About
Welcome to the delightful world of Barker's Ice Cream & More, where the charm of Marion, Iowa, meets a tantalizing combination of savory comfort food and sweet indulgence. Nestled at 2100 7th Ave, this cozy eatery has quickly become a local favorite, providing a warm atmosphere and a diverse menu that delights both young and old alike.
At Barker's, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re experiencing a slice of Iowan culture. Their signature offerings highlight regional classics, such as the beloved FaveRite Basket – an Iowa loose meat sandwich served alongside crispy fries or onion rings, all for a reasonable price of US$12.95. For those seeking a twist on nostalgia, the Pizza Burger shines as a unique creation, blending flavors of seasoned beef and pork with melty cheese in a crispy fritter, served on a fresh bun with optional marinara. A perfect example of culinary creativity that celebrates local flavors!
And it wouldn’t be Barker's without their creamy, dreamy ice cream concoctions. Treat yourself to a delightful Twister, where velvety soft-serve ice cream meets your choice of candies or sauces. Alternatively, a classic Banana Split topped with strawberry and pineapple awaits those with a sweet tooth. Each dish shines with ample toppings and smooth textures, leaving you craving more.
Many visitors have shared their experiences, noting the friendly service that enhances their meals. One customer, Brook S, praised the smoothness of their chocolate shake and the delightful pup cup for furry friends, signaling that Barker's isn’t just a dining stop but a community gathering place. Ellen Botton echoed this sentiment, highlighting how every visit comes with exceptional service paired with hearty chili fries.
The ambiance at Barker’s is equally inviting, offering a clean and beautifully decorated space for diners to enjoy their meals. Whether you're seated indoors or enjoying the outdoor patio, the vibe is always welcoming. Teri Entas, the owner, pours her passion into every dish and interaction. Her previous experience running Marion Maid-Rite adds an extra layer of authenticity and flavor to this establishment.
In essence, Barker's Ice Cream & More is not just about food; it’s about connections. It’s a place where memories are made over satisfying meals and sweet treats. With its extensive menu and friendly staff, it beckons everyone to come back for another enjoyable experience. So why wait? Indulge your taste buds and visit Barker's – where delightful flavors await!
“ I visited for the first time on 4/24/23. I went through the drive thru. Staff were super friendly. I ordered a chocolate shake and a pup cup. The shake was excellent, ice cream was smooth and tasty, I ate it with a spoon. The pup cup was ice cream topped with whipped cream and a biscuit! My Scottish terrier loved the pup cup! We will be back. ”
“ The place was very clean with Great customer service . We went in for ice cream and enjoyed some chili fries too. Such a cozy place . Recently they have added a pizza burger on the menu which is amazing, just like old times. So many unique items on the menu. I recommend it to everyone! We will be back ! ”
“ I was running around town taking care of various errands, and all of a sudden it was lunchtime! I happened to be in Marion, Iowa, and decided to stop into Barker’s Ice Cream & More. They have a yummy sandwich menu, including a couple of regional specialties, the beloved loose meat sandwich, the Fave-Rite (their name for this sammie). And my choice, the Pizza Burger. I have never seen a pizza burger available anywhere else, other than the Midwest, so I feel like it is purely regional (I could be wrong). The name is somewhat misleading as it isn't a burger at all. The meat is a beef and pork patty, mixed with mozzarella and Parmesan, then fried with an Italian breading. Essentially a very tasty fritter. The sandwich consists of a better-than-average hamburger bun, I think the crust and texture raise it above the standard. With a slice of provolone and a side of marinara. I opted out of the marinara as I was wearing white... It was delicious, a truly unique sandwich with a unique flavor profile. The patty itself is satisfying and scrumptious, being loaded with flavors, from the meat, the cheeses, and the super savory breading. If you haven't had a pizza burger go try this one now, you will be delighted. And if you are a fan of this sammie, definitely try this one, I feel like it will go straight to the top of your list! My sides were the thin & crispy onion rings and mac-n-cheese. I will be ordering the onion rings again for sure! They make a fantastic crunchy, salty side or snack. Especially dipped in that other Midwestern staple, ranch dressing (theirs is house-made). The mac-n-cheese is melty, gooey, and exactly what one is looking for. There are all sorts of specialty mac-n-cheese's available these days, but this tastes like the comforting down-home mac we have all enjoyed since childhood. The restaurant is run by the experienced, energetic, and uber-friendly Teri Entas. She is one of those people who seem as invested in the people and the neighborhood as she is in the food. This was the first time we had met and I immediately felt like we were friends. I feel like the importance of this quality in a restaurateur cannot be overstated. As it turns out, Teri and her family were the lovely folks responsible for the excellent Marion Maid-Rite for many years before she decided it was time for another chapter in her life. Thankfully for all of us, she decided to get back into the restaurant life I'll be back for certain, a 13 pound Cheese Fave-Rite is calling my name ”
“ Good food and good ice cream. We had dinner and it was good. The chili dog was very good. The beans taste like Bush’s and the potatoe salad tastes like Fareway which I like very much. Ice cream is soft serve and good. The dinning room is very nice e and they have an outdoor patio you can have your with you. ”
“ Great food, lots of options. Beautifully decorated and very clean. Will definitely be back. ”
“ Barker’s saved me for my daughter’s 13th birthday. She said for about a month she wanted an ice cream cake. Easy, perfect. Then she told me the night before her birthday she wanted a strawberry ice cream cake. I believe I spoke to the owner when I called and after she confirmed they didn’t have any premade she told me her cake maker would be in in a few hours and they could make one for me even with such a tight turnaround. They ended up getting us a strawberry cheesecake ice cream cake in about 5 hours. It made her day, was so reasonably priced, and delicious! We’ll be Barker’s customers for life with the kind of service we got today. So thankful for them helping make my girl’s day extra special! ”
“ Excellent place for a hearty lunch. I had the fried pork tenderloin sandwich with onion rings. It's every bit as good as Iowa's best. The staff is fantastic, super friendly (better than Minnesota nice), and they really know how to do things right. ”
“ Took my kids for an ice cream yesterday. I got a sandwich. Everything was delicious and the kids thought their ice cream was delicious. Returned tonight for supper sandwiches (Hot Rite and Hot Rite with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy). Also got a few chocolate chip cookie sandwiches for the rest of our family. Food was great and the cookie sandwiches got rave reviews; the chocolate chip cookies were delicious buttery and all agreed Barker’s has the best soft serve in Marion. Glad we gave this place a try and you should too! The staff were friendly and service was quick both times. ”