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FoodBars & Nightlife

An Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Shop In Connecticut, Les’ Dairy Bar Is The Perfect Spot To Grab A Sweet Treat On A Hot Day

Les’ Dairy Bar in Meriden, Connecticut, is a historic and beloved ice cream stand perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

Published Jul 12, 2022

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Is anything more delightful on a hot summer day than stopping by an ice cream parlor in Connecticut? We have so many charming little scoop shops serving up frozen treats. One of the most beloved of all is Les' Dairy Bar. This Meriden institution has been cooling off Nutmeg State residents for more than 70 years. It's the perfect place to stop by on a scorching day when you need a break from it all. Nothing brings a smile to everyone's face like an old-fashioned ice cream stand.

Les' Dairy Bar is a modest little shop. It's more like a simple ice cream stand. You won't find frills, bells, and whistles here: just good ice cream in a variety of flavors.

A small ice cream shop with a blue awning, featuring a line of customers waiting outside.
Mustafa Hamadah/Google Maps

The line can be a little long at times, but don't let that intimidate you. It tends to move pretty quickly!

A small food stand with a blue awning, featuring a menu and a customer ordering at the window.
A Stew/Google Maps

Les' has been a favorite summer spot for locals and visitors alike, but it actually almost closed a few years ago. The owners were retiring and going to shut the doors on this Meriden institution.

A hand holding a dessert cup filled with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles.
A Stew/Google Maps

Luckily for ice cream lovers, the shop was purchased and is now under new ownership.

Three dessert cups with layers of whipped cream, chocolate, caramel, and sprinkles, served in clear plastic cups.
Les' Dairy Bar/Facebook

You'll find the same old flavors you know and love, along with a few new specialties.

Three ice cream cones with pink and vanilla swirls, held by gloved hands, surrounded by colorful sprinkles.
Les' Dairy Bar/Facebook

There are plenty of frozen yogurt and sugar-free options available, plus Italian ice offerings!

A hand holding a cone of red velvet frozen yogurt in front of a sign indicating the flavor.
Les' Dairy Bar/Facebook

Les' Dairy Bar is open seasonally and is perfect for those hot days when you're looking to cool off.

A dog eagerly licks a cup of soft serve ice cream held by a person on a sidewalk.
Les' Dairy Bar/Facebook

We're so glad this historic ice cream shop in Connecticut is sticking around for future generations to enjoy!

A child walks past a mural of Les' Dairy Bar, featuring an ice cream cone and the text "A Meriden Tradition Since 1952."
Les' Dairy Bar/Facebook

Note that Les' Dairy Bar is cash only, so make sure you stop by the ATM before heading by!

You can get more information about this ice cream shop in Connecticut from the Les' Dairy Bar Facebook.

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