The top 50 ice-cream shops in America, ranked according to Yelp reviews
- Yelp ranked the 50 best ice-cream shops in America according to customer reviews.
- Coneflower Creamery in Omaha, Nebraska, took the top spot.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
When it comes to ice cream in the summer, you really can't go wrong. However, the most devout of sweet-treat fans will want to go to the best of the best places.
Yelp recently ranked the 100 best ice-cream shops in the US by looking at the total volume and ratings of reviews, among other factors, between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. All businesses were marked open on Yelp and had a passing health score as of May 1, 2023.
Here are the 50 best ice-cream shops in America, ranked according to Yelp reviews.
50. Cup & Cone in White Bear Lake, Minnesota
"Great spot for a nice treat on a hot day or cool fall day. They have food as well. Cones, sundaes and many more sweets!! You have to get crunch on top of your cone. Parking is ok, it fills up quick on a busy day but there is street parking. Close to the beach as well," wrote Yelp user Travis H.
49. Nathan's Dairy Bar in Manassas, Virginia
"Finally, a legit frozen custard place that actually has a proper thick custard consistency. Brilliant. Had the twist and both flavors were so good, so creamy and perfectly textured. I wish I had gotten a cone because this was the perfect licking consistency," wrote Yelp user Ahlennah B.
48. Lickity Split in Chicago, Illinois
"TO DIE FOR FROZEN CUSTARD. Lickity Split is what your 1950s ice cream shop dreams are made of. It really takes me back to the ice cream shops I used to go to as a kid, I love all of the nostalgia bottled up here. In addition to the ice cream, they sell a wide array of candy, including some retro ones you won't find at your local drugstore," wrote Yelp user Kate M.
47. Gelato Paradiso in Austin, Texas
"Gelato Paradiso is a hidden gem on South Congress. I walked into the shop and was immediately greeted and given the warmest welcome. I sampled many different options. They were all excellent. I was honestly shocked by how tasty it was," wrote Yelp user Bethany A.
46. The Ice Cream Barn in Swansea, Massachusetts
"Fairly confident this is my favorite ice cream shop. I'm not a big sweets/dessert person but I've been here multiple times over the past several years and it's been amazing every time. My girlfriend and I will seek out the best homemade ice cream whenever we visit a new city, and we have not found any place better than The Ice Cream Barn. The ice cream is well-flavored and so creamy with always fresh ingredients. I've tried multiple flavors but my favorite is still the strawberry. If you're not into fruit-flavored ice cream, their mint chocolate chip, coffee, and regular vanilla are also delicious," wrote Yelp user Rei M.
45. The Gelato Fiasco in Portland, Maine
"The blueberry crisp and strawberry balsamic were our favorites and it's the best gelato I've ever had," wrote Yelp user Leonard F.
44. Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream in Wilmington, North Carolina
"My favorite ice cream in all of Wilmington! I love this spot! I came here twice on my vacation to Wilmington. They have such a big variety of flavors and lots of dairy free options as well. My favorite is the coffee cookies and cream. I also love the chocolate fudge brownie one! There are so many great flavors. They post the daily flavors on their Instagram story each day," wrote Yelp user Juliana D.
43. The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor, Maine
"Stopped by for lunch on Friday and there was no line! This place has the best hot butter lobster roll in the area. The lobster was cooked perfectly and the bun was expertly toasted. We also tried the steamers and cocktail shrimp. Both were also great. Don't forget to order the blueberry pie with a scoop of ice cream to finish off your meal. They have a separate quick order station for things like dessert and drink," wrote Yelp user Carmen C.
42. Wild Scoops in Anchorage, Alaska
"This was some seriously good ice cream, and I KNOW ICE CREAM!!! The baked Alaska topping was perhaps my favorite topping on ANY ice cream in my 45 years on this planet!!! Worth a stop," wrote Yelp user Monte H.
