Ice cream shops in the USA scoop everything from classic vanilla to wildly inventive flavors. This guide ranks twenty of the best parlors to visit in 2026, from historic soda fountains to artisan creameries. Each one stands out for quality, creativity, or pure nostalgic charm. Whether you crave a seasonal special or a towering sundae, there is a scoop to chase. Many make a sweet stop on a road trip or city stroll. Check hours ahead, since some shops keep seasonal schedules.
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How These Shops Were Chosen
Selection focused on shops with standout ice cream and real character. Each pick offers quality scoops, creative flavors, or a memorable setting. Variety guided the order, so dessert lovers find a parlor that fits their taste, from nostalgic classics to bold new creations.
- Quality, handcrafted ice cream and flavors
- Creativity, from seasonal specials to bold combos
- Charm, history, or a memorable setting
- A spread of regions and shop styles
The 20 Best Ice Cream Shops in the USA
The shops below mix historic parlors with artisan creameries, listed by region rather than ranked one above another.
1. Salt and Straw, Portland, OR
Salt and Straw is famous for unique, seasonal flavors. The Portland creamery rotates inventive small-batch creations. Unexpected ingredients turn each scoop into a surprise. Generous samples let guests taste before they choose. The brand has expanded to several West Coast cities. This Oregon shop suits adventurous dessert lovers who want creative, ever-changing flavors made with quality, locally inspired ingredients.
2. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Columbus, OH
Jeni's is a beloved gourmet brand born in Columbus. The creamery is known for inventive, rich flavors. Smooth textures and bold combinations define each pint. The brand sources thoughtful, high-quality ingredients. Scoop shops have spread across the country. This Ohio shop suits dessert fans who want refined, creative ice cream from a name that helped define the modern artisan scene.
3. Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco, CA
Bi-Rite Creamery makes sustainable, artisanal ice cream. The San Francisco shop uses locally sourced ingredients. Classic and creative flavors share the small menu. Long lines speak to its loyal following. The focus on quality shows in every scoop. This California shop suits dessert lovers who value thoughtful sourcing and rich, handcrafted ice cream from one of the city's most cherished sweet spots.
4. OddFellows Ice Cream Co., Brooklyn, NY
OddFellows serves inventive flavors inspired by culinary trends. The Brooklyn shop pushes creative combinations with confidence. Savory and sweet ingredients meet in surprising scoops. The playful menu rewards adventurous eaters. The brand has grown across the city. This New York shop suits dessert fans who want bold, experimental flavors and a creative spin on the classic ice cream parlor experience.
5. Milkjam Creamery, Minneapolis, MN
Milkjam Creamery crafts creative flavors with a fun spirit. The Minneapolis shop is known for its rich, dense scoops. The signature black-colored flavor draws curious first-timers. Inventive toppings and treats round out the menu. The playful approach defines the brand. This Minnesota shop suits dessert lovers who want imaginative, indulgent ice cream and a fun, memorable visit in the Twin Cities.
6. Amy's Ice Creams, Austin, TX
Amy's Ice Creams is an Austin institution with theatrical flair. The shop is known for playful flavors and crush-ins. Servers toss and spin scoops in an entertaining show. The lively atmosphere fits the city's quirky vibe. Loyal fans have come for decades. This Texas shop suits dessert lovers who want a fun, interactive experience along with creative, satisfying ice cream.
7. Leopold's Ice Cream, Savannah, GA
Leopold's Ice Cream is a historic Savannah parlor. The shop has served classic, nostalgic flavors since 1919. Vintage decor and a soda fountain set the mood. Famous family recipes anchor the menu. Lines often stretch down the block. This Georgia shop suits visitors who want timeless ice cream and an old-fashioned parlor experience steeped in more than a century of local history.
8. The Franklin Fountain, Philadelphia, PA
The Franklin Fountain recreates a vintage soda fountain. The Philadelphia shop serves artisanal ice cream and sundaes. Period decor and costumed staff add authentic charm. Classic recipes and old-time treats fill the menu. The nostalgic setting transports guests in time. This Pennsylvania shop suits dessert lovers who want a historic, immersive experience and lovingly crafted ice cream made the old-fashioned way.
9. Little Man Ice Cream, Denver, CO
Little Man Ice Cream serves scoops from a giant milk can. The Denver landmark is impossible to miss. Creative flavors draw steady crowds to the patio. The towering structure makes for fun photos. Community events add to the appeal. This Colorado shop suits dessert lovers who want quality ice cream paired with a playful, iconic setting in a lively city neighborhood.
10. Graeter's Ice Cream, Cincinnati, OH
Graeter's is a family-owned shop known for French pot ice cream. The Cincinnati brand has crafted treats since the 1870s. The slow, small-batch method yields dense, rich scoops. Signature chocolate chips run large and decadent. Generations of fans stay loyal. This Ohio shop suits dessert lovers who want traditional, handcrafted ice cream from one of the country's most storied creameries.
11. Scoops Westside, Los Angeles, CA
Scoops Westside features innovative, globally inspired flavors. The Los Angeles shop changes its menu often. Culinary ingredients turn each scoop into a discovery. The small, no-frills setting keeps the focus on flavor. Adventurous fans return for the surprises. This California shop suits dessert lovers who want creative, unexpected combinations and a genuinely local ice cream experience in the city.
12. Creole Creamery, New Orleans, LA
Creole Creamery serves rich ice cream with Southern flavor. The New Orleans shop offers a wide, creative menu. Local-inspired flavors reflect the city's culinary spirit. An eating challenge tempts the boldest customers. The cheerful parlor draws families. This Louisiana shop suits dessert lovers who want creamy, inventive scoops with a distinct regional twist in one of America's great food cities.
13. Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream, Seattle, WA
Molly Moon's is an eco-friendly Seattle favorite. The shop offers organic and seasonal flavors. Local, sustainable ingredients fill the rotating menu. Multiple neighborhood locations keep fans happy. The community focus defines the brand. This Washington shop suits dessert lovers who want fresh, responsibly sourced ice cream and a cheerful, neighborhood-rooted scoop shop with a strong local following.
14. Ice and Vice, New York, NY
Ice and Vice creates experimental, edgy ice cream. The New York brand favors bold, unexpected combinations. Unusual ingredients and names define the menu. The creative approach draws curious dessert fans. The flavors push well beyond the classics. This New York shop suits adventurous eaters who want daring, inventive scoops and a fresh take on what ice cream flavors can be.
15. Margie's Candies, Chicago, IL
Margie's Candies is an iconic vintage parlor in Chicago. The shop has served classic sundaes since the 1920s. Towering treats arrive in old-fashioned glass dishes. Homemade candies fill the historic cases. Generations of families have visited. This Illinois shop suits dessert lovers who want timeless sundaes and a nostalgic, century-old setting that feels frozen in a sweeter, simpler time.
16. The Charmery, Baltimore, MD
The Charmery is a local favorite with playful flavors. The Baltimore shop crafts inventive scoops and toppings. Creative seasonal specials keep the menu fresh. The friendly neighborhood vibe draws regulars. Local-inspired flavors add character. This Maryland shop suits dessert lovers who want imaginative, handcrafted ice cream and a welcoming, community-minded parlor in a charming city neighborhood.
17. Sweet Republic, Scottsdale, AZ
Sweet Republic makes artisan ice cream from scratch. The Scottsdale shop uses premium, carefully chosen ingredients. Creative and classic flavors share the menu. The award-winning scoops draw desert crowds. Quality defines every batch. This Arizona shop suits dessert lovers who want handcrafted, small-batch ice cream and bold flavors made with real care in a sunny southwestern setting.
18. Coolhaus, Multiple Locations
Coolhaus is known for creative ice cream sandwiches. The brand draws playful inspiration from architecture. Custom cookie-and-scoop combinations let guests build treats. Trucks and shops serve fans in several cities. The fun concept stands out. This widely available shop suits dessert lovers who want a creative, customizable treat. The brand turns the humble ice cream sandwich into something memorable.
19. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, Multiple Locations
Van Leeuwen makes luxurious, handcrafted ice cream. The brand began as a New York truck before expanding. Classic and vegan options share the menu. Quality ingredients yield smooth, rich scoops. Shops now serve many cities. This widely available shop suits dessert lovers who want premium ice cream with strong vegan choices and a smooth, indulgent texture in every flavor.
20. Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery, St. Louis, MO
Clementine's offers both boozy and classic ice cream. The St. Louis shop crafts inventive alcoholic flavors for adults. A full lineup of family-friendly scoops rounds out the menu. Local-inspired creations add character. The playful concept draws a wide crowd. This Missouri shop suits dessert lovers who want creative scoops, including grown-up flavors, in a fun and welcoming creamery.
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Tips for Planning an Ice Cream Tour
A little planning makes an ice cream crawl sweeter. Check hours ahead, since some shops close earlier in the off-season. Try the sample spoons before committing, and visit just before or after peak times to skip the longest lines.
- ✅ Confirm hours, as some shops run seasonal schedules
- ✅ Ask for samples before choosing your scoop
- ✅ Visit off-peak to avoid the longest lines
- ✅ Try a signature or seasonal flavor at each stop
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ice cream shop in the USA?
There is no single best, since taste is personal, but several rank at the top. Salt and Straw and Jeni's lead for creative flavors, while Graeter's and Leopold's shine for tradition. Each offers a different strength, from inventive scoops to nostalgic charm. The best choice depends on whether you prefer bold experiments or timeless classics.
Which shops offer the most unique flavors?
Several shops specialize in inventive flavors. Salt and Straw, OddFellows, and Ice and Vice are known for bold, unexpected combinations. Scoops Westside rotates globally inspired creations often. These shops reward adventurous eaters who enjoy tasting something new. Generous samples at many of them let you explore before committing to a full scoop.
Are there vegan ice cream options at these shops?
Yes, plant-based options are increasingly common. Van Leeuwen is especially known for its vegan flavors alongside classics. Many other shops on this list offer dairy-free or sorbet choices. Checking the menu online before visiting confirms availability. The growing demand means more parlors now make satisfying vegan ice cream than ever before.
Are these ice cream shops good for families?
Most of these shops welcome families warmly. Amy's Ice Creams offers a fun, theatrical serving show, while Little Man features a giant milk can. Classic parlors like Leopold's and Margie's delight all ages. A few flavors at certain shops contain alcohol, so check the menu. Otherwise, these stops make sweet family outings.
Do I need to visit in summer, or are shops open year-round?
Many shops stay open year-round, though hours may shorten in winter. Brands like Jeni's, Graeter's, and Van Leeuwen operate through all seasons. Smaller or patio-focused shops may reduce hours in the off-season. Checking each shop's website confirms current hours so you can plan a visit any time of year.
How can I find a good ice cream shop while traveling?
Local recommendations and review sites are a great start. Ask hotel staff or locals for their favorite parlor. Many of the best shops cluster in walkable downtowns and food districts. Searching for artisan creameries in your destination often turns up hidden favorites. Planning a stop or two adds a sweet highlight to any trip.
Planning your next U.S. getaway? Explore more destination guides, road trips, and travel tips at Vacation Getaways US. Have a question or a spot we should cover? Email us at [email protected].