Beat the Heat with Austin’s Best Ice Cream Treats
Looking to cool down in the intense Texas heat? Ice cream might be the answer! From classic soft serve to authentic gelato and innovative sundaes, ice cream lovers will taste the quality in every bite of the sweet treats these spots have to offer.
Photo courtesy of Amy’sAmy’s Ice Creams
1301 South Congress Ave.
No list of Austin’s best ice cream is complete without Amy’s. Now with 13 locations around town, plus more in Houston and San Antonio, Amy’s enthusiastic employees, known as Scoops, have been slinging their signature Mexican Vanilla and Belgian Chocolate for nearly 40 years.
Photo by Annie RayLick Honest Ice Creams
1100 South Lamar Blvd.
For a more artisanal scoop, head to Lick. Founded in 2011 with the mission to offer Austinites “honest” ice cream made with pure, sustainable ingredients, the team behind Lick prides themselves on their ability to trace each of their ingredients back to its source. Locals are invited to visit as the seasons change to get a taste of their ever-changing flavors — and don’t forget to add one of their homemade toppings!
Photo courtesy of Sandy’sSandy’s Hamburgers
603 Barton Springs Rd.
Sandy’s serves up soft serve from a drive-in that’s been open since 1946. A beloved icon of ‘old Austin,’ Sandy’s has all the classics, like hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats, malts, milkshakes and cones. Grab a hamburger with fries and finish it off with your go-to frozen treat. It’s a charming experience that’s tasty as can be.
Photo courtesy of Dolce NeveDolce Neve
1713 South 1st St.
Take one bite of Dolce Neve’s scrumptious gelato and you’ll be transported to Florence. The Italian-owned shop, with a name that means “Sweet Snow,” carries 12 to 18 flavors everyday, with staples like Stracciatella, Vanilla from Madagascar and Salted Caramel, as well as rotating and seasonal flavors. On top of the delicious gelato, the team also creates frozen treats like granita, gelato bars and our favorite of all — affogato.
Photo courtesy of ZedsZeds
1814 Harvey St.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? If it’s anything fruity, Zeds is worth a visit. Originally founded in Portland, Oregon, Zeds opened in East Austin in 2021. Their made-to-order treats start with a vanilla or vegan coconut base that is then blended with your choice of fruit, making it a particularly refreshing treat for kids and adults alike.
Photo courtesy of Tiny’s Milk & CookiesTiny’s Milk & Cookies
1515 West 35th St.
Houston’s beloved Tiny’s Milk and Cookies made the jump to Austin in 2019 and has been loved by locals ever since. Try the eponymous Milk & Cookies flavor for a taste of their epic chocolate chip cookies or go for the luxurious Lemon Tart flavor, made with a lemon mousse swirl. All of their decadent desserts are available at the adorable walk-up shop in Kerbey Lane Village.
Photo courtesy of Luv FatsLuv Fats Ice Cream
7135 North Lamar Blvd., Unit A
Even if you don’t eat a vegan diet, you’ll love the entirely dairy-free line of ice creams from Luv Fats, created with avocado and coconut milk. Flavors like Kenyan Chai and Yellow Watermelon Sorbet are inspired by founder Chi Ndika’s Kenyan and Nigerian roots. Find Luv Fats at the Texas Farmer’s Market at Mueller and select grocery stores around town, in addition to their bright pink brick-and-mortar on North Lamar.
Photo courtesy of Jeni’sJeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
4616 Triangle Ave., Unit 200
Jeni’s has taken the country by storm, now boasting over 60 locations nationwide. Their three Austin scoop shops are conveniently located around town, with each location serving up inventive flavors that are consistently yummy and always changing on the menu. Highlights include Gooey Butter Cake, Skillet Cinnamon Roll and Wildberry Lavender — plus many more rotating options.
Photo by Kathleen PierattFresa’s
1703 South 1st St.
The ice cream at Fresa’s feels like a secret. Most guests visit the restaurant for its fantastic wood-grilled chicken and fresh margaritas, but you’re missing out if you don’t try their creamy, dreamy ice cream. Grab a pint at the to-go window or dine in for a scoop of Blueberry Cheesecake, Orange Creamsicle and more.
Photo by Holly CowartDipDipDip Ice Cream
7301 Burnet Rd.
If you’re looking for something funky, DipDipDip is for you. The Japanese-inspired offerings from the restaurateurs behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya, Tiki Tatsu-Ya and more, are creative and delicious works of art, served up in cones made from mochi flour. With flavors like Matcha Cha-Cha and Miso PB&J, this ice cream is different from the more standard frozen fare.
Photo by Holly CowartGati
1512 Holly St.
After selling coconut milk-based mango ice cream at Thai Fresh, owner Jam Sanitchat opened spinoff spot Gati to offer more flavors of her vegan and gluten-free treats. Also serving up coffee and baked goods, Gati is an ideal stop for your next afternoon pick-me-up.
Photo by Kathleen PierattThe Baked Bear
211 Walter Seaholm Dr.
Ice cream sandwiches are on the menu at The Baked Bear, located downtown in the Seaholm District. Mix and match any homemade cookie with premium ice cream to make a one-of-a-kind dessert. The family-friendly shop is perfect for kids looking for a sugar rush thanks to its fun flavors and unique creation process.
Photo by Bryan C. ParkerBésame
3901 Promontory Point Dr.
Everything’s homemade at Bésame, a family-owned creamery serving up balanced, fresh flavors in a trailer at Meanwhile Brewery. The Bésame team is known for their many collaborations with local chefs, bloggers and eateries, including Tavel Bristol-Joseph, A Taste of Koko and Cookie Wookie Kitchen. Try a new creamy concoction with each visit!
Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice
615 East 6th St.
Jim Moy’s shop has been open on 6th Street for nearly 30 years, making it an Austin mainstay. Although primarily known for their signature water ice, Jim-Jim’s also has ice cream and soft serve on the menu. Pro-tip: for the best of both worlds, order the Dreamsicle, which features soft serve ice cream in the middle of your choice of water ice.