41. Niu Soft Serve in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
"Niu is one of the best soft serve on the islands! They are dairy free and coconut based. You have to try their kulolo sundaes! [They] are sooo good! The soft serve here always hits the spot. They have rotating flavors of soft serve. [They] have many different toppings to offer as well as shakes. The location is convenient and parking is available. Niu never disappoints. We have been going to Niu's since they first started their business," wrote Yelp user Barbara H.
40. Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Miramar, Florida
"Delicious old fashioned ice cream! The dragon stout is my favorite. Heard great reviews about this place and we drove 25 mins to try. Scoops were so huge! When we got there the line was by the door but the workers got the customers in and out," wrote Yelp user Abigail P.
39. Paleteria Del Angel in Sparks, Nevada
"SO MANY CHOICES! We decided on a churro split with Mexican chocolate, Cookie Monster, and Gansito ice cream. The Mexican chocolate had a nice cinnamon swirl and Cookie Monster had a base like bubble gum ice cream with cookie chunks. The churro was better than Disney...just the right crisp and chew," wrote Yelp user Karrie C.
38. Bellvale Farms Creamery in Warwick, New York
"Came up to Warwick to enjoy the views and find a farm to bring my daughter to. This place was recommended by a colleague and after a light lunch we came here. Ice cream aside the view of where this place is located is worth the trip just for that. We got a few flavors, my daughter getting strawberry and my wife got the great white way. I'm not a huge ice cream guy but wow was I blown away by the taste. Next time we venture up this way we will definitely be back to try something else," wrote Yelp user Ryan K.
37. The Split Banana in Staunton, Virginia
"This gelato place advertises quality ingredients, and offers a great flavor variety. Some of the flavors are fruity, some with nuts or candy. Some are more classically European, and some are clearly more geared towards Southern Virginia," wrote Yelp user John B.
36. Freshest Ice Creams in San Antonio, Texas
"This is a cool fun place to get a refreshing ice cream!! It is tucked in a shopping center by the old Sun Harvest and a couple of restaurants. It is a small space so seating is limited but that should not stop you from [getting] a cool treat with some fresh topping like different fruits, bobas and some standard fare like whip cream, chocolate, etc," wrote Yelp user Joseph D.
35. Magill's World of Ice Cream in Lakewood, Colorado
"We LOVE Magills! The flavors they have are amazing and delicious! It is so hard to decide which flavors to get! I always say I will try something new and in the end I get a scoop of 7-layer coconut, and a scoop of salted Caramel Oreo. The scoops are huge, and I have enough in the bowl to have a few bites each night for about 5-6 days. My husband and kids can eat their two scoops in one or two days," wrote Yelp user Ronnie K.
34. Ice Dreammm Shop in Lutz, Florida
"My favorite ice cream shop in town. Staff always friendly. A lot of flavors to choose from. Just delicious," wrote Yelp user Kim P.
33. Cloud City Ice Cream in Portland, Oregon
"Lots of unique flavors with taste of real ingredients and not that sweet (which is a good thing). Creamy and big scoops. Good service. They have a parking lot too. Indoor and outdoor seats. I look forward to coming back to try more flavors," wrote Yelp user Gloria T.
32. Scoops On Tap in Covina, California
"Scoops On Tap is a gourmet ice cream with beer and wine on tap. They offer ice cream flight or beer/ ice cream pairing which is my go to! They also have unique items like wine slushy or beer floats. They also offer keto and vegan ice cream which is highly recommended," wrote Yelp user Chun C.
31. Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory in Kissimmee, Florida
"I've been coming here for years and they never disappoint! It's a super cool experience because of their nitrogen cooling method and their topping choices are endless. I got the butter pecan with Oreos and [caramel] and pecans it was amazing. The portions are huge I got a small and it was overflowing! Definitely recommend," wrote Yelp user Victoria W.
30. Sweet Firefly in Richardson, Texas
"A classic. Our favorite ice cream in the Dallas area! Friendly staff and overall great spot to chill and relax. Lavender honey is the best," wrote Yelp user Vivian F.
