The 20+ Best Ice Cream Places to Check Out Around the U.S.

A delightful dessert destination located on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and known for its homemade chocolates, fudge cups, and irresistible Bluebell ice cream, this charming shop lures visitors in with its delectable treats.

Treat yourself to the gooey Gulf S’mores in a cup, or go all out with the ultra-indulgent Buttered & Covered in a sugar cone. If you prize richness of taste and homemade ice-cream, this is sure to become your sacred space.

Wild Scoops, the micro creamery in Anchorage, whips up small batches of delectable treats using local ingredients and lots of love. During the short summer months, try their seasonal picks like the floral Fireweed and Rhubarb Crumble with Anchorage-born jam.

They also offer generic flavors all year round. And don’t worry, even in Alaska’s bitter cold, a cone is always a good idea to uplift one’s spirits. It’s good to fight fire with fire and ice with ice-cream!

When it comes to novelty, Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix is the place to be. This hidden gem serves up artisanal scoops packed into European-style waffles and glazed doughnuts.

Novel Ice Cream is known for its innovative approach to ice cream flavors, with options such as Blueberry Lavender, Olive Oil, Honeycomb, Chai Tea, and Horchata. Get ready for unique flavors that will take your taste buds on a journey!

At Tacker’s Shake Shack in Marion, devour a stacked burger and crispy fried pickles with ranch sauce. And don’t forget to top it off with a mouthwatering milkshake before finally moving on to dessert – ice-cream.

This family-owned diner has been satisfying adventurous visitors and locals alike for over 40 years. You can just drop in and get an ice cream cone for a reasonable price, all while supporting a local business.

Paradis Sherman Oaks brings the flavors of Denmark to Los Angeles. Their fresh ice cream is made without any artificial ingredients, and even the vegan options are luxuriously indulgent. Grab a spoon and dig into their marshmallow ice cream while enjoying the rustic charm of this wood-paneled shop!

The menu at Paradis features a wide range of ice cream flavors, including classics like vanilla and chocolate, as well as more adventurous options like sea salt caramel and licorice.

Louie’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Buena Vista offers a delightful outdoor oasis for enjoying Colorado’s crisp air. With 20 gourmet ice cream flavors to choose from, challenge your decision-making skills.

Once you’ve made your choice, swing on a swing or relax in the sandbox as you savor the sugary rush. Sit and relax in their little garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and singing birds, for a peaceful ice-cream eating session.

UConn Dairy Bar knows how to impress with its century-old creamery roots! This ice cream shop has been bottling homemade milk for almost a century and continues to churn out delicious treats. Watch the ice cream-making process through the observation window, and make sure to save some energy for after the show.

In addition to their regular flavors, the Dairy Bar introduces seasonal specials that celebrate local ingredients and flavors. These limited-time offerings add variety and excitement to their menu throughout the year.

Vanderwende is a family-owned and operated ice cream shop that’s been serving the local community since 2010. It prides itself on providing high-quality ice cream made with fresh ingredients.

Make a pit stop at Vanderwende in Bridgeville on your way to Ocean City or Dewey Beach. Their hand-crafted flavors, like Cappuccino Crunch and Annie’s Apple Pie, will delight your taste buds. Take a seat on the bench, enjoy your ice cream, and watch the cows graze in front of the dairy farm.

The Magic Cow in Davie, formerly the home of the Museum of Ice Cream pop-up, is now one of the nation’s top ice cream shops. With an array of flavors to choose from, it surpasses any nearby ice cream chains.

Yelpers can’t get enough of this little gem that delivers big on taste. The owners are always in a good mood, they remember each customer, their orders, their families, etc., and run a community-oriented business.

For a dose of energy, Scream’n Nuts in Alpharetta has the perfect treats. Whether you’re a caffeine lover or a sugar enthusiast, they have you covered with affogato and a wide variety of frozen and hot delights. Indulge in a donut pudding drizzled in salted caramel and crowned with a refreshing scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Scream’n Nuts has a lively and playful atmosphere, perfect for families and dessert enthusiasts. The shop features vibrant decor, colorful seating areas, and friendly staff, creating an enjoyable environment to indulge in their sweet treats.

While Hawaii is well-known for its macadamia nuts, it stands out as one of the few states that commercially produces its own coffee. One of the prominent players in this industry is Lappert’s, located on Kauai.

Lappert’s not only crafts creams and roasts its own beans but also offers a delectable range of flavors. Their offerings include popular choices like Kona Coffee, Macadamia Nut, and Kauai Pie, which combine coconut, fudge, and macadamia nuts. Additionally, Lappert’s serves affogatos, where their ice cream takes a delightful plunge into a double shot of espresso.

