Chip & Ruby’s Ice Cream and Games Now Open in Scottsdale

Who doesn’t like ice cream? Who doesn’t like arcade game? No one… right? The grown-up stresses of life make us all secretly wish that we could be a kid again, enjoying the days when our biggest worry was deciding on a flavor of ice cream, or hoping we’d win that giant stuffed animal everyone wanted at the county fair. While I can’t turn back time, I may have found a way to enjoy an hour or two of being a kid again…

This week, I stopped in at Chip & Ruby’s (closed), a new ice cream shop, in Old Town Scottsdale. I only expected to walk in, enjoy a scoop of ice cream and be on my way, but I was surprised (pleasantly) with so much more. As soon as I arrived through the door, I immediately noticed the giant ice-cream-cone-themed tables and chairs and I thought “Ahhh… THIS is a happy place”.

Ice-cream-cone tables and chairs

From the whimsical décor, to the giant ice cream cone mascots, Chip and Ruby, this place just makes you want to smile (so hard, your cheeks hurt).

Meet Chip and Ruby, the store mascots.

Let’s not forget the Cotton Candy Machine in the corner… just 2 bucks for fresh-spun cotton candy.

Fresh-spun Cotton Candy

Adjacent to the dining room is an arcade room, filled with games and even a prize counter (I spotted Yahtzee in there… which means I’m coming back for some serious gaming).

Gameroom

Gameroom

I met with Rui, General Manager, and he gave me and Taryn an informal interview of the store’s opening. Chip & Ruby’s opened about a month and a half ago, and things seem to be running swimmingly. The idea sparked from J. Richard Oltmann, the store’s owner, who runs Family Fun Companies and has been in the coin-operated amusement industry for quite some time. He wanted to create a unique ice cream store that was kid-friendly and would bring families together. From talking with Rui, it was apparent that family is so important to him and it shows in his store. Since the opening, they’ve reached out to local schools and mom groups for holding events and fundraisers. Among these events,  they will be hosting a “Santa Shoot” on December 5th, giving kids the opportunity to take a professional photo with Santa (I hear he’s the real deal), get a scoop of ice cream and 10 tokens to be played in the game room for $29. Chip & Ruby’s also hosts weekly Kids Talent Shows on Saturday evenings (free admission). Contact the store for details.

While they don’t make their own ice cream, Chip & Ruby’s opted to use a dairy in Florida (in business since 1947) that creates all of their unique flavors, for better consistency between batches. They are the only ones as far west as Chicago to use this dairy (you won’t find this product anywhere else here in Arizona) and most flavors are 100% natural. For instance, their Strawberry ice cream is made with vanilla ice cream with real strawberries pureed in therefore it doesn’t have that bubblegum pink coloring we’re all used to when we think of strawberry ice cream. However, I tried it and it’s delicious. My absolute favorite thus far!

The store’s most popular flavors so far include Key Lime Pie (Taryn enjoyed a sample of this and raved about it), Pumpkin Cheesecake (they’ll keep this year round since it’s been such a hit) and Bananas Foster. I’m a chocolate fan myself and fell in love with their Dark Chocolate, rich, creamy and decadent. Soon, they’ll be offering a vanilla and chocolate soy-based ice cream as well – heads up for the lactose-intolerant! Also making an appearance on the menu soon will be Blueberry Cheesecake, Reese’s Peanut Butter, and Apple Streusel.

Ice Cream Case

For the Midwesterners, try the Old Milwaukee Frozen Custard (and ask for a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!).

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Spaghetti and Meatballs (I might work up the courage on my next visit!):

Spaghetti & Meatballs

For store location and more information, visit chipandrubys.com

*Special thanks to Susie Timm, Girl Meats Fork, for introducing us!

*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.