Swansea
The Ice Cream Barn

The Ice Cream Barn

289 Locust St, Swansea I-02777-3540, United States

Casual • Coffee • American • Delivery


"Where should I start? I've never been to such an ice rink. First, the ice is incredible! See aromas in attached pictures. Pricey, but you get a lot. Our family of four divided two regular sizes, each of which could have two (generous pots of ice). The chocolate Brownie Oreo especially was excellent, and the chocolate peanut butter had chocolate chips as well as peanut butter cups in it incredible! Where this place differs is in its commitment to renewable and simply green in general. They create their own power 30k W solar system decorates the roof, and their website lets you see how much energy they generate, and how much CO2 emissions have been saved. The coolest part, though, is that EVERYTHING they give you cups, spoons, napkins, etc., ALL of which is compostable! I've never seen anything like that. Especially the plastic cups you would never know the difference of real plastic. And they have special, well-written disposal cans on their huge parking lot (it is just gigantic, especially in the back of the building. They have helpful signs that indicate what should be thrown, where, but should also remind people when they serve their goodies that everything should be brought into compostable disposal because most people 't necessarily take the time to read the signs, and 't realize that's not real plastic in their hands. They also offer a courtesy garbage can for other garbage you may happen about what was given to you with your ice cream. We were so concerned with this place 'renewable/sustainable efforts we have made to go back and thank them, I wish that more places would be dedicated to this effort. It is a shame that we are not local to them, or it would be the only place we are going to (and we live near some very well-known ice cream facilities! . There is also an ATM inside that has a nice convenience for those who need some cash. 100% recommended, on so many levels!"

Empire Grille At Venus De Milo

Empire Grille At Venus De Milo

75 Gar Hwy, Swansea I-02777-3296, United States

Soup • Pizza • Seafood • American


"The food here was good however the atmosphere is awful and dated. Yes it is in the Venus de Milo which has been around for years and years, and you can tell it has been. The ceilings are too high and so the noise from the tables of people talking or celebrating is awful. We were practically yelling at each other with our round table of 8 for dinner. Also the table was old and weak feeling. If you put your elbows on the table for a minute, you felt it give towards you. Most people were in larger groups, celebrating whatever and so it has the feel of a banquet hall only you are all at your own celebration. Service was just ok she took 30 minutes to get our drinks and then was never around to refill water or ask if we wanted another drink. We only came because our friends insisted it was the best Baked stuffed Lobster they had ever tried and they are from New England. So we wanted to try it. We started with the famous Venus De Milo soup (minestrone) which everyone enjoyed. One got the grilled salmon, he said it was fine not great but pretty good. We all got the Baked Stuffed Lobster (the 2 lb lobster dinner the night we were there was $65 or so, and the 3 lb was $15 more I believe) that came with 2 sides. The lobster was impressive (see pic) and it was really good. They only use tail meat in the stuffing, but they were a bit heavy handed with the breadcrumbs and butter. I had to take my claws home and they were very good the next day. I never even touched my 2 sides. Was it the best? Not sure but it was darned good!!! We also shared some desserts and they were nothing special. Great to see, but just OK on the taste. I have to say I don 't think I would go back again. There are so many places that serve Baked Stuffed Lobster, and at around the same price,and I really disliked the old feeling atmosphere and having to yell at each other during dinner. Oh well."