If there’s one thing I’ve learned since I started blogging, it’s that you guys LOVE ice cream. I take my responsibility of providing the best, most comprehensive list of Austin ice cream spots very seriously. In order to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, I’ve split this blog into a few categories – “Personal Faves”, “New for 2025”, “Austin Classics”, and “Ready for more?” This blog will also feature custard and gelato in addition to ice cream because let’s be honest – when the sweet tooth hits, any of those options will do!
A note for 2025: One thing that stood out to me this year was how EXPENSIVE ice cream has gotten. I mean, everything has gone up in price, right? I’m not blaming any of these places or saying they need to be less expensive. I fully understand that the cost of running a business, especially in Austin, ESPECIALLY in the food industry, has insane costs.
I just want to give little warning, before you head out for what feels like a causal ice cream treat, that you can pretty much expect to pay $7+ for most single scoops, plus tax, plus tip.
This guide has been updated for 2025!
Before you visit somewhere, in order to avoid disappointment, please be sure to double check their hours and available menu items.
Personal Favorites
Starting off strong with my personal favorite ice cream spots in Austin! Some of these are dessert trucks, some are Austin classics, some are chains, some are independent entrepreneurs… they’re just my absolute FAVORITE ice cream spots in Austin. I have a few other ice cream spots that I love, but they’re featured in my Matcha Desserts blog! If you like matcha ice cream specifically, you should definitely check it out.
Allday
4300 Speedway #103 Austin, Texas 78751 // 3111 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
I visited the Allday location at Flo’s Wine Bar. In addition to delicious pizza, Allday is serving vanilla soft serve with a variety of toppings. You can choose two, so I got the olive oil and sea salt and OMG it was so good. Seriously, the best ice cream treat I’ve had in a while, which is why I’m adding Allday to my “Faves” list this year. They make sure to put the toppings on the base of the cup, up through the middle, and then over the top. This ensures you get your topping in every bite! The olive oil and salt combo was EPIC. Typing this makes me want to go back there tonight!
Bésame
Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin, Texas 78744 // Littlefield’s, 2401 Winsted Ln., Austin, TX 78703 // NOW OPEN La Dosis, 300 W Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Austin’s hottest ice cream truck is Bésame. In order to share the light and fluffy texture of ice cream straight out of the machine (something that gets lost after it’s been mass produced and frozen for a while) Bésame is making fresh ice cream daily.
The ice cream crafted at Bésame is out of this world. Each option is chef-inspired – complex and packed with flavor. If you’re having trouble deciding, you can order a “tres besitos” which includes three small scoops. Bésame has some staple flavors that are sticking around, but they’re also constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations and collaborating with other Austin favorites!
Bésame recently expanded into the spot at Littlefield’s in Tarrytown that used to be occupied by Cookie Rich. It’s an adorable space – outdoor tables, patio shaded and covered in greenery, and lawn space for the kiddos to play. AND they’ve got a truck on Rainey Street!
If you’re lucky enough to snag one, Limited Edition pints drop every Thursday at 7:30PM.
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
1515 W 35th St Building C, Austin, TX 78703
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies is a walk-up coffee shop run by the Tiny Boxwood’s restaurant. They serve various pastries, coffee, ice cream, and cookies. The chocolate chip cookies are absolutely DELICIOUS. If you haven’t visited, it’s worth a quick trip. There’s no indoor space to sit down or anything, so you’ll have to take it on the go. What really grabbed my attention here was their milk and cookies ice cream. It is vanilla ice cream with their famous chocolate chip cookies mixed in. There’s SO much cookie smashed in that it’s hardly vanilla anymore. It’s just… cookie ice cream. There are probably several whole cookies smashed into this small cup of ice cream.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Several Locations!
I’m honestly not sure what took me so long to feature Andy’s in my Ice Cream city guide. On hard days, when I think to myself, “You know what would make today better? Ice cream,” I go to Andy’s. Their custard is so thick and decadent. It absolutely NEVER disappoints. You can choose between vanilla or chocolate custard, then they have an extensive menu of mix-in options.
Manolis Ice Cream
8907 Circle Dr., Austin, TX 78736
Manolis Ice Cream truck has been on my radar for quite some time. I finally got around to visiting it and I was super impressed! It truly is a DESSERT truck, with such an extensive menu.
Below are some words from Cris Romero, whose parents Manuel and Natacha own the truck: “Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries, & Cakes is a Latinx family-owned and operated dessert food truck. We make all of our Ice Cream, Pastries, Sorbet, Italian Ice, and other treats right inside the trucks with high-quality and fresh ingredients. We started our business in 2018 to share our delicious recipes that mix our Colombian roots with our love for European pastries and Italian Ice Cream.”
The Baked Bear
211 Walter Seaholm Drive Suite LR150 Austin, TX 78701
If you’re ready to go full-on EXTRA with your ice cream, The Baked Bear is where you do it. Make sure you come in hungry – maybe on a dessert-for-dinner kind of night. You can craft your epic ice cream sandwich using any combination of their freshly baked cookies and ice creams. You can even make it a brownie sandwich! I arrived right when they opened and the smell of the cookies coming out of the oven was overwhelmingly amazing. I’ve always felt the cookies in an ice cream sandwich were just objects to hold the ice cream, but at The Baked Bear, the cookies are just as satisfying as the ice cream itself. On top of all that, you can pick a “topping” that your sandwich gets rolled in. Boom.
