Although Gilligan’s Restaurant isn’t located directly in Hamilton, it’s close enough to campus that it has become a favorite among students looking for a casual meal or a sweet treat. Just a short 15-minute drive down Route 12, Gilligan’s Restaurant (and it’s sister company, Gilligan’s Ice Cream) is a go-to spot when students want to take a break from the dining halls.
Gil Hodges, a partner at Gilligan’s Ice Cream, spoke on behalf of the Restaurant about it’s special connection with Colgate and popularity with the student body.
“Gilligan’s Restaurant has long been a favorite getaway for Colgate students seeking a break from the books. Known for its cozy comfort food and homemade ice cream, Gilligan’s has built a special bond with the Colgate community over the years,” Hodges stated. “This beloved local spot isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of the Colgate tradition. From the creation of the custom Colgate ice cream flavor “Raider Passion,” which has become a fan favorite across Central New York, to years of proudly sponsoring Colgate Athletics, Gilligan’s is deeply connected to campus life.”
The menu features comfort food classics and a wide selection of ice cream flavors, making it a perfect off-campus destination for a relaxed outing with friends.
According to their website, Gilligan’s Restaurant began making their own ice cream in 1996 and now has over 30 flavors that they sell in their Sherburne, N.Y., restaurant, in addition to distributing their product wholesale to other businesses across upstate New York. This even includes Maxwell’s Chocolates & Ice Cream right here in downtown Hamilton. Their flavors range from the classics: chocolate, cookies and cream and mint chocolate chip, to more unique flavors like Almond Joy and brownie overload.
Gilligan’s Restaurant also features a drive-thru lane where customers can order from their extensive menu of both food and ice cream and take it to go. This is something that makes their establishment so unique — there aren’t many places where you can order ice cream from the comfort of your car.
In addition to the main student attraction — ice cream — Gilligan’s Restaurant also has an extensive menu of American casual fare items. They offer a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and sides that can appeal to anyone. Although the food is simple, what keeps people coming back is its quality and taste. They pride themselves on making certain items in-house and keeping it simple.
Senior Jane Garrity emphasized how Gilligan’s Restaurant has been her first choice for an off-campus meal since her first year. She appreciates the welcoming environment it has provided for her and her friends.
“Whenever I want to catch up with a friend that I maybe don’t see in class, I suggest Gilligan’s. It has something for everyone, and it’s somewhere that you can go on short notice. Whenever I am there, the thing that I definitely make a point to get is the soft serve ice cream,” Garrity shared.
Its affordable prices make it an appealing option for college budgets and provide a space for students to gather and share a meal that has a different vibe and menu from traditional experiences at Frank Dining Hall or the O’Connor Campus Center (the Coop).
Sophomore Annie Lake shared why she chooses Gilligan’s Restaurant when she is looking for a casual meal off-campus.
“I like Gilligan’s because it is a nice experience to drive a little out of the way with friends for food. I also appreciate how a Gilligan’s burger is relatively cheaper than a burger at the [Seven Oaks] clubhouse or Colgate Inn, but is still very good. My go-to order is a turkey burger and curly fries,” Lake said.
Junior James Pryor was able to provide a different perspective on the spot that highlighted how Gilligan’s can be considered a type of “hidden gem” in the Colgate community.
“Gilligan’s Restaurant is about 15 minutes from Colgate, a bit farther than most spots, but I think that because it is so accessible, it’s worth the short drive to be able to enjoy a good-meal and even better ice cream,” Pryor added.
Although Gilligan’s is not directly in the town of Hamilton, it has still found a way to work its way into the heart of Colgate students. Whether it’s for an ice cream cone on a hot summer day or comfort food during the dead of winter, Gilligan’s Restaurant is the perfect escape for an hour or two. Spread the word and tell your friends about some of the best ice cream around, because it’s well worth the short drive.
“Whether you’re passing through town or making a dedicated trip for a study break treat, Gilligan’s welcomes every Raider with open arms and a scoop (or two) of something sweet,” Hodges said.
