The 15 best ice cream shops in America

What Is It? An Italian-inspired gelato shop by Hallie Meyer. 

Why we love it: Named the top ice cream shop in NYC by our local contributors, Caffè Panna has been around since 2019. While it’s been on the radar of regulars and newbies alike ever since, the lines are still long at Caffè Panna, no matter which location you go to. And as much as we’re resistant to waiting, we’d grin and bear it for just a taste of Meyer’s Italian-inspired treats. The shop offers seven flavors that are always on hand, such as the chocolate sorbet made from nothing but Amano chocolate, sugar and water, or the Caffè Bianco Stracciatella, starring cold-steeped coffee bean ice cream. But the daily specials mix up the menu, folding in the likes of pie crust, Amarena cherries and fig preserves into their rich, creamy bases—and that’s just for starters. Each order comes with an airy dollop of panna, which is the shop’s signature freshly whipped Italian cream, to finish your decadence in style. You can get your fix in Manhattan or Brooklyn, but know that the latter Greenpoint location houses the production facility, so you can see how the ice cream is made if you go that route. 

Time Out tip: If you want to taste the hype but aren’t in the Big Apple, don’t worry: You can order assorted six packs straight from the shop via Goldbelly. They’ll arrive at your doorstep frozen and ready to devour.

Address: 77 Irving Pl., New York, NY 10003; 16 Norman Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 1:30–9:30pm (Manhattan); Wed–Sun 1:30–9:30pm (Brooklyn)

What is it? An artisanal creamery inspired by travel, offering a standout monthly flavor series. 

Why we love it: It was crowned the best ice cream in Los Angeles by our editors for a reason. There are plenty of artisanal scoop shops at Angelenos’ disposal, but Wanderlust is one that just might be worth booking a flight for. Founded more than a decade ago in 2015, this Tarzana-based ice cream shop now has eight locations in Atwater Village, Venice, Sawtelle, Pasadena, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Torrance and Fairfax, plus a soon-to-open outpost in San Diego. Among the standard offerings, guests adore flavors like Ube Malted Crunch (malted milk and sweet purple yam ice creams with crunchy malted milk pieces), Beurre Noisette Cookie Dough (brown butter ice cream with cookie dough) and Japanese Neapolitan (matcha, Japanese cherry blossom and Hokkaido milk ice creams). 

That said, its rotating monthly selection of seasonal flavors is arguably the top highlight. Recent varieties include nutty Almond Croissant, warming Cardamom Cinnamon Roll and sweet-and-savory Spam Maple Donut. You can also keep an eye on Wanderlust’s Instagram for additional novelty items, including ice pops, specialty sundaes and collaborative flavors.

Time Out tip: If it’s a dairy-free scoop you seek, we have it on good authority that the vegan Sticky Rice + Mango, made with house-crafted rice milk, coconut cream and Alphonso mango, is genuinely life-changing. There’s also the vegan Passionfruit Cacao, made with passionfruit, coconut, cocoa butter and raw cacao. 

Address: Eight locations across L.A.

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? A far South Side institution famous for its five-flavor Rainbow Cone.

Why we love it: Time Out editors named this iconic pick the best ice cream in Chicago, and we can’t say we’re surprised. The awning-covered picnic tables of the Far South Side’s Original Rainbow Cone have beckoned locals and their sweet cravings for nearly a century. But now, there are a whopping 26 Chicago-based locations, not to mention outposts in Tennessee, Florida and California, so you don’t need to venture that way to get in on the tasty secret. 

The signature item is the five-flavor Rainbow Cone, featuring slices—not scoops—of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet. Stacked to Instagrammable heights and vibrant with color and contrasting ingredients, you’ll be shocked at how well these varieties pair together. If you want to try something else, though, there’s plenty to choose from. We’re talking drool-worthy milkshakes, cherry-crowned sundaes and made-to-order mini donuts. Heck, you can even splurge on an ice cream cake filled with the brand’s five signature flavors if you really want to bring a party to the dessert table.

Time Out tip: Head there on a Tuesday with a friend to score buy-one-get-one sliced cones. The deal is in celebration of Rainbow Cone’s 100th birthday. 

Address: More than 25 locations in Chicago, California, Florida and Tennessee

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? A restored vintage soda fountain and ice cream parlor.

