- Attraction: Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery
- Location: 1063 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
- Industry: Ice Cream Parlor
- Website: https://holstens.com/
Since 1939, this family-owned gem has been serving up nostalgia by the scoop, becoming not just a beloved local institution but also a pilgrimage site for fans of The Sopranos who want to sit where Tony had his last meal.
What started as Strubbe’s Ice Cream Parlor has evolved through several names and owners before becoming the Holsten’s we know today. Current owners Ronald Stark and Christopher Carley have been running the show since 1999, but their connection runs deeper—both worked here as teenagers.
Their secret?
Keep everything old-fashioned, make the ice cream and chocolate in-house, and never mess with what works.
The Ice Cream That Keeps Generations Coming Back
Homemade Perfection: With over 20 flavors made fresh on-site, the ice cream here delivers richness that can’t be replicated from a commercial supplier. The chocolate stands out as exceptionally deep and satisfying, while the coffee option brings a bold, authentic taste.
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Keep Exploring →Unique options like maple walnut, rum raisin, coconut chip, black raspberry, and s’mores give you plenty of reasons to return and work your way through the entire lineup.
Classic Ice Cream Sodas: The vintage soda fountain isn’t just for show. You’ll find authentic ice cream sodas and egg creams mixed the old-school way, served in tall glasses that transport you straight back to the Eisenhower era.
The coffee ice cream soda combines the best of both worlds—rich coffee flavor with creamy ice cream and fizzy soda creating a nostalgic taste sensation.
Sundaes Worth the Calories: Hot fudge sundaes reign supreme here, served with generous portions of toppings and that all-important finishing touch. The whipped cream is real and homemade, not squirted from a can, giving every sundae a velvety, genuine quality that makes it feel like a special occasion.
The brownie fudge sundae combines warm brownie with cold ice cream in a way that hits all the right notes. Banana splits pile on the fruit salad topping, nuts, sprinkles, and multiple scoops for a dessert that’s meant to be shared—or not.
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Discover MoreMilkshakes and Malteds: Thick, creamy, and made to order, the milkshakes here embody everything a milkshake should be. At around $7 each, you’re getting generous portions that feel worth every penny. The vanilla delivers pure, straightforward flavor, while the chocolate malt offers that classic malt shop taste with just the right balance of chocolate and malt powder.
The Food Menu You Didn’t Expect
Flame-Broiled Burgers: The cheeseburger deluxe platter is the number one seller for good reason. These aren’t frozen patties—the meat comes from Mastriano’s butcher right across the street, and you can taste the quality difference.
Cooked to order with a satisfying flame-broiled char, they’re paired with perfectly crispy crinkle-cut fries that are the ideal vessel for ketchup. The turkey burger offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Those Famous Onion Rings: Thanks to Tony Soprano’s final scene, the onion rings have achieved legendary status. But they’re not famous just because of TV—they’re genuinely delicious, with a crispy exterior that gives way to sweet, tender onion inside. Order them as a side or as your main event—either way, you won’t regret it.
Classic Comfort Fare: The menu reads like a greatest hits of American diner food. Grilled cheese sandwiches come with the option of Taylor ham (a New Jersey specialty that locals swear by), while BLTs arrive stacked with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes.
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Keep Exploring →Hot dogs, omelets, and various sandwiches round out a menu designed to satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents. Everything hits that comfort food sweet spot.
Candy Counter Treasures
Homemade Chocolates: The glass display cases near the entrance are filled with handcrafted chocolates that could rival anything from a fancy chocolatier. Peanut butter-filled chocolates, orange cream, hazelnut truffles, dark chocolate confections—every piece is made on-site with care.
Around Easter, the marshmallow-filled chocolate eggs become instant bestsellers, and gift boxes are available for shipping anywhere in the country.
Old-Fashioned Candy: Rope licorice, candied fruit slices, and other nostalgic treats line the shelves. The selection brings back memories of penny candy stores from decades past, with all the classics you remember from childhood.
The Sopranos Connection
The Booth: The middle row, third booth—that’s where the Soprano family sat for the series’ enigmatic final scene. It’s marked with a “Reserved for the Soprano family” sign as a tribute to the late James Gandolfini. You can absolutely sit there and snap photos, though you may need to wait during busy times, especially when Sopranos tour buses roll through (typically between 12:30 and 1:30 PM).
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Discover MoreMerchandise and Tours: Sopranos fans can pick up hats, shirts, mugs, and other memorabilia to commemorate their visit. The location also appeared in the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, cementing its place in the Sopranos universe. Holsten’s embraces its TV fame, making it easy for fans to immerse themselves in the experience.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Pure 1950s Time Capsule: The interior has remained largely unchanged for decades, and that’s entirely intentional. Original red vinyl booths, spinning stools at the soda fountain counter, vintage signage advertising “luncheon” and “homemade chocolates”—every detail contributes to the feeling that you’ve stepped through a time machine.
The narrow lane between the lunch counter and display cases leads back to the booth section, creating an authentic ice cream parlor layout.
Nostalgic But Not Stuffy: Despite the retro aesthetic, the atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly. You’ll see multiple generations dining together—grandparents treating grandkids to the same ice cream they enjoyed decades ago, teenagers hanging out at the counter, and tourists soaking in the ambiance. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, with the kind of charm you can’t manufacture.
Compact and Cozy: The space feels intimate without being cramped. During busy periods, it can feel snug, but that only adds to the charm of this authentic ice cream parlor experience. The sound of the milkshake machine, the clinking of spoons against metal ice cream dishes, and the gentle buzz of conversation create a soundtrack of Americana.
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Keep Exploring →Practical Considerations
Exceptional Value: The pricing remains remarkably reasonable, especially considering everything is homemade. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable the food and ice cream are, with generous portions that make every dollar stretch. This is the kind of place where a family of four can eat well without breaking the bank.
Parking Situation: There’s a driveway slightly past the nearby Greek restaurant on the left side. It’s narrow and serves as both entrance and exit, so proceed carefully. Street parking is also available and generally manageable. Don’t let parking concerns keep you away—it’s easier than you might think.
Family-Friendly: This is absolutely a place to bring kids. The menu has options for all ages, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and there’s something magical about introducing children to an authentic ice cream parlor where everything is made by hand.
Timing Your Visit: If you want to avoid the Sopranos tour crowds, come after 1:30 PM or on weekdays. Early dinner hours also tend to be less hectic. Weekend afternoons can get busy, but the operation runs efficiently and keeps things moving. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 10 PM.
Takeout and Delivery: You can order food to go, and they even offer delivery options. Pints and quarts of ice cream are available to take home, letting you enjoy Holsten’s whenever the craving hits.
Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery
📍 1063 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
