Hillside Sweet Shoppe - East Haddam

Currently operating as La Bella's, this cozy spot was managed by two welcoming ladies during our visit. They offer a selection of classic ice cream flavors available in cups or cones. We opted for a seat at their outdoor tables and had a wonderful time. The cookie dough flavor was enjoyable, the chocolate peanut butter was fantastic, and the watermelon Italian ice was delicious. It's just a short stroll from Goodspeed, but be cautious of the heavy traffic!

As of June 2022, the establishment is named La Bella's. The staff member we encountered was quite friendly; however, the ice cream left much to be desired. It wasn't very creamy, and the portion sizes were disappointingly small relative to the price. My wife and I each ordered a two-scoop waffle cone, which set us back $14. Unfortunately, the scoops didn't even fill the cone to the top! Additionally, they do not make their own ice cream and there is no public restroom available.

I would advise against visiting this ice cream shop. The man at the counter was quite rude and didn’t mention until after serving me that they only accept cash. I had to rush back to my car to get some cash. Additionally, the ice cream was lumpy and tasted old. Unfortunately, I even felt unwell after eating it.

The ice cream here is incredibly delicious! The service is amazing and very friendly. I highly recommend trying the Banana Cream Pie Milkshake!

The welcoming staff and delectable ice cream make for a fantastic experience. The owner personally delivers your ice cream to your table in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, which is a nice touch. They are very accommodating. If you find yourself in the Goodspeed area, whether you're hiking, paddling, or enjoying the beautiful foliage this season, be sure to stop by for some ice cream and support a local business that has faced significant challenges during the pandemic.