Some holiday traditions never go out of style—like piling into the car, blasting Christmas music, and driving through neighborhoods aglow with twinkling lights. For our family, this isn’t just a once-in-a-while thing. It’s a cherished ritual that comes complete with one essential pit stop: snacks and hot chocolate. Because, let’s be honest, holiday cheer tastes even better with a side of sugar.
This year, our destination for festive refreshments was Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. It was the perfect plan. The sign proudly declared they’d be open until 11 p.m., and we were all set to dive into custard-y goodness at 9:40 p.m. But then—the plot twist.
We rolled up to the drive-thru, and instead of a cheerful “Welcome to Freddy’s!” we got hit with, “This location is currently closed.” Closed? At 9:40? Cue the collective sighs and puzzled glances. Whether it was a technical glitch, a staffing hiccup, or just the universe telling us to mix things up, Freddy’s was a no-go.
But as luck (or Christmas magic?) would have it, right next door was Coney Waffle, a spot we’d never tried before. With few other options and the night still young, we decided to give it a shot. And wow—talk about a happy accident!
From the moment we walked in, Coney Waffle delivered. The vibe classic Americana ice cream shop and nostalgic, and the ice cream? Chef’s kiss. Homemade, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it put a decadent spin on our holiday tradition. We ordered milkshakes, cones, and sundaes that looked like they belonged in a Hallmark Christmas movie montage. Even though Coney Waffle is technically a chain, it felt like a hidden gem in the heart of Toms River.
The kids were over the moon, and even the grumpiest among us (me, pre-ice cream) couldn’t help but smile. Freddy’s might have been the plan, but Coney Waffle became the MVP of the night.
As we left the parking lot, we noticed people were still coming in and out of the store, so maybe the pre-recorded message at the drive through was just a glitch?
So, to Freddy’s: no hard feelings. Things happen. But thanks to your little mix-up, we’ve discovered a new family favorite. And to anyone cruising through Toms River this holiday season—don’t sleep on Coney Waffle. It’s the sweet treat your light tour didn’t know it needed.
Who knew a glitch could taste so good?
