When the craving for ice cream hits, nothing beats indulging in a scoop (or two) from a place with a legendary reputation. Across the USA, there are ice cream shops that have achieved iconic status thanks to their history, creativity, and downright delicious flavors. Here are some of the most iconic ice cream destinations in the country, where you can savor sweet perfection.
1. Ben & Jerry’s – Waterbury, Vermont
What started as a renovated gas station in Burlington has become a global phenomenon. Ben & Jerry’s original factory in Waterbury remains a pilgrimage site for ice cream enthusiasts, offering tours that showcase how social consciousness and premium ingredients can coexist. Their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream, which they invented in 1984, revolutionized the industry and remains a bestseller today.
2. Salt & Straw – Portland, Oregon
While younger than some of its counterparts, Salt & Straw has revolutionized what artisanal ice cream can be. Since 2011, this Portland-born establishment has captured the farm-to-cone movement perfectly, collaborating with local artisans and farmers to create flavors that read like a chef’s tasting menu. Their Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream and seasonal offerings like Bone Marrow & Bourbon Smoked Cherries have redefined the boundaries of frozen desserts.
3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Columbus, Ohio
Jeni Britton Bauer’s approach to ice cream making is part art, part science. Since 2002, she’s been creating flavors that tell stories about places, seasons, and memories. The Brambleberry Crisp – a perfect balance of jam-like berry sauce and brown sugar streusel – exemplifies their commitment to creating ice cream without synthetic flavorings or off-the-shelf mixes.
4. Bi-Rite Creamery – San Francisco, California
In a city known for culinary innovation, Bi-Rite stands out for its farm-to-cone philosophy. Their Salted Caramel flavor, made in small batches with organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, has become San Francisco’s unofficial ice cream mascot. The perpetual line around the corner in the Mission District is testament to their unwavering quality.
5. Ample Hills Creamery – Brooklyn, New York
Named after Walt Whitman’s poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Ample Hills represents Brooklyn’s creative spirit. Their playful flavors like “The Munchies” – pretzel-infused ice cream with clusters of potato chips, pretzels, and mini M&Ms – capture the whimsy and innovation that’s made them a New York favorite. They even pasteurize their own dairy base, a rarity in modern ice cream making.
6. Graeter’s Ice Cream – Cincinnati, Ohio
When you talk about historic American ice cream, Graeter’s demands attention. Founded in 1870, this Cincinnati institution still crafts its ice cream using French Pot freezers, a labor-intensive process that produces only two gallons at a time. Their signature Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, studded with massive shards of chocolate, has earned them national acclaim and devoted followers across generations.
7. The Franklin Fountain – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Housed in a meticulously restored building from 1904, The Franklin Fountain is more than just an ice cream parlor – it’s a time machine. The staff, dressed in period attire, serves up historically accurate sundaes and phosphate sodas. Their Mt. Vesuvius sundae, complete with brownie “volcanic ash,” is a spectacular reminder of ice cream’s golden age.
8. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – Santa Barbara, California
Since 1949, McConnell’s has been setting the gold standard for California ice cream. Using grass-grazed milk and cream from their own Central Coast cows, they craft dense, pure ice creams without artificial additives. Their Turkish Coffee flavor, made with local coffee roasters’ beans, demonstrates their commitment to both tradition and local collaboration
9. Blue Bell Creameries – Brenham, Texas
Deep in the heart of Texas, Blue Bell has been crafting ice cream since 1907. Their commitment to using fresh cream from local dairy farms has earned them a cult-like following throughout the South. Their Homemade Vanilla, often cited as the best-selling ice cream in the country, proves that perfecting the basics is an art form in itself.
10. Sweet Rose Creamery – Los Angeles, California
In the heart of Los Angeles, Sweet Rose Creamery brings farmer’s market freshness to ice cream. Their seasonal menu changes based on what’s available at local markets, with flavors like Fresh Mint with Homemade Chocolate Chips showcasing the difference real ingredients make. Each batch is made from scratch daily, proving that in ice cream, as in life, freshness matters.
11. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – St. Louis, Missouri
No discussion of American frozen desserts would be complete without mentioning Ted Drewes. Since 1929, this St. Louis landmark has been serving their famous “concrete” – frozen custard so thick it can be turned upside down without spilling. The Route 66 location has become a mandatory pit stop for road-trippers, with their Cardinal Sin (hot fudge, tart cherries, and chocolate chips) serving as a heavenly reward for weary travelers.
12. Leopold’s Ice Cream – Savannah, Georgia
Step into Leopold’s, and you’re transported to 1919, when three Greek immigrant brothers opened their doors in historic Savannah. The marble counters and vintage décor remain unchanged, but it’s their Tutti Frutti ice cream – made from a secret family recipe – that keeps both locals and tourists lining up around the block. The combination of rum-flavored ice cream with candied fruit and fresh roasted Georgia pecans captures the essence of Southern charm in each scoop.
