Spelunkers Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor

171 Hotel Road, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, United States
+1 270-758-2225
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Ice cream shop
(30 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to Spelunkers Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor, a delightful cafe located at 171 Hotel Road in beautiful Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. Nestled right in the heart of the park, this charming eatery serves as the perfect post-adventure pit stop for visitors ready to recharge after a day of exploring the magnificent caves.

At Spelunkers, you'll find a wonderful selection of quick bites and refreshing treats that cater to a variety of tastes. Start your day right with a satisfying Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich or indulge in a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad if you're looking for a light and healthy option.

The menu boasts freshly prepared options like a Smoked Turkey and Cheddar on Grain Bread or a flavorful Seasonal Veggie Wrap with Hummus—both ideal for a midday pick-me-up. Want a taste of something sweet? The homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies and scrumptious Cinnamon Rolls provide the perfect culinary capstones to your visit. Patrons rave about the irresistible ice cream—particularly the Big Red Rumble—a Customer favorite that brings a burst of flavor to every scoop!

Many visitors have praised the cafe's atmosphere. One customer noted, “It was a nice setting right in the park at the visitor center,” perfect for relaxing after a hiking adventure. A refreshing break from a hot day was highlighted as a lovely aspect of the cafe, with others celebrating the friendly staff who quickly serve patrons detailed in feedback. As one visitor wrote, “Food is basic deli fare, pricing is reasonable, and is good for a quick meal. A nice place to relax after hiking.”

Spelunkers also features an array of refreshments. Choose from 100% cane sugar sodas, 100% real fruit juices, hot coffee, or iced teas to keep you cool. Whether you are savoring your snacks or indulging in a classic ice cream treat, Spelunkers Cafe provides a cozy environment to unwind and enjoy after a day of spelunking!

Overall, Spelunkers Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor is not just about food; it's about creating lasting memories, one scoop at a time. After a visit to the stunning Mammoth Cave, it's the perfect place to treat yourself and reflect on your adventures!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

30 Reviews
The Kerezsi Real Estate Team

03 Sep 2025

We stopped here for some ice cream after our first cave tour. They had some nice options and toppings and the ice cream was delish. It was a nice setting right in the park at the visitor center and a refreshing bite after a great cave tour on a hot hot day!

Cynthia Beer

15 Aug 2025

We stopped here for a quick bite before going into the caves. You go over the bridge from the Mammoth Cave Vistor Center to reach the Cafe. We got a pre-made egg salad sandwich for $8. Naturally, food and drinks are overpriced to take advantage of tourists. Despite having to pay a lot for a sandwich, it was delicious. Staff were also friendly. During the coronavirus pandemic: They have social distancing indicators in place. Traffic is one-way. Enter through one set of doors and exit through the next. Seating indoors is limited, but there are a lot of places to sit and eat outside, too.

Phillips Pumping

09 Aug 2025

Great treat after cave tours. Good muffins. Coffee was hot and delicious. Was extremely busy after tour, thought the workers pumped us through Pretty fast. Of coarse it's never cheap.

Tony Swann

25 Jul 2025

Popped into Lantern Cafe for some ice cream after a two hour Drips and Domes, Mammoth Cave National Park tour. Ice cream was really tasty. A kid next to us had the pretzel, WOW it was as big as his head. Great place for a rest after any cave tour.

Ken Gibson

15 Jul 2025

A welcome respite from the heat. Why not reward yourself with a sandwich (pre-made) or better yet Chaney's family owned ice cream. I received a generous dip of Big Red Rumble with velvet cake and chocolate. Surprisingly mild (I was expecting a very rich flavor) but nonetheless very creamy and ultimately satisfying. Plenty of seating though you may have to be patient in the ice cream line.

Samantha Oaks

20 Jun 2025

Food is basic deli fare, pricing is reasonable, and is good for a quick meal. A nice place to relax after hiking.

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