Cornell Dairy Bar and Plant

When we first went to Cornell with Max, Hubby made mention of the “Cornell Dairy Bar” where they used to be able to purchase ice cream when he was in college. He waxed poetic about that ice cream, and was bound and determined we’d get some on our return to Cornell. So, a few weeks ago when we were at Cornell, Hubby was a man-on-a-mission to find that old dairy bar and take me there for an ice cream!

It turns out our timing was perfect.

In 2010, Stocking Hall at Cornell was closed for a major renovation. A new observation deck to look over the Dairy plant was installed, some kind of passageway taken down, and the entire place was renovated from top to bottom. The plant and dairy bar had only recently reopened, and Cornell-made ice cream returned just a few weeks prior to our visit.

I must say the renovated Stocking Hall was quite impressive. We took the hike up to the observation area to get a look at the processing plant. Unfortunately it looks like we arrived at breaktime, so we didn’t see the plant in action.

Afterward, we went over to the Cornell Dairy Bar for a taste of that fantastic ice cream Hubby remembered. Up on the boards they had all sorts of specialty flavors, some Cornell-specific. Hubby made a comment that the menu board flashed a bit too fast to read through the first time. There are big TVs (see top pic) right next to the Cornell Dairy Bar entrance. They would do well to list the flavors/rotate them on those boards before you enter to place your order. You’d think a place that boasts the number one hotel and restaurant management school in the country would have figured that out instead of allowing the long lunchtime to back up into the concourse.

These are the regularly available flavors, although there are specialty flavors not listed below:

Current Cornell Dairy ice cream flavors:

● Bavarian Raspberry Fudge
● Big Red Reunion Revel
● Black Raspberry
● Chocolate
● Chocolate Fudge Brownie
● Coconut Chip
● Cookie Dough Dream
● Cookies & Cream
● Cornelia’s Dark Secret
● Espresso Chip
● Ezra’s Morning Cup
● French Vanilla
● Kahlua Fudge
● Mint Chocolate Chip
● Peanut Butter & Jelly
● Peanut Butter Cup
● Perry’s Lemon Sorbet
● Strawberry
● Triple Play Chocolate
● Vanilla

I had some raspberry swirl thing and Hubby has cookies and cream, a scoop of coconut, and a spring-something-or-another. He wanted to get “value” out of his dish as the first scoop was $2, and the extra scoops were only 50¢ each. Me? One scoop was enough. They are BIG scoops!

I am certain we will make another stop at the Cornell Dairy Bar soon. It is located a short distance from the Veterinary Hospital, so a short drive or long walk away.

Also being sold in the case: Cornell Dairy ice cream, milk, yogurt, pudding, and Big Red Cheddar. Hubby would have bought rice pudding if they produced and sold it there, but he only saw vanilla. He did make a comment that the cheese was crazy-expensive ($15 per pound). The next time we stop we hope to have a cooler with us so we can take some goodies home!

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