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All the United States South Carolina Myrtle Beach Kirk's 1890 Ice Cream Parlor
AO Edited Gastro Obscura

Kirk's 1890 Ice Cream Parlor

The two locations of this landmark ice cream shop scream pure Americana nostalgia.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Added By
Laura Kiniry
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Kirk’s hand-dipped “dream cones” at the parlor’s 25th Avenue location.   Jarad Cook
Kirk’s hand-dipped “dream cones” at the parlor’s 25th Avenue location.   Jarad Cook
A Tiffany-style lamp sporting the parlor’s name hangs over the counter at Kirk’s 25th Avenue location.   Jarad Cook
A coin=operated rocking horse sits ready and waiting in the dining room of Kirk’s 61st Avenue location.   Jarad Cook
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About

Despite the date listed in its name,  Kirk's 1890 Ice Cream Parlor didn’t open its doors in Myrtle Beach until the 1970s. Nevertheless, both  shop’s original location (the one closer to 61st Avenue) and its predecessor feel like throwbacks to a bygone era. Walk inside of either and you’ll see Tiffany-style lamps hanging from the ceiling and sweetheart parlor chairs gathered around four-top tables. 

Expect to find old cameras displayed in glass-front cabinets, historic photos hanging on the walls, and games like Ms. Pac-Man and joy-stick activated claw machines. The vintage game Love Tester has its roots in early 20th century penny arcades. 

Then there’s the ice cream itself: hand-scooped traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate, as well as more adventurous combos such as blackberry cheesecake, loaded pretzel, and Moose Tracks, brimming with peanut butter and fudge. There are 40 different flavors overall, along with shakes, sherbets, and sundaes. Frozen yogurt and sugar-free ice cream are also on hand, as are toppings like marshmallow, hot caramel, and pineapple. 

Sample tastings are the norm, and expect larger-than-usual portions.

Related Tags

Arcades Vintage Ice Cream Shops Ice Cream

Know Before You Go

The two locations are a couple miles apart, though each is within easy walking distance to the beach. Both offer indoor seating and take-out, as well as free parking, and accept either cash or credit card. 

The location closer to 25th Avenue  (just a 10-minute walk from the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum) is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily throughout summer, while the hours for the shop nearer to 61st Avenue are noon to 11 p.m. daily. Call ahead for off-season hours. 

Community Contributors

Added By

laurakiniry

Edited By

heshsf

  • heshsf

Published

September 4, 2023

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Sources
  • https://www.delish.com/just-for-fun/g36709041/vintage-ice-cream-parlor-photos/
  • https://www.myrtlebeach.com/restaurants/kirks-1890-ice-cream-parlor/
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkhuMUfJIcM
  • https://www.instagram.com/kirksicecream/?hl=en
  • https://restaurantguru.com/Kirks-Ice-Cream-Parlor-Myrtle-Beach#gallery
  • https://www.compasscove.com/news/5-epic-desserts-you-can-enjoy-in-myrtle-beach/
  • https://wpde.com/news/local/myrtle-beach-ice-cream-shop-booming-with-business-as-temperatures-rise
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g54359-d5065184-Reviews-Kirk_s_1890_Ice_Cream_Parlor-Myrtle_Beach_South_Carolina.html
  • https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/why-is-it-called-an-ice-cream-parlor
Kirk's 1890 Ice Cream Parlor
6101 N Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577
United States
33.73594, -78.83267
Visit Website
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