A chocolate-dipped frozen banana with candy eyes is on the menu here, and it’s called the Moose Horn. That one detail tells you a lot.
This spot takes its ice cream seriously, but it never takes itself too seriously.
The hard scoops are made on-site with 14% butterfat. That’s the super premium range, where ice cream gets thick and rich.
Then there are the coney dogs, topped with a homemade sauce that has its own loyal following.
I like how this Indiana favorite started as a humble cafe during the Great Depression. It changed names, buildings, and owners over the decades.
Somehow, it kept its sweet spirit the whole time.
I can’t imagine a better mix of history, hot dogs, and hot fudge in one stop.
A Depression-Era Cafe Grew Into A Scoop Shop With Staying Power
Back in 1933, Cletus May opened May’s Cafe in Bloomington. Times were tough across the country, yet his little business found its footing.
That cafe is the root of what we now call The Chocolate Moose. The family kept going, and the business slowly shifted toward frozen treats.
By the 1950s, it had become an ice cream parlor called The Penguin. Cute name, right?
It fit a place serving cold desserts on warm Indiana evenings.
In 1955, Doran May built a stand that would become a true town icon. That little building served generations of students, families, and anyone craving something sweet.
The name changed again in 1983, when The Penguin became The Chocolate Moose. Honestly, swapping a bird for a moose is a bold branding move.
It clearly worked out.
The May family ran things for most of that long stretch. In 2009, Jeff and Joani Grossnickle bought the business and carried it forward.
Justin Loveless took over ownership in 2013. Jordan Davis now serves as Director of Operations, keeping the daily rhythm steady.
That’s a lot of change for one business. Still, the thread from 1933 to today has never snapped, and that makes every scoop feel connected to something bigger.
The Old A-Frame Stand Still Lives In Bloomington Memory
Ask around Bloomington about the old stand, and you’ll hear plenty of nostalgia. The original A-frame at 401 S Walnut St was a walk-up classic for decades.
Doran May built it in 1955, back when the business was still The Penguin. It became a landmark, the kind of place people used as a meeting point.
Around 2016 and 2017, that iconic stand came down to make way for new development. For many folks, it felt like saying goodbye to a childhood friend.
Sentimental value runs deep with this place. Bloomington treats The Chocolate Moose as a cultural landmark, not just somewhere to grab dessert.
The business didn’t vanish, though. It simply moved next door into a fresh indoor home, carrying its recipes and its reputation along.
Some fans still miss the charm of the old building. That’s fair, since no new structure can perfectly copy seventy years of summer memories.
The team made an effort to honor that history in the new space. It’s a nice nod to everyone who stood in line at those old windows.
So the A-frame is gone, but its story isn’t. Every cone sold today carries a little of that 1955 spirit.
Fourteen Percent Butterfat Makes These Hard Scoops Seriously Rich
Fourteen percent. That number is the secret behind the creamy reputation of the homemade ice cream here.
The Chocolate Moose makes its super premium hard ice cream right on-site. More butterfat means a richer, smoother scoop that feels indulgent from the first bite.
The flavor list leans toward fun. Grasshopper and lemon custard are popular choices, and cookie dough shows up too.
Classic fans aren’t left out either. You’ll find plenty of familiar flavors for anyone who just wants a good chocolate or vanilla cone.
Soft serve is also on the menu. So if you prefer that swirly, lighter style, you’re covered without leaving the building.
Here’s a fun bit of local trivia. This ice cream is good enough that other area restaurants serve it, and it has even been used for products at distilleries.
That kind of demand says a lot about quality. When other businesses want your recipe, you’re clearly doing something right.
My tip? Ask for a sample if you’re torn between flavors.
With a lineup this tempting, a little taste test can save you from serious scoop regret.
Blizz, Moose Horns, And Sundaes Bring The Playful Side
Candy eyes on a banana might be the silliest thing you’ll eat all week. The Moose Horn is a chocolate-dipped frozen banana wearing those googly eyes, and kids adore it.
Then there’s the Blizz. It’s the shop’s own take on the blended blizzard-style treat, renamed because of a trademark issue.
Mix-ins turn every Blizz into something personal. Pick your ice cream, add your favorite crunchy or chewy extras, and let the blender do the rest.
Sundaes get plenty of love here too. Hot fudge, caramel, nuts, and whipped toppings stack up into something worth a few napkins.
Shakes, floats, and banana splits round out the lineup. It reads like a greatest-hits album of old-school soda fountain favorites.
Soft serve fans can go playful as well. Chocolate soft serve with eyes, sprinkles, and a cone hat is a real crowd-pleaser for little ones.
Portions here lean generous. You may want to share, or at least wear stretchy pants.
