About a month ago, I spent a few days in Nashville with my dad as he endured a business trip. While he was going to endless meetings, I got to bum off of his hotel room—I certainly got the better end of the deal.
But once he finished for the day, we hit the town in search of some BBQ or Hattie B’s chicken. Then we bar hopped to experience the music Nashville had to offer. We got the full range: From exemplary three-piece bands to glorified karaoke machines.
My dad also floated an idea to me: What if we get a couple of sundaes while we’re here? I was thinking maybe one, but TWO?!? How provocative.
While my dad and I have quite a lot in common, our affinity for ice cream might be one of the first things people say when reciting our list of commonalities. The man can put away ice cream like no one you’ve ever seen. My family once took on the 38 Flavor Tour at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where they gave you a scoop of every ice cream flavor. He housed probably 1/3 of the ice cream on his own while the rest of us chipped away at the pile.
So here is a review to capture the first night of our escapades: Mike’s Ice Cream & Coffee Bar. It’s a trendy looking place just a block north from the main Broadway drag.
When you walk in, you’re welcomed by this bizarre mural.
That’s clearly a depiction of flapper-era Taylor Swift and boa-wearing Harry Styles grabbing a shake and sundae from Mike himself. Why was it painted? Who knows, but I’m sure the Swifties have a whole chapter of lore dedicated to this very mural.
Enough about Taylor—she was Time’s Person of the Year in 2023, she doesn’t need to infiltrate this institution. Onwards to the ice cream.
It’s a very efficient and aesthetic sundae. The most alluring part of it for me were the flavor choices. I always try to go for flavors that seem unique to the region or parlor (even though it left me embarrassed at Kilwin’s). So I got Blackberry Cornbread and Tennessee Fudge—both were sensational.
Quality of Fudge
The fudge was tasty and plentiful. As you can see in the picture, there’s about 3/4 of an inch pooled on top of the sundae—the ideal ratio. It was warm throughout my indulgence, and there was plenty of it to get a little with each bite.
Quality of Toppings
This sundae kept it simple with roasted peanuts and a cherry—Mike is clearly a no-nonsense man. Neither stood out very much, but their presence was deeply appreciated. Plus with how the ice cream was scooped, the nuts made it look like my sundae was wearing a little hat.
Level of Comfort Ordering the Sundae
No problems here. Just order your ice cream and get on with your life.
Would I Rather Order a McDonald’s Sundae?
I dare say: No! This was quite scrumptious. And while I have no idea when I’ll be in Nashville again, you can bet that I’ll mention Mike’s in the same breath as Hattie B’s.
Final Score: 8.8/10
And stay tuned for next week when I rate Mike’s neighbor: Matthessen’s Ice Cream, Cookies, and Fudge.
Hot for Fudge 