Why we love it: Despite opening in 2004, this stunning replica of a turn-of-the-century ice cream shop is housed in a building dating back to 1899. It’s located in Old City, the oldest part of Philadelphia, which is famous for its cobblestone streets dating back to the 17th century. The parlor boasts a tin ceiling, marble countertops, a mosaic porcelain tile floor and, most importantly, a bronze and onyx marble soda fountain, where countless fizzy drinks, over-the-top sundaes and charming treats are created year-round.

There are more than 20 ice creams on the menu, including some plant-based options, not to mention seasonal varieties that come and go. Options range from basics like coffee, pistachio and vanilla bean to novelties like caramelized banana, honeycomb and almond butter cherry. The toppings are similarly diverse, running the gamut from house-made mint syrup to malted milk powder. Combine the two categories, and the result is a gorgeous array of sundaes, like the fruity Peach Melba topped with fresh raspberry compote, or the retro Banana Split for My Baby, complete with peanut butter sauce. 

If you want to make the experience even more of a throwback, turn to the house sodas, floats and fizzes. You can select up to two house-made flavor syrups per drink, or opt for a curated sipper off the menu, like the Cherry Bomb (house cherry soda with chocolate ice cream) or the Orange Dreamland (house orange soda, vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream). There’s also an old-school New York Egg Cream for purists who want to be transported to a simpler time at first sip.

Time Out tip: Shane Confectionery, America’s oldest, continuously running candy shop, is just a few doors down. Owned by the same people as Franklin Fountain, it’s famous for its wide selection of hand-crafted chocolates, namely buttercreams. If you’re going to make the trip to one location, you may as well double up on dessert at the other. 

Address: 116 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Opening hours: Daily 11am–midnight 

What is it? A Cambridge ice cream shop and café founded in 1981.

Why we love it: The New York Times called it the best ice cream in the world, which is just one of countless accolades the Cambridge ice cream parlor and café has collected since it was co-founded by Steve’s Ice Cream alum, Gus Rancatore, more than forty years ago. 

Toscanini’s is adored for its intriguing, endlessly satisfying flavor fusions, like the B3 (a rich concoction of chewy brownies, molasses-kissed brown sugar and nutty brown butter) and the divine Burnt Caramel, a serendipitous offering that was actually created by accident. Other unexpected varieties include Drunken Cherry, spiked with orange liqueur and cherry pieces, Peanut Butter Honey Miso, cardamom-laced Saffron Kulfi and Vienna Finger Cookie, the latter of which is a guaranteed win for vanilla stans. First-timers also won’t want to skip the sorbets, which come in limited but scrumptious flavors, like mango and apple cider. 

Time Out tip: Because mini desserts never lose their charm, Toscanini’s offers three sizes of ice cream cakes, the smallest being 2.5 inches across. Available in four flavors and packaged with free hot fudge, the micro cake comes in four varieties (B3, Belgian Chocolate, Cookies and Cream and Strawberry), all atop a hard chocolate wafer cookie for stability. 

Address: 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02138; 159 First St., Cambridge, MA 02142

Opening hours: Sun–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm 

What is it? A family-run Chinatown institution that’s been making ice cream since 1978.

Why we love it: For more than 45 years, this popular scoop shop has been selling lesser-seen and standard ice creams alike. Many of the most noteworthy are Asian-inspired, like Chinese red bean, violet-hued Ube, creamy Thai iced tea, controversial durian and Don Tot (A.K.A. Chinese egg custard). If you’re a newbie to this Big Apple pick, we suggest the Almond Cookie, studded with Chinese almond cookies from Famous Fung Wong Bakery, or Zen Butter, a peanut butter ice cream infused with toasted sesame seeds. 

If you’d rather keep it classic, consider choosing from the other half of the menu, which is replete with varieties like chocolate chip, vanilla fudge, mint chip, Oreo cookie and pistachio. There’s even a ginger-tinged pumpkin pie number, which is available all year-round for fall lovers. No matter what you’re craving, here’s one thing to know before you go: Don’t count on snagging a seat. This ice cream shop is compact, so plan on taking your Manhattan delicacy for a stroll through Chinatown.

Time Out tip: The Chinatown location is no doubt the most iconic, and first-timers should try their best to visit that one. But in case you’re not nearby, know that there are additional locations in Queens and on the Lower East Side. 

