Tony's Cool Ice Cream Covington

This place is a local *establishment*, if you know what I mean. You know, the kind of places that you can just tell have been there forever and are where the locals go. And what a hidden gem! It's obviously well known to those who live in the area as there wasn't a seat in the house when we walked in, but probably a place I wouldn't have stumbled upon on my own. So thanks to the coworker who brought ice cream to share for filling us in on this one! From the time we entered until we were pulling out of the parking lot, I was impressed with this place. The guy taking orders at the register was nice as can be and the cans of Sundrop on ice by the register let me know this was my kind of place. It's not even my favorite drink but it seems any time you find yourself somewhere that has Sundrop, it's legit. Hasn't let me down at least! As I mentioned, there wasn't an open seat anywhere when we walked in but we lucked up to catch a booth right after we ordered. The place stayed steadily busy the entire time we were there too. Most were obviously here for the ice cream but the food line stayed pretty busy as well. Food came out quick though and was just as good as I expected. My husband had the bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. Which I would definitely order again! The onion rings were some of the best I've had in a while. Perfectly crispy and battered just right to allow you to bite through without pulling the onion out. The cheeseburger was awesome as well. Just like the ones from my own childhood many miles away. Oh and we both had sweet tea which sealed the deal. I just knew a place like this would have good sweet tea and I was right! They even had the good ice too! I ordered the turkey club with fries. I was a bit surprised when it came out on sub bread but it works! The bread was crisped up on the flattop and although it wasn't the traditional club I had expected, it was still just as good. The turkey wasn't the cheap, slimy stuff most places use and it really makes all the difference. The fries were the skinny McDonald's style fries with no salt so I wouldn't likely order those again. After having the onion rings, I wouldn't order anything else anyway. They give you a good portion though. Now for the main event- the ice cream. Oh my gosh, those were some good milkshakes! I would drive back to Gastonia just to get ice cream at this place! And obviously I'm not the only one by the looks of the packed house. I'm honestly considering going back right now because writing this and looking at the photos are making me crave one of their milkshakes. Enough about me though, let's talk ice cream... I had the lemon milkshake and it was SO good! I don't know what it is but lemon in desserts just speaks to me. So when I seen it was an option, I had to override my usual selections. And for the size of their milkshake, kinda glad I did. The touch of sour really helps balance out the sweet richness of the ice cream. And I absolutely LOVE how they serve their milkshakes! I'm not sure how to describe it but they give you the classic blended milk with ice cream but also add scoops of ice cream so it doesn't get overly runny. I was able to eat actual ice cream all the way to the bottom of the cup instead of ending up with that weird watery part towards the end. But it wasn't super thick or hard to eat like some chain fast food places. It was honestly perfect and now I want another one lol. Their ice cream is so creamy and perfectly balanced. Definitely worth the trip alone!My husband had the cherry cheesecake milkshake and it may have been even better than the lemon. Thankfully they were large cups so we were able to share plenty. Not sure I could eat a whole milkshake of that flavor by myself but I would certainly try. Where the lemon gives you a little break from the richness, the cheesecake builds on it. But in the best of ways of course. It was so good and I would absolutely get it again! They have so many good options, though. We seen the

Oh my goodness!!! Do not miss this place! Many unique offerings including making you walk through a maze of brightly colored goodies for the kids. Their “single scoop” actually turned out to be three additions to your choice of cones. This was so good, I went back twice in the same day!!!!

YUM! We love Tony's. Great food and of course the ice cream.

First time visit here, and maybe the 'regulars ' are aware but was unable to actually try anything. Busy Saturday evening and didn 't mind the wait. Stood in one of two lines, for about 10-12minutes. Went up to order a milkshake and a cup of ice cream and was told the line I was in was for food only . So I asked, if I have to go back and stand in line for another 10-15 minutes just to order? The girl said yes. So I then asked if I could order food with my ice cream... was told Not right now, and to Have a nice day . While I 'm sure the place has decent ice cream and food I cannot comment as I was unable to try. Not sure I 'll go back. The fact they wouldn 't allow me to order food was what prompted this post for the poor review.

It's an old Gastonia back in the days Hillbillies type of culture establishment. Honestly certain people are not really welcome there and the other place is called RO's restaurant up the street from Tony's ice cream.