Chef-Crafted Ice Cream with Harbor Views
The Scoop Shack opened in 2010 at 22 Dock Street in Edgartown. It was started by Bryan MacPhail, a chef who trained at Manhattan’s French Culinary Institute and worked in top restaurants. After moving to Martha’s Vineyard, he wanted to make “the best ice cream I had ever tasted” and added this shop to his other local food spots like Slice of Edgartown Pizzeria and MacPhail’s Corner Café.
The shop moved to its current spot in 2023, with better access for wheelchairs and outdoor seating that looks out at the harbor. They’re open April through October, daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.
Creative Flavors That Stand Out
The shop blends classic tastes with new ideas that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Rich chocolate with cinnamon and chili that many call “transcendent”
- Butter Beer: Inspired by Harry Potter, mixing butterscotch and cream soda flavors
- Grandma’s Carrot Cake: Cinnamon ice cream with pieces of carrot cake and cream cheese swirls
- Lemon Lavender: A bright mix of tart lemon and light floral notes
- Mocha Joe: Coffee ice cream packed with chunks of Oreo cookies
People often talk about how creamy the ice cream is, thanks to small batches and high-quality ingredients. Even the take-home containers stay easy to scoop after freezing. They also offer some vegan options that change with the seasons.
Beat the Summer Crowds
Lines are longest from 7-9 PM after dinner, but the staff works quickly and keeps waits under 15 minutes. Popular flavors might sell out by late evening, so it’s best to come early for the full menu.
They handle food allergies well, with separate scoops for nut-free flavors and gluten-free cones. Since 2023, they’ve taken credit cards (Mastercard, Amex, Visa, Discover) instead of just cash.
Part of Island Life
The Scoop Shack has quickly become part of Edgartown’s culture. Many restaurant servers know visitors will skip dessert to head there instead.
While it doesn’t have decades of history like some island spots, it creates its own charm with fun touches like color-changing spoons and Harry Potter-themed treats for kids. Adults enjoy more grown-up flavors like Green Tea with Ginger Cookie Crumbs.
The shop can get very busy in summer, with limited indoor seating sending many customers to nearby benches. But for most visitors, the unique flavors and extra-creamy texture make it worth any wait or walk to find a place to sit.