Address: 65 Bayard St., New York, NY 10013; Essex Market at 115 Delancey St., New York, NY 10002; 135-15 40 Rd., Flushing, NY 11354

Opening hours: Daily 11am–10pm

What is it? A Little Havana-born ice cream and sorbet boutique with Latin-inspired ice creams and sorbets.

Why we love it: Azucar owner Suzy Batlle takes the best flavor combinations from her childhood and churns them into delicious, Cuban-inspired scoops, including the wildly popular Abuela Maria, a blend of vanilla ice cream, Maria crackers, guava and cream cheese. The team was trained by experts at Penn State’s Ice Cream University and The Frozen Dessert Institute of St. Louis, so they’re basically doctors of dessert in our book.

This Miami-based dairy haven often concocts new flavors with local ingredients, like ruby-red mamey from Los Piñarenos fruit stand down the street and caramelized platanos maduros from nearby El Nuevo Siglo grocery store. In addition to the Abuela Maria flavor that skyrocketed the ice cream shop’s fame, there are plenty more Cuban-style flavors to explore, like the espresso-rich, Oreo-studded Café con Leche, the caramelly Flan and the cinnamon-spiked, custardy Mantecado. There are also Florida must-haves, like Key Lime (complete with pieces of real pie crust) and Coconut, as well as Italian-inspired numbers, like Sicilian Pistachio and The Godfather (orange olive oil ice cream with chocolate chunks). 

Time Out tip: If you’re there in the winter, don’t miss the seasonal Mulatica ice cream. It’s a cinnamon base blended with chunks of oatmeal raisin cookies. In other words, it’s as sweet, warm-spiced and nostalgic as it gets. 

Address: 1503 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135; 11429 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest, FL 33156 (main shop)

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? An unassuming shop making hand-made, small-batch ice cream.

Why we love it: Bi-Rite is known for making all its treats in-house, from the ice creams themselves to the mix-ins and toppings. Everything from the almond toffee bits in the Ritual Coffee Toffee to the brandy-and-espresso-soaked cake in the tiramisu is made on site, so your scoop will be as fresh as possible. The creamy salted caramel ice cream, which is the shop’s most popular flavor by a long shot, sparked the craze behind this San Francisco parlor. But since its inception, the shop has introduced other taste sensations with notable cult followings, like balsamic strawberry, brown sugar with ginger caramel swirl, honey lavender and Ricanelas (cinnamon with snickerdoodle cookies). 

There are also a handful of dairy-free options, like Banana Bananza and Triple Chocolate Coconut, for folks who are avoiding milk. Furthermore, you can treat yourself to chocolate or vanilla soft serve instead of a hard scoop, not to mention a few artfully constructed ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, fruit popsicles and sundaes. The bake shop next door sells house-made cupcakes, cookies and seasonal sweets to boot, so you can up the sweet ante if you’re feeling insatiable.

Time Out tip: The Creamery is the offshoot of the gourmet Bi-Rite Market down the street, so if the line at the shop is long, you can save yourself some time by buying a pint or a quart from the store instead. 

Address: 3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Opening hours: Daily noon–9pm

What is it? A farm-to-spoon ice cream shop in New Jersey.

Why we love it: In operation since 2004, The Bent Spoon has racked up many awards and international acclaim in its time. The ice cream shop is known for using local and organic ingredients whenever possible, resulting in a scoop that sets itself apart from the first lick. Flavors are constantly rotating (so much so that you won’t find any listed on the shop’s website—you’ll have to resort to social media, specifically the shop’s Instagram and Facebook stories, to see the most recent flavors before going to the store). 

However, there’s plenty to look forward to, even if it’s a mystery until you arrive. Past selections include Ricotta Pistachio, Lemon Lilac and Sun Gold Tomato Sorbet. You’ll also find a few vegan flavors for plant-based ice cream fans, like dark chocolate and cookies and cream. We suggest going for the more outlandish options that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, like Prune Armagnac, Mascarpone and Chocolate Black Peppercorn.

Time Out tip: While the ice cream is no doubt the star, The Bent Spoon has also perfected another sweet treat: mini cupcakes, available in chocolate or yellow cake with vanilla or chocolate buttercream. Even more famous is the store’s decadent hot chocolate, served during the cold season. 

Address: 35 Palmer Sq, Princeton, NJ 08542

Opening hours: Mon, Tue noon–5pm; Wed, Thu, Sun noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm 

What is it? A historic campus creamery that dates back to 1889.