29. The Magic Cow in Davie, Florida
"Very good homemade ice cream, unlike most chain ones. I don't have much of a sweet tooth but I really like their ice cream. The peanut butter ice cream flavor is my favorite topped with Oreos. I like all the notes on the wall from previous customers. The staff is very friendly. There is seating inside and a few tables outside," wrote Yelp user Nicole H.
28. BEG Bakery & Creamery in Scottsdale, Arizona
"This place is an absolute gem, cute with [a] whimsical charm, especially for a specialty bakery. The perfect balance between homestyle quality and warmth. The staff seemed very attentive, and seemed happy to be there, which means a lot to me when spending money locally on sweets these days," wrote Yelp user Julie S.
27. Peace Cream in Phoenix, Arizona
"This is such a cute ice cream shop. Don't judge by the shopping center as you walk in it's like a cute place. The owner I believe is very passionate about ice cream. I sampled the strawberry which was delicious but what blew me away was the rocky road! I've been raving about it ever since. Check the hours before you go," wrote Yelp user Paula E.
26. Scoop in Richmond, Virginia
"Scoop has so many different, fun, slightly weird flavors of ice cream. Even their classics have nice twists to them, for instance their waffle cone pieces have a slight hint of cinnamon. I love that you can essentially make your own sundae because that's what I was in the mood for. Really, I ran out of toppings. I got to try my friend's banana pudding and tahini ice creams which were out of this world! Personally I went with a more standard chocolate and cookie dough combo. Remember those little touches I mentioned...the cookie dough is soooogood in this ice cream! I could eat a pint of just that," wrote Yelp user Emily B.
25. Botolino Gelato Artigianale in Dallas, Texas
"I enjoyed my first of many experiences here. As I pulled up, someone was leaving so I was able to get a good park. There was a long line to order but since it was my first time, I was happy about that as it gave me time to order and hopefully that meant it was good. They have enough options and the gelato was good. They even allowed me to sample to see if I wanted the gelato and I did! [...] I would go back and recommend," wrote Yelp user Norma B.
24. Ginther's Swirls Ice Cream in Orlando, Florida
"Great find just minutes from Marriott resort. Hard and soft serve cones and specialties. Great service," wrote Yelp user Cynthia F.
23. Kirk's Ice Cream Parlor in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
"Super generous portions and a flavor for everyone. Despite the long lines (25 minutes), it was worth the wait. It's like an ice cream parlor when you grew up, four kids dealing scoops of ice cream. Your kids will love to play the arcade games while you stand in line," wrote Yelp user Robert R.
22. Fox Meadows Creamery in Ephrata, Pennsylvania
"I've been here a couple times now. It's so nice to find a creamery open in the winter. They have a nice variety of options and surely something for everyone. You can get a milkshake, waffle cone or cup or even a cookie sandwich filled with ice cream. I've ordered peanut butter chocolate, mint chocolate chip and peanut butter cup. The waffle cones are homemade and delicious," wrote Yelp user Paige G.
21. Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries, & Cakes in Austin, Texas
"I expected to walk up to a basic food truck lot like all the others in Austin but Manoli's was in their own lot and it was beautiful! Fenced off with lots of tables and space for kids to run around plus a huge parking lot. The ice cream is all homemade and delicious, I got the chocolate peanut butter and was craving it the next day. The best part was the service though. The owners were so friendly, sweet, and patient! Highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Samantha G.
20. Ozzie's Ice Cream in Greensboro, North Carolina
"Ozzie's Ice Cream is the place when you're craving ice cream, and their flavor selection is HUGE! I love how it's conveniently close to County Park. My family and I went for a walk, and then right after we treated ourselves and I grabbed one of my favorite flavors: OATMEAL COOKIE! The service was welcoming and the line usually moves fast. There's seating both inside and out, but I'd recommend enjoying your sweet treat outside," wrote Yelp user Amaryllis K.
19. Sweet Aloha Ice Cream in Davie, Florida
"I stopped by on Friday evening and ordered the pineapple Dole whip I had seen an advertisement for. It was so refreshing, made with pineapple sorbet, pineapple juice and whipped cream. It was so refreshing and not too sweet. My hubby got the homemade guava cheesecake ice cream which he said was delicious. They offer a wide selection of homemade cream and they also have shaved ice that I tried on a previous visit here. They have so many flavors of the shaved ice and you can even get up to 3 flavors if you'd like," wrote Yelp user Andrea B.
