I am proud to call South Florida home, and while I have often shared my favorite places to eat in Fort Lauderdale, I have another gem to introduce you to today. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant takes guests on a delectable journey to a place where ice cream isn’t just a treat – it’s a heartfelt tradition that has stood the test of time. If you find yourself in Dania Beach, prepare to be drawn in by the irresistible allure and historic charm of Jaxson’s.

You see, Jaxson’s isn’t just an ice cream parlor; it’s a slice of history dripping with nostalgia. Founded in 1956, this family-owned establishment has seen generations of locals and tourists indulge in its culinary delights. Owner Linda Zakheim Udell is like the guardian of a delicious time capsule, ensuring that the magic created by her parents, Monroe and Connie Udell, lives on. This is a true family business, where Linda is at Jaxson’s every weekday making sure guests are getting the most out of their visit. After all, she grew up at Jaxson’s, and it is wonderfully obvious how much pride and passion she puts into it. When her father passed in 2014, she took ownership of the family business and has continued running Jaxson’s just as he would. Her father’s mission was to produce the finest food and ice cream possible, with that mission still ringing true today because of Linda.

As you step inside Jaxson’s, prepare to be transported back to the 1950s. The interiors are a fascinating tapestry of nostalgia, with every inch oozing old-school charm. With one of the nation’s largest collections of American memorabilia, this sets the stage for an authentic, vintage experience that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is heartwarming. Family photos line the walls, along with an impressive number of historic license plates. Do not miss out on browsing their country store section which is filled with fresh candy that is bagged daily at Jaxson’s, plus an assortment of retro toys that are fun for both kids and adults to browse.

Speaking of license plates, one of the first things I noticed upon arriving at Jaxson’s were the amount of cars parked out front with different license plates from around the United States. This is clearly a popular stop for tourists, road trippers, as well as South Florida locals. So, it is even more fitting when you walk inside and are greeted with license plates on the walls from around North America.

Let’s take a moment to talk about the savory dishes at Jaxson’s, because the high quality ingredients here goes way beyond their famous ice cream. The menu boasts an array of classic American dishes that are perfect for a hearty meal before diving into a sundae. From juicy burgers that defy gravity with their towering toppings to crispy onion rings that practically beg for a dip in their homemade cajun remoulade (I told Linda she needs to bottle and sell this stuff!), every bite feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food. This is not your average, diner-quality food. The quality here is exceptional and the prices are incredibly fair for the large portions you receive. Their kids meals are amazing value as well for those 10 years old and under, with each meal coming with fries and a sundae. I also highly recommend any of their all-beef, New York-style hot dogs. With a 1/2 pound being the smallest option, each hot dog is served on a toasted bun, with an array of toppings to choose from. The pastrami sandwiches are also out of this world — I could go on and on, but let’s get to the ice-cream!

Jaxson’s ice cream is the stuff of legends; all 50+ flavors are made in-house with the kind of care that only comes from decades of practice. Along with the ice cream, all of their sundae toppings and sodas are made in house as well, using all of her dads’ secret recipes. Flavors range from classics like Chocolate to the wild and wacky Bubble Gum, your taste buds are in for a rollercoaster ride of flavor. My personal favorite ice cream flavors at Jaxson’s are their creamy Vanilla, Rock Road, Oreo Cookie, and Strawberry Cheesecake. And if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into their indulgent sundaes, ice cream goblets, soda floats, or banana splits. Not only are there multiple ways to enjoy ice cream at Jaxson’s, but they even offer a few fat-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options as well.

If you’re visiting Jaxson’s with a group of at least 4 people, I highly recommend ordering The Kitchen Sink. Cleverly playing on the phrase ‘everything but the kitchen sink’, this dish is quite famous at Jaxson’s, and is a registered trademark and original design of their founder, Monroe. Each person gets to picks an ice cream flavor and they’ll receive 1 pound of ice cream per person; it’s all piled high with bananas, strawberry, pineapple, chocolate syrup, marshmallows, whipped cream and sprinkles. If that weren’t exciting enough, they bring it to the table in a “kitchen sink” with sparklers on top, American flags, while an old-fashioned fire siren sounds off! This is so much fun for a birthday or special occasion and will create such a memorable ending to your visit at Jaxson’s.

I highly recommend paying this historic ice cream parlor and restaurant a visit next time you’re in South Florida. Jaxson’s is a time capsule, a family legacy, and a culinary adventure all rolled into one delightful package.