Dedham Ice Cream Shop Ranks Third In Boston Area Ice Cream Survey

DEDHAM, MA - A Dedham ice cream parlor received recognition for being one of the top venues in the greater Boston area to eat the sweet summertime treat.

In a Boston.com survey released last week that generated nearly 2,000 responses, Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream & Bowling came in third, earning 7% of the vote. The ice cream is handmade at its original Hyde Park location in Boston, which has been open since 1979. This site also features a New England candlepin bowling alley for birthday parties or for those with spare time to bowl a couple of strings.

According to a 2007 Boston.com article, patriarch Ron Covitz first began making ice cream to boost the image of what was then called the 20th Century Bowling Alleys, founded by his father, Julius. The concept took off, and Ron's received recognition in as the third-best ice cream parlor in the world in 2007 in National Geographic's "The Ten Best of Everything, The Ultimate Guide for Travelers," written by father and son Nathaniel and Andrew Lande.

Over its history, Ron's has attracted several famous customers, including former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and the late Boston Mayor Tom Menino, a Hyde Park native. Covitz even sent then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1997 ice cream while she was promoting health care legislation in Boston. According to the article, Clinton sent staffers to Ron's to scoop up pints of Kahlua chip and brownie nut ice cream before she left town.

Ron's is no stranger to receiving accolades. Its website noted that Ron's received the Best of Boston award in 1995, 1996 and 2021 as well as the number-three ranking in the country on Good Morning America's Memorial Day 2007 broadcast.

Ron's currently offers about 30 flavors of the dairy confection, with some specialties limited to either the Dedham or Hyde Park branch. For example, Dedham is the exclusive location for a flavor known simply as "Awesome," while Hyde Park specializes in the coconut flavor. There are also seasonal creations including apple pie and peppermint stick. The special flavors of the week can be found by calling 617-364-5274.

Vegan and gluten free flavors also are available.

J.P. Licks claimed the top spot in the survey, while The Scoop N Scootery came in second. Both have multiple locations.

Visit Ron's Dedham location in Dedham Square at 559 High St. in Dedham Square or in Hyde Park's Cleary Square at 1231 Hyde Park Ave.