18. Antojitos Colibri in Reno, Nevada
"This place hits the spot every time! Fulfill your sweet tooth with ice cream or a refreshing Chamango that never disappoints. Fruit cups with Tajin or a nice agua fresca. Get them all here. Sit on the patio and treat yo self! Hidden gem on Wells. Absolutely love this place," wrote Yelp user Maryanna S.
17. Sugar Koi in Cary, North Carolina
"They have different options and [flavors] are marked for specific food allergens. Makes it easier to order. If you want to look what ingredients they contain, some ice creams are Hershey Premium. The more exotic flavours like Mango, coconut, matcha green tea, ube, Thai tea, Earl Grey, they are made by a different company. If you get the Koiyaki, the fish waffle is made in house. They are nice and warm before it gets added to the ice cream. Decorated with topping you want with whipped cream to boot," wrote Yelp user Jennifer A.
16. Page's in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"This is one of the backbones of Pittsburgh and has fully satisfied every post-dinner, mid-day, and early-afternoon craving for ice cream! This is a local, family-run place that has excellent vibes and great service! From Arctic swirls to their classic sundaes, there's something for everyone! My favorites are the fruity pebble soft serve, cold brew Sundae (courtesy of Big Dog), and a peach milkshake (pro tip: add cheesecake bites). There are also some fun shaved ice options," wrote Yelp user Rachel A.
15. Surfin' Spoon in Nags Head, North Carolina
"How can anyone not love this beachy yogurt shop?! Not only is it welcoming with its coral, turquoise, and mint colors…cozy nooks, and comfy tables, but this whole place gives off a relaxing vibe! The yogurt is priced by weight per ounce and worth every calorie! Then there's the gold at the end of the rainbow — dozens of toppings to add to your concoction…fruit, candies, nuts, and more! They also serve delectable homemade ice cream sandwiches with fresh-baked cookies! Lemon Lavberry is a favorite, but the classic chocolate chip with vanilla ice cream can't be beaten! The seasonal mint, pumpkin, and gingerbread ice cream sandwiches are also worth a visit to OBX off-season," wrote Yelp user Maria T.
14. Ryder's Poke and Shave Ice in Aiea, Oahu, Hawaii
"The best customer service and shave ice! These guys were so pleasant to interact with, and the shave ice was to die for. I got the banana with condensed milk and my husband had the strawberry with condensed milk," wrote Yelp user Nicole K.
13. Deep Barrel Roasters & Creamery in Norco, California
"This place has truly captured my heart and my taste buds. The simplest way to describe Deep Barrel, it's like coming home. This place is a community. The owners are on-site, engage with their customers, and help you find what you want. On the ice cream side, you can get a scoop, a cup, and my favorite, the deep-fried ice cream. I recommend the Deep Barrel Signature." wrote Yelp user Dev P.
12. Joey's Custard in Sanibel, Florida
"I'm always on a quest for dairy-free ice cream wherever I am. I was so happy to hear that Joey's had a dairy-free selection. When we arrived, I was super impressed with both the variety and the measures they take to avoid cross-contamination with dairy - keeping it in a separate case! I landed on the mocha chip and it was phenomenal! Alongside the ice cream, the atmosphere and the employees were also great! Everyone was so kind and we loved that they had games outside to play. Super fun place with delicious ice cream," wrote Yelp user Maggie H.
11. The Paleta Bar–Shanghai Plaza in Las Vegas, Nevada
"This place is a true gem. I remember eating coconut and durian ice cream topped with freshly shaved coconut and peanuts in Vietnam. Brings back memories. [The] flavors taste so authentic. It's a must-try," wrote Yelp user Jeff N.