13. Fenton’s Creamery – Oakland, California
A Bay Area institution since 1894, Fenton’s is where tradition meets abundance. Their massive sundaes, particularly the Fenton’s Special (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream topped with fresh fruit, almonds, and whipped cream), have been delighting generations. Pixar animators, who frequently visited while making “Up,” even included Fenton’s in the film as a tribute.
14. Leon’s Frozen Custard – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Since 1942, Leon’s has been serving Milwaukee’s finest frozen custard from their Art Deco drive-in. The neon signs and carhop service transport visitors to a simpler time, while their impossibly creamy vanilla custard proves why Milwaukee is America’s frozen custard capital. Their steadfast refusal to expand beyond their original location has preserved both quality and nostalgia.
15. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz – New Orleans, Louisiana
Though not traditional ice cream, no list of frozen treats would be complete without Hansen’s. Since 1939, they’ve been using their patented ice-shaving machine to create the finest snowballs in New Orleans. Their house-made syrups and attention to detail have earned them a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic Award.
16. The Creamery – Beaver, Utah
In the heart of Utah, The Creamery turns local dairy into destination-worthy ice cream. Their location in the state’s dairy country means their ice cream is about as farm-to-cone as it gets. Their signature flavor, Beaver Tracks (vanilla ice cream with fudge and toffee-coated peanuts), pays homage to their small-town roots.
17. Lapperts Ice Cream – Hanapepe, Hawaii
Walter Lappert’s vision of bringing premium ice cream to Hawaii has resulted in flavors that capture the essence of the islands. Their Kauai Pie – coffee ice cream swirled with chocolate fudge, macadamia nuts, and coconut – demonstrates how local ingredients can create something truly special.
18. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain – Brooklyn, New York
Housed in a restored 1920s apothecary, Brooklyn Farmacy is a living museum of soda fountain culture. Their egg creams and sundaes are made the same way they were a century ago, proving that some things never go out of style. The Mr. Potato Head sundae, featuring roasted potato chips in vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, shows how tradition and innovation can coexist.
19. Tillamook Creamery – Tillamook, Oregon
The Tillamook Creamery represents the farm-to-cone movement at its finest. Their visitor center, nestled in Oregon’s dairy country, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their famous ice cream is made. Their Oregon Strawberry ice cream, made with berries from the Pacific Northwest, showcases the importance of sourcing local ingredients.
20. Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream – Seattle, Washington
In a city known for its food scene, Molly Moon’s stands out for its commitment to local ingredients and sustainable practices. Their Honey Lavender ice cream, made with lavender from Sequim and honey from local beekeepers, has become a Pacific Northwest classic.
21. Clementine’s Creamery – St. Louis, Missouri
As Missouri’s only micro-creamery, Clementine’s has earned national attention for their “naughty and nice” menu concept. Their “nice” flavors showcase local ingredients, while their “naughty” offerings feature booze-infused creations like Maple Bourbon with Salted Candied Pecans. Their innovative approach to ice cream making has earned them recognition from Food & Wine and other national publications.
22. Fenway’s Hood Milk Bar – Boston, Massachusetts
A Boston legend reborn, Hood’s ice cream stand near Fenway Park continues a tradition that began in 1934. Their Fenway Fudge flavor has been cooling off Red Sox fans for generations, and their simple yet perfect soft-serve demonstrates why sometimes the classics are all you need.
23. Bassetts Ice Cream – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reading Terminal Market’s crown jewel, Bassetts, holds the title of America’s oldest ice cream company, serving scoops since 1861. Through five generations of family ownership, they’ve maintained their commitment to quality while operating from the same historic location. Their vanilla might seem simple, but it’s become the standard against which all other vanillas are measured, thanks to a proprietary blend of vanilla beans and a uniquely dense, creamy texture.
24. Big Gay Ice Cream – New York City, New York
From humble food truck beginnings in 2009 to becoming a New York institution, Big Gay Ice Cream represents the modern evolution of the American ice cream parlor. Their whimsical creations like the Salty Pimp (vanilla soft serve, dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip) combine nostalgia with innovation, while their inclusive atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.
These establishments represent more than just places to satisfy a sweet tooth – they’re living museums of American culinary history, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Each scoop tells a story of immigration, family tradition, and the endless pursuit of perfection in frozen form. Whether you’re a devoted ice cream enthusiast or simply appreciate American food culture, these iconic destinations deserve a place on your travel bucket list.
Remember, in a world of mass-produced everything, these ice cream landmarks remind us that some things are worth doing the old-fashioned way, one scoop at a time.
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