved it! Incredible asthetics! Friendly staff. Unique deserts! read more

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The shaved ice is delicious. The flavor seems to be in the ice itself not poured over it. You can customize your order or choose from a creative list of options that they have curated. The dirty sodas shouldn't be missed either! The butter beer was very tasty. Definitely worth trying if you're in the area. read more

Vampire Penguin - Halo Halo (ube) - Desserts Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Delicious and unique! Decor was super cute as were the menu item names!!!! So quaint and fun! read more

Vampire Penguin - Catcher and the Thai Edgar Allan Snow - Desserts Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

It was truly amazing food and staff. The atmosphere was so peaceful and I'll be back for more amazing dessert. read more

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What an amazing dessert place. The shaved snow was amazing. This was a great find. It was light and airy. Unbelievable! Can't wait to go back. read more

Great food. Did the make your own for the snow ice whatyamacallit, a base of mango and pineapple with banana and strawberry slices, and finishings of white chocolate sauce and strawberry sauce. Phenomenal. They accidentally put vanilla ice cream in it and it still tasted heavenly. Nice workers. Amazing food. If you're in the area try it, and if you're not, go to the area and try it. Might mispronounce your name if it's fairly rare, no biggie though. read more

I tried the Berity because it was the most popular. Always have to go with the tried and true and it did not disappoint, the texture was smooth, sweet, and light. Such a different type of dessert the flavor was great, would love to go back and try the other options now that I know it was worth it! Forgot to take a picture but it looked exactly like the picture on their website. Met Natalie the owner and she was kind and helpful. read more

The vibe inside is super cute, very cozy. All the staff were super friendly, and both of our ices were amazing! I'm excited to go back! read more

Vampire Penguin - Thai tea Oreo ice, and tuxedo - Desserts Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

We went last night for a couple date night and had a great time. We had two the Twix inspired snows, one Reeses inspired and a strawberry one too, all were delicious. The decor is awesome and the staff was very friendly. Would definitely recommend read more