Taggart's Ice Cream Parlor
Taggart's Ice Cream Parlor stands as a sweet piece of living history in Canton, serving handcrafted ice cream and classic American comfort food since 1926. This beloved institution has preserved not only its original recipes but also its vintage soda fountain atmosphere, creating a nostalgic experience that has delighted generations of Canton families for nearly a century.
Why It's Special
Taggart's offers something increasingly rare in today's world—an authentic experience that hasn't been artificially created or reimagined, but simply preserved through decades of careful stewardship. What makes this ice cream parlor extraordinary is its genuineness; from the moment you step through the door, you're transported to another era through original fixtures, vintage decor, and recipes that haven't changed since the Roaring Twenties.
The marble-topped soda fountain, wooden booths, and classic counter seating remain much as they were when the parlor first opened. Most importantly, Taggart's signature ice cream creations—particularly the famous Bittner—continue to be made by hand using time-honored techniques and quality ingredients. This combination of preserved physical space and culinary tradition creates an experience that connects today's visitors with nearly a century of Canton's social history.
The Treats & Cuisine
Signature Ice Cream Creations
- The Bittner: Their legendary creation—vanilla ice cream blended with chocolate syrup and roasted pecans
- Olive-Nut Sundae: A uniquely Canton treat featuring vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and a housemade olive-nut mix
- Hot Fudge Sundae: Classic sundae with rich, housemade hot fudge sauce
- German Chocolate Sundae: Vanilla ice cream with coconut, pecans, and chocolate syrup
- Banana Split: The traditional three-scoop split with all the classic toppings
Housemade Ice Cream
Taggart's produces their own ice cream with:
- Recipes unchanged since the 1920s
- Higher butterfat content than commercial ice cream
- Small batch production for quality control
- Seasonal and limited-time flavors alongside classics
- Signature vanilla base used in many of their famous creations
Classic American Fare
Beyond desserts, the menu features:
- Olive-Nut Sandwich: A Canton specialty and longtime customer favorite
- Homemade Chicken Salad: Made fresh daily
- Grilled Cheese: Simple perfection on Texas toast
- Tuna Melt: Classic comfort food done right
- Soups & Salads: Made-from-scratch options that change seasonally
Culinary Approach
Taggart's philosophy centers on:
- Tradition Over Trends: Maintaining classic recipes rather than chasing fads
- Quality Ingredients: Using the same high-quality components for generations
- Handcrafted Preparation: Making items fresh daily rather than using pre-made options
- Consistency: Ensuring the Bittner tastes the same today as it did 80 years ago
- Balance of Nostalgia and Quality: Preserving historic character without sacrificing modern expectations
The Experience
Historic Atmosphere
The parlor maintains its vintage charm through:
- Original Soda Fountain: Marble-topped fountain from the 1920s
- Classic Booths: Original wooden booths with timeless comfort
- Authentic Decor: Vintage signs, equipment, and period details
- Traditional Service Style: Counter seating with views of dessert preparation
- Historic Photographs: Images showing the parlor through the decades
- Unchanged Layout: Floor plan maintained from the original design
Family Tradition
Taggart's is known for:
- Multi-Generational Appeal: Grandparents bringing grandchildren to share their childhood experience
- Celebration Destination: Birthday and anniversary traditions for many Canton families
- First Date Spot: Countless relationships started over shared sundaes
- After-Game Tradition: Regular post-sporting event gatherings
- Holiday Rituals: Special seasonal traditions tied to the Taggart's experience
Community Connection
The ice cream parlor's local ties include:
- Long-tenured Staff: Many employees with decades of service
- Regular Customers: Some visiting weekly for 50+ years
- Community Support: Fundraisers and donations to local causes
- School Partnerships: Special programs with local schools
- Sports Team Celebrations: Hosting local teams after games
Special Offerings
Seasonal Specialties
- Holiday Flavors: Limited-time ice cream variations for different seasons
- Summer Specials: Enhanced menu during peak ice cream season
- Fall Harvest Treats: Autumn-inspired desserts featuring local produce
- Winter Comfort Menu: Expanded hot food and drink options during colder months
- Anniversary Celebrations: Special offerings commemorating the parlor's history
Take-Home Options
- Hand-packed Ice Cream: Available to take home in various sizes
- Ice Cream Cakes: Custom-made for special occasions
- Special Event Catering: Ice cream service for parties and gatherings
- Gift Certificates: Popular presents for Canton natives
- Branded Merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, and memorabilia
When to Visit
Best Times
- Weekday Afternoons: Most relaxed atmosphere with shortest waits
- After Dinner: Evening dessert tradition for many locals
- Saturday Lunch: Classic time for family visits
- Seasonal Celebrations: Special atmosphere during holidays
- Post-Game Gatherings: Festive environment after local sporting events
Recommendations
- Expect longer waits during summer evenings and weekends
- Consider calling ahead for large groups
- First-time visitors should try the signature Bittner
- Leave room for dessert if ordering from the food menu
- Ask longtime employees for their favorite menu recommendations
Good to Know
- Parking: Free lot adjacent to the building
- Cash and Cards: All major credit cards accepted
- No Reservations: Seating is first-come, first-served
- Second Location: Additional Taggart's in Magnolia with the same menu
- Busy Seasons: Especially crowded during summer and after school events
Nearby Attractions
While in the area, consider visiting:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (10-minute drive)
- McKinley Presidential Library & Museum (5-minute drive)
- Stadium Park (10-minute drive)
- West Lawn Cemetery (5-minute drive)
- Canton Arts District (10-minute drive)
Getting There
Taggart's Fulton Road location is situated in Canton's West Park neighborhood, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Canton. The distinctive building with its vintage signage is easily spotted on Fulton Road NW. Ample free parking is available in the parlor's own lot. The location is convenient to reach from I-77 and is a short drive from many of Canton's major attractions including the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ice Cream Parlor History
Joe Taggart opened his ice cream parlor in 1926, establishing what would become one of Canton's most enduring businesses. The Fulton Road location has remained virtually unchanged in its nearly 100-year history, with the marble-topped soda fountain, wooden booths, and overall layout preserved through the decades.
During the Great Depression, Taggart's created the now-famous Bittner as an affordable treat that delivered maximum satisfaction for the price—a blend of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and pecans that was more substantial than a typical sundae. The creation was named after a regular customer and has remained the parlor's signature item for over 90 years.
Throughout World War II, the Korean War, and beyond, Taggart's maintained its position as a community gathering place. Ownership has changed hands only a few times in its long history, with each successive proprietor honoring the traditions established by Joe Taggart. In the 1970s, the Drummond family took ownership and later added a second location in nearby Magnolia.
Today, Taggart's stands not only as a place to enjoy exceptional ice cream but as a living museum of American soda fountain culture and a testament to the enduring appeal of quality, tradition, and simple pleasures. For many Canton residents, it's not merely a restaurant but a cherished landmark intertwined with their most precious family memories.
