One of our family's favorite summer traditions, especially now that we've been biking to downtown Summerville so often, is making a stop at Puma's Italian Ice & Hot Dog Shack. Sometimes we go for lunch, sometimes just for Italian ice, and sometimes we can't resist getting both.
If you think a hot dog is just ketchup and mustard, Puma's is about to change your mind. Their menu features more than 150 different hot dog combinations, ranging from classic favorites to creations that are downright wild. You'll find everything from hot dogs topped with mac and cheese or breakfast favorites like eggs and bacon to adventurous options with peanut butter and jelly or even whipped cream and sprinkles. Our recent favorite was the Theresa Puma, topped with chili, pickles, onions, roasted red peppers, feta, and spicy mustard. It sounds like a lot, but somehow it just works. Kids can stick with simple toppings or have fun trying one of the sweeter creations. They even offer a budget-friendly bun option with toppings and no hot dog if you don’t want to eat a hot dog.
And if hot dogs aren't your thing, don't let the name fool you—the Italian ice alone is worth the trip. They offer both dairy-free Italian ice and creamy "cream ice" flavors, with everything from classic lemon to fun seasonal options. On our last visit, one of my boys chose the mint chip cream ice while the other went with a classic lemon Italian ice. A kids cup is just $3 and was more than enough for my four-year-old. Daniel was okay with not getting anything that evening until he saw the root beer float on the menu which he couldn’t resist (pictured below).
What keeps us coming back, though, is more than the food. The owners, who moved here from New York, are always so welcoming and genuinely enjoy getting to know their customers. They've become such a wonderful addition to the Summerville community.
Puma's has locations in downtown Summerville and on Dorchester Road in North Charleston (just outside Summerville), with a third location coming soon to Santee. Whether you're looking for a fun family lunch or a refreshing summer treat, Puma's is one of those places that's easy to make part of your regular rotation.
