Restaurant Spotlight: Small Town Scoop – A Sweet Spot in Southern Illinois

Seth
11 minutes ago
3 min read

Welcome back to Restaurant Spotlight!

In this edition, we travel to the town of Murphysboro in the heart of Southern Illinois, a place known for scenic farmland, wineries, and must-try local eateries.

Eye-level view of Small Town Scoop ice cream shop exterior in Murphysboro — Small Town Scoop storefront in Murphysboro, Illinois

The Adventure Begins:

We took a beautiful drive through Southern Illinois as part of our quest to enjoy some of the best cold and delicious ice cream the area has to offer. Our journey led us to Small Town Scoop at 1400 Walnut Street.

Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by enthusiastic and helpful staff.

What caught my attention next was the wide variety of ice cream flavors, from classics like vanilla and chocolate to popular options such as butter pecan and cotton candy.

In addition to sandwiches, soups, salads, pretzels, and wraps, the menu includes other options, some of which are gluten-free. Guests should review the posted notice, as cross-contamination may occur.

Ice cream shop counter with visible tubs of ice cream, "Small Town Scoop" sign, menu, and "Cedar Crest" box. Notices about payment.

Ice cream shop display with various flavors in tubs. Signs show soup of the day and a hot cocoa menu. Cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Small Town Scoop also features an impressive side room with a mini arcade, board games, and laid-back dining.

Arcade setup with a "Big Buck Hunter Pro" machine and two pinball machines themed on The Addams Family and The Mandalorian in a game room.

Industrial-style room with a black table featuring white art, metal chairs, a brick wall, and shelves holding games and decor. Relaxed vibe.

Cafe corner with gray walls, framed dessert photos, and an abstract mural. Black table with "Small Town Scoop" text. Wooden floor.

Wall shelves with plants, games, and decor against a dark blue wall. Visible board games include "Chutes and Ladders" and "Sorry!". Bright room.

Framed photo of a woman reading on a cafe wall. Gray walls with additional small framed pictures. Wood floor, cozy atmosphere.

Cozy room with brick walls featuring a black stove, industrial shelves with plants and decor, and a window seat with chairs in sunlight. — They even have a charming fireplace!

The Challenge:

For those looking to take their visit to the next level, Small Town Scoop offers a truly massive ice cream challenge.

A large metal bowl filled with assorted ice cream scoops, whipped cream, cherries, banana, and sprinkles. Bright, colorful, and indulgent. — The challenge features 27 scoops of ice cream piled high with toppings and sauces, served alongside two bananas, two brownies, two waffle cones, whipped cream, and cherries — an enormous creation inspired by Murphysboro’s famous Big Muddy Monster

This monstrosity has been available since June 2025, and after gaining attention on social media, there have been a few unsuccessful attempts.

It remained undefeated until Eli Lessig (A Guy Named Eli) tackled it in a time of 30 minutes and 50 seconds.

Man smiling, holding a black "I Beat the Monster" shirt. Empty bowl with spoon on ornate table. Timer shows 3:20:50. Black and white mug. A Guy Named Eli.

George "The Smorgasbord" Chiger took it down in December and set the new record of 21 minutes and 08 seconds, where it currently sits today.

Man holding a black T-shirt reading "I Beat the Monster" in an ice cream shop. Empty bowl and clock showing 21:08 on the table.

Ice Cream Time:

A glass dish of ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry on a black table with white patterns.

While the challenge is certainly impressive, we decided to keep things a bit lighter for our visit.

Before we even sat down, the clean environment caught our attention. From the counter to the tables and even the décor, Small Town Scoop keeps everything neat and inviting!

My guest and I each ordered a hot fudge sundae, which quickly arrived at our table. The vanilla ice cream was soft and fresh, topped with whipped cream and a bright cherry, while the warm, gooey chocolate offered the perfect contrast to the frosty, smooth dessert.

Tips for Visiting Small Town Scoop:

If you plan to visit, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Order from the website for pickup if you'd like to enjoy their food at home.
Check their social media for special events or flavor announcements.
Parking is limited and mainly available along the curb, so arriving earlier in the day or later in the evening may help you find a spot more easily.
Don’t forget to check out the conveniently placed grab-and-go freezer if you'd like to take some ice cream home.

Pints of "Small Town Scoop" ice cream flavors like Big Muddy and Cotton Candy are seen in a fridge, with a bright, reflective glass door.

Why Small Town Scoop Stands Out:

What makes Small Town Scoop stand out is more than just its ice cream. They are deeply connected to the community, and with over 140 Google reviews and nearly five thousand Facebook followers, they have made a significant impact in Southern Illinois and beyond.

Conclusion:

We had a wonderful time during our visit. It’s clear that the owners and staff genuinely care and go above and beyond to be friendly, kind, and promote positivity. From the cleanliness to the relaxed atmosphere and irresistible ice cream, there's a lot to check out at Small Town Scoop!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for more dessert!

Neon sign reads "Small Town Scoop" with two pink ice cream cones and a heart. Text below says "Sweet Moments, Small Town Style."

Follow Small Town Scoop: Facebook, Instagram, and website.

Photo Credits: Small Town Scoop.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is for informational purposes only. Please research the rules and safety measures of each competition/restaurant challenge before participating in any eating contests or restaurant challenges and consider any potential health risks that may apply to you.