Since moving to Pittsburgh last year, I have missed Handels so much as we lived within 10 minutes of 3 of them in Youngstown. When I was browsing locations, I discovered one at McCandless Crossing. It took me 15 minutes before I arrived there! Absolutely the BEST ice cream in the country (and I have travelled through all 50 states trying to beat the taste of Handels to no avail). Chocolate Pecan is my favorite, but I have never been disappointed in any flavor they serve. Try them and you’ll never go anywhere else for ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Pecan
Ulyana K
Really good ice cream! This brand offers a solid variety of flavors. Not many were too unique, but they were still very good. I decided to try a few of their flavors, and the 4 scoop sampler is perfect for that. I got the salty caramel truffle, buckeye, coffee chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter brownie.I’ll start with the one I found least interesting: the salty caramel truffle. I didn’t find any chocolate truffles or anything like that. Just regular caramel ice cream. Not bad, but kind of disappointing. Decently sweet. Also, the slabs of caramel weren’t that thick.Next, the coffee. This was pretty good. It had a nice balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the coffee. Decent amount of little chocolate chip pieces sprinkled throughout. Good.The buckeye was unique and tasty! The ice cream itself was reasonably sweet without being too overpowering. There were large chunks of buckeye, which were the real highlights.Finally, the peanut butter chocolate brownie. I didn’t find the peanut butter flavor that strong, but it was still really good. Real pieces of brownie, it seems. Mostly chocolate flavor.All in all, definitely a nice ice cream spot. I was fond of most of the flavors, with the buckeye and peanut butter chocolate brownie being my favorites.Vegetarian options: When I went there, there were a few vegan sorbets, but I think that changes seasonallyKid-friendliness: All of the ice cream is kid friendly!
Really good ice cream! This brand offers a solid variety of flavors. Not many were too unique, but they were still very good. I decided to try a few of their flavors, and the 4 scoop sampler is perfect for that. I got the salty caramel truffle, buckeye, coffee chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter brownie. I'll start with the one I found least interesting: the salty caramel truffle. I didn't find any chocolate truffles or anything like that. Just regular caramel ice cream. Not bad, but kind of disappointing. Decently sweet. Also, the slabs of caramel weren't that thick. Next, the coffee. This was pretty good. It had a nice balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the coffee. Decent amount of little chocolate chip pieces sprinkled throughout. Good. The buckeye was unique and tasty! The ice cream itself was reasonably sweet without being too overpowering. There were large chunks of buckeye, which were the real highlights. Finally, the peanut butter chocolate brownie. I didn't find the peanut butter flavor that strong, but it was still really good. Real pieces of brownie, it seems. Mostly chocolate flavor. All in all, definitely a nice ice cream spot. I was fond of most of the flavors, with the buckeye and peanut butter chocolate brownie being my favorites.
Nancy L. Wickham
I suppose my opinion may be biased considering that I grew up eating Handel's ice cream from the original store in Youngstown, Ohio. To this day, I feel it's the best. I absolutely love good ice cream, and I'm always happy to give any place a shot. There are many that have great ice creams, but none like Handel's. My all time favorite is "Chocolate Malt & Caramel" and next would be the seasonal "Coconut Cream Pie". My kids love the "Cotton Candy" and "Cookie Dough" flavors. I haven't tried one that I didn't enjoy!Parking: Always easy & close by.Kid-friendliness: They make cute sundaes, and have flavors that appeal to most children.Wheelchair accessibility: Their stores are always easily accessed. Usually, they're level with the parking lot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: That Is There 4 Scoop Sampler Any Flavor U Want, Ice Cream Cone
Bobby West
The best ice cream I’ve ever had. Anywhere. All of the flavors are good, especially the ones with fresh fruit in them. The seasonal flavors are amazing. They use super premium ingredients and it shows. Special shout out to the banana, split hurricane, the chocolate peanut butter ice cream, and the butter pecan ice cream.So good that you would never guess that this is a chain.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wenxiao Zheng
We came ten minutes before closing out of a sudden craving feeling of ice cream, they took our order delightfully and everything is tasty. The strawberry pineapple milkshake is apparently not on the menu, didn’t realize that but they made it and it was delicious. They even put the extra amount in a small cup. Good size as well. Will definitely come back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Lobosco
We're the only family that craves ice cream in January. Not many places are open at the time of the year but Handel's is! They have a thousand flavor combinations and even though my family made fun of me for just getting strawberry ice cream, every flavor they have tastes great. Handel's ice cream is better than Dairy Queen hands down. They are family owned as well. So do yourself a favor in January or July and treat yourself to some ice cream;
Abdullah. A. Alhuzaymi
"I had a delightful visit to this ice cream shop last week, and I couldn't resist trying their chocolate ice cream. It was pure indulgence! The rich, creamy chocolate flavor was simply irresistible. The guy named Michael who served us was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The shop itself has a charming and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat. I left with a big smile on my face, thanks to Michael's excellent service. I'll definitely be returning for more delicious treats!"
