We may be adults,
but there's something about the ice cream truck jingle that still inspires us to break out into a full-on sprint down the street. It's not even our fault: the reaction to the instrumental version of "Pop Goes the Weasel" is practically Pavlovian, and if there's one thing that's going to inspire most of us to engage in any sort of cardio, honestly, it's probably ice cream.
That said, there are better options out there than Drumsticks and those clown-shaped popsicles with the gumball noses, and they can be found at a number of pretty sweet shops around town—which, conveniently, we've compiled here.
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photo via instagram
1814 Harvey St
Zed's New Zealand-style ice cream is undoubtedly some of the best in Austin. These delicious soft-serve treats are made by blending your choice of real fruit—banana, blackberry, blueberry, pineapple, strawberry, or raspberry—with vanilla ice cream (dairy-free options available). Next, you can select your drizzles and toppings, which truly set Zed's apart from other ice cream spots. If the choices seem overwhelming, try one of their specials, like the Banana Oreo, which is made with a blend of vanilla ice cream and fresh bananas, topped with peanut butter and Oreos. Explore all the topping options here to start creating your perfect ice cream.
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photo via facebook
Various Locations
Jeni's Ice Creams are always made from scratch using a recipe perfected over more than 20 years by founder Jeni Britton. Known for their exciting flavors, extremely smooth texture, and buttercream body, Jeni's offers a variety of unique and delicious flavors such as Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, and Gooey Butter Cake, available at their shops. This summer, Jeni's is launching the Hot Summer Spins Collection, featuring "new-stalgia" flavors like Sparkling Cherry Pie, Snow Cone Sorbet, and Burnt Orange Dreamsicle, debuting on June 6th.
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photo via instagram
3901 Promontory Point Dr
THE SCOOP: Bésame, located outside of Meanwhile Brewing Co., creates chef-inspired, artfully balanced, nostalgia-forward ice creams that will keep you coming back for more. Every Thursday they do limited edition pint drops where you can order a special flavor that isn't available in scoops at the shop, only via preorder! Don't worry if you don't preorder though, they have inventive flavors that are always rotating at the shop like My Jam (pretzel infused with fresh Strawberry Jam) or Gooey Peach Cobbler that you won't be able to find at any other ice cream shops around Austin.
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photo via facebook
1713 South 1st St
1109 East 5th St
THE SCOOP: For an authentic Gelato right here in Austin, you're going to want to go to Dolce Neve. Created by Italians who couldn't find a good Gelato in the US, this stuff is the real deal. Their flavors include Vanilla From Madagascar, Stracciatella, RIcotta Honey And Pistachio, Chocolate With Sea Salt, and many more. You can mix and match flavors, get your scoop in a cone, place an order to go, or even get a gelato on a stick (flavor of your choice dipped in chocolate). Next time you're looking for a tasty treat to cool you down, stop by their East or South location!
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Picture via Lick Honest Ice Creams
Various Locations
THE SCOOP: Owners Chad Palmatier and Anthony Sobotik knew when they started Lick Honest Ice Creams back in 2010 that it would be important for them to be a visibly gay-owned, family-oriented company. They donate to OutYouth and have now opened three locations in Austin as well as a few in San Antonio. As a bonus, they get their dairy only from local, family-owned farms in Central Texas and also offer dairy-free/vegan flavor options. And it's SO GOOD!
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Photo via Amy's Ice Creams
Various Locations
THE SCOOP: Amy’s Ice Cream is a staple in the Austin community. With food trucks and walk-in shops spread throughout the city, Amy’s is accessible to anyone. Amy’s provides a variety of flavors, over 350 to be exact, including a few options for the non-dairy folks. Flavor recommendations include Mexican Vanilla and Veganilla - they are classic, but anything but boring. As for toppings, the homemade marshmallows at Amy’s go well with any flavor.
704 N Lamar Blvd
THE SCOOP: At Frozen Rolls Creamery, ice cream is what's on the menu. It's not your ordinary scoop situation, though. Frozen Rolls offers their delicious confections in hand-rolled form, Thai style. And it's absolutely delicious. The best part is watching your ice cream concoction get mixed and scraped into rolls - well, or maybe the best part is eating said concoction. We'll let you be the judge. Check out our Do512 Eats experience at Frozen Rolls here!
211 Walter Seaholm Drive
THE SCOOP: If you live in a world where you dream of creating your own ice cream sandwiches, this place is for you. First, you choose your top & bottom from 11 freshly made cookie options. Next, select the ice cream you want to be sandwiched in the middle and go crazy with additional toppings. Flavors include birthday cake, cookie dough, mint chip, toasted smores, and more. For those who are not so keen on cookies (first of all, are you okay?), The Baked Bear also offers hot fudge sundaes, ice cream cones, and vegan/GF options.
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Various Locations
THE SCOOP: Andy’s offers a variety of custard (it's just extra-thick ice cream, relax) flavors in just about any form you could want them. This includes ice cream sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, floats, or custard by the scoop. Concrete flavors (available year-round) include the Rico Suave Jackhammer, which is a sundae-like dessert made of vanilla or chocolate frozen custard blended with roasted pecans and Oreos and a center filled with hot fudge. You won’t regret the sugar coma that comes with it...we promise. Andy’s also offers seasonal goodies including key lime pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie, candy cane, Andy nog, and more.
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Photo via The Yard
3400 Esperanza Crossing
THE SCOOP: For very indulgent ice cream creations, head over to The Domain to check out The Yard Milkshake Bar’s customizable shakes. Presented in mason jars, there are plenty of specialty shakes to order — or make your own with a wide variety of ice cream flavors and toppings from nuts, chocolate chips, cereal, cookies, and larger items like candy bars, cupcakes, donuts or cheesecake!
8907 Circle Dr.
THE SCOOP: Manolis prides itself on using fresh ingredients to create its homemade ice cream on-site. Try the tiramisu flavor for an ice cream experience with Italian flair. Ice cream can be purchased by the scoop, on a stick, or as a shake. Manolis also carries homemade pastries and baked goods that pair perfectly with their ice cream.
9426 Parkfield Dr.
THE SCOOP: Michoacana Natural Ice Cream is a Mexican nevería (ice cream parlor) that takes making ice cream back to its roots - this shop makes everything from scratch. The ice cream and flavors are fresh and vibrant, with a flair you won’t see in chain scoop shops. We love the rich spiced rum flavor and the Gansito (a strawberry-chocolate Mexican snack cake) flavor, but you can’t go wrong here. Just keep in mind during your visit that this staple is cash only.
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photo via yelp by steve h.
4404 W William Cannon Dr
THE SCOOP: Looking for a truly guilt-free ice cream experience? Head to D'Lites, where the fluffy soft serve ice cream comes in over 100 flavors that are cholesterol and gluten-free, contain no artificial sweeteners and are low in fat, carbs, calories, and sodium. This is an ice cream shop that will please even the most restrictive of diets in your crew - including vegans, as D'Lites offers dairy-free sorbets as well.
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OTHER GREAT PLACES TO GET ICE CREAM:
7135 N Lamar Blvd
909 W Mary’s St
1309 Rosewood Ave
12709 N Mopac Expy
1512 Holly St.
4607 Bolm Rd.
1515 W 35th St.
7301 Burnet Rd.
Did we miss a sweet spot?
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