Tucked away on South Walnut Street in downtown Bloomington, The Chocolate Moose has been serving up happiness in a cone since it first opened its doors. This isn’t your average ice cream shop where vanilla and chocolate are the only options.
Instead, you’ll find yourself staring at a menu filled with flavors that sound like they came straight from a dream. From grasshopper to banana pudding, from apple butter to lemon curd, this local gem has earned its reputation as Indiana’s ultimate dessert destination.
With a solid 4.6-star rating from over a thousand reviews, the Moose proves that creativity and quality can coexist in every scoop. Whether you’re a Bloomington local or just passing through, this ice cream haven offers experiences that go far beyond a simple sugar fix.
The friendly staff, the nostalgic atmosphere, and those unexpected flavor combinations make every visit memorable. Ready to discover what makes The Chocolate Moose so special?
Let’s explore seven reasons why this place deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
Unique Flavor Creations That Push Boundaries
Walking into The Chocolate Moose feels like stepping into a flavor laboratory where creativity knows no limits. The ice cream cases hide behind the counter, waiting to surprise you with options you never imagined existed.
Grasshopper ice cream stands out as one of their most talked-about creations, blending mint and chocolate in a way that tastes like a refreshing dessert after-dinner mint melted into creamy perfection.
Banana pudding ice cream brings childhood memories flooding back with every spoonful. Real banana flavor mixed with vanilla wafer pieces creates a nostalgic experience that customers rave about in their reviews.
One visitor mentioned it was the thing they missed most after moving away from Bloomington, making it their mandatory stop whenever they return.
Seasonal offerings like apple butter and pumpkin flavors appear in the fall, drawing crowds who specifically request samples before committing to a full scoop. The apple butter variety combines sweet, spiced apples with a creamy base that captures autumn in every bite.
Campfire s’mores takes you back to summer nights around the fire, complete with marshmallow swirls and graham cracker pieces.
Even their cheesecake ice cream goes beyond expectations. Instead of vanilla with cheesecake chunks thrown in, they’ve created an ice cream that actually tastes like cheesecake itself.
The cinnamon roll flavor packs a strong punch of cinnamon that some find intensely sweet but others absolutely love.
Coffee lovers appreciate the vegan coffee option, which works perfectly in sundaes and freezes. Black raspberry offers a fruity alternative, while lemon curd provides a tangy, sophisticated choice for adventurous palates.
The Chocolate Moose Dream combines peanut butter with their signature chocolate in a way that keeps customers coming back for more.
Vegan Options That Don’t Compromise on Taste
For years, people with dietary restrictions struggled to find quality dessert options that didn’t taste like cardboard. The Chocolate Moose changed that game by offering vegan ice cream that rivals their traditional dairy versions.
Their commitment to inclusivity means everyone can enjoy a treat, regardless of food allergies or lifestyle choices.
Originally made with coconut milk, the vegan options have evolved to use oat milk as their base. Long-time customers noticed the switch, though they understand the reasoning behind updating the recipe.
The oat milk creates a creamy texture that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out on the real thing.
Vegan vanilla serves as a reliable classic that one family has been ordering for years. A single scoop of this simple flavor became their regular treat, proving that sometimes the basics done right matter most.
The fact that they can safely enjoy ice cream despite multiple food allergies makes The Chocolate Moose a special destination for their family.
The vegan coffee ice cream stands out as a particular favorite among plant-based customers. People order it in sundaes like the chocolate explosion, where hot fudge and toppings complement the coffee flavor beautifully.
Others request it in freezes, creating a blended drink that satisfies both coffee and ice cream cravings simultaneously.
Having these options available means groups with mixed dietary needs can all enjoy dessert together. Nobody gets left out or forced to sit and watch while others indulge.
The staff knows their vegan offerings well and can make recommendations based on what you’re craving, whether that’s fruity, chocolatey, or something in between.
A Downtown Location Perfect for Evening Strolls
Situated at 405 South Walnut Street in the heart of downtown Bloomington, The Chocolate Moose occupies a prime spot for both locals and visitors. The location puts you right in the middle of the action, surrounded by other shops, restaurants, and the vibrant energy that makes Bloomington special.
After dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, a walk down to the Moose becomes the perfect way to cap off your evening.
The shop stays open until 11 PM every single day of the week, making it an ideal late-night destination. Those sudden cravings for an Oreo milkshake at 10 PM?
No problem; you’ve still got an hour to get there. The consistent hours mean you can plan your visit without worrying about unexpected closures or limited weekend availability.
Outside seating provides a pleasant space to enjoy your dessert while people-watching on a warm evening. The outdoor area mentioned in reviews offers a nice atmosphere for savoring your ice cream while soaking in the downtown ambiance.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of seating options, including spaces that accommodate large groups who want to hang out together.