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Fudge, Chocolate Pecan, Ice Cream Cone
Anna D'Angelo
This location does not put enough stuff in their ice cream. I always get pints from this location and when I get home there is never anything in the ice cream. I got cookie dough the other day and there were maybe 2 chunks of cookie dough in the entire pint and the rest was vanilla ice cream. This happened again yesterday when I ordered a pint of banana cream pie, no cookie pieces just banana ice cream. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Julie Krieger
Best of the best. Get the seasonal rotation flavors.
Remarkably good ice cream, had an AMAZING apple dumpling, do recommend
Brielle J.
Best ice cream in PGH! I wish they would open more locations. Always delicious, super large portions (3 1/2 scoops for a small) so many flavors.
Tiffany Yanosky
Handel’s sells a few dozen flavors of ice creams as well as sundaes, splits, milkshakes, malts, floats, ice-cream pops, etc. The flavors of ice creams range from the common to the unique, and they seem to rotate. I appreciate that some flavors have no sugar added or are vegan.I have bought ice creams from this business multiple times over the years. The current employees served me very promptly and politely. Two small bowls of ice creams cost several dollars. My husband and I enjoyed the peach, banana, and butter-pecan flavors. I will have to return in the future to try additional flavors.
John Bennese
A good old fashioned ice cream parlor. Nice location and staff who are efficient and who aim to please. Great ice cream to!
Lynda Shaw
Very disappointed in their ice cream, something has changed in the ingredients. Have gone to ours in hermitage but will not be stopping there again
Since moving to Pittsburgh last year, I have missed Handels so much as we lived within 10 minutes of 3 of them in Youngstown. When I was browsing locations, I discovered one at McCandless Crossing. It took me 15 minutes before I arrived there! Absolutely the BEST ice cream in the country (and I have travelled through all 50 states trying to beat the taste of Handels to no avail). Chocolate Pecan is my favorite, but I have never been disappointed in any flavor they serve. Try them and you’ll never go anywhere else for ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Pecan
Really good ice cream! This brand offers a solid variety of flavors. Not many were too unique, but they were still very good. I decided to try a few of their flavors, and the 4 scoop sampler is perfect for that. I got the salty caramel truffle, buckeye, coffee chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter brownie.I’ll start with the one I found least interesting: the salty caramel truffle. I didn’t find any chocolate truffles or anything like that. Just regular caramel ice cream. Not bad, but kind of disappointing. Decently sweet. Also, the slabs of caramel weren’t that thick.Next, the coffee. This was pretty good. It had a nice balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the coffee. Decent amount of little chocolate chip pieces sprinkled throughout. Good.The buckeye was unique and tasty! The ice cream itself was reasonably sweet without being too overpowering. There were large chunks of buckeye, which were the real highlights.Finally, the peanut butter chocolate brownie. I didn’t find the peanut butter flavor that strong, but it was still really good. Real pieces of brownie, it seems. Mostly chocolate flavor.All in all, definitely a nice ice cream spot. I was fond of most of the flavors, with the buckeye and peanut butter chocolate brownie being my favorites.Vegetarian options: When I went there, there were a few vegan sorbets, but I think that changes seasonallyKid-friendliness: All of the ice cream is kid friendly!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Parfait
Really good ice cream! This brand offers a solid variety of flavors. Not many were too unique, but they were still very good. I decided to try a few of their flavors, and the 4 scoop sampler is perfect for that. I got the salty caramel truffle, buckeye, coffee chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter brownie. I'll start with the one I found least interesting: the salty caramel truffle. I didn't find any chocolate truffles or anything like that. Just regular caramel ice cream. Not bad, but kind of disappointing. Decently sweet. Also, the slabs of caramel weren't that thick. Next, the coffee. This was pretty good. It had a nice balance of sweetness and slight bitterness from the coffee. Decent amount of little chocolate chip pieces sprinkled throughout. Good. The buckeye was unique and tasty! The ice cream itself was reasonably sweet without being too overpowering. There were large chunks of buckeye, which were the real highlights. Finally, the peanut butter chocolate brownie. I didn't find the peanut butter flavor that strong, but it was still really good. Real pieces of brownie, it seems. Mostly chocolate flavor. All in all, definitely a nice ice cream spot. I was fond of most of the flavors, with the buckeye and peanut butter chocolate brownie being my favorites.
