While it may be ice cream weather all year round in Texas, there’s no doubt a cold treat tastes even better during those hot summer months. We all know that The Lone Star State is known for its foodie scene (no one does BBQ quite like Texans), and ice cream parlors are no exception. From classic soft serve to creamy frozen custard and novelty milkshake concoctions, we’ve rounded up a list with something for everyone.
Here’s the scoop on the best places to grab a cool treat throughout Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
Luliet’s Creamery and Bake Shop
A small-batch artisan creamery and bakery in Spring, Luliet’s takes great pride in serving high-quality, homemade ice cream. Luliet ice cream is made from scratch from the best fresh ingredients, including fresh milk and cream delivered twice a week from a local farm. Choose from 12 unique flavors including crowd-favorites like Earl Grey Blackberry, Honey Lavender, Butter Pecan and Chocolate Oreo.
Connie’s Frozen Custard
If you’ve ever found yourself driving down Jones Road in Cypress, a massive ice cream cone-shaped sign may have caught your eye. Enter Connie’s Frozen Custard, a must-visit shop known for their delicious concretes, banana splits, shakes and sundaes with fresh fruit toppings and small batches of custard made fresh every hour.
Chill The Milkshake Bar
Voted #1 Best Milkshake in Texas, Chill The Milkshake Bar is a go-to when you’re looking to satisfy your milkshake fix. Here you’ll find hundreds of flavors from Caramel Butterfinger to Birthday Cake and Cookie Monster. Pro tip: be sure to try their over-the-top fresh waffle and ice cream combinations too.
Cool Cow Creamery
Cool Cow Creamery is Kemah’s only small-batch, handcrafted ice creamery. Flavors change daily, so be sure to frequent this stop as there’s always something new to try. Enjoy your Cool Cow ice cream in scoops, on a cone, in a shake, sundae, banana split or sandwiched between two homemade brownies or cookie bars.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Known for their indulgent and highly-instagrammable ice cream creations, The Yard Milkshake Bar is high on every Austonian’s ice cream bucket list. Customize your milkshake with a wide variety of ice cream flavors, milkshake vehicles like mason jars, cones or bowls, and sweet and savory toppings to complete your creation.
Rollie Rolls Ice Cream
Chances are, you’ve seen a video of the rolled ice cream craze pop up on your Instagram or TikTok timeline. Lucky for those who live in and around the Pflugerville area, you can find this Thai-inspired style of ice cream at Rollie Rolls. We’re certain you’ll want to snap a few photos or videos of the experience.
La Ola Pop Shop
While we may be in Texas, a visit to La Ola Pop Shop will instantly transport you to Mexico. Here you’ll find gourmet paletas (ice pops) and helados (ice cream), made by owners with generations of experience and passion, and only with the freshest ingredients.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Supporting local farms by purchasing the purest ingredients is the heart of this Austin staple serving up delectable artisan ice cream. Everything from the sauces, syrups, cookies, cakes and marshmallows are made by hand in-house at Lick’s. Visit this popular ice cream shop today and see why it was named the best in America.
South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company
Italy might be a long way from Texas, but South Alamode brings you pretty close. Head to this stylish and ever-favorite spot for homemade gelato in unique flavors like lemon cream mascarpone and ricotta & blackberry.
Boozy’s Creamery & Craft
Part ice cream parlor, par bar – Boozy’s is a go-to for those looking to cool off with a drink or a refreshing cone of ice cream. Can’t decide between which you want more? Booze up your cone or milkshake for a totally unique experience.
Bubble Waffle Bar
Instagrammable treats await at this stylish and sweet spot. Beat the San Antonio heat while snacking on a freshly-made waffle cone (or waffle taco) alongside your choice of ice cream flavor, toppings and drizzles.
Justin’s Ice Cream Co.
The old-school parlor-front will give you all of the vintage vibes as you sit back, relax and enjoy a fresh cup or cone at Justin’s. A local favorite since 1981, this downtown stop serves up handmade ice cream, gelato, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.