Some holidays call for a little effort. National Ice Cream Day, which falls on Sunday, July 19 this year, asks only that you find something cold and sweet and enjoy it. That is the kind of occasion we are always happy to honor. A great night at Lucky Strike already runs on good food, good drinks, and good company, so leading with dessert for a change is no trouble at all.
Before you plan your visit, one quick note: menu options vary by location, so it is worth checking your desired center's menu ahead of time using the Location Finder. With that sorted, July 19 is the day to indulge.
The story behind National Ice Cream Day
The holiday is more official than you might expect. In 1984, a presidential proclamation named July National Ice Cream Month and set aside the third Sunday for ice cream specifically, which is how the date lands on a different Sunday each year. The proclamation even noted that the vast majority of Americans enjoy ice cream, calling it a treat with near-universal appeal, and it is hard to argue with the logic.
A few fun facts to bring to the table on the day: July is the single busiest month of the year for ice cream, which is no surprise given the heat. Vanilla still reigns as the most popular flavor in the country, the quiet classic that outsells every bolder rival. And the frozen treat has been a social staple for well over a century, from the soda fountain to the milkshake to the sundae. In other words, you are taking part in a long and delicious tradition, so you may as well do it right.
Signature shakes worth the scoop
Our full dessert menu leans into the occasion, and the Signature Shakes are the easiest way to mark it, since ice cream is the whole point of each one. The Twix shake blends the caramel and chocolate cookie bar into something thick and indulgent, the kind of dessert that feels like a real splurge. The Oreo shake folds chocolate cookies into every sip for a rich, cookies-and-cream take on the classic. And the M&M shake brings the candy right into the glass, colorful and a little playful, with something to crunch in every spoonful.
A shake at Lucky Strike is not an afterthought. It arrives tall and generous, the kind of thing you order when you want dessert to feel like part of the evening rather than a quick stop on the way out. On a day built around ice cream, you truly cannot go wrong, so the smart move might be to order all three and compare.
The Monster Cookie Melt, made for the day
If National Ice Cream Day calls for a centerpiece, the Monster Cookie Melt answers. We start with a jumbo chocolate chip cookie, warm it until the edges go soft and the chips turn molten, then top it with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Warm cookie under cold ice cream is the contrast that makes it, and on a day dedicated to that second part, it is hard to do better.
It is built for sharing, though we will not judge anyone who keeps it to themselves. Set it in the middle of the table with a few spoons and it becomes the moment everyone remembers from the night. It also pairs perfectly with a round for a crowd, so a larger social gathering or celebration can make dessert the highlight of the evening.
Make a night of it
The beauty of celebrating with us is that dessert is only part of the evening. Start with a few games and a round of drinks, then finish with a shake and a Monster Cookie Melt once the competition winds down. It turns a small holiday into a full night out, which is exactly the kind of excuse the day deserves.
However you play it, when you know the night you want, reserve a lane in advance so the only thing left to decide is which shake to order first, and let the sweetest day of summer take it from there.