I’ve walked down Massachusetts Avenue more times than I can count, and every time I pass Gordon’s Milkshake Bar at 865 Massachusetts Ave, I see the same thing: people with their phones out, snapping photos of these absolutely ridiculous milkshakes. I’m talking shakes topped with entire slices of pie, stacks of cookies, and enough whipped cream to make you question your life choices in the best possible way.
This place has completely changed what I thought a milkshake could be. It’s not just about thick ice cream blended with milk anymore.
Gordon’s has turned dessert into an experience, and honestly, it’s become one of those spots that makes living in Indianapolis feel pretty special. Whether you’re a local looking for your next Instagram-worthy treat or just someone who appreciates really good ice cream, this Mass Ave gem delivers something memorable.
The shop operates Tuesday through Sunday, closing only on Mondays, and trust me when I say the wait is always worth it.
Over-the-Top Milkshake Creations That Demand Attention
Gordon’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to presentation. Walking up to the counter, you’ll see a menu board listing shakes with names like Chocolaterie, Cookie Monster, and Birthday Cake, each one more elaborate than the last.
But nothing prepares you for the actual moment when your shake arrives at the counter.
Picture this: a thick, creamy shake so dense the straw practically stands up on its own, crowned with an entire slice of pie or cake, mountains of whipped cream, cookie crumbs sprinkled on top, and sometimes fresh fruit or candy pieces. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause before diving in because you genuinely don’t know where to start.
The shakes range from seven to thirteen dollars, which might seem steep until you realize you’re getting what amounts to a full dessert experience. These aren’t your standard diner shakes.
The ice cream base is high quality and rich, blended to a perfect consistency that’s thick enough to need a spoon but smooth enough to actually drink.
Customers consistently mention how the visual appeal matches the taste, creating that rare combination where something looks amazing and actually delivers on flavor.
Customization Options That Let You Build Your Dream Shake
One of my favorite things about Gordon’s is how they let you completely customize your order. You’re not stuck with just what’s on the menu.
Want a vanilla shake with peanut butter mixed in and New York cheesecake on top? Done.
Craving cookies and cream with cookie cream pie? They’ve got you covered.
The staff actually encourages creativity, and they keep a booklet with pictures of different shake combinations that regular customers have ordered. It’s like having a secret menu that keeps expanding based on what people dream up.
This approach makes every visit feel personal rather than just another transaction.
Several reviews mention how helpful the staff is in guiding first-time visitors through the options. With so many base flavors, mix-ins, and toppings available, it can feel overwhelming at first.
But the team behind the counter genuinely wants you to end up with something you’ll love, not just something that looks good for photos.
The customization extends beyond just milkshakes too. You can order cobblers, smoothies, and other desserts, each with their own set of options.
This flexibility means you can visit multiple times and have a completely different experience each visit.
Plant-Based and Vegan Options That Don’t Compromise on Flavor
Finding good vegan dessert options in Indianapolis used to be a challenge, but Gordon’s has stepped up in a major way. They offer both vanilla and chocolate plant-based soft serve, and according to multiple reviews, the quality rivals their dairy options.
This isn’t an afterthought menu item. It’s a legitimate choice that vegans and non-vegans alike actually enjoy.
The plant-based shakes get the same treatment as regular ones, meaning you still get that thick, creamy texture and all the elaborate toppings. Reviews specifically mention shakes like the Demise Strawberry and Banana made with vegan ice cream, and customers rave about the taste.
The fruit flavors come through clearly without that sometimes-chalky texture you get from lower-quality dairy alternatives.
What really matters here is that Gordon’s treats vegan options as equal rather than lesser. The portions are the same size, the presentation is just as impressive, and the price reflects the same value.
For people with dietary restrictions or preferences, this kind of inclusion makes a huge difference in whether they can participate in the full experience.
Having these options also makes Gordon’s a better choice for groups where not everyone eats dairy, solving that common problem of finding a place that works for everyone.
Prime Mass Ave Location Perfect for Downtown Exploring
Gordon’s sits right in the heart of Massachusetts Avenue, one of Indianapolis’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods. The location at 865 Massachusetts Ave puts you within easy walking distance of dozens of other restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment venues.
