Tucked between Oak & Ore and Empire Slice House in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District, Roxy’s Ice Cream Social rounds out a trifecta of truly impressive restaurants. Roxy’s began as a food truck in early 2012, yet the opening of their brick and mortar location seems like it’s been a long time coming. It was definitely worth the wait. Roxy’s fits into one of Oklahoma City’s most popular entertainment districts like a missing puzzle piece.
The bright pink and yellow color scheme both inside and out is infectiously happy and reminiscent of ice cream parlors of the 1950s. The interior is complete with cartoonish ice cream cones painted on the walls, diner-style seats at an old-fashioned soda counter and vases filled with cute faux flowers on every table. The experience feels like climbing into the neighborhood ice cream truck you used to run after as a kid, or at least what you imaged it was like when you were 5.
Each flavor is specifically crafted and homemade from time-tested recipes. Plain and simple, it is some of the best ice cream you can get in the metro. Salted caramel, pistachio, coffee and cream, and mint chocolate are all on the menu alongside the classics like strawberry, chocolate, and a very-not-boring vanilla bean. They also carry seasonal flavors (Can you say “pumpkin spice”?) and sorbets for the lactose intolerant, vegan and those who just love sherbet.
However, their menu goes beyond that. After I strolled into the shop I was torn between getting an ice cream cone or one of their other creations – ice cream sandwiches made with fresh-baked cookies, floats or a mocha cappuccino sundae topped with biscotti. In true soda fountain fashion, they have an assortment of cane sugar pops they make themselves. They use their orange cream soda and vanilla ice cream to make a Dreamsicle float that sounds incredible.
I settled on a root beer float made with their vanilla bean ice cream and Roxy’s Root Beer. My husband ordered cookies and cream on a freshly prepared waffle cone that “didn’t taste like that cardboard Braum’s crap.” Each bite was delightful and my only regret was that I didn’t have more ice cream and soda in my cup. If you come on the weekend, be prepared to wait a little while. The shop will probably be packed, but the reward for your patience is delicious.
Roxy’s Ice Cream Social is the perfect summer treat, and the little bit of extra money you’ll spend for homemade ice cream recipes is nothing in comparison to the quality. If you can’t get enough of their creamy goodness, it is available by the pint. You can also catch Roxy’s around town at events and other random stops when their food truck is out and about.
