Dumar's — Review by Food Network
Norfolk, United States — American, Ice Cream, Barbecue
Dumar's in Norfolk, Virginia is a historic ice cream and food establishment dating back to 1904 when Abe Dumar invented the ice cream cone at the St. Louis World's Fair. The family-run business still operates on original machines, serving signature items like hand-rolled ice cream cones, specialty sundaes, refreshing limeades, and acclaimed barbecue sandwiches with homemade hot sauce. The restaurant maintains its legacy and quality across multiple generations of family ownership.
What was great: Ice cream cones made on original machines, strawberry willie sundae, co-ed sundae with hot fudge and banana, limeades, barbecue sandwiches with flavorful house sauce and fine-diced coleslaw
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Dumar's menu celebrates both their historic ice cream heritage and savory comfort food. The hand-rolled ice cream cones made on original machines are the star attraction, showcasing the craftsmanship that has defined this establishment for over a century. The strawberry willie sundae features vanilla ice cream topped with crushed cone chips, fresh strawberries, and strawberry syrup. The co-ed sundae, an original creation by the founder, combines two dips of vanilla ice cream with two ounces of hot fudge heated to 150 degrees, half a sliced banana, whipped cream, and a cherry. Reviewers noted how the warm gooey fudge combined with the banana creates a surprising flavor profile that elevates it beyond a typical sundae.
Beyond sweets, the barbecue sandwiches showcase serious culinary technique. The pork is slow-roasted using Boston butt at 425 degrees for approximately six hours in its own juices, then deboned and ground. The signature Dumar's hot sauce, made from tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and ground red pepper, simmers for about two hours before being mixed with the meat. The sandwich is completed with finely diced coleslaw on a bun, creating a balanced combination where the vinegar and spices work together perfectly. The limeades, listed among their top three sellers alongside ice cream cones, offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richer desserts.
The Experience
Dumar's exudes authentic Americana charm, having been a beloved establishment for decades. The family legacy is palpable throughout the restaurant, with long-time patrons sharing memories of visiting since shortly after World War II. The current ownership, led by great-nephew Thad, maintains the same commitment to quality and tradition as previous generations. One family member worked full-time at the restaurant for 68 straight years before his passing, demonstrating the deep personal investment in the business.
Value & Pricing
While specific prices are not detailed in the transcript, the emphasis on hand-crafted items made on original machines and homemade sauces suggests fair value for the quality provided. The barbecue sandwich in particular receives high praise for its complex flavor profile and quality ingredients, indicating good value for comfort food.
Notable Moments
He'd be out of his mind.
This was said when discussing whether founder Abe Dumar would be proud to see the business still operating today. Another memorable quote came from a guest who stated: "If you've never eaten it, you haven't experienced heaven on a bun," referring to the barbecue sandwich.
The Verdict
Dumar's stands as a living piece of culinary history, offering both iconic ice cream experiences and exceptional barbecue sandwiches. This restaurant is best for anyone seeking authentic, family-run comfort food with genuine historical significance. Whether you visit for the hand-rolled ice cream cones that started it all or the carefully crafted barbecue sandwich, you're participating in over a century of American food tradition.