STIL is an acronym that stands for Sweetest Things In Life. Located in Boise, The STIL is a a creamery that’s gained popularity and received rave reviews.

Some of its best offerings include Easy Like Sunday Morning, which blends espresso and caramel, and Sweater Weather, a delightful combination of pumpkin and toasted marshmallow.

Margie’s Candies, established in 1921, stands as an iconic institution, delighting patrons with vintage ice cream creations crafted from their timeless marble soda fountain.

But it’s the sinfully delicious ice cream sundaes that steal the spotlight, adorned with generous helpings of homemade hot fudge and caramel sauce, reminiscent of the vastness of Lake Michigan.

This restaurant and sandwich shop has gained significant recognition for its extensive menu featuring 100 unique shakes and sundaes. Among their notable offerings are the Chocolate Anonymous and Peach Cream Pie flavors.

Students from nearby Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University find delight in attempting to sample every flavor in order to join the coveted “100 Club.” Their niche seems to be that they’re liberal with the toppings. It’s almost like its too many toppings sometimes, but that may be a good thing.

One beloved roadside gem in Des Moines is Snookies, a charming mom-and-pop-style establishment that’s been delighting customers with frosty treats since 1986. In addition to their refreshing arctic blasts, shakes, slushes, and famous malts, it’s the signature soft serve that steals the show.

Patrons eagerly await the opening of Snookies, often camping out to enjoy their soft-serve ice cream. The soft serve can be dipped and/or topped with a wide range of delectable options, including animal crackers and sour worms.

This shop takes pride in making their cones and ice cream from scratch every day. Over time, they’ve created around 150 unique flavors, with many ideas coming directly from loyal customers. The shop’s popularity can be attributed to Sylas and Maddy’s commitment to excellence.

For instance, when crafting their watermelon sherbet, they use an entire watermelon in the ice cream machine, resulting in a refreshing and authentic flavor. The same approach applies to their pie-inspired flavors like Cherry Cobbler, Key Lime, and Banana Cream.

This establishment was started by a wife and husband team who initially made ice cream using a cuisinart for their Thai restaurant in Lexington. They soon realized that many customers were drawn to the ice cream, prompting them to open an ice cream lounge in Lexington.

The duo takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create their bold and distinctive flavors, which they describe as “BOOM-in-your-face.” Some notable signature flavors include Honey and Kentucky Blackberry & Buttermilk.

The Creole Creamery boasts a retro decor reminiscent of classic fountain shops, offering beloved treats like floats, splits, and sundaes (although acrophobics may want to avoid the Sky Scraper). However, what truly sets The Creole Creamery apart are its innovative and forward-thinking flavors.

Prepare to be amazed by unique combinations such as Pear & Balsamic Caramel and White Chocolate Truffled Popcorn. For those looking to sample multiple flavors, the sampler option allows you to indulge in four scoops, with one of them being the signature Creole Cream Cheese flavor.

Rococo, located in Maine, has garnered praise for its exceptional patience when dealing with customers who have a penchant for sampling various flavors. The owner, a 10th-generation Mainer, gained expertise in the art of artisanal ice cream all the way in Argentina.

The fruits of these lessons are evident in Rococo’s ice cream, which boasts remarkably dense textures and concentrated flavors. The extensive and inventive range of flavors, such as Sweet Avocado Cayenne, Molasses Gingersnap, and Goat Cheese with Figs, can make decision-making a difficult and even agonizing process.

Ice cream holds a special place in Maryland, as evidenced by the existence of the state’s own Ice Cream Trail. The owners of Charmery take pride in their creative approach to ice cream, utilizing carefully selected ingredients and dairy sourced from hormone-free and content cows.

While they offer a selection of “always” flavors, including the intensely chocolatey Maryland Mud, they truly embrace the joy of experimentation with their whimsical and seasonal creations. Prepare to be delighted by unique flavors like Baklava, blending the delectable Mediterranean pastry into ice cream form.

In the early 1980s, Toscanini’s was born out of a shared dream among a group of friends in Cambridge. Their mission was to create and sell exceptional ice cream. Fondly known as “Tosci’s,” the ice cream shop quickly became a popular hang-out spot for students.

However, it was the recognition from The New York Times, proclaiming it “The World’s Best Ice Cream,” that propelled Toscanini’s into the spotlight. Many of their flavors are suggested by their customers. This collaborative approach results in extraordinary creations like Khulfee, a flavor combining cardamom, pistachios, and almonds.