I suppose my opinion may be biased considering that I grew up eating Handel's ice cream from the original store in Youngstown, Ohio. To this day, I feel it's the best. I absolutely love good ice cream, and I'm always happy to give any place a shot. There are many that have great ice creams, but none like Handel's. My all time favorite is "Chocolate Malt & Caramel" and next would be the seasonal "Coconut Cream Pie". My kids love the "Cotton Candy" and "Cookie Dough" flavors. I haven't tried one that I didn't enjoy!Parking: Always easy & close by.Kid-friendliness: They make cute sundaes, and have flavors that appeal to most children.Wheelchair accessibility: Their stores are always easily accessed. Usually, they're level with the parking lot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: That Is There 4 Scoop Sampler Any Flavor U Want, Ice Cream Cone
The best ice cream I’ve ever had. Anywhere. All of the flavors are good, especially the ones with fresh fruit in them. The seasonal flavors are amazing. They use super premium ingredients and it shows. Special shout out to the banana, split hurricane, the chocolate peanut butter ice cream, and the butter pecan ice cream.So good that you would never guess that this is a chain.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came ten minutes before closing out of a sudden craving feeling of ice cream, they took our order delightfully and everything is tasty. The strawberry pineapple milkshake is apparently not on the menu, didn’t realize that but they made it and it was delicious. They even put the extra amount in a small cup. Good size as well. Will definitely come back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We're the only family that craves ice cream in January. Not many places are open at the time of the year but Handel's is! They have a thousand flavor combinations and even though my family made fun of me for just getting strawberry ice cream, every flavor they have tastes great. Handel's ice cream is better than Dairy Queen hands down. They are family owned as well. So do yourself a favor in January or July and treat yourself to some ice cream;
"I had a delightful visit to this ice cream shop last week, and I couldn't resist trying their chocolate ice cream. It was pure indulgence! The rich, creamy chocolate flavor was simply irresistible. The guy named Michael who served us was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The shop itself has a charming and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat. I left with a big smile on my face, thanks to Michael's excellent service. I'll definitely be returning for more delicious treats!"
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Fudge, Chocolate Pecan, Ice Cream Cone
This location does not put enough stuff in their ice cream. I always get pints from this location and when I get home there is never anything in the ice cream. I got cookie dough the other day and there were maybe 2 chunks of cookie dough in the entire pint and the rest was vanilla ice cream. This happened again yesterday when I ordered a pint of banana cream pie, no cookie pieces just banana ice cream. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Best of the best. Get the seasonal rotation flavors.
Restaurantji Recommends
Remarkably good ice cream, had an AMAZING apple dumpling, do recommend
Best ice cream in PGH! I wish they would open more locations. Always delicious, super large portions (3 1/2 scoops for a small) so many flavors.
Handel’s sells a few dozen flavors of ice creams as well as sundaes, splits, milkshakes, malts, floats, ice-cream pops, etc. The flavors of ice creams range from the common to the unique, and they seem to rotate. I appreciate that some flavors have no sugar added or are vegan.I have bought ice creams from this business multiple times over the years. The current employees served me very promptly and politely. Two small bowls of ice creams cost several dollars. My husband and I enjoyed the peach, banana, and butter-pecan flavors. I will have to return in the future to try additional flavors.
A good old fashioned ice cream parlor. Nice location and staff who are efficient and who aim to please. Great ice cream to!
Very disappointed in their ice cream, something has changed in the ingredients. Have gone to ours in hermitage but will not be stopping there again