If you’re reading this on August 25 (aka National Banana Split day), then you’re in for a treat. In this blog, we're dishing out the top-rated places in Western Pennsylvania that have the best banana split.
Overview
Of course we can’t write a blog about banana splits without mentioning where it was invented: the great Latrobe, PA! Just 40 miles east of Pittsburgh awaits the sweetest place on Earth.
This landmark sign in Latrobe reads,
“In 1904 in Latrobe, the first documented Banana Split was created by apprentice pharmacist David Strickler - sold here at the former Tassell Pharmacy. Bananas became widely available to Americans in the late 1800s. Strickler capitalized on this by cutting them lengthwise and serving with ice cream. He is also credited with designing a boat-shaped glass dish for his treat. Served worldwide, the banana split has become a prevalent American dessert.”
Every year, Latrobe celebrates the banana split at the Great American Banana Split Festival. There are lots of festivities including the crowning of the Banana Split Princess and, you guessed it, banana splits!
The first city on our list is Latrobe (for obvious reasons).
Valley Dairy
Located just 10 miles from Birgo Realty’s Greensburg properties is Valley Dairy.
Their website describes their infamous treat as, “a fresh split banana loaded with big scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, topped with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple, and finished with clouds of whipped cream, chopped nuts and cherries.”
This visual has our stomachs rumbling! Valley Dairy also offers their banana split in a mini size, which is perfect for people who have smaller appetites.
Here’s what people are saying about Valley Dairy’s banana split (if you needed more confirmation that you should make the trip out):
Chaz says,
“The meal was finished off with a mini banana split. This was the perfect size to finish the meal. My favorite part of a banana split is the pineapple. The refreshing fruit with the vanilla ice cream work to help cleanse the palate.”
Paul writes,
“The only place around that makes an accurate banana split.”
Our final takeaway: Valley Dairy is totally worth the trip.
Residents of Greensburg, fear not. If you’re not willing to travel to Latrobe for a banana split, luckily we know a place in Greensburg.
Meadows Original Frozen Custard
The Meadows is a favorite amongst Greensburg residents. Their creamy custard and elaborate banana splits are second to none.
Here’s what customers had to say about it:
Tammy wrote,
“The banana splits are huge!!!!! And a small cup is very filling. Highly recommend the meadows!”
They’re not joking when they say the banana splits are huge! Another reviewer said,
“The banana split, I dare you to eat the whole thing!”
For Birgo Realty residents in Greensburg, Meadows Original Frozen Custard is about a 10 minute drive from any of our properties.
Last, but certainly not least, is Pittsburgh. This was certainly a hard decision to make since there are SO many iconic ice cream shops in the ‘Burgh, but we’ve narrowed it down to our favorite.
Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor
Klavon’s is a staple in Pittsburgh. It’s located in the historic Strip District, just a short distance from many of Birgo Realty’s Pittsburgh properties.
Klavon’s ice cream is handmade and locally sourced. If that’s not the definition of made with love, then I don’t know what is.
One word: mouthwatering. Just look at that! Klavon’s banana splits have the perfect ratio of banana, ice cream, whipped cream and toppings.
P.S. If you don’t peel like eating in store, they offer their banana splits to-go.
Here’s what customers had to say about Klavon’s:
Kassie wrote,
“This visit was my first (of many more) to this iconic Pittsburgh institution of sweets & treats...had to go with the Strip Dist. Banana Split. Scrumptious.”
Remus’s 5-star review says,
“Excellent service and the banana split was delicious. Price was lower than I expected. 5 stars for sure.”
Conclusion
Celebrate National Banana Split Day the right way with one of these three iconic options. All are 10/10 appeeling and Birgo approved.
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