One of Nebraska's many contributions to the world is the tin roof sundae. The flavors of vanilla, chocolate, marshmallow creme, and peanuts all meld perfectly in this soda fountain classic. If you've been wondering about the tin roof sundae's origins, it was invented in a little panhandle village, and you can still sit at the very counter where the first tin roof sundae was served. It's definitely one of our favorites among the iconic foods from Nebraska.
The itty-bitty town of Potter, Nebraska, is located in western Nebraska between Kimball and Sidney. In it, you'll find the Potter Sundry, a restaurant and soda fountain that holds a special place in Nebraska history.
The sweet little local eatery opened in 1916, though it was a drugstore and soda fountain at that time. Right around the time of the drugstore's opening, the pharmacist's son, Harold Dean “Pinky” Thayer, created what would become the store's signature offering.
The tin roof sundae is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that has steadily drawn hungry visitors to Potter for more than a century.
It all starts with a tall soda glass. Scoops of vanilla ice cream go in first and are topped with chocolate syrup. Then, chocolate ice cream is piled on and a cascade of fluffy white marshmallow creme is poured over the top. A generous sprinkling of Spanish peanuts finishes off the sweet masterpiece.
This is the menu item that put the Potter Sundry on the map, and it continues to make this little restaurant a destination for ice cream lovers. Sitting at the counter and devouring your sundae with a long spoon is a special type of heavenly!
If you're still hungry after you've polished off the last of your sundae, the Potter Sundry also serves breakfast and lunch. There's always a selection of delicious baked goods and grab-and-go food items, so be sure to stock up on treats for the road!
This delicious dessert is a must-try for Nebraskans and visitors alike - it's truly one of the most iconic foods from Nebraska, and it's worth the drive even if you're not nearby! Check out The Potter Sundry's website or the shop's Facebook page to see hours, specials, menus, and more. While you're in Potter, take a short walk next door and play a few frames at the unique duckpin bowling alley and stay the night at this charming train crew house Airbnb.
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