As if any of us really NEED an excuse to eat a little sugar, the summer heat practically requires us to add frozen treats to our diet! We want you to be on your A-game, so we’ve put together a list of the best ice cream in Dallas plus where to find popsicles, custard, shaved ice, and more!
21 Frozen Treats, Popsicles, and Ice Cream Shops in Dallas
1. WILD ABOUT HARRY’S
We’re wild about the frozen custard, described as a little richer than ice cream with an extra dose of egg yolks and less air to make it extra creamy. (We’re also wild about the hot dogs.) 4527 B Travis Street, Dallas
2. HYPNOTIC EMPORIUM
If you love Hypnotic Donuts, go next door and let me make your day. Let me introduce you to “The Dream”: Scoop up to three homemade flavors between a glazed Hypnotic donut, which is then pressed like a panini and drizzled with caramel or chocolate topping. You’re welcome. 9005 Garland Road, Dallas
3. HENRY’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
With past flavors like coconut, lavender vanilla, and caramel corn, Henry’s award-winning ice cream puts Plano’s sugar scene on the map. 3100 Independence Parkway, Suite 215, Plano
4. MONSTER YOGURT
Frozen yogurt, free Wi-Fi, a children’s play area…what’s not to love? Monster Yogurt has two locations: Richardson and Casa Linda. 9540 Garland Road, Dallas & 1360 W Campbell Road, Suite 101, Richardson
5. HOWDY’S HOMEMADE
Come for the large variety of small-batch ice creams (flavors like Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip, Hot Tamale, and Avocado), but stay for the people. Howdy’s is on a mission to create jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I’ve been twice, and the guy behind the counter remembered my kids’ names the second time we returned. Now, that’s friendly service! 4333 Lovers Lane, Dallas
6. MARY’S ROLL ICE CREAM
In the style of Thai ice cream (stir-fried ice cream), Mary’s offers delectable combos of rolled ice cream, syrups, and toppings. You can also try their shave ice, smoothies, shakes, mangonadas, chamolladas, and other cold drinks. 3524 W Airport Freeway, Irving
7. TOUNGE IN CHEEK
This Richardson shop became an instant favorite, offering dozens of homemade flavors for cones, shakes, floats, and pints. Special occasion? Pick up an ice cream cake or pie OR book their ice cream truck for your event. Bonus: They have a drive-thru for extra convenience! 526 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson
8. POKEY O’S
When you combine two warm cookies with a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream, you create a little slice of heaven. And did you know they cater for events? A birthday dream! (Psst: They now have a food truck for the Collin County area) 3034 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
9. BAHAMA BUCKS
Snow cone, snow balls, shaved ice…whatever you call it, this is a must on a hot summer day. Light and airy ice (not crunchy) and endless flavors. Locations all across the metroplex.
10. TC SHAVED ICE
The opening of this drive-thru shaved ice stand signifies the arrival of summer for me. You’ll see the standard rainbow-colored flavors but, be sure to check out the “Knockout” for an extra scoop of ice cream on top. While the original is in Dallas, locations now include Plano & Frisco. Note: The original Dallas location is temporarily closed but you can get your fix nearby: 503 S Garland Avenue, Garland / 1126 E Parker Road, Plano / 8750 Main Street, Frisco
11. MELT
The popular Fort Worth creamery has made its way to Dallas, the Bishop Arts District to be exact. You’ll find a rotating menu of unique “Sometimes Flavors” along with the more familiar (and kid-friendly) “Always Flavors.” 405 North Bishop Avenue, Dallas
12. FOOD TRUCKS
Make sure to check out Morgan’s Ice Cream, Zuzu’s Sweet Creamery, and Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck if you’re looking to book an ice cream truck for a party or community event.
13. COW TIPPING CREAMERY
When pizza guru Jay Jerrier (Cane Rosso and Zolie’s founder) gets behind something, people listen. Jay discovered this soft-serve mecca in Austin and convinced them to venture northwards. Enjoy a “stacker,” their version of a layered sundae. My fave: Reese’s Witha’spoon with peanut butter blondie bar chunks and hot fudge. 3685 The Star Blvd., Suite 201, Frisco
14. SNO GOURMET SHAVED ICE
Some people swear shaved ice doesn’t get any better than at Sno in North Dallas. Hard-to-find flavors like Nectar and Spearmint find their way onto the same menu as classics like Pineapple and Coconut. 10455 N Central Expressway #102, Dallas
15. LOWER GREENVILLE
Lower Greenville is not the bar-hopping street you remember from college. Updated pedestrian paths were added in recent years making the strip more family-friendly, and it’s bursting with restaurants and treat shops. Joy Macarons fills their French pastries with ice cream (!) and offers scoops in a cone, as well. Milk & Cream features ice cream stuffed in a doughnut-like bun/pastry. Joy Macarons, 1927 Greenville Avenue, Dallas (also an Oak Cliff location); Milk & Cream, 5420 Ross Avenue, Dallas
16. STEEL CITY POPS
You’ll want to check out the gourmet popsicles at Steel City Pops, also located on Lower Greenville. Don’t be fooled—these aren’t your average popsicles. Each is gluten-free and completely natural. 2012 Greenville Avenue, Dallas / 6025 Royal Lane, Suite 105, Dallas
17. SWEET FIREFLY
The Food Network lists Sweet Firefly as one of the top places to eat because of their signature Coffee Toffee Crunch ice cream and the New Orleans-style SnowBall (a frozen concoction made from shaved ice and sweetened condensed milk). We love it because of the bargain prices for scoops and the old-fashioned penny candy. 2701 Custer Parkway, Richardson
18. LA PALETERA
Bringing the street vendor experience indoors. Think paleta cart with much more: ice cream cups, cones, bowls, sundaes, and splits. Keep things light with a fresh fruit smoothie or order one of the many varieties of fresh fruit cups like fan favorite Fresa con Crema. 1800 N Belt Line Road, Irving
19. PARLOR’S ICE CREAMS
Ok, they take their ice cream really seriously here. Seasonal and classic flavors are made in-house, from scratch with grass-fed milk and cream and pasture-raised eggs from local farms. Sustainable, local, organic whenever possible, and you can see all the suppliers they use right on their site. 6465 E Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
20. CAULDRON ICE CREAM
Cauldron has a bit of a futuristic vibe, offering unique flavors of organic, liquid nitrogen-made ice cream. It’s home to the OG puffle, which is akin to a bubble waffle. We suggest trying their Milk and Cereal, milk ice cream coated with frosted corn flakes! 3001 Knox Street, Dallas (Grand Prairie location coming soon.)
21. THE DOLLY LLAMA
Fresh from Los Angeles, this popular and Instagram-worthy shop opens their first Texas location this month. Choose from bubble or Liege waffle and ice cream desserts, shakes, cones, cups, or build-your-own creations. Love that you can get junior sizes for kids. 2817 Howell Street, Dallas
Read More: Check out these yummy kid-friendly popsicle recipes you can make at home!
