There’s certainly no shortage of ice cream shops in Atlanta, but there are quite a few that stand out from the crowd as summer must-try’s. However, we believe there is no correct season for the true ice-cream lover, so favorite this round-up of some of the best creameries in the city, for the ultimate ATL ice cream bucket list.
1. Sweet-Stack Creamery
Home of the totally OTT ‘Ice Cream Donut Sandwich’, Sweet-Stack Creamery know their sweet stuff. With an extensive collection of flavors and possibility, you’ll never forget your personalized creation at this ATL hotspot. Vegan options are all the rage here with dairy-free cookies and cream, chocolate, lemon and more delicious flavors.
📍25 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
2. Big Softie
Embrace your inner softie, at Big Softie! Their renowned soft-serve has become an institutional part of any visit to Summerhill. With both classic and innovative flavors available, there’s something for everyone, including vegans. Their ingredients are some of the finest in town, made from local Georgia dairy and organic cane sugar, and their toppings are next to none. From toasted coconut to strawberry shortcake, this place has the ingredient for you.
📍 66 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
3. I Scream Ice Cream Rolls
Why go for a traditional scoop when you can experience ice cream in an exciting new way? After taking the internet by storm, of course, ice cream rolls have made their way to A-Town, and I Scream Ice Cream Rolls is the perfect place to try them. Their rolls are the star of the show, and can be personalized to your liking, with awesome toppings and flavors on offer. The ice cream actually starts as a liquid base of milk and cream, it’s poured on a machine which freezes the base and toppings of your choice are added in the process. It’s a new, cool way to enjoy a scoop or three!
📍50 Upper Alabama St Suite 74, Atlanta, GA 30303
4. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Even though Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has its origins in Ohio, Atlanta loves the creamery so much that it’s home to seven locations across the city. Known for their innovative flavors inspired by anything and everything, stop by one of their many locations to take home a pint of ice cream, or perhaps a scoop or two is the perfect little mid-week treat.
📍1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
5. Queen of Cream
The perfect place to stop-off if you’re taking a stroll down the BeltLine, the Queen of Cream awaits. Their iconic Inman Park window offers scoops and tubs of their delicious ice cream creations, as well as milkshakes and other sweet treats. Each and every ice cream is s handcrafted in-house using fresh and local ingredients, and their delicious sundaes are something else.
📍337 Elizabeth st NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307
6. The Yard
The Yard is known for their milkshakes, but don’t overlook the ice-cream. It is a main ingredient after all! This hotspot is usually busy, but absolutely worth the wait. They have an incredible menu, with seasonal specials that are completely OTT in the best possible way. We also recommend splitting a sundae or a milkshake (or both) to take full advantage of the menu. Also, their coffee floats are divine. For $8.50, you can start off your day on the right foot with a cold creamy coffee with added caramel or vanilla syrup.
📍341 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
7. Cereal and Cream
Combining the the ultimate duo of sweet snacks, this food truck is where it’s at if you want ice cream, milkshakes, and more. We’re obsessed with the waffles at Cereal and Cream. Get your waffle, top it with a scoop or two of their ice cream, and of course, your favorite cereal! Oh, and their toppings are top-notch. We’re talking brownie bites, oreos, vanilla wafers, cookie dough and more.
📍415 Memorial Dr SE Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30312
8. Jake’s Ice Cream
The ice cream at Jake’s is beloved across Atlanta, and it’s an essential ingredient in their addictive milkshakes! Jake’s Ice Cream is perfect for grabbing a couple of scoops to go, before heading to Inman Park to devour those fabulous flavors in the Georgian sunshine.
📍 660 Irwin St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
9. Honeysuckle Gelato
If it’s gelato you’re after, then Honeysuckle Gelato is the place for you. With one location in Ponce and the other in Fayetteville, you’re never too far away from this beloved ATL gelato safe-haven. This place was launched by three friends in 2011 from the back of a food truck, and although they’ve now opened up new stores around the US in the past 10+ years, the ice cream tastes as good as ever. They have other cooling treats available in their tempting drinks and coffee menus.
📍 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
10. Matcha Cafe Maiko
This special mention is for all the ATL matcha-lovers! The Matcha Cafe Maiko have become famous around the ATL for their delicious matcha soft-serve. Switch it up with other flavors, or enjoy other treats at Atlanta’s premium matcha-café. Thai tea, black sesame, jasmine tea, taro and more heavenly tea-infused flavors are up for grabs here.
📍5306 Buford Hwy NE Ste B, Atlanta, GA 30340
11. Morelli’s Gormet Ice Cream
For the ultimate gourmet treat, heat to Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream. The flavors are traditional, but the taste is uniquely Morelli, and uniquely delicious. We recommend going classic and getting their fan favorite, the banana split! We love it served with their Salted Caramel, Butter Pecan, and Vanilla ice creams. But our favorite of them all has to be the Chocolate Sea Turtle. Inspired by turtle candy, the ice cream contains chocolate, salted caramel and roasted peanuts.
📍49 Moreland Ave SE # B102, Atlanta, GA 30316
12. Butter & Cream
We’re obsessed with the wonderful sorbets at Butter & Cream, making it great for vegans (ironically). Try the Grapefruit for a sweet and sour treat. Looking for something a little more off-the-wall? Their papaya reserve coffee is a lovely mixture of dark chocolate and full-bodied coffee with a nice sweet finish. Although if you’re looking for ice cream, don’t worry! There’s always an excellent selection of flavors available at Butter & Cream.
📍661 Auburn Ave NE Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30312,
13. The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
This annual celebration of ice cream takes over Piedmont Park, and is highly-anticipated every summer. With an endless amount of stalls for you to try out all of the delicious offerings available in the ATL, don’t miss out on The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Every flavor and topping imaginable is up for grabs here. You can also expect dairy free and vegan options, and delicious food trucks with savory treats.
📍Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA 30309
14. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
This is a scientific creamery using liquid nitrogen to cool things down. Head to Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream for a beyond cool experience. Their freshly made ice cream and modern methods make this place the perfect date spot for ice cream fanatics.
📍250 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313