Mystery Diner: I scream, you scream, we all scream for more than just ice cream at Screamers

SHABBONA - With a name like Screamers Ice Cream, obviously the restaurant nestled off U.S. Route 30 in Shabbona is going to have frozen treats as its main draw.

But the place features a menu so large that calling it extensive actually does it a disservice, with everything ranging from the burgers and hot dogs you’d expect to rarer items like pizza puffs and pulled pork to out-of-left-field meals such as tacos and fried cauliflower.

In addition to having such a well-rounded menu, it’s also incredibly affordable, with most everything clocking in under $7, and most items between $4 and $5. The portions are more than appropriate for the price. Do save room for dessert.

And the food was solid, ranging anywhere from standard to wow (seriously, try the fried cauliflower).

It should be noted we brought our carryout food back from Shabbona to the DeKalb-Sycamore area. So the 20-minute drive likely had some effect on the quality of the fried foods.

The secret weapons at Screamers are its buns. Presumably home-baked – since they told us we had to wait 10 minutes while they made more – they certainly didn’t taste like a typical hamburger stand bun. Fluffy and flavorful, they elevated everything they touched.

The burgers were what you would expect from this kind of place, thin and fried. But they are well topped with an extensive offering of choices, most of which are complimentary.

The mushroom Swiss burger had mushrooms tucked between the cheese and the top bun – not great for taking a picture for a food column, but really great to spread the taste of the mushrooms throughout every bite. The bacon cheeseburger also was appealing, enhanced by the bun.

Both the chili dog and the Chicago-style hot dog were good, again benefiting from a top-notch bun.

The pulled pork sandwich was a cut above. The barbecue was sweet and tangy, and the pork was a nicely balanced mix of crispy and succulent morsels. A real treat.

We ordered an appetizer sampler of fries with three choices of sides, and we went with mozzarella sticks, onion rings and fried cauliflower. The cauliflower was perfect, with a crisp coating clinging to the veggie, so flavorful it didn’t even need the ranch sauce.

We enjoyed the separate order of extreme french fries, topped with cheese, bacon, onions and subtle garlic butter – they really popped with flavor. We were skeptical about the onions at first, but they actually worked really well for this treat.

Then there’s the ice cream. Again, knowing the ride was a long one, we got a pair of Flurries, their take on the ultra-thick shake with mix-ins that are a fixture at most chains. The cotton candy one featured real chunks of the confection and wasn’t just the over-sugared mess that flavor can be sometimes. And the pineapple-banana one had substantial pieces of fruit, enough for almost every spoonful.

So when you’re near Shabbona, swing by Screamers for some great hot dog stand-style foods and, of course, ice cream. We suggest eating it fresh there or taking it to nearby Shabbona Lake State Park for a picnic. It’s definitely worth it.

• The Mystery Diner is a Daily Chronicle employee who reports on their experience at local restaurants. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Screamers Ice Cream

WHERE: 408 Comanche Ave. (U.S. Route 30), Shabbona

PHONE: 815-824-8181

INFORMATION: Facebook at tinyurl.com/mxc3hm49