Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Dining & Nightlife Guide

Media Credit: Arynn Duncan Gunther's has been a part of the Sacramento community since 1940. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Arynn Duncan Gunther's offers some novelty decor. [Click to enlarge]

Generally, if I walk into an establishment and a Lennon-McCartney standard is playing, I am guaranteed to love the place. Sugary treats promise to put you in a good mood but the Beatles serenading you in the background definitely helps.

When I stepped two feet into Gunther's "Hard Day's Night" was playing. One point for you Gunther.

The establishment that opened in 1940 carries 37 flavors of house-made ice cream and one seasonal flavor. The current seasonal flavor is Bailey's Irish Cream. Yum.

There are also seven flavors of frozen yogurt including sugar-free chocolate and vanilla for those diabetics or low-carb crazies.

I didn't opt for the carbohydrate conscious varieties. Instead I purchased a banana split with three scoops of ice cream - peanut butter cup, chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie. The split was smothered in crushed almonds, strawberries, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a cherry.

The banana split was quite large, but not exactly worth the $6.45 it cost. I am tempted to whip out a "Really?!" for Gunther's.

I also delved into a black raspberry marble sundae with chocolate sauce, crushed almonds, whipped cream and a cherry.

Everything was delicious and what one would expect of a sundae joint. Did it blow my mind? Not so much.

The ice cream seemed very basic. The flavors were fundamental. The presentation was old-school, and no that is not an insult.

My only other objection is the need for a social setting. People venture out to restaurants and creameries to spend time with the people they love and care about.

The aqua-colored tile covered interior of Gunther's is tiny at best. There are four small wooden booths and two small tables.

I suppose the opposition would argue that this legendary establishment doesn't need to impress with square-footage, that the product is enough to keep people coming. I can agree with that.

The variety of their product is impressive.

Gunther's also has five flavors of fruit freezes, similar to the now dead Merlino's stands' fruit freezes - a popular Sacramento standard for decades.

The creamery serves more than desserts. Their menu lists off more than ten types of sandwiches including the basic peanut butter and jam, roast beef and BLT.

What you can get out of Gunther's is a delicious dessert or sandwich with the retro atmosphere that will put a smile on your face. Just don't bring your whole family. Half of them might have to stand with spoon in hand.

Briana Monasky can be reached at bmonasky@statehornet.com

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