The Velvet Cream in Hernando, Mississippi

Memphis-area Drive-in Serves up Fast Food and Southern Hospitality

Jul 9, 2009

Just a few minutes south of downtown Memphis, the Velvet Cream has been dishing up hot food, cold ice cream, and a warm Southern welcome since 1947.

When planning a trip to Memphis, certain images come immediately to mind — Graceland, the blues, barbecue, and more recently, the casinos nearby in Tunica. But many of the areas real jewels can be found outside the city, like the Velvet Cream. For over 60 years, “The Dip”, as it is known by locals, has been serving burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and more. It is a unique experience, and well worth the 20-minute drive south of the city — on the way for travelers headed down to the “riverboat” casinos.

The Food at The Dip

To say that the menu at “The Dip” can be overwhelming is an understatement; it often leaves diners wondering how so many options can emanate from such a small building. There are dozens of choices, even aside from the multiple options for burgers and hot dogs. The sandwich menu alone is divided into burgers, beef, chicken, fish, turkey, pork, cheese, and wraps, in addition to other items such as chicken nuggets, buffalo bites, chili pie, and even egg rolls.

Side orders include, of course, the traditional French fries, tots, and onion rings. However, other vegetables are available, albeit all fried: corn nuggets, mushrooms, green tomatoes, okra, and green beans — even fried pickles. Salads are available as well, although this is obviously not a menu focused on health food.

Not-to-be-missed items include the chili cheeseburger (or chili cheese dog), the Chuckwagon sandwich (a sort of chicken-fried-steak sandwich), and the fried vegetables, which are surprisingly good for a fast-food restaurant.

The Soda Fountain

Even with so many options, at The Dip, the food only encompasses one-third of the menu. In addition to all the usual soft drinks and iced tea, traditional soda fountain items are available, such as vanilla or cherry Coke, lemonade, and limeades. Specialty drinks such as the cherry limeade are exceptional, and are priced the same as regular fountain sodas. If you prefer something different, canned drinks are also available, as are several flavors of Jones Soda. Slushes are also available, made with real fruit, soda, or syrup, in over two dozen different flavors.

Dessert, though, is where the Velvet Cream truly shines. The Dip boast over 100 different flavors of milkshakes, from traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, to exotic mixtures made with soda, spices, candy, fruit, and nuts — even pie, cake, and cobbler flavors. The Mexican chocolate, a mixture of chocolate and cinnamon, is superb. For those who are more daring, choices include Tahitian medicine man, fluffernutter, muscadine, and Moonpie.

Other ice cream options include cups, cones, and waffle cones. Several specialty sundaes, concretes, and snows are also available, including the “Yellow Snow.” More traditional items include floats, banana splits, parfaits, and hot fudge cake.

The Service

The Velvet Cream is not a sit-down restaurant. It does have a drive-through window, and for those who are in a hurry, The Dip offers call ahead and fax ordering. But for the uninitiated, or those who need time to peruse the lengthy menu, window service is also available. For those who have a few minutes to stop and enjoy the small-town experience, it is worth taking the time to stop and look around.

Ordering at the window does offer one particular advantage: after placing an order, which is written down on the white paper sack that will hold the finished product, diners may then spend time looking over the menu, enjoying the handmade posters that advertise different menu items, and perhaps spend a few minutes chatting with other customers who are waiting. The friendly, welcoming staff are not only patient about letting customers have time to decide on an order, but are pleased to answer any questions about the menu as well — which comes in very handy for those not too afraid to inquire about the Yellow Snow.

Restaurant Details

From Memphis, travel south on Interstate 55, across the Mississippi state line, to exit 280. Turn right (west) on Mississippi State Route 304. Go one mile and turn right at U. S. Highway 51.

A meal for two, including sandwiches, side items, and dessert, can easily be had for under $20. With one or two exceptions, no menu item is more than $5.50.

The copyright of the article The Velvet Cream in Hernando, Mississippi in North American Culinary Travel is owned by Laney Traylor. Permission to republish The Velvet Cream in Hernando, Mississippi in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.