Why we love it: PSU’s beloved “cow-to-cone” operation, Berkey Creamery, has been milking its reputation for more than 100 years—literally. The university’s own dairy cattle do their part to ensure the ice cream is astoundingly fresh. Though the production facility doubles as a research lab, sheer wholesome quality trumps innovation here. 

Still, the weekly docket of flavors offers plenty of twists, like Arboretum Breeze (mint vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips and raspberry swirl), Apple Cobbler Crunch (cinnamon apple ice cream with graham crunch and applesauce swirl) and Grilled Stickies (cinnamon bun ice cream with sticky bun dough pieces and cinnamon streusel swirl). First-timers in particular may want to get in the Penn State spirit with one of the campus-inspired selections, like Alumni Swirl (vanilla ice cream with Swiss mocha chips and blueberry swirl), Scholar’s Chip (vanilla ice cream with vanilla beans and chocolate chips) or THON Gold Ribbon Ripple (chocolate ice cream with golden caramel swirl and white chips), named for the school’s annual dance marathon. 

Time Out tip: As if the next-level ice cream isn’t enticing enough, the creamery also sells plenty of top-tier cheese that’s also made on site. Think blue cheese, baby Swiss, dill Havarti and Nittany-smoked cheddar, to name a few. 

Address: 119 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 7:30–9pm; Fri 7:30am–10pm; Sat 9am–10pm; Sun 9am–9pm

What is it? A Persian ice cream shop with locations in Hollywood, Silverlake and Westwood.

Why we love it: Forget the vanilla. At Mashti Malone’s, a small ice cream shop that grew from a modest location in a Hollywood strip mall to three locations throughout the region, you’ll find Persian ice creams in exotic flavors that are as aromatic and tasty as they are easy on the eyes. 

Consider varieties such as Saffron Rosewater, Orange Blossom, Persian Cucumber and Herbal Snow Sorbet. Equally as impressive is the lineup of vegan ice creams, made with coconut milk. They range from punchy Turkish Coffee and floral Lavender to vibrant Saffron and earthy Banana Walnut. There are also a whopping 29 dairy-free flavors for folks who want to avoid milk, but aren’t restricted to vegan selections. 

Don’t let the nuanced types fool you, though: The straightforward stalwarts, like strawberry and mint chip, are essentially flawless, so you can mix and match to your heart’s (or stomach’s) content. Even better, ask to get your scoop squashed between two wafer cookies to make it a true Persian ice cream shop experience.

Time Out tip: With so many unique types to choose from, samples are the smartest way to shop. Go wild with your tastings, because the staff is notoriously patient. Just know that the more flavors you try, the harder it will be to narrow down your selection—you’ve been warned.

Address: 1525 N. La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90028; 1529 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 1898 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? A vegan ice cream shop with locations in Seattle and California.

Why we love it: With a mission to “radically shift the way you think about ice cream,” Frankie & Jo’s vegan scoop shop churns out offerings that rely on ripe-as-can-be produce and quality ingredients to create the freshest flavors imaginable. Not only are all the ice creams completely plant-based (meaning it’s a sound choice for vegans and folks who don’t consume dairy), but they’re also gluten-free—even the toppings and mix-ins. 

From Chocolate Tahini Supercookie to Beet Strawberry Rose to Potato Chip Caramel Crunch, the varieties are unique yet familiar and rely on seasonal inspiration. (The Summer Sangria, packed with organic strawberries, orange and pineapple, is not to be missed, and the California Cabin is also a winner, with a smoked vanilla and pine base dotted with black pepper-cardamom shortbread cookie bits.) Interestingly enough, there are a few Asian-inspired picks that you won’t find elsewhere, like the Tom Ka (coconut ice cream infused with lime leaf, lemongrass and Thai chile, layered with coconut macaroons and lime leaf caramel), the Chaat Masala (spiced coconut-cashew ice cream with chaat masala and savory nut brittle) and Black Sesame Banana Caramel (black sesame ice cream with eggplant chocolate cake and banana caramel). 

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the Magic Sandwiches, which are two chocolate chip cookies stuffed with oat milk-based chocolate chip cookie ice cream, dipped in chocolate and finished with sea salt. If it’s just the cookies you’re after, you can order chocolate chip, miso oat and tahini snickerdoodle dough online, not to mention three types of shortbread. 