Moomers, located on a picturesque dairy farm in Traverse City, offers a delightful ice cream experience. With an impressive selection of over 160 flavors, deciding what to eat at Moomers can be a challenging task. However, there’s a heavenly option called the Wholey Cow that’s divine!

It includes 10 scoops of ice cream along with every topping available on the farm, providing a truly indulgent experience. It’s highly recommended to choose at least one cherry-centric flavor. Cherries Moobilee is a particular favorite among visitors.

Since 2003, Barb Zapzalka has personally been crafting the ice cream at Pumphouse Creamery, producing exciting and seasonal flavors in small batches all year round, even during the seven months when temperatures remain below freezing.

From classic options like Madagascar Vanilla and Chocolate to more unique offerings such as Black Garlic with Chocolate Chips and Lemon Infused Olive Oil and Sea Salt, there’s something for everyone! With a selection of 20 flavors on the menu, including non-dairy ice cream and sorbet options, visitors will have no trouble finding the perfect scoop!

This unassuming ice cream shop, located in a strip mall in Hernando, possesses a certain off-the-beaten-track charm. The ice cream flavors at this shop are ever-changing, as they rely on the availability of fresh ingredients sourced from the Hernando Farmers’ Market.

This unpredictability adds to the excitement for visitors as flavors come and go without warning. Among the favorites that have made a recurring appearance are Saigon Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Lemon Icebox, and Blackberry Goat Cheese.

Missouri is the birthplace of the ice cream cone. In line with this historical significance, Ted Drewes, a frozen custard stand established in the early 1930s, continues to reign as the go-to destination for ice cream enthusiasts.

While Ted Drewes offers a variety of delectable treats, it’s their signature Concrete that has truly made them legendary. The Concrete, aptly named for its dense and thick texture, has gained nationwide recognition and has been credited by as having “changed America.”

The popularity of this walk-up ice cream shop in Missoula is evident from the long lines that form outside its doors. Among the noteworthy flavors available year-round are Mexican Chocolate, White Mint Oreo, and Black Licorice.

However, it’s the Huckleberry flavor that deserves to receive special mention, taking advantage of the abundance of local berries. The shop also offers variations like Huckleberry Mint Oreo, adding a unique twist to the beloved regional flavor.

The menu at Coneflower changes with the seasons, allowing customers to enjoy flavors that perfectly complement the time of year. From beloved classics like Cookies and Cream and Dark Chocolate to more adventurous options like Saffron, Caramelized White Chocolate, and Sweet Corn, there’s something to satisfy all palates.

What sets Coneflower apart is their dedication to going the extra mile. They don’t skimp on the extras. All the waffle cones, mix-ins, sauces, and toppings, including brownies, graham crumble, and rainbow sprinkles, are made on-site by their talented in-house pastry chef.

Steve, the mastermind behind Steve’s Homemade Ice Cream, developed his skills during his teenage years while working at a soda shop in Staten Island in the 1930s. Later, he relocated with his parents to Nevada and established Fernley’s very first ice cream parlor.

Among their best is the delectable Brownie Batter flavor, which captivates ice cream enthusiasts with its rich and indulgent taste. Additionally, Steve’s Homemade Ice Cream offers a selection of Italian ice in refreshing fruity flavors like Blue Raspberry and Tangerine, which are perfect for beating the desert heat!

Annabelle’s, headquartered in Portsmouth, is a beloved waterfront ice cream shop that stays true to its “natural” name. Their commitment to using fresh cream and cane sugar, without any artificial colors, sets them apart.

Their scoops are thicker, richer, and creamier than what you may be accustomed to. This can be attributed to the high levels of butterfat, which stands at a generous 16.5%. Some local favorites include Cashew Caramel Cluster, Mint Summer’s Night Dream, and the seasonal delight of Black Raspberry during the summer months.

At this unique establishment, it’s not uncommon for an eight-year-old to walk in and request a scoop of Basil and Ricotta ice cream. They have over 550 rotating ice creams and sorbets, with many of them relying on the fleeting flavors of the season sourced from local farmers.

From Sun Gold Saffron sorbet in the summer to Shiitake Mushroom ice cream in the fall, patrons have come to anticipate and appreciate the ever-changing and exciting offerings. They’ve discovered that not only fruits but also vegetables can yield decadent desserts!

Chef Joel Coleman, based in Santa Fe, has a deep appreciation for cool and creamy treats. Coleman’s ice cream flavors showcase his creativity and culinary expertise. With combinations like Citrus Basil, Coconut Miso, and Sweet Corn, he infuses his creations with unexpected and delightful flavors.

While Coleman embraces refreshing and light options, he doesn’t shy away from heat and spice. Signature scoops like Green Chile, Brown Sugar, Red Chile, and Mole bring a fiery kick to the ice cream offerings, adding a touch of excitement and uniqueness to the menu.

Chef Matthew Hyland highlights the exceptional texture of OddFellows’ ice cream as its defining feature. The creaminess of their ice cream is unparalleled, elevating even classic flavors like vanilla to a state of sweet perfection.

The creativity of chef and creator Sam Mason shines through in OddFellows’ unique flavor combinations. They push the boundaries of traditional ice cream by incorporating unconventional sweet-savory flavors such as Black Pepper Fig and Miso Cherry. OddFellows also offers delightful treats like OddPockets, which are ice cream sandwiches nestled between buttery brioche.

This frozen yogurt bar in Nags Head, with its beachy location, offers a chill experience for visitors. The interior is decorated with throw pillows and foosball. The owners, a professional surfer and an artist, bring their mellow personalities to the establishment.

The star of the show is the frozen yogurt itself, available in several seasonal flavors. Customers have the option to choose low-fat and no-fat versions, catering to different dietary preferences. Their ice cream sandwiches, available in flavors like Lemon Lavberry and Killa Key Lime, provide a heavenly treat.

Since the 1930s, this Bottineau creamery has been producing high-quality dairy products, and its ice cream remains a beloved local favorite. Despite the passing decades, Pride Dairy has stayed true to its roots, maintaining the same buttery and rich ice cream that’s delighted customers for generations.

Their flavors such as Rhubarb-Strawberry and Butter Brickle provide a heavenly experience. The Juneberry flavor showcases the vibrant taste of North Dakota’s native Juneberries.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream, based in Cleveland, Ohio, has solar-paneled and skylit headquarters. Their dedication to environmentally friendly practices and making organic ice cream is second to none. Customers can enjoy a wide range of flavors, including Bing Cherry Chocolate Chunk, a delightful combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chunks.

The Wildberry Crumble flavor offers a taste of fresh, mixed berries paired with a crumbly topping. And for those seeking a whimsical treat, the Blue Cosmo flavor features blue cotton candy with a swirl of homemade marshmallows.

Jason Decker and James Nelson, the owners of this microcreamery, are focused on producing ice cream with a high milk-fat content, and low-air content, made from all-natural ingredients in small batches. As a result, customers can expect exceptional ice cream with a dense and creamy texture.

The microcreamery offers a variety of flavors, with 18 options available every day. The Rose Rock flavor, named after the microcreamery itself, features a combination of strawberries, chocolate, and candied pecans for a deliciously indulgent experience.

Salt & Straw, a Portland-based ice cream maker, has gained a cult following for its inventive and delicious flavors. The Buttermilk Pancakes, Bacon & Eggs ice cream exemplifies their approach to crafting unique and memorable flavors.

Some of their popular flavors include Pear & Blue Cheese, which combines the sweetness of pear with the tangy richness of blue cheese, and Honey Lavender, which combines floral lavender notes with the sweetness of honey. Another noteworthy flavor is Arbequina Olive Oil, featuring the fruity and smooth taste of olive oil.

With over 5,700 dairy farms in the state, being ranked number one is a testament to the exceptional quality of Fox Meadows’ ice cream. Located on a farm, Fox Meadows offers a unique cow-to-cone experience.

While the flavors at Fox Meadows embrace rural charm, they also feature creative twists that elevate the experience. Lemon Crunch offers a refreshing and tangy flavor with added crunch, Pumpkin Crème Brûlè brings the beloved fall flavor to new heights, and Brown Butter Almond combines nutty richness with a smooth ice cream base.

In Providence, Rhode Island, the beloved frosty treats from this local ice cream shop started out being sold from a traveling tricycle cart, which still operates alongside its brick-and-mortar location.

One of the highlights is the ice cream sandwich, in which two cookies encase a delicious scoop of ice cream. Another delightful creation is the Peanut Butter Ice Cream Taco topped with Oreos. For those seeking a lighter option, the shop offers push pops.

Sweet Cream Co.’s one notable aspect is that no toppings are allowed, allowing the natural flavors of the ice cream to take center stage. This emphasis on simplicity allows customers to fully appreciate the quality and taste of the ice cream itself.

The ice cream flavors are daring and innovative. For example, you might find flavors like Cherry Coke and Lemon Poppy Seed or Orange Peel with Panna Cotta. These creative pairings create a delightful fusion of flavors that challenge traditional notions of what ice cream can be.

Located in the Black Hills town of Spearfish, this creamery aims to redefine small-town ice cream. While they still offer classic flavors, they also push boundaries by re-editing traditional combinations and incorporating unusual ingredients.

