Texans know all about the oppressive Texas heat here in the summer, so ice cream is definitely a welcome treat for a lot of us as the sun starts getting hotter and the days get longer. If you want to cool off this summer while enjoying a creamy bowl (or cone) of heaven, you will want to check out these places that take ice cream to a whole ‘nuther level.
1) La King's Confectionery - Galveston
You'll feel like you've stepped back into the 1920s when you visit this old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Complete with a working soda fountain serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, and sundaes, plus homemade salt water taffy, fudge, and other delicious candies, this easily takes the number one spot. You will literally feel like a kid in a candy store in here; everything tastes just as divine as it looks, and, as an extra bonus, they serve the oldest ice cream in Texas founded right in Galveston: Purity ice cream. Even better, they make their ice cream on site, a few floors above the shop itself, and it's the only place in Texas where you can get Purity ice cream. If you want to stop by and fill up on sweet treats, the address is 2323 The Strand Galveston, TX 77550.
2) Lick Ice Creams - Austin & San Antonio
If you want locally sourced ice cream with fresh ingredients and unusual flavors, you definitely need to check this place out. They make ice cream according to what's currently in season, so you never have to wonder how fresh the ingredients are. With flavors like roasted beet & fresh mint, cilantro lime, and dark chocolate with olive oil & salt, Lick offers the best of both worlds with refreshing, yet rich flavors. They also have dairy-free ice cream for vegan and/or lactose intolerant customers. They have two locations, so please check their website for more info.
3) The Chocolate Bar - Houston
If you are a chocolate-lover, this is the place for you. They have two locations in Houston, both offering plenty of chocolatey sweets and treats. They have ice cream flavors such as Brownie Supreme, Creamy Dreamy Truffle, and Chocolate Malt, so there's no shortage of chocolate here. They also make yummy candies, pies, cakes, and milkshakes if you want to go on an all-out chocolate extravaganza.
4) Amy's Ice Creams - San Antonio, Austin & Houston
You really can't go wrong with Amy's - they have seven regular flavors and seven rotating flavors from a list of hundreds of different choices. They have the standard flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and coffee, but they also offer flavors such as bacon jalapeno popper and avocado. To make serving ice cream even more fun, they put on a little show for their guests, throwing ice cream behind their backs or tossing scoops to coworkers who catch them in the cups before handing them to you. If this hasn't won you over yet, they serve other items besides ice cream, like ice cream cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and smoothies. Can't you just feel the cavities forming already?
5) Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Fountain - Denton
Another premium quality, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, this one serves up over 100 handmade flavors to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. They have two locations in the Denton area, and also sell some flavors at select Central Markets throughout Texas. They serve sandwiches, shakes, malts, ice cream sundaes, and other delectable desserts, so check them out if you're ever itching for ice cream and in the Denton area!
6) Whipped & Licked Ice Cream - Houston
While they currently only sell ice cream out of other businesses like Antidote, Black Hole Coffee, and Fat Cat Creamery, their ice cream flavors definitely make a name for themselves all on their own. The Banana Royal Dip, pictured above, is filled with banana rum ice cream with a brown sugar caramelized banana swirl, then dipped in chocolate. If you want some exciting flavors (and some booze in that ice cream too), you will love this place.
7) Henry's Homemade Ice Cream - Plano
Over 400 establishments in Texas serve their handmade ice cream, so you know it's good! On their website, it says they manufacture ALL flavors, so it sounds like you're in luck no matter what kind of ice cream you enjoy. They're located at 3011 Independence Parkway Suite # 215
Plano, TX 75075.
8) Sweet Firefly - Richardson
Beat the heat with some sweet treats from this cute little locally owned ice cream parlor. They have homemade toffee and other sweet candies if you want something other than (or in addition to) ice cream. Their address is 2701 Custer Pkwy, Richardson, Texas 75080.
9) Carnival Barker's Ice Creams - Dallas
If you want ice cream without nasty preservatives or fillers, I'm happy to say you've struck gold. The owner prides himself on serving fresh, quality ice cream with flavors like cookie butter, banana pudding, and yes, your wish has come true - he serves Shiner Bock flavored ice cream, too. You can also get rice crispie sandwiches with ice cream as the filling..is your mouth watering yet? The address is 5624 Sears St
Dallas, TX 75206.
10) Old Town Creamery - Plano
Another one for the adventurous eaters among us: you will find flavors like avocado, lychee, oolong tea, and Thai tea here. Voted one of the top ice cream parlors in the Dallas area, you will find it at 6205 Coit Rd Plano, TX 75024.
11) Fat Cat Creamery - Houston
One of the top-rated ice cream shops in Houston, you will discover some out-of-this-world flavors here. From Boozy Eggnog to Figgy Pudding to Milk Chocolate Stout with Candied Bacon, this place offers one-of-a-kind ice cream using local, fresh ingredients. Stop by their main parlor at 1901 N. Shepherd, or buy from the many local stockists listed on their website.
12) Alegre Ice Cream - El Paso
This little gem hidden way out west is a welcome treat on a scorching summer day in West Texas. Come here for anything from traditional ice cream sundaes to homemade fruity popsicles, chocolate covered bananas, horchatas, or more savory dishes like chilindrinas. One of the most unique spots on the list, it's an absolute must-try if you enjoy sampling foods from other cultures.
13) Cowboy Gelato - Amarillo
I know this list is supposed to include strictly ice cream, but I read way too many good things about this place to leave it out. You can't miss the brightly colored building located on the Historic Route 66, and once inside, you'll find a large variety of delicious gelato and sweet treats, plus you can make a meal out of it with a hamburger or pulled pork sandwich. And yes, you can have dessert first if you want. Here's the address if you want to check it out: 2806 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106.
14) Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe - Lubbock
Decorated just like a classic 50s diner, the retro atmosphere coupled with unique ice cream flavors like black cherry vanilla and Irish Cream will have you in absolute food heaven. Not to mention, they have other traditional diner foods like hamburgers and hot dogs if you want a little something more. If you want to try it out for yourself, the address is 3404 34th Street Lubbock, TX 79410.
15) Cloud 10 Creamery - Houston
This is the grand finale you have all been waiting for, and I think this ice cream shop definitely deserves the attention. Cloud 10 is the master of weird flavors, from dulce-de-leche chamomile to brown butter sweet potato. You can also order a classic banana split with a gourmet twist, ice cream sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream bars, and more. If you have found yourself bored and uninspired with your current ice cream selections, go on a new dessert adventure here: 5216 Morningside Houston Texas 77005.
Are you ready to get your ice cream on yet?! Which places would you add to the list?
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