The world is more fast-paced than ever, and we often find ourselves longing for simpler times. If you share that mindset, come slide into a pink leather booth at The Sugar Bowl, a retro ice cream parlor in Arizona. Open since 1958, this Scottsdale icon has been scooping the best sundaes around for over 60 years. If you’re in the mood for a strong dose of nostalgia and a sweet treat, The Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor is the place to be!

Travel back to the days of sock hops and poodle skirts when you visit The Sugar Bowl, a retro ice cream parlor in Arizona.
TripAdvisor/Hoosierbud
Open since 1958, the Scottsdale icon is a place where locals can gather and reminisce on the good old days.
You'll be hit with a wave of nostalgia immediately upon stepping inside.
TripAdvisor/Michael D
Between the checkered floors, pink leather booths and bar stools, and vintage lamps hanging over each table, it's a little slice of the '50s in the 21st century.
Will you slide into a booth, or grab a seat at the counter?
TripAdvisor/Joanne
Either way, take a few minutes to admire the old-fashioned décor. It unlocks so many childhood memories!
Before we dive into the ice cream, let's take a look at the menu.
TripAdvisor/Taryn O
From the vintage newspaper comic - designed by a local artist, might we add - and the whimsical poem telling the Sugar Bowl story, it'll make you feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy inside. This ice cream parlor was a regular feature in the old Family Circus cartoon strip.
When it comes time to order, you'll encounter quite a dilemma.
TripAdvisor/Shawn W
What'll it be - a root beer float, milkshake, or sundae piled high with toppings? So many choices!

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How about a good old-fashioned banana split?
TripAdvisor/NancyN9
This classic childhood dessert never goes out of style, and it's worth revisiting if you haven't enjoyed one recently. The whipped cream and cherry on top are non-negotiable, by the way.
If you're feeling indecisive, it's impossible to go wrong with a simple scoop (or two) of your favorite flavor.
TripAdvisor/Liz S
From strawberry to mint chip and everything in between, rest assured your favorite has a rightful spot on the menu.
My daughter loved the strawberry ice cream here. And it matches Sugar Bowl's pink interior!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
I prefer something a bit more decadent like one of this retro ice cream parlor's famous sundaes. You seriously can't go wrong with a sundae from Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor Arizona!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
Another part of Sugar Bowl that my kids love is the small game room with a few arcade games and skeeball. It's the perfect place for a family-friendly outing in Scottsdale!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState


Take a look at this video of this awesome retro ice cream parlor in Arizona by @SeriousAboutRE:

Hours are 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visit the Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Facebook page or the Experience Scottsdale website for more information.

Have you ever been to The Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another retro place in Arizona where the ’50s never end.

If you like visiting retro places in Arizona, you’ll love staying at the Hotel Valley Hotel in Scottsdale. You can book a stay at this mid-century modern hotel on Hotels.com.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Retro Places In Arizona

Melissa M. | December 14, 2023

What are some other retro places I can visit in Arizona?

With its mid-century modern architecture and Route 66 attractions, there are more than enough retro places to visit around Arizona. Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Taliesin West is a historical landmark in Scottsdale where Frank Lloyd Wright had his winter home and studio. Come here to tour the mid-century modern architecture and learn about the famed architect’s life.
  • Cool Springs Station near Kingman is a Route 66 gas station-turned-museum that’s a great stop if you’re in the area.
  • West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In in Glendale. Let’s face it – the once-popular drive-ins have been disappearing over the years but some remain. Gotta love the nostalgic feel of sitting in your car to watch a flick on the big screen! 

Check out more retro places in Arizona.

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Featured Addresses
Sugar Bowl, 4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA