Ice cream is a delicious treat, popular among adults and kids a like. Yes, it is just so desirable that some of its greatest fans might even travel to enjoy the best of the best. If you're one such person, here are 12 ice cream parlors to visit and enjoy.
Best Ice Cream Shops in the U.S.
1. The Creole Creamery - New Orleans, LA
The Creole Creamy is a must-visit for any trip to Louisiana. The smell of fresh baked waffle cones and friendly staff will greet you at the door. If you’re feeling really hungry, try The Tchoupitoulas Challenge which has eight scoops of your choice, eight toppings, whipped cream and wafers. This $25 sundae is best for several people, but if you eat it all by yourself you will get a plaque in the hall of fame. With 36 flavors that are always changing, the options are endless!
There are two locations in New Orleans, but only the one located at 4924 Prytania St. has the challenge. This location is open Sunday to Thursday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
2. Max & Mina’s Ice Cream - New York City, NY
Some call this small ice cream parlor the best in New York, and it definitely has some of the most unique flavors. Some of the exotic flavors include pizza, corn on the cob, chocolate cupcake and everything in between. This shop is filled with character and gives generous portions. They are constantly adding new flavors and switching them out, so try them all!
The parlor is located at 7126 Main St in Flushing, NY, and is open Sunday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their hours do vary, so be sure to call and check before.
3. Churn - Phoenix, AZ
Survive the hot Phoenix sun with a cup or cone of delicious homemade ice cream at Churn. The parlor boasts all-natural ingredients and delicious sundaes, floats and pastries. Flavors rotate daily and can include toasted coconut, oatmeal cookie dough and cookies & mint.
They’re located at 5223. N. Central Ave and are open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
4. Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury Factory - Waterbury, VT
Visit the place where all your favorite flavors are made at Ben & Jerry’s Factory. There you can take a 30-minute tour and learn how to make ice cream. Then stop in the Scoop Shop where you can have Ben & Jerry’s classics like Phish Food, Spectacular Speculoos and Cherry Garcia. You can also take a snowshoe tour behind the factory where you will find the flavor graveyard, which commemorates flavors that are no longer made.
The factory and Scoop Shop is located at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Waterbury, VT, and is Monday through Friday. Times depend on the season, so be sure to check their website.
5. Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream - Seattle, WA
With six locations in the Seattle area, there are many chances to get your ice cream fix! The earl grey and salted caramel are local favorites, and they have many vegan options as well. The logo is a french bull dog and each store is charmingly decorated.
Locations include Wallingford, U Village and more and most stores are open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. everyday.
6. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant - Dania Beach, FL
Finish off a fun day at the beach at Jaxson’s, home of the Original Kitchen Sink. The Kitchen Sink is a giant concoction that has to be shared by at least four people. Jaxson’s is also famous for their giant sundaes and delectable banana splits.
The parlor is located at 128 S. Federal Highway in Dania Beach, Fl, near Fort Lauderdale. They are open Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and weekend hours are 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
7. Gray’s Ice Cream - Tiverton, RI
Opened by Annie Gray in 1923, this traditional parlor is a Rhode Island favorite. The dairy is from their own cows and they give generous portions. The delicious rum raisin yogurt and over 25 ice cream flavors will be a great family treat!
Located at 16 East Rd in Tiverton, RI, Gray’s is open Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
8. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Many Locations
Jeni’s has shops from Los Angeles to Atlanta, but it is known for its southern charm. Visit a Nashville location to find some of the most unique mixes in the ice. “Southern Charm” is a mix of peppermint with sea salt, butter and white chocolate, yum! Jeni’s pints are also sold at a variety of grocery stores around the country. Check out Jeni’s at the Nashville Farmer’s Market at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. Sweet Action Ice Cream - Boulder, CO
This handmade ice cream was voted best in Colorado. The shop can usually be found with a line out the door to try one of 24 famous flavors including baklava and vegan caramel carrot cake.
This shop is located at 52 Broadway in Denver, CO, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends till 11 p.m.
10. The Ice Cream Bar - San Francisco, CA
Serving delectable ice creams and sorbets, including non-dairy options, even dessert-lovers with a lactose-free diet can enjoy an unforgettable treat at The Ice Cream Bar. Its tempting menu includes a variety of homemade ice creams, cookies, creative fountain drinks and even savory-lunch items. So whether you're craving a melt or a malt, The Ice Cream bar is just the place for you. Visit the Cole Valley shop to experience its yummy treats for yourself.
11. Round Top Ice Cream Stand - Damariscotta, Maine
You can’t beat ice cream with a view. This Maine shop overlooks the beautiful Damariscotta Cove and people come from all over Maine and around the country to experience the Round Top tradition. Round Top has a variety of flavors all made fresh, but be sure to try the blueberry ice cream.
They are located at 526 W Main St in Damariscotta, Maine and are open from 11:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. seven days a week.
12. Buffy's Ice Cream - Chatham, MA
Serving crave-worthy, homemade ice cream, Buffy's serves up some of the best ice cream on the Cape. Closed during the off-season, Buffy's draws long lines (certainly worth the wait) of ice cream lovers throughout the summer, who patiently await a delicious scoop, or two or three, of their mouth-watering frozen treats.
This article was written by Taylor Bishop