10. Mitchell's Ice Cream in San Francisco, California
"There's a reason people come to Mitchell's from all over the city—yes, the ice cream is THAT good. Novel flavors (the seasonal eggnog is to DIE for), the classics, and happy employees combine to make such an amazing experience," Learn more about Shauna W.
9. Confetti Italian Ice & Custard in Costa Mesa, California
"I'm in love with both their Italian ice and ice cream as it's clearly made with love. The owners truly know what they are doing and always create the best flavors and flavor combinations. I love bringing my family and friends here because we always feel so welcomed," wrote Yelp user Janette N.
8. Meadowlark Dairy in Pleasanton, California
"Meadowlark Dairy is a place that will instantly become a family favorite the second you take the first lick of soft serve. Our family has been coming here for 25-plus years and has so many memories over delicious frosties. While fancy ice cream stores have their place, there is nothing quite like the simplicity of the drive-through dairy," wrote Yelp user Emily F.
7. Tricycle Ice Cream in Providence, Rhode Island
"Tricycle Ice Cream [at] first glance is unassuming, but don't judge an ice cream shop by its storefront. Their creations are downright magical. You'll be tempted to purchase multiple treats and I encourage you to follow your heart, or in this case stomach, because everything is delicious. The flavor combinations are well thought out and unique. My family's favorites include the mango push-pop and the horchata ice cream sandwich," wrote Yelp user Jessica O.
6. Moo Moo Cows in Baltimore, Maryland
"This place is the best—from the upbeat decor to the quality-made ice cream and punch card for each time you visit. Everything is topnotch; the prices are great and there's always a fun variety of flavors. On my most recent trip, I got their Puff Daddy soft-serve flavor based on Reese's Puffs cereal. It has to be good if it can sway me away from chocolate, which is my favorite," wrote Yelp user Meghan O.
5. Fluffy's Sno-Balls in Long Beach, California
"You'll have a tough time deciding what to order, but they encourage you to sample as many flavors as you like! My favorites: Dill Pickle, Tiger Blood [with watermelon and strawberry flavors], and Wedding Cake, all topped with condensed milk. One of the best sno-balls I've had since being in New Orleans. Combined with the sounds of traditional 2nd-line [New Orleans brass band] music playing outside, it felt like a mini trip back to NOLA (in my head). This is the real deal, y'all," wrote Yelp user Birdie M.
4. La Paleta in Las Vegas, Nevada
"La Paleta has a fantastic selection of paletas and ice cream, like ube, berry jam, rose petal, and fruit sorbets including pineapple, strawberry, and mango. I had the Elote and Biscoff Cookie ice cream…so creamy and the perfect sweetness! Owners Fernando and Mayra are so kind and welcoming! They create a safe environment that's kid-friendly, and there's a table area to play board games and video games," wrote Yelp user Marites D.
3. I Scream Ice Cream in Albuquerque, New Mexico
"There aren't a whole lot of places left out there where the owner greets you like they've known you your whole life. This place feels like you're in a favorite shop on a small town TV show where you're the main character. There's not a single inch of space that isn't covered in nostalgia, pop culture, and antique collections…as you settle in, it feels like memories. And then you remember it's an ice cream shop. Tons of flavors await…and as many topping options as there are decorations. Imagine whatever kind of ice cream you want, and there's a solid chance they can make it happen," wrote Yelp user Angela S.
2. Let's Chill Homemade Ice Cream in Coral Springs, Florida
"Let's Chill and chill! A wonderful ice cream spot, with so many delicious, and homemade flavors. Even the dairy free flavors like matcha, pineapple, and coconut are still so amazing and creamy. You can try any flavor you'd like, while someone behind the counter answers questions and doles out some scoops," wrote Yelp user Alex R.
1. Coneflower Creamery, Omaha, Nebraska
"You know the ice cream is amazing when you show up on a 10-degree night and [the place is] packed. When we walked in, the smell was all that was needed. I had a sample of the Archetype Coffee, and now I have to have this ice cream once a week. My family has tried specialty ice cream places in California and Las Vegas, and we all agree this is by far the best ice cream we've ever had," wrote Yelp user Sonia M.
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