The temperature’s rising outside. And there’s only one quick-fix to cool down: ice cream. Whether you prefer classic chocolate cones or sea salt caramel latte sundaes, we’ve pinned down the perfect spots to cool off and eat your heart out! Here’s the scoop on 10 of the best ice cream parlors in the country.
Bi-Rite Creamery — San Francisco, California
Bi-Rite Creamery by Akihito Fujii licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
In the Golden Gate City, ice cream is a big deal. Over in San Francisco’s Mission District, Bi-Rite Creamery employees skillfully craft everything by hand. From the actual ice cream to everything in it – like the brownies and marshmallows – this San Fran creamery doesn’t believe in cutting corners. Try their Roasted Banana. You’ll be in ice cream heaven!
Jeni’s Ice Cream — Columbus, Ohio
Jeni’s Ice Cream by Steven Miller licensed under CC by 2.0
Columbus natives know where they need to head during the hot summer months. Why, its Jeni’s of course! This well-renowned ice cream parlor offers up a bouquet of unique flavors. Try Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Wildberry Lavender, and even Everything Bagel. Delish!
Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream — Bar Harbor, Maine
Even former President Barack Obama and his family enjoyed a few cones at this shop. What was the former POTUS’s flavor? Apparently, it was Toasted Coconut! But, Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream does offer up more adventurous flavors like Buttermint, Nutella, and Blueberry Sour Cream.
Sweet Republic — Scottsdale, Arizona
This highly rated ice cream maker is one of the best ice cream parlors in the U.S. With a focus on churning out high-quality products, Sweet Republic in Scottsdale, Arizona uses local and fair trade ingredients. Try their Brown Butter Pecan or Strawberry Buttermilk. Once you taste these sweet ice cream flavors, you’ll know why they get all the attention.
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Amy’s Ice Cream — Austin, Texas
We took advantage of the lovely weather this evening to get some Amy’s ice cream. by Mike Prosser licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Amy’s Ice Cream built its reputation on offering 300 rotating flavors. These include Mexican Vanilla, After Dinner Mint, Chai Tea, and many more. Flavors like Tiny Pies Texas Peach and Chocolate Cherry Whiskey are expertly blended with a touch of alcohol. We’ll toast to that!
Ample Hills Creamery — Brooklyn, New York
Ample Hills Creamery Gowanus by Ethan Wolff licensed under CC by 2.0
With three separate locations in Brooklyn, Ample Hills Creamery is where locals go for some of the best dairy delights in the borough. This ice cream shop boasts fun flavors like PB Wins The Cup, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and Peppermint Pattie. You’ll find that this Brooklyn creamery caters to the kid in all of us. Dig in!
The Creole Creamery — New Orleans, Louisiana
Creole Creamery Be Happy by Infrogmation of New Orleans licensed under CC by 2.0
Creole Creamery has been a respite for patrons hoping to escape the Louisiana heat. And while its hot-pink interior is charmingly old school, its long list of flavors is cool – literally. From a velvety Creole Strawberry to a tangy Key Lime Pie, this tiny creamery packs on the unique taste. Make sure to bring your appetite!
Sweet Action Ice Cream — Denver, Colorado
When you’re up in Denver, don’t forget to pop into this environment-conscious ice cream maker. Sweet Action Ice Cream is 100% wind-powered. And, they offer up unusually delicious flavors like Blackberry Lavender, Cold Brew Coffee, Cookie Butter Fudge Swirl, and Blood Orange Sorbet. What more could you ask for?
Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream — Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Annabelle’s Ice Cream by snowpea&bokchoi licensed under CC by 2.0
To locals, Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream is nothing short of a New England gem. Ice cream fanatics across the region flock to the creamery to experience a bevy of flavors. These include Annabelle’s signature item, Mint Summer’s Night Dream. It’s a luscious, mint chocolate ice cream laden with dark chocolate chunks. Yum!
Ici Ice Cream — Berkeley, California
Ici Ice Cream – Pumpkin Caramel Swirl by Elsie Hui licensed under CC by 2.0
Have you ever wanted to enjoy fantastic flavors like Coffee and Cookies or Early Grey? These unique flavors and more make this very hip Ici ice cream parlor a must-visit spot. Satisfy your sweet tooth when in Berkeley. You won’t regret it!
Do you have any of your own favorite ice cream shops to add to our list? Tell us in the comments below!
