Purtell's Restaurant & Ice Cream Shoppe
About This Spot
Stepping into Purtell's Restaurant & Ice Cream Shoppe in Pinconning feels like slipping into a well-loved family kitchen where the clock slows down just enough for a genuine moment of warmth. The space carries the quiet comfort of familiar holiday decorations, a nod to tradition that invites you to settle in and savor more than just a meal. It's the kind of place where the steady hum of shared stories and the clink of coffee cups create a relaxed, unhurried rhythm.
This is a spot where you can linger over breakfast at any hour—whether it’s pancakes paired with eggs cooked just the way you like, or a hearty sandwich that holds the promise of a second meal later. The kitchen’s focus on homemade goodness is clear in every bite, delivering comfort food that feels honest and thoughtfully prepared. Between plates of roast beef and hearty soups, there’s a timelessness to the flavors and a satisfying simplicity that draws people back again and again.
One of Purtell’s quieter charms is its friendly atmosphere, reflected in the smiles of a staff that balances warmth with the steady pace of a local favorite. The ice cream shoppe tucked inside offers a small, inviting counter to sweeten the visit—a choice of hard scoop flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia, alongside classic treats like hot fudge sundaas that complete the experience with a touch of indulgence.
Whether you drop in on a busy afternoon or a calm morning, Purtell’s feels like a place that’s patiently waiting with open doors and familiar flavors, ready to welcome you into a space that’s more about genuine moments than rushed transactions. It’s a quietly special stop on the map, a comforting retreat where food, community, and a little bit of sweetness come together naturally.
What’s Available Here
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Serves local specialty
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Historic
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Quiet
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Groups
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
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Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Friday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM |
Chris Fiebelkorn 26 Nov 2025
Food was REALLY good, and you could tell it's all homemade. I highly recommend the open roast beef. Service was okay, but kinda inattentive. We waiting 30min to order, even though it wasn't busy, and kept having to waive the wait staff over.
Melissa Dean 26 Nov 2025
Delicious comfort food and friendly staff. We had the hot turkey and hot roast beef sandwiches. They were so good and the portions were huge! We had enough leftover to make a second meal. We each had a slice of pie. I thought the banana cream pie was delicious. It was light and fluffy. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I loved all of the holiday decorations they had up for Christmas. It was beautiful!
Christine “Chris” Reinsmith 15 Nov 2025
Stopped by for lunch. This was our first visit to Pinconning. The server was very nice to us and quick meeting us as we sat. She was kind and checked on us a few times. Food is delicious and warm, the cook did an amazing job. Thank you for making our visit worthwhile. We will visit again!
Michele Stark 07 Nov 2025
Super good! Would definitely stop here again if we ever pass this way on future trips! And we only got the food, not the ice cream this time. It was dinner, but, they serve breakfast all day... bacon melted in my mouth. Unfortunately they do not have non-dairy ice cream.
David Brasher 28 Oct 2025
Friendly staff with a great hard scoop ice cream variety. It's one of the only places I see still offering the anniversary cake flavor. They also offer a full diner menu and is conveniently located for through traffic
Roxanne Moore 12 Oct 2025
My husband and I stopped here to eat lunch on our way into town before attending a funeral we thought was down the road. It was seat yourself. The service and food was good. It was a bummer that the wraps or burger didn't come with a side, like fries. But I believe my husband chose to eat here because of the ice cream. We had some sort of banana spilt. It was huge and delicious.
William Rogers 27 Sep 2025
If ever there was a place worthy of a five or ten minute diversion off of I-75, this is it. I found out about it years ago when work took me to Pinconning and I have been coming back when in the area since. It's all just ordinary comfort food but done really well. 100 years plus old now, starting with a roadside ice cream parlor for brave tourists creeping north in their Model Ts. I like the Reuben and the Italian Steak Sandwich- with cheese on thick toast and with sauce for dipping. And the hot sandwiches. Haven't tried the ice cream yet, oddly. They have daily specials that are usually worth a try. (One of these was a HALF hot roast beef sandwich and I still had another meal's leftovers from it. From a HALF sandwich. Sheesh.) Northern Michigan Rules apply. That is: If there is a small order or a half order TAKE IT. It is there for a reason! Otherwise be prepared for leftovers.
Nyor Mirror 26 Sep 2025
We stopped here for a business lunch after seeing the reviews and they did not steer us wrong. I enjoyed a cup of navy bean soup, a side salad and smoked pork chops with Texas toast. My wonderful dessert was brownie bottom cheesecake. Low top, booth and bar seating. Numerous choices of soups and daily specials. Homemade pies, cheesecakes and cakes for dessert along with Ashby’s Sterling ice cream. Competitive prices with excellent service. They have been around since 1925. I wish I had been here sooner but I am definitely coming back.