mvdLocal Guide · 81 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews mvd has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleIt was fine.
Birdsall's Ice Cream Co.
How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%64+40.7Reliability 28%74+20.9Replies to reviews 8%46+3.8Momentum penalty69−3.1Experts Score= 62Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.62SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#99 of 110 wedding caterersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 10%
4.6 ★★★★★ 521 Google reviews · 23 photos
78%five-star reviews
4.45★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
31%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review
Birdsall's Ice Cream Co. at a glance
Customers consistently praise the wide variety of unique, homemade ice cream flavors and the establishment's historical significance. However, recurring complaints highlight inconsistent service quality, including perceived rudeness, disorganization, and slow order processing during busy periods. Additionally, several reviewers criticize the pricing as steep, noting that large items like malts can exceed ten dollars, which some find difficult to justify despite the product quality.
- Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 521 reviews (78% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 521 Google reviews (303 with written comments, 20 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 31% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 17, 2026.
- Service: Wedding Caterer serving Mason City, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other wedding caterers
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: reliability and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Birdsall's Ice Cream Co.: 64/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.B
64
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Birdsall's Ice Cream Co.: 74/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.B
74
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Birdsall's Ice Cream Co.: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
69
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Birdsall's Ice Cream Co.: 46/100 on this factor. Category median: 40.C
46
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
521 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars40878%
- 4 stars7314%
- 3 stars204%
- 2 stars82%
- 1 star122%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 303 written reviews
- Praise10190%
- Complaints1110%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude5347%
- Price & value2421%
- Quality & results1312%
- Would recommend1110%
- Speed & response98%
- Communication11%
- Honesty & trust11%
What customers talk about
We read 303 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Too many to choose from, and very nice friendly staff!”
“The same lady just keeps handing me nasty cups of ice cream and with stuff all over the side and has a bad attitude other than that great place to go.”
“Great selection of homemade (in-store) ice creams at a reasonable price.”
“Yummy ice cream a little pricey”
“Over a century of great service and ice cream recipes.”
“If you love delicate tea flavors, I highly recommend it!”
“Hosts are usually very quick to greet and service is good.”
“Honestly, the only thing that we have not enjoyed is the staff.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
MattLocal Guide · 247 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Excellent homemade ice cream , definitely worth the attention it's gotten. Good flavor variety with a few more savory and unique. They offer flights if you want to try several flavors.
Jon10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
They have lots of different flavors of ice cream. It’s always fun to stop by here in the summer.
lyaLocal Guide · 403 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★
It was ok the girls didn’t seem organized. I waited for a couple of minutes and left it was only two people working with most customers waiting for their orders. I left without placing my order.
RosieLocal Guide · 136 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★
Old soda fountain style ice cream shop. Good stuff. I enjoyed the butterscotch malt. Hubby had a single scoop dark chocolate w almonds. Very good. $8 for a “large” 16 oz. Not cheap but pretty good it could have been a lot thicker for the price. The option on the I pad for a tip is a bit of a turnoff. I’m of…
RyanLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Any flavor you can think of! Too many to choose from, and very nice friendly staff!
JoelLocal Guide · 11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Mason City landmark with delicious home made ice cream! So many amazing flavors and options!
Photos
Customer reviews
4.6 ★★★★★ 521 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Zen ALocal Guide · 114 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Zen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GooglePhenomenal ice cream flavors! A must try if you’re in the area!
Michelle BohnLocal Guide · 11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleBest ice cream I've ever had. Highly recommend.
Matt FLocal Guide · 247 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Matt has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleExcellent homemade ice cream , definitely worth the attention it's gotten. Good flavor variety with a few more savory and unique. They offer flights if you want to try several flavors.
Amanda KammradLocal Guide · 28 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Amanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleAlways great homemade ice cream and cone options.
Amber FieckLocal Guide · 22 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Amber has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleThe history of this place is really cool, even though the original family no longer owns it. The ice cream is AMAZING and prices are fair. Our order is always made fast and accurately. Honestly, the only thing that we have not enjoyed is the staff. The first time we went it was 3 girls, hiding in the back on their phones. One came out very reluctantly and was either annoyed at her coworkers or pissed she had to serve us, not sure which... maybe both. She literally rolled her eyes and scowled the entire time we were there. The other girls didn't come to help her until more people came in behind us. Being we were first-time customers, we left feeling very uncomfortable and upset about how we were treated. We hoped it was just an off-day or maybe they had dealt with a Karen earlier or something. We always like to give the benefit of the doubt! The second time we came back, a week later, it was 3 different girls. They were really busy, and did a great job making our order, but they all seemed soulless, like they absolutely hated working there. No one ever smiles, acknowledges you when you thank them, thanks you for stopping in, shows gratitude for the huge tip we always leave, makes any conversation, or has any emotion whatsoever. It's kind of sad, and I feel bad for them. I've heard working at an ice cream shop is hard work, but it should be fun too! For staff and guests! (**Note* This is coming from someone who has many years of customer service experience in the food industry.)
Jon Field10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleThey have lots of different flavors of ice cream. It’s always fun to stop by here in the summer.
Matthew SonLocal Guide · 39 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Matthew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLove dining in for the delicious ice cream and the childhood nostalgia I crave.
lya RLocal Guide · 403 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews lya has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleIt was ok the girls didn’t seem organized. I waited for a couple of minutes and left it was only two people working with most customers waiting for their orders. I left without placing my order.
willow f.2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews willow has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleFire ice cream
Business details
- Address: 518 N Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
- Phone: (641) 423-5365
- Website: birdsallsicecreamco.com
- Service area: Mason City, IA