It’s the perfect spot to grab dessert after dinner or as a mid-afternoon treat while exploring downtown.
Mass Ave has this great energy that makes walking around feel like an event rather than just transportation. Street art covers building walls, local boutiques line the sidewalks, and there’s always something happening, especially on weekends.
Gordon’s fits perfectly into this creative, locally-focused atmosphere. The shop itself is small and intimate, which adds to its charm but also means you’ll likely be taking your shake to go.
Nearby attractions include the Indianapolis City Market just a few blocks away, White River State Park within walking distance, and the Bottleworks District close enough to combine into one outing. Several reviews mention stopping at Gordon’s after eating at other Mass Ave restaurants, making it an ideal dessert destination that complements the neighborhood’s dining scene.
Parking can be limited and costs about a dollar per hour, so many locals recommend walking, biking, or using rideshare services to get there.
Fresh Ingredients Prepared Right in Front of You
Transparency in food preparation has become increasingly important to customers, and Gordon’s delivers on this front. Multiple reviews specifically mention watching staff chop fresh bananas, prepare ingredients, and build shakes right there at the counter.
There’s something reassuring about seeing exactly what goes into your dessert rather than having it made in some hidden back kitchen.
The strawberry banana shakes, for instance, use real chunks of fresh fruit that staff cuts up as they make your order. This attention to fresh ingredients shows up in the flavor.
You’re not getting artificial strawberry syrup or freeze-dried banana chips. You’re getting actual fruit blended into high-quality ice cream, and your taste buds can absolutely tell the difference.
Wait times average around eight minutes or less, which is remarkably fast considering everything is made to order. The small space means you’re standing right there watching the process, which keeps you entertained while you wait.
It’s fascinating to see how they layer everything together to create those towering final products.
This made-to-order approach also means your shake is at peak freshness when it hits your hands. Nothing sits under heat lamps or in a freezer waiting to be served.
Generous Portions That Satisfy Even the Biggest Sweet Tooth
Gordon’s doesn’t believe in small portions. When you order a shake here, you’re committing to a serious dessert experience.
Reviews consistently mention how rich and filling these shakes are, with several people noting that one shake could easily be shared between two people if you’re not absolutely starving for something sweet.
The base shakes alone are substantial, but then they add that slice of pie or cake on top, plus whipped cream, plus additional toppings. A thirteen-year-old ordering the Birthday Cake milkshake got a shake with an actual slice of birthday cake balanced on top.
Another customer’s chocolate shake came loaded with Oreo cookies and a slice of cheesecake. These aren’t garnishes.
They’re full dessert components added to an already complete shake.
This generosity means you’re getting real value for the price point. Yes, thirteen dollars might seem like a lot for a milkshake, but when you break down what you’re actually receiving, it starts to make sense.
You’re essentially getting a premium milkshake plus a separate dessert, all presented as one cohesive creation.
For people who aren’t huge dessert eaters, sharing is definitely recommended. But if you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, these portions will actually satisfy it rather than leaving you wanting more.
Unique Flavor Combinations You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Gordon’s menu reads like a creative experiment in what’s possible when you stop thinking about traditional milkshake limitations. Sure, they have classics like chocolate and vanilla, but they also offer combinations that push boundaries in really interesting ways.
The Apple Pie shake comes with actual pie components. The Mint Chip features loads of real chocolate chips.
The Salted Caramel delivers that perfect sweet-salty balance that keeps you coming back for more.
What makes these flavors work is the quality of execution. It’s easy to throw random ingredients together and call it creative, but Gordon’s actually thinks about how flavors complement each other.
The mint in the Mint Chip isn’t overwhelming. The salted caramel has depth rather than just tasting like sugar.
The butter pecan contains actual pecan pieces throughout, giving you texture and nutty flavor in every sip.
They also offer items beyond shakes that showcase this creativity. The cobblers, particularly the peach and apple varieties, get mentioned frequently in reviews.
Some customers prefer these to the shakes, appreciating the warm fruit with cold ice cream combination. There’s even a unique take on bread pudding that customers describe as having hints of pumpkin pie mixed with chocolate.
This variety means Gordon’s appeals to different taste preferences rather than just one type of dessert lover.
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