Ice cream can truly make life better, especially when it’s gourmet. On a depressingly rainy Tuesday, I made my way to Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream in hopes of reminding myself that – despite evidence of the contrary – it is still summertime in Eugene. Sure enough, Prince Puckler’s scrumptious ice cream immediately lifted my spirits and made me temporarily forget about the unsummery weather.
Apparently, others had the same idea because the place had its fair share of unfazed customers willing to brave the rain for the sake of indulging their taste buds. Anita Schendel, a very accommodating Puckler employee, informed me that business tends to slow down in the wintertime, but Puckler’s still manages to maintain a steady clientele throughout the year. Ice cream aficionados can rest assured that Prince Puckler’s will be there to accommodate their hankering even when the sun is gone. In fact, the store stays open until 11 p.m., so it is ideal for satisfying late night cravings for tasty treats.
Prince Puckler’s has been around for more than 30 years, which makes the establishment an authority on frozen delights. Puckler’s is conveniently located on East 19th Avenue, a short walk from the UO campus.
On many occasions, particularly during stressful exam periods, I have sought comfort and escapism from my hectic schedule in Prince Puckler’s mouth-watering recipes. The friendly ambiance makes Puckler’s a pleasant hangout for students and families alike, although seating is somewhat limited.
This time of year, Puckler’s takes full advantage of berry season by offering delectable selections such as fresh marionberry sorbet. Customers have their choice of 49 seasonal flavors that include locally produced favorites such as: Oregon Bing Cherry, Mint Oreo, Red Raspberry Cheesecake, and Banana Brownie. The wide-ranging ice cream selection also includes more “experimental” flavors like Tiger Stripes, which is basically a mixture of Black Tiger espresso and swirled fudge. If you feel adventurous, you definitely should try some of the more unusual tastes, because they are equally delicious. Puckler’s also offers some low fat options for the waistline-conscious, such as four varying frozen yogurt flavors, as well as three vegan-friendly sorbets that are dairy-free. There are also a few other dessert choices like ice cream cakes and chocolate-covered frozen bananas. No wonder this place is so popular!
Unfortunately, Puckler’s is sometimes too popular in the summer, because the East 19th store is the only branch in Eugene. Be prepared for a queue of eager customers if you happen to arrive during the post-lunch or late afternoon rush, but the wait is bearable and absolutely worth it. Also, be aware that the prices are slightly higher than some other ice cream places in Eugene, even though Puckler’s eclectic temptations definitely make up for it in taste. Words cannot adequately describe the deliciousness that is Prince Puckler’s ice cream, so make the trek and give your taste buds a treat!