Address: 1010 E. Union St, Seattle, WA 98122; 1411 NW 70th St, Seattle WA 98117; 4619 Village Terrace Dr NE, Seattle, WA 98105; Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur CA 94939

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? A pint-sized ice cream parlor selling top-notch classics and fresh donuts.

Why we love it: This spot comes courtesy of Victoria Lai, a former lawyer who transformed her love of sweets into a full-time vocation. The original shop, which overlooks the Anacostia River, reinvents traditional flavors with creative updates and mix-ins. (Lai also makes a mean Thai iced tea, which is a vibrant orange and goes down all too easily, but we digress.) Not only does the brand have a number of locations in D.C. proper, but there are also shops in Baltimore and Virginia. Even cooler, you can pick up pints of her ice cream at select specialty markets throughout the city.

Most of the flavors don’t aim to reinvent the wheel; the goal here is rather to perfect the classics with a few visionary tweaks. For instance, instead of offering straight-up cookie dough ice cream, they have one studded with edible cookie dough and crispy cookie crumbs. Or consider the Fresh Minty Chip, which is accompanied on the menu by the far less expected (and doubly rich) Mint Chocolate Brownie variety. You’ll want to keep an eye out for limited-time seasonal flavors too, like pistachio and peppermint stick.

Time Out tip: Your visit to Ice Cream Jubilee would be incomplete without trying the freshly fried mini donuts. The bite-sized confections are a stellar pairing for coffee and ice cream alike, and they come in four classic varieties: plain, powdered sugar, chocolate sprinkles and cinnamon sugar. 

Address: Five locations in Washington, DC, as well as in Baltimore, MD and VA

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? An old-school, hyper-local parlor making small-batch treats with NOLA flair.

Why we love it: When you’re living in the hot, humid south, frequent ice cream eating is a must, and the decidedly fun Creole Creamery has New Orleanians covered in that category. The store’s look is old-school—pink walls, checkerboard floors—and so is its approach, relying on small-batch production and local ingredients to keep the bar high. 

The scoop shop’s rotating flavors reflect local influence with gems like King Cake, Brown Butter Pecan and Bananas Foster on the menu. Ingredients like cayenne, chicory root, sassafras, Scotch bonnet peppers, Doberge cake, café au lait and plenty of booze pay homage to the city’s storied culinary past. However, even locals will find themselves shocked by the ample (and unprecedented) selection. For maximum originality, how about a cone piled high with Pine Forest, Strawberry Jalapeño Cheesecake or Magnolia Flower ice cream? Everyone loves a contrarian.

Time Out tip: Visit with friends to go all in on the Tchoupitoulas Challenge, an eight-scoop, eight-topping wonder that’s best conquered through teamwork (though if you finish it yourself, you’ll get your name engraved on a plaque on the wall).

Address: Three locations in Louisiana and one in Mississippi

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

What is it? An artisanal ice cream parlor known for its crowd-pleasing sundaes.

Why we love it: Chef Helen Yung’s Le Cordon Bleu training is certainly put to good use here, and her inventively chic creations are proof. The ice cream ranges from timeless essentials—vanilla bean, mint chip, strawberry buttermilk—to one-of-a-kind delights—jelly donut, crème brûlée, Almond Buttercrunch, banana Basque cheesecake. But it’s the lavish sundaes she and Sweet Republic partner, Jan Wichayanuparp, offer at their Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe locations that have earned the love of Arizona residents and visitors alike. 

Every element is house-made, from toppings (see bacon brittle and salted caramel sauce) to bottoms (hello, adorable waffle cone bowls). Of course, you can customize your sundae with flavors and toppings of your choosing, but beginners may want to lean on a premade sundae from the menu. Consider the Pecan Turtle Sundae, a towering treat of Salted Caramel Swirl ice cream, toasted Arizona pecans, hot fudge, salted caramel sauce and whipped cream. If chocolate is more your thing, go for the Campfire S’more, topped with roasted marshmallows and hot fudge, or the Chocolate Brownie, starring a duo of chocolate and Brownie Fudge Swirl ice creams. 

Time Out tip: On really hot days when you’d rather drink your dessert than scoop it, check out Sweet Republic’s beverage menu. It features sippers like the Island Float (coconut sorbet in lemon-lime soda) and a Brown Cow (vanilla bean ice cream and your choice of root beer or Mexican Coke.)

Address: Four locations across Arizona

Opening hours: Hours vary by location