Are you on the hunt for the best ice cream Atlanta has to offer? Look no further! There’s nothing quite like indulging in a scoop of creamy, flavorful ice cream, especially on a hot summer day (or any day, really!). So, let’s dive into this delightful world of frozen treats and explore some of the top ice cream shops in Atlanta and beyond.
Creamy Concoctions That Will Melt Your Heart
Butter and Cream (Decatur and Old Fourth Ward)
Butter and Cream, a local favorite, serves up super creamy and rich ice cream that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With flavors like butter pecan, bourbon toffee, and the indulgent Honeycomb Forest – honey ice cream with house-made honeycomb candy, this place is a must-visit. Crafted in small batches using real cream and fresh ingredients, Butter and Cream brings a modern twist to classic flavors – the way ice cream should be made!
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop (Sandy Springs)
Who can resist the heavenly combination of pie and ice cream? At Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, you can enjoy a Cloud 9 pie a la mode treat that will leave you wanting more. Choose from nine mini-pie flavors made from scratch daily and watch as the server expertly combines it with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
CheeseCaked (Norcross)
If you’re looking for mouthwatering milkshakes and Instagram-worthy ice cream concoctions, CheeseCaked is the place to be. This sweet spot on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross crafts some of the most spectacular-looking milkshakes you’ve ever seen. Indulge in these decadent treats and prepare to have your taste buds delighted.
Cremalosa (Decatur)
When Food and Wine magazine deems a gelateria the best ice cream spot in the state, you know it’s something special. Cremalosa in Decatur is exactly that – a gelato haven created by renowned gelato master and acclaimed Atlanta food writer Meridith Ford. Choose from a rotating menu of a dozen gelato and sorbetto flavors, crafted from local cream and farm-fresh ingredients. From traditional Italian options to creative twists inspired by Southern desserts and American treats, Cremalosa offers a delightful array of flavors.
Honeysuckle Gelato (Ponce City Market)
Located at Ponce City Market, Honeysuckle Gelato will capture your heart with its irresistibly delicious gelato flavors. Once you taste their offerings, you won’t be able to resist coming back for more. The unique and exquisite flavors will leave you in awe, and it’s no surprise that Honeysuckle Gelato is a favorite among ice cream connoisseurs.
Zesto Atlanta (Multiple Locations)
For those seeking traditional ice cream that hits the spot every time, Zesto Atlanta is a must-visit. With locations in Forest Park, Tyrone, and the famous drive-through spot in East Atlanta, Zesto Atlanta has been serving up delightful ice cream cones, milkshakes, malts, floats, and sundaes for years. Treat yourself to their soft-serve vanilla or chocolate ice cream cones or indulge in their Nut Brown Crown, a heavenly combination of soft-serve ice cream dipped in rich milk chocolate and rolled in nuts.
Eighty7Sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company (Atlanta)
Are you a vegan ice cream lover? Look no further than Eighty7Sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company in downtown Atlanta. Indulge in their scrumptious dairy-free ice cream and desserts that are free of all animal products. With flavors like Vanilla Vinings, Morehouse Chocolate, and unique combinations like Lenox Lime & Avocado and Spelman Strawberry & Mango, Eighty7Sweets is a vegan ice cream paradise.
Sweet Stack Creamery (Atlanta)
Prepare to be delighted at Sweet Stack Creamery, a whimsical dessert bar located in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Historic District. This sweet spot offers a delightful selection of handcrafted ice creams, cookie and doughnut ice cream sandwiches, and a variety of innovative and traditional flavors. Don’t forget to try their famous salted caramel and explore their vegan ice cream options too!
Jake’s Ice Cream (Atlanta, Hapeville)
If you find yourself strolling along Atlanta’s BeltLine, make sure to stop by Jake’s Ice Cream on Irwin Street for a sweet treat. With flavors like Chocolate Slap Yo Mama and Brown Shugah Vanilla, Jake’s Ice Cream knows how to satisfy your ice cream cravings. Whether you choose their most popular flavors or opt for something adventurous, you’re in for a delicious experience.
