A deliciously spoon-bending experience at Dr. Mike's in Bethel.

Our second stop on the ice cream tour was to a hometown favorite called Dr. Mike's.  This little shop is located on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, nestled behind a local dental office.

That's right...a dental office.

Like any true conspiracy theorist I immediately questioned whether there was some sort of a relationship between Dr. Mike's and this dentist.  It seems too convenient that as Dr. Mike's patrons come to enjoy the sugar filled glory that is ice cream, they are thrust into a shame spiral when forced to view the dental propaganda conveniently placed in the windows  of the office.  Don't get me wrong, I am not an anti-dentite by any means, but it does seem curious that the original owner of Dr. Mike's was in fact a dentist....Seeing as we are just here for the ice cream, I will let the true detectives uncover this mystery.

Conspiracy or no conspiracy, Dr. Mike's is everything when it comes to ice cream.

We headed down the the shop on May 22nd, the Friday before Memorial Day.  We appeared to be "off hours" and once again did not have to wait in line.  I waited outside with Len because there is no stroller/wheelchair accessibility, nor would we be able to fit in the shop even if there was. Also, because Dr. M's is so small, there is no seating inside the shop.  There really isn't much room to wait for your ice cream inside either. As long as you go on a nice day, you will certainly enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. Otherwise you will most likely be eating your delicious dish in your car.

Do not let the small space dissuade you from taking the trip to Dr. Mike's, however.  The ice cream is well worth it!

Unlike Scoopy Doos, Mike (Sherman) and I are regulars at Dr. M's so there was no need to engage in any research on flavors or toppings prior to our visit.  There are typically 8 flavors available on a given day with staples like "chocolate lace" and some specials that seem to vary and can be somewhat creative.

Historically, Mike does not stray from the house favorite "chocolate lace."  Today was no different. According to Mike, "chocolate lace" is the best because it provides the consumer with competing consistences:  the creaminess of the ice cream and the hard crunchiness of the lace (For those that do not know, the "lace" is a hard candy made by a local candy maker).  I on the other hand, ventured out of my comfort zone and tried "butter praline."  We both chose chocolate sprinkles to top our dishes.

As per usual, the ice cream was amazing.  What makes it amazing?  Well, it's all in the consistency.  Dr. Mike's makes hard ice cream.  It's almost painful trying to spoon out each bite because the ice cream is so hard.  I have a theory that the consistency traps the flavor better than your run of-the-mill soft serve (I have no idea if that makes sense at all!)

Spoon-bendingly delicious

Along with the consistency, we also hypothesize that the limited flavors allow them to be masters at their craft.  It's certainly quality not quantity over there.

Aside from the product itself, it is important to note that the employees are great.  They are always extremely generous with their portions and despite the intense effort it takes to dish out this hard ice cream, they are always so happy.








Overall score:  8.5 out of 10.  Dr. Mike may not be a medical doctor or a doctor of philosophy, but he is certainly an expert on ice cream.  He is a doctor of dairy and I am forever his patient.