- Attraction: Polar Cub Ice Cream
- Location: 380 US Highway 22 West, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
- Industry: Ice Cream Shop
- Website: http://polarcubicecream.com
Summer evenings along Route 22 transform into something magical when cars overflow the parking lot, spilling onto the highway shoulder as families eagerly anticipate their frozen treats.
This roadside ice cream stand has been serving up happiness since the 1950s, creating traditions that span multiple generations.
The current owner purchased the business in December 1998, continuing a legacy that makes this spot one of Hunterdon County’s most cherished destinations.
Operating seasonally from March through September with daily hours from noon to 8:45 p.m., this walk-up window stand specializes in both hard and soft serve ice cream.
The seasonal rotation of specialty flavors keeps things exciting, while generous portions at wallet-friendly prices have helped build a reputation that draws crowds from over 20 miles away.
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Keep Exploring →You’ll find families who’ve made weekly visits a summer ritual, and you’ll likely bump into someone you know in the bustling parking lot.
Soft Serve That Sets The Standard
Exceptional Texture: The soft serve here stands apart with its remarkably dense and creamy consistency. Unlike thinner varieties that quickly melt into liquid, this ice cream maintains its structure beautifully even on sweltering summer days. The richness comes through in every bite, delivering that satisfying thickness ice cream lovers crave.
Rotating Specialty Flavors: Each season brings fresh excitement with changing soft serve options. Spring might feature soft peanut butter and orange flavors, while autumn ushers in the beloved pumpkin soft serve.
Throughout the season, you’ll encounter creative combinations like brownie batter, strawberry banana twist, cake batter, coffee, and mint varieties. The rotation means there’s always something new to discover on your next visit.
Black Raspberry With Peanut Crunch: This particular combination has developed a devoted following in the area. The black raspberry soft serve paired with crunchy peanut topping creates a delightful textural contrast that’s surprisingly rare to find elsewhere. The sweet berry flavor mingles beautifully with the nutty, crispy bits mixed throughout.
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Discover MoreFlurry Blends: These treats take your chosen soft serve flavor and incorporate candy pieces throughout, creating satisfying textural variety in each spoonful. The smooth, creamy ice cream punctuated by crunchy candy surprises makes for an indulgent experience.
Cherry Dip Delight: Opt for the cherry shell dip coating on any cone size, and you’ll get a thin, crispy shell that shatters satisfyingly against the soft interior. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and smooth ice cream creates that classic dipped cone experience. Even the baby cone becomes something special with this addition.
Beyond Soft Serve
Hard Ice Cream Selection: With 14 flavors of hard ice cream available, you’ll find everything from butter pecan and pistachio to coffee and black raspberry. The hard ice cream maintains the same rich, creamy quality that defines this establishment.
Epic Banana Splits: These towering desserts feature generous scoops of ice cream crowned with strawberries served in natural juice rather than artificially sweetened syrup. All the classic banana split toppings combine to create an indulgent sundae that justifies its reputation as one of the menu’s standout items.
Build-Your-Own Sundaes: The strawberry sundae with soft vanilla ice cream stands out as a popular choice. You can customize with wet walnuts that achieve the perfect balance—neither too sweet nor soggy. The whipped cream deserves special mention for its exceptional density and ability to hold its texture even in summer heat, staying thick and creamy rather than deflating.
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Keep Exploring →Shakes and Floats: The mocha shake delivers rich coffee and chocolate flavors blended into thick, satisfying form. Root beer floats hit that nostalgic sweet spot, while slush floats and ice cream sodas offer lighter, more refreshing alternatives.
Ice Cream Cakes: Available for special occasions, these frozen cakes provide another way to enjoy the shop’s quality ice cream at birthdays and celebrations.
The Classic Drive-In Experience
Authentic Throwback Atmosphere: This is old-school ice cream in its purest form—a walk-up window stand where you order and then enjoy your treats in the parking lot or at the limited outdoor seating. The setup evokes a bygone era when ice cream stands served as community gathering places, and that nostalgic atmosphere thrives here today.
Summer Social Hub: On busy evenings, the parking lot becomes a lively social scene. Baseball teams celebrate victories, families make it their weekly tradition, and neighbors unexpectedly reconnect while waiting in line. The energy is contagious as people lean against their cars, enjoying cones and cups while soaking in the warm weather.
No-Frills Setup: The charm lies in its simplicity. There’s no air-conditioned dining room or elaborate seating area—just a walk-up window, a parking lot, and a small shaded section with benches. The aged building adds authentic character rather than feeling dated, contributing to the genuine vintage appeal.
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Discover MoreCommunity Gathering Place: You’ll witness what locals affectionately call a tailgate party atmosphere, with people of all ages congregating to enjoy frozen treats and summer evenings. It’s become the kind of place where running into acquaintances isn’t just possible—it’s expected.
What You Need To Know
Outstanding Value: The generous portions for the price make this one of the most affordable options for quality ice cream in the region. A baby cone starts under a dollar, while even larger sizes remain remarkably budget-friendly. The serving sizes are substantial—so much so that ordering small or medium often proves plenty, as the larger sizes can become overwhelming.
Cash Only: Bring cash, as the shop doesn’t accept credit cards. This old-school policy occasionally catches newcomers by surprise, though an ATM can typically be found nearby if needed.
Parking Requires Patience: The parking situation during peak hours can test your resolve. The lot fills completely, with cars frequently overflowing onto Route 22.
Summer evenings after 5 p.m., post-game hours when youth sports teams arrive, and weekend afternoons generate the biggest crowds. If the parking chaos becomes frustrating, consider visiting during slower periods like early weekday afternoons.
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Keep Exploring →Line Wait Times: While lines stretch long during busy periods, they generally keep moving. Expect to wait 15-25 minutes during the most crowded times, though the efficient window service keeps things progressing steadily.
Perfect For Families: This destination welcomes groups of all ages and even offers “puppy servings” for furry companions. You’ll regularly see dogs happily licking their own mini cups while their owners enjoy larger treats.
Dietary Options: Vegan guests can enjoy Dole Whip in flavors like pineapple and mango, providing a dairy-free frozen treat. Gluten-free wafer cones are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
Timing Your Visit: For smaller crowds, target early afternoon on weekdays or the beginning of the season in March and April. If you embrace the bustling atmosphere, summer evenings showcase this beloved spot at its liveliest and most energetic.
Quarts To Go: You can purchase quarts of ice cream to take home, letting you extend the experience beyond your visit.
Polar Cub Ice Cream
📍 380 US Highway 22 West, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