New for 2025
This section includes spots that are NEW to the blog this year! They may or may not be new to Austin, but I’ve never featured them before in this ice cream round up. Here are the places making their first appearance on the blog!
Dotty’s Cafe
6719 N Lamar Blvd Suite C, Austin, TX 78752
What a find Dotty’s was! This little cafe has it all – crepes, coffee, gelato, smoothies, pastries, cold pressed juice, bowls, and other snacks. I got their gelato (of course) and YUM it was so good. I got Coffee Brownie (my two favorite things, hello??) and matcha. The matcha was excellent! It wasn’t too sweet and was perfectly earthy. Inside the cafe, there are several tables so you can chill and enjoy your treats! Side note: I easily found free parking on the street behind Dotty’s.
Bottega
2100 Robert Browning St, Austin, TX 78723
Your favorite Mueller coffee hangout now has soft serve! Snag a cup when you’re in the area. When I visited, they had malted chocolate and lactose-free carrot cake. The malted chocolate was excellent! I just love this little spot so much.
Bill’s Dips
75 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701
Wanting a quick, simple, chocolate dipped cone? Look no further than Bills Dips. This food truck serves classic favorites like burgers, tenders, fries, and more. Their chocolate dipped cone takes me back… It’s like eating like a kid again.
These photos were from their old location at The Long Goodbye. Bill’s Dips is now located on Rainey Street!
Andino Gelato
1914 Guadalupe St, A, Austin, TX 78705
If you’re a UT student, this spot if for you! Located near The Drag, Andino specializes in artisanal Bolivian gelato. They have their own unique gelato recipe and I found it to be a little on the sweet side. It had a frosting-like flavor, which I actually really enjoyed. I got mine in a waffle cone, but you can also get a banana split (how fun) or bubble waffle cones. Andino also offers a wide variety of a dietary friendly gelatos! They have flavors that are gluten-free, egg-free, vegan, dairy-free, fat-free, and no-sugar added. It’s all clearly labeled on their website, too!
Side note: I had the MOST difficult time getting to Andino. Unfortunately, they have a ton of outdated information on the internet (even their website and socials are out of date). They do NOT have a location on South 1st. It is closed. And the hours of their Guadalupe St. trailer seem to be opening M-F at 5pm and 12pm on the weekend. They may have locations in the Barton Creek Mall and at 5400 Brodie Ln, Sunset Valley, Tx 78745, but I haven’t been to those in person so I can’t confirm!
Austin Classics
These are tried and true Austin staples. They’ve been around for years and the people keep wanting more and more! If you’re visiting Austin for the first time, this is definitely the section for you.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Several Austin Locations!
When you want a scoop or two of some REALLY good, high-quality ice cream, Lick is where you go. They never use artificial colors or flavors, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. Everything, from the sauces, syrups, cakes, and marshmallows, is made by hand in their kitchen. They also know exactly which dairy farms their milk comes from and on which farms their produce is grown. With unique, rich flavors like “Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt,” “Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey,” and “Caramel Salt Lick” you’ll be totally satisfied with just one scoop. Don’t forget to check out their rotating seasonal flavors as well!
Dolce Neve
1713 South 1st Street Austin, TX 78704 // 1109 East 5th Street Suite 170, Austin, TX 78702
This gelato is legit. Founder Francesca “received formal training at Carpigiani Gelato University (Bologna, Italy) and refined her skills working for Gianfrancesco Cutelli at Gelateria De’ Coltelli (Pisa, Italy), one of the best and most famous gelato shops in Italy, winner of the prestigious “Golosario” award in 2012.” She has since won more awards and world-wide gelato competitions. They have a wide variety of rotating flavors, including, Whiskey and Pecan, Tiramisu, and Mascarpone and Figs. Dolce Neve means “Sweet Snow” and my goodness, sweet it is. The original Dolce Neve is located in an adorable house on South 1st, but they also have a newer location on the east side at Plaza Saltillo.
Sandy’s Hamburgers
603 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704
You probably drive by Sandy’s all the time, but have you tried their soft serve custard? Ok, you probably have – that’s why it’s a classic. If you’re new to or visiting Austin, don’t sleep on this little hamburger stand. It’s been a part of the city since 1946! You can get a regular cone (what I have pictured below) or you can get it dipped in chocolate. You can also go for something fancier, like a shake or sundae. Personally, the simple vanilla cone was comforting, delicious, and just what I needed.
Amy’s Ice Creams
Several Austin Locations!
A classic. Perhaps best known for their Mexican Vanilla (pictured below), they have over 350 rotating flavors. While originating in Austin, Amy’s has expanded to Houston and San Antonio. What I like most about Amy’s are the crush’ns and toppings. They’ve been a part of the Austin food scene since 1984 and have certainly earned their spot on this list as a “classic” Austin ice cream joint. The photos below are from their extremely popular spot on South Congress Ave. If you’re visiting Austin, this is the location I recommend visiting! Its design is classic “Austin weird” and will be the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.
Mr. Natural
1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
An Austin classic, Mr. Natural is a family business that first opened its doors in 1988 in East Austin. I’m super embarrassed to say – I just visited for the FIRST TIME a few weeks ago. A note from their website says, “Everything is made in-house, from our grandmother’s refried beans to the bread on our sandwiches.” Their menu is packed with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items. I was strictly there for their vegan soft serve (made with soy milk), but honestly, their pastry cabinet is where