Big Softie (Atlanta)
Big Sofie’s soft serve is a treat that will make your taste buds sing. Made with the best ingredients, including local Georgia dairy and organic cane sugar, their soft serve is a creamy delight. Indulge in their delicious toppings and waffle cones, all made in-house by the talented baking team at Little Tart Bakeshop.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Atlanta, Decatur, Krog Street Market, Alpharetta, Buckhead, etc.)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is an Atlanta institution known for its gourmet ice cream flavors. With ten locations across the city, Jeni’s offers an incredible variety of flavors that will leave you craving more. From Butterscotch Popcorn and Brown Butter Almond Brittle to Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, their flavors are out of this world and a must-try for any ice cream enthusiast.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream (Atlanta)
For a truly unique ice cream experience, head to Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream on Roswell Road. Using their patented liquid nitrogen ice cream technology and premium ingredients, Sub Zero creates fresh, custom frozen desserts that will dazzle your taste buds. Don’t miss out on flavors like Peanut Butter Bonds and Key Lime Voltage for a refreshing twist on your ice cream experience.
Rolled Ice Cream Delights
Sweet Charlie’s Rolled Ice Cream (Buckhead, Roswell, McDonough)
If you’re looking for an extraordinary ice cream experience, look no further than Sweet Charlie’s Rolled Ice Cream. Watch as the ice cream chef transforms a sweet and creamy concoction into delightful rolls before your eyes. The Tall Charlie, an ice cream roll of your choice on a warm, glazed donut, is a favorite among many!
Georgia’s Finest Ice Cream
Georgia is not just home to incredible ice cream shops in Atlanta, but also boasts some fantastic spots throughout the state. Here are a few hidden gems that you don’t want to miss:
Leopold’s Ice Cream (Savannah)
In Savannah, Leopold’s Ice Cream is a true classic. With a commitment to using premium local ingredients, their ice cream is a sensory delight. Experience the unique flavors and quality that make Leopold’s a must-visit ice cream parlor.
More Georgia Ice Cream Spots
- Southern Belle Farm (McDonough): This family-friendly farm not only offers fresh strawberries but also uses them to create homemade ice cream. It’s a perfect combination of farm-fresh goodness and delightful flavors.
- Dickey’s Peach Farm (Musella): Indulge in homemade peach ice cream at Dickey’s Peach Farm, where you can enjoy the sweetness of Georgia peaches with every spoonful.
- The Ice Cream Stop (Pooler): A family-owned and operated shop that offers a flavor of the month, this place is a hidden gem. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering banana split.
- Lawson Peach Shed (Morven): Savor homemade ice creams made from fresh seasonal fruits like peaches and blueberries. Treat yourself to a hot peach cobbler topped with a scoop of ice cream for a heavenly combination.
- Mitcham Farm (Oxford): Quench your thirst with their refreshing strawberry slushy, a delicious summer treat that will keep you cool.
- Lane Southern Orchards (Fort Valley): Dive into their blueberry ice cream and explore the delightful flavors of Georgia. Don’t forget to try their pecans – a true Southern treat!
- Sunny Day Farms (Louisville): U-pick berries and seasonal vegetables are only the beginning at Sunny Day Farms. Treat yourself to their homemade ice cream and frozen lemonades made from their own delicious strawberries, blueberries, and peaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream in Atlanta
What is the #1 ice cream in America?
Vanilla and chocolate reign supreme as the most popular ice cream flavors in America. However, strawberry, cookies and cream, and chocolate chip are also incredibly popular choices.
What is America’s best-selling ice cream brand?
When it comes to America’s best-selling ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s takes the crown. With its wide range of delectable flavors, Ben & Jerry’s has captured the hearts of ice cream lovers across the nation.
What is America’s oldest ice cream brand?
Bassetts Ice Cream, a fifth-generation family business in Philadelphia, proudly holds the title of America’s oldest ice cream company. With a legacy that spans over 150 years, Bassetts continues to delight ice cream enthusiasts with its timeless flavors.
For more information about exploring Atlanta’s “sweet” spots and planning your Georgia vacation, visit Family Cuisine. Bon appétit!