Kennedy's Ice Cream And Grill in New Glarus, WI

Key Highlights

• Classic roadside ice cream & grill spot 🍦🍔
• Super friendly, family-run service
• Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream—famous for creamy, premium flavors
• Menu for everyone: burgers, baskets, and gluten-free options
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking
• Right off the Sugar River Trail—ideal pitstop for cyclists & road-trippers

Features & Amenities

• Delivery available: Enjoy burgers and ice cream from home or your picnic spot
• Payment made easy: Debit cards accepted (cash also welcome, but no credit cards)
• No on-site parking: Park nearby and stroll over—perfect excuse to stretch your legs in downtown New Glarus
• Accessible entrance & marked spaces: Everyone can roll right in and order with ease

What’s the Vibe?

Kennedy’s Ice Cream And Grill is the sort of place that feels like a nostalgic summer pit stop—colorful, unpretentious, with the irresistible smell of griddled burgers floating out to greet you. Tucked along Railroad Street, it’s the sort of small-town gem that feels plucked from a road trip movie, complete with friendly staff who know regulars by name. The interior is simple but cheery, with a bright ice cream case and the sizzle of a burger grill as the soundtrack.

The crowd here is a cheerful mix: local families, day-trippers, and bicycle adventurers fresh from the Sugar River State Trail. Whether you’re rolling up for a quick cone or settling in for burgers, Kennedy’s makes everyone feel like part of the neighborhood.

Menu Musts

• Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream: Rotating flavors—expect classics and creative finds, all super creamy and generously scooped.
• Signature burgers & baskets: Juicy, made to order, and totally satisfying. Gluten-free buns available for those with dietary needs.
• Kid-approved sides: Crinkle fries, onion rings, and crisp pickles make any meal a celebration.
• Vegetarian & allergy-friendly: The owner and staff are known for going above and beyond to accommodate special requests.

What Visitors Say

Folks passing through New Glarus nearly always mention how warm and welcoming the Kennedy’s crew is. Many love that it’s family-run—you may be helped by the owner herself or her daughter, which makes it easy to flag down special requests (like gluten-free burgers or allergy-friendly swaps).

Burgers get rave reviews: visitors describe them as juicy, flavorful, and a highlight of any stop. The portion sizes are noticeably generous, especially when it comes to those heaping scoops of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. The treat selection is a real draw for dessert lovers, with a steady stream of locals coming in just for a cone or sundae.

Downsides? The most frequent complaint is the wait time—sometimes, especially with a few orders ahead of you, it can take longer than you’d expect (20-30 minutes for a burger basket isn’t unheard of). Some guests feel the prices are a bit higher than average, but most chalk it up to the quality ingredients and hometown hospitality. Nearly everyone agrees: the ice cream is worth coming back for, especially if you’re short on time.

Hidden Gem

Did you know? Kennedy’s sits just steps from the Sugar River State Trail, making it a legendary post-ride stop for bikers and hikers alike. You’ll often see muddy bikes propped outside and a line of folks in activewear cooling off with cones after a morning on the trail.

Practical Details

• Address: 400 Railroad St, New Glarus, WI 53574
• Parking: No on-site lot; use nearby street and city lots, all within easy walking distance
• Hours: Typically open March–October (call ahead or check social for seasonal hours!)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly entrance and accessible street parking out front
• Payment: Debit cards (no credit cards—bring your bank card or cash, just in case)
• Delivery: Available locally—perfect for those lazy weekends or group picnics

Why Stop Here?

• Craving local flavor: Kennedy’s serves up the kind of friendly service and comfort food you hope to stumble on during a road trip.
• Family-friendly treat break: Ice cream comes in big, happy scoops—perfect for kiddos and grownups alike.
• Perfect for cyclists & day-trippers: Steps away from the main trail and downtown New Glarus—easy for a pit stop before heading back out.

Did you know?

Kennedy’s first opened its doors decades ago as a humble ice cream shack—and it’s since become a rite of passage for anyone visiting New Glarus during the warm months. Some locals say summers “don’t start” until Kennedy’s windows open.

Quick Take: Kennedy’s is the definition of a classic, small-town treat spot: locally loved, family-run, and home to some of the best ice cream and burger baskets in southern Wisconsin.

Pro Tip

Order a “double scoop” of Chocolate Shoppe’s Zanzibar Chocolate and Lemon Raspberry Swirl for the ultimate summer combo—and ask for a picnic lid if you’re taking it back to the trail!