Wilma’s Big Olaf Creamery

Refreshing
We were out this evening and decided to stop for ice cream, and the place that came to mind was Big Olaf. Big Olaf is a great local ice cream. We went to the ice cream shop just down from Yoder’s on Bahia Vista.
There were several customers when we arrived but they were almost all sitting outside enjoying their treats. Inside there were just a couple of people, which gave us just enough time to decide what we wanted.
I went off the tracks and selected Orange Pineapple, definitely not my normal fare. Although I thought the flavors were too subtle it was still very good and refreshing, and the serving side generous. We sat comfortably in the room in the back rather than sitting outside. Our ice cream server did a fine job.

My daughter and I pass here every day going to and from Sarasota high and we have always wanted to try it as we thought they must make their own ice cream. We went on Thursday and saw a note on the door that they only take cash so we went back yesterday and ordered a banana split and I’ve never seen a banana split made like this. The lady took and put the ice cream first, then she put the nuts, then the sauces and then the banana and whip cream that comes frozen and they thaw it out to use it. The ice cream has the same bland flavor that you get when you buy the Winn Dixie brand ice cream. Where I’m from the banana goes first, then the ice cream, the toppings which usually consist of strawberry, pineapple, and chocolate, then whip cream and the nuts and cherries come last. I think I’ll pass on going here again.

Love the ice cream at this place. Their prices are very good compared to the other ice cream places in the area. They do get busy but it is so worth the wait.

Delicious home made ice cream. Bring cash with you. Many flavors to choose from. I got a waffle bowl and it was fantastic. One scoop of salted caramel pretzel and one peanut butter. Both delicious. Peanut butter the best. Will visit here again.

I have been coming here for years with my family. I think we all have a photo with the ice cream cone out front. There is limited seating outside and at this location there is not a lot of options to walk to. At spring break and summer time plan on a wait in the evenings and then stand around and enjoy the goodness.
Look for the staples and my personal favorite is mint chip
It’s ice cream, it’s wholesome, it’s America
Go to big Olaf

Wasn’t so thrilled with this place. The ice cream had a funky after taste. Kinda like sweet n low does. The chocolate had a mint after taste and the pralines and cream had that chemical flavor. The owner has instructed their employees to use these 8oz cups for a 2 scoop order therefore leaving no room for toppings which u pay .55 for. If you ask for a larger cup to accommodate the topping but the same amount of ice cream they have to charge you for the larger cup. SERIOUSLY!!! You charge for
A topping that doesn’t fit in the cup and then u want to charge extra… Whatever! We won’t be coming back.

We ordered two large sundays. They were in small cups (not what I would call a large sundy). The ice cream was ok, nothing special. There was only a small amount of hot fudge so I asked if we could get a little more. She had an attitude and gave me a small cup with about 2 tablespoons and charged me 59 cents. Not going back.

Giant scoops of tasteless ice cream. I had the sugarless butter pecan. Actually it could have been any flavor. Wife’s maple walnut lacked maple flavor. Get to rub elbows with the Amish. Exciting times!

Best milkshakes and ice cream in SRQ.

Generic ice cream — didn’t feel like it was homemade. Employees were ok but mostly looking to get us out of the store. Your standard grocery store flavors and colors, not a fresh waffle cone. Popular with the Mennonite /​Amish crowd, seeing as how it is in the heart of their historic neighborhood –

The only reason why this is not a 5-​star experience was the fact that some of the ice cream flavors weren’t all that special.
The ice cream itself was delicious and flavorful (depending on what you ordered).
I got two scoops: White Chocolate Raspberry and Plantation Praline.
When I received the cup, ¾’s of it was the first flavor and the rest was a measly dollop of the praline ice cream. All I got from the praline ice cream was caramel with a really small swirl of ice cream and zero hint of pecan. I hate inconsistent scoops.
The white chocolate raspberry was delicious though! Definitely a standout.
Some of the flavors were pretty uninspiring but if you happen to be in the neighborhood (aka eating at Yoders), this isn’t a bad cold treat for people who aren’t fans of pie (BLASPHEMY).
$ 3.50 for what I would consider 1.5 scoops isn’t terrible. They aren’t generous with their scoops by any means but the price is right.
Service was amiable enough. CASH ONLY!

This place has a decent selection of ice cream, but it really just seemed to be a standard ice cream shop, nothing extraordinary. But if you’re in Pinecraft and you’re looking to cool off then it’s worth it to stop at this place for a little ice cream treat.

This review is for Ben’a Pretzels located on the backside of the ice cream store.
I was lured over to his booth by the smells in the air. It smells like straight yeast dough and this girl can’t say no to a yeast roll/​bread/​anything.
The pretzel was incredibly fresh. So fresh in fact I had to wait to eat it because it burned my fingers.
He has a selection of toppings, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cinnamon sugar, but I went for a plain olé pretzel with salt and I was NOT disappointed. Yum!

If you’re ever in Pinecraft playing shuffleboard, volleyball, or music with the Amish, Big Olaf is a great place to wet your whistle and enjoy an afternoon treat. But be prepared to wait — especially come February — because the lines are insane.
But I’m probably a little bit biased because my parents owned it in 1974 when it was a gas station.