For example, you might find flavors like Peanut Butter Curry, which combines the richness of peanut butter with the aromatic spices of curry, or Blueberry Goat’s Cheese, which combines the fruity sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess of goat’s cheese.

Norma and Irma Paz, sisters and co-owners, have brought the flavors of their childhood to Tennessee through their Mexican paletas. These frozen treats, also known as popsicles, are made using fresh and ripe fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, herbs, and flowers sourced from community gardens.

Norma and Irma prioritize using natural ingredients and focus on both fruit-only and creamy paletas. The fruit-only paletas feature a variety of classic Mexican flavors like avocado, lime, and pineapple with chili peppers, providing a refreshing and authentic taste.

Lick Honest Ice Creams, based in Austin, lives up to its name by prioritizing authenticity. The founders, who have rural backgrounds, ensure that everything, from the sauces and syrups to the cookies and marshmallows, is made in-house from scratch.

Their “regular” flavors include options like Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil & Sea Salt, and Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. However, it’s their seasonal selections like Orange Plumsicle and the original founding flavor, Cilantro Lime, which captures the essence of Texas summers, that demonstrate their willingness to push boundaries and create distinctive taste experiences.

Rockwell takes pride in creating super-premium, slow-churned ice creams that are exceptionally creamy and dense. Locals in Utah rave about Rockwell’s classic flavors, including Rockwell Road, Brown Butter Pecan, and Honeycomb, which have become beloved favorites.

However, the brand gained national acclaim when they introduced a unique flavor called The G.O.A.T. This flavor, consisting of goat cheese, blackberries, lemon jam swirls, and honey rosemary roasted almonds, was named the Best Ice Cream in America in 2019.

Ben & Jerry’s, a globally recognized ice cream brand, proudly retains its Vermont heritage despite its global reach. In the early 1980s, Ben & Jerry’s revolutionized the ice cream industry by introducing chunk-filled flavors that incorporated large mix-ins like brownies, cookie dough, and fudge in their rich scoops. This innovative approach created a unique and indulgent ice cream experience.

While Ben & Jerry’s iconic flavors such as Cherry Garcia, Mint Chocolate Cookie, and Chunky Monkey are available in numerous countries worldwide, the ultimate place to enjoy these beloved flavors is in Burlington, Vermont.

The flavors at Island Creamery capture the essence of a carefree beach holiday. Marsh Mud is a popular choice, featuring a rich chocolate base swirled with marshmallow goodness.

There’s also Pony Tracks, a tribute to Chincoteague Island’s famous wild horses, which combines peanut butter and homemade fudge. Using fresh milk and locally sourced fruit from nearby farms, they create small-batch ice cream that keeps people coming back for more!

Molly Moon’s has earned the title of the “doyenne” of the city’s ice cream scene. They have a preference for local produce, going as far as Napa Valley for oranges, but otherwise keeping their sourcing close to home.

Their commitment to using local ingredients extends to their 10 “always” flavors, which include favorites like Cold Brew Coffee and ‘Scout’ Mint, made with genuine Girl Scout cookies bought from actual scouts. Molly Moon’s also introduces seasonal flavors like Vegan Sweet Mint and Lemon Blueberry Custard.

Ellen’s, a cherished establishment in Charleston since 1997, has earned praise at both the state and national levels for its wide array of ice creams, sherbets, gelatos, and sorbets.

One of their standout flavors is JQ Dickinson Salted Caramel, which incorporates hand-harvested sea salt sourced from beneath the Appalachian Mountains, deposited by an ancient ocean. The use of this special salt adds a distinctive touch to the caramel ice cream.

Kopp’s, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the reigning monarch of frozen custard in the state, aptly known as “The Custard Capital.” Since its establishment in 1950, Kopp’s has made its mark by introducing the concept of the “flavor of the day” to the custard scene.

These flavors have ventured into uncharted territory, showcasing creations such as Bavarian Wedding Cake, German Apple Streusel, and the ever-popular Cashew Caramel. Customers can enjoy these flavors in their classic form, or opt for them in milkshakes or sundaes for an extra indulgent treat.

Moo’s, located in Jackson Hole, has garnered near unanimous praise from food critics, establishing itself as the state’s premier ice cream parlor. One of the standout features of Moo’s is its use of all organic cream instead of milk, which contributes to their exceptionally creamy ice creams.

Customers can indulge in options like Cashew Brittle Crunch, Prickly Pear, and Zonker Stout, which incorporates a local malt for a distinct flavor profile. However, the flavor that consistently receives unanimous acclaim is Wild Huckleberry, a beloved local favorite.