Parking can be a bit tricky, as one reviewer noted confusion about the lot restrictions. The parking area allows Chocolate Moose customers from 4 PM to midnight, but the shop opens at 11 AM.
During daytime visits, you might need to find street parking or use nearby public lots. This minor inconvenience hasn’t stopped the crowds from coming, though.
The modern, counter-serve setup keeps things moving efficiently during busy times. You order at the register, wait for your creation to be made, and grab napkins and straws from the self-service station.
It’s a system that works well for the high volume of customers they serve daily.
Sundaes and Shakes That Elevate Simple Ice Cream
Sometimes a simple scoop just won’t cut it when you’re craving something truly indulgent. The Chocolate Moose understands this perfectly, offering an impressive array of sundaes and shakes that transform ice cream into an experience.
Their strawberry cheesecake sundae combines rich cheesecake ice cream with fresh strawberry topping, creating a dessert that tastes like the real cake in frozen form.
Hot fudge and hot caramel toppings flow over your ice cream, adding warmth that creates a delightful temperature contrast. Pecans, whipped cream, and other toppings let you customize your sundae exactly how you want it.
One customer ordered the Chocolate Moose Dream as a sundae with both hot fudge and hot caramel, though they noted the cup size made it challenging to get enough topping with each spoonful.
Milkshakes here earn devoted fans who make late-night runs specifically for them. The Oreo milkshake inspired such loyalty that one customer rushed out the door with 45 minutes until closing, only to realize they’d forgotten their wallet.
A kind employee named Margot paid for the shake and accepted Venmo repayment later; now that’s customer service that creates lifelong fans.
Grasshopper shakes blend that signature mint-chocolate flavor into a drinkable form that customers call incredible. The blending process creates a smooth consistency that’s thick enough to feel substantial but not so thick you can’t drink it through a straw.
Mr. Pibb soda is even available if you want to add a float element to your order.
The freezes offer another option, similar to the blizzards you might find elsewhere but made with The Chocolate Moose’s superior ice cream. Vegan coffee ice cream freezes and strawberry blizz creations show the versatility of their menu.
Each creation comes together quickly, even during busy times, so you’re not waiting forever for your treat.
Friendly Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
Great ice cream matters, but the people serving it can make or break your experience. Most visitors praise The Chocolate Moose staff for their friendliness and willingness to help customers navigate the extensive menu.
When you can’t see the ice cream cases from the ordering area, having someone who enthusiastically offers samples becomes essential to making the right choice.
Employees let customers try multiple flavors before committing to a purchase. One reviewer mentioned tasting two different options, which helped them decide on the perfect selection.
This generosity with samples shows confidence in their product quality and a genuine desire for customers to leave happy with their choices.
The young woman at the register who helped a customer with dietary restrictions find something suitable while also making a great recommendation for their picky mother demonstrates the kind of attentiveness that turns first-time visitors into regulars. Staff members know their menu inside and out, understanding which flavors pair well together and which toppings complement specific ice creams.
Management responds to feedback seriously, as evidenced by owner responses to negative reviews. Jordan Davis, the Director of Operations, personally addresses concerns and requests details so they can improve.
When customers mentioned poor service or unfriendly staff, Davis asked them to email directly with specifics, showing accountability and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
That said, a few reviews mention less-than-stellar service experiences. One person encountered a ghost-town situation with no staff visible despite a long line forming.
Another felt the staff seemed rude and suggested they might prefer jobs without customer interaction. These appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, and management’s responses indicate they take such feedback seriously and implement training to address issues.
Quality Soft Serve and Hard Ice Cream Options
Not everyone wants the same type of ice cream every time they visit. Some days call for the smooth, creamy texture of soft serve that melts on your tongue instantly.
Other times, you want the denser, more intense flavor of hard-packed scoops. The Chocolate Moose offers both, giving you flexibility based on your mood and craving.
Their soft serve receives high marks for its quality and texture. One family specifically mentioned how amazing the soft serve was, noting that their vanilla cone came with cute candy eyes as a seasonal touch.
The soft serve works beautifully in cones, creating those perfect swirls that look as good as they taste. Kids especially love the soft serve option, which tends to be milder in flavor and easier to eat quickly before it melts.
Hard ice cream flavors showcase where The Chocolate Moose really flexes its creative muscles. These are the scoops where you’ll find all those unique flavors like grasshopper, banana pudding, and cinnamon roll.
The hard ice cream has a rich, dense quality that customers describe as sinfully good.
Waffle cones add an extra dimension to your ice cream experience, though they come with an additional two-dollar charge. The cones are made fresh and have that perfect combination of crispness and slight sweetness.
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