Frosty scoops of ice cream are just what you need on a hot Texas day. Sure, you could grab a pint from your local H-E-B, but why miss out on a sweet-treat road trip! From old school to new school, we’ve rounded up our favorite ice cream shops that are churning out gallons of the good stuff.
Scoop N’ Buns – Garland
For a twist on the average cone, stop by Scoop N’ Buns in the heart of Garland for specialties like the deconstructed ice cream sandwich and warm and crisp air-fried churros paired with such house flavors as Horchata, Matcha White Rabbit Candy, or Texas Praline. Coffee Cinnamon Tiramisu and Banana French Toast will tempt vegans as well!
Amorino Gelato – Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano
This Italian-owned spot will give you an authentic taste of gelato without leaving the country. Creating Instagram-worthy cones with their not-to-be-missed gelato “flower,” you can choose as many flavors as you’d like and even top it with one of their Macarons al Gelato. Though they keep close to their Italian roots, you’ll find modern upgrades like the Gelato “Burger,” which is two scoops of gelato sandwiched between chocolate buns and drizzled with dark chocolate, pistachio, or chocolate-hazelnut sauce.
Amy’s Ice Creams – Austin, Houston, and San Antonio
No trip to the state’s capital is complete without a stop at the original Amy’s Ice Creams that opened in 1984 on Guadalupe Street. This isn’t your average ice cream shop: scoops are tossed and juggled sky-high while they assemble your cone (they even hold an annual ice cream Olympics to see who can sling it best). Get a scoop of the Texas-inspired Shiner Bock or Hatch Chili–Peach ice cream.
Lick Honest Ice Creams – Austin, San Antonio, and College Station
Just like in the name, “honest” perfectly describes this scoop shop. Committed to sustainability, they use only compostable cups, spoons, and napkins. They also work directly with local farmers and artisans to source seasonal Texas ingredients for flavors like Cilantro-Lime and Sweet Persimmon and Sage. The cherry on top is that they serve dairy-free and vegan ice cream, so everyone can dig in!
Blue Bell Creameries – Brenham
Blue Bell is as synonymous with Texas as barbecue. This highly coveted ice cream is a kitchen staple that you’ll find in almost every Texan’s freezer. Stop by their retro ice cream parlor for a scoop and see how they make their ice cream from the Observation Deck.
Milk • Cream – Dallas
It should be illegal to have something so indulgent and sweet, but Milk • Cream has done it with their famous cream bun sandwiches. Far from your childhood ice cream sandwich, it’s a donut-like pastry filled with ice cream, candy, and cereal mix-ins. Made famous on the West Coast, you can now get a taste of this over-the-top treat in your own backyard.
Cloud 10 Creamery – Houston
This dreamy dessert destination is the brainchild of Houston local and award-winning pastry chef Chris Leung. Each season, they make 10 new flavors to serve alongside their 10 originals, but if you don’t see the flavor you want, they’ll make a custom ice cream or sorbet just for you! Enjoy your custom ice cream on a cone, in a dish, or as a banana split or cookie sandwich. Don’t forget to bring your pup for a scoop of their doggie ice cream too!
You are missing BIG time!!!
Visit Zenzero Gelato in New Braunfels!!!
It’s magical – the great ingredients, the owners and the taste is out of this world.
Please do visit them! And if you have the time, chat with Peter and Emma (owners). Their story and their love for their business is CRAZY!!!
I really wish you would spend some time out west. Lubbock has some of the best eating places in the state and you totally ignore it. Or go south. What about some restaurants in Corpus Christi or Galveston?
There are places outside of Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
Hi Virginia- We work in Lubbock each summer and always discover great spots! We just returned from there last month.