With so many ways to build a treat, no two visits need to look the same. That’s half the fun of coming back.
Your Ice Cream Craving Deserves A Coney Dog Warm-Up
Dessert first is tempting. Still, the savory menu at The Chocolate Moose makes a strong case for starting with a hot dog.
Classic Coney Dogs lead the way, topped with homemade coney sauce. Chili dogs and plain hot dogs are there too, for keeping it simple.
The sandwich board goes beyond basics. Options include BBQ, ham and cheese, Turkey Pesto, and a Veggie Burger.
Then comes the Spanish Burger. It’s an all-beef burger baked in tomato sauce, which is a delightfully unusual twist for an ice cream spot.
Mac and cheese and chips make easy sides. Breakfast sandwiches are also available for anyone who rolls in earlier in the day.
During colder months, a rotating soup selection has appeared, with meat and vegetarian choices. It’s a smart way to warm up before dessert.
I believe the best plan is a full meal approach. Grab a coney, add a side, then finish with a scoop.
That balance of salty and sweet feels very Indiana. It’s comfort food that tastes like a summer cookout, no grill required.
Dairy-Free Friends Finally Get A Real Seat At The Table
Vegan ice cream is one of the most talked-about things at this shop. That says a lot for a place famous for butterfat.
The vegan scoops use a plant-based base, with oat milk now the main choice. Earlier versions used coconut milk, and some longtime fans noticed the switch.
Vegan vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and grasshopper are regular options. The grasshopper brings a cool mint flavor that stands up well on its own.
The best part is flexibility. Vegan flavors can go into sundaes, the Blizz, and other treats, so nobody gets stuck with a sad plain cup.
For families with allergies or dietary needs, that matters. Everyone can order together and enjoy the same fun.
The savory side helps too. The Veggie Burger gives meat-free eaters a full meal option before dessert.
Food allergies can make dining out stressful. A place that treats plant-based customers as part of the crowd earns serious goodwill.
So bring that friend who always skips dessert. Here, they finally have a reason to grab a spoon and join in.
Coffee Lovers Can Make This An Anytime Stop
Ice cream for breakfast isn’t required. The full coffee bar at The Chocolate Moose gives morning visitors a better excuse to stop by.
Hot drinks include lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, and macchiatos. Cold brew and frappes cover the chilled side.
The beans come from Brown County Coffee, a local roaster. Keeping things close to home fits the spirit of this longtime Indiana business.
Non-coffee drinkers get options as well. Hot chocolate and hot apple cider make cozy picks on chilly Bloomington days.
This coffee service arrived with the move indoors. The new building made year-round operation possible, which the old walk-up stand couldn’t easily offer.
That change opened up new routines. A study break, a late morning meetup, or an afternoon pick-me-up all work here now.
Pair a latte with a breakfast sandwich for a quick start. Or go wild and follow your espresso with a scoop of coffee ice cream.
Either way, the shop now works at many hours of the day. It’s no longer just a summer-night ritual.
Plenty Of Seats Inside And Out Make Room For The Whole Crew
Big groups, rejoice. The building at 405 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401 was designed with lots of seating options.
Inside, you’ll find dining tables, long tables, high tables, and high stools. Armchairs and armless chairs give people choices for comfort.
The modern counter-serve setup keeps things simple. Order at the counter, grab your treat, and pick a spot that fits your group.
Accessibility got real thought here. The seating areas have step-free, level access with room for wheelchairs to maneuver.
Outside, picnic tables and bench seats sit on concrete and gravel surfaces. On a warm evening, that patio feels like classic Indiana summer.
Evenings can get busy at this popular stop. Daytime visits tend to feel calmer if you want a quieter table.
Parking is shared through a lot arrangement nearby. Check the posted signs when you pull in so you know where to go.
Hours run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week. That late closing time is great news for night owls craving a shake.
Food Truck Fridays Show How Much This Moose Loves Its Town
Plenty of businesses talk about community. The Chocolate Moose actually throws the party.
The team hosts Food Truck Fridays at Switchyard Park from April through October. Local mobile food vendors gather in one place for a lively evening.
Live music adds a festival feel to the event. There are even airbrush tattoos, which kids and grown-up kids both seem to enjoy.
The Moose also helps organize Taste of Bloomington. Supporting the wider restaurant scene is clearly part of its mission.
That generosity says a lot about the shop. A business could easily focus only on its own counter, yet this one keeps inviting others to the table.
Can’t make it downtown? Delivery and pickup are available, so a coney and a shake can come to you.
Still, I think visiting in person is worth it. Standing in a place with roots stretching back to 1933 feels different from opening a delivery bag.
This Indiana landmark has survived name changes, new owners, and a brand-new building. Through it all, it keeps scooping happiness, one rich cone at a time.
