It's OK To Eat Dessert First at Friendly's

Friendly’s made it okay to eat dessert first. Not like I ever really needed someone to validate that decision for me, but I can remember trips to Friendly’s when I was younger. Sure, there were after-dinner trips, but my favorite visits were always mid-afternoon or after an early dismissal day. In high school, it was THE go-to spot for fans and players after basketball and football games. Friendly’s has always been my ice cream spot.

This weekend, in celebration of my brother’s graduation and the end of the semester for my sister, we decided to make a long overdue visit to the on Cedar Crest Boulevard, where we took our taste buds into previously uncharted territory.

The Dishes: Hunka Chunka Peanut Butter Fudge Lava Cake Sundae, a Strawberry Shortcake Sundae and an Ultimate Cookies n’ Cream Sundae.

How’s it Taste? In my opinion, you can never go wrong with cookies and cream, but Friendly’s sundae took it to a new level. My dish of ice cream wasn’t light on the Oreo cookie chunks, and was swirled with hot fudge and topped with whipped cream.

Still, I’ll admit I did have a little bit of food envy when I looked over at my sister’s Strawberry Shortcake Sundae. Usually I’m a chocolate devotee and skip on any of the fruit-centric dessert options, but it was hard to resist coveting her dish. Luckily, she was willing to share a few spoonfuls for the sake of my “research.” I’m happy to report that my food envy was completely warranted, as her sundae definitely delivered, too. Her three scoops of vanilla ice cream were mixed with chunks of pound cake and strawberry sauce, which made for a delicious shortcake/cheesecake aftertaste.

The rest of the family shared the dish that definitely takes the cake (pun absolutely intended) for longest dessert name, ever: Hunka Chunka Peanut Butter Fudge Lava Cake Sundae. The base of the dish was a warm chocolate cake that, when speared, oozed peanut butter filling. I’m pretty sure that it could’ve stopped there and I would’ve been happy, but it was surrounded by Hunka Chunka Peanut Butter Fudge ice cream, chocolate chips, and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. While it was a little rich, even for this chocolate lover, I would recommend it for any group.

Eat this Because: Everyone’s going to find something they love, and it’s a great way to carve out a little piece of the weekend where the whole family will be together.

Tab: $15.00

Etc: Most people know that Friendly’s has more than ice cream, but if you haven’t visited recently, you should. Their newer menu items include an ‘Under 555 Calories’ section, as well as an $11.99 and $9.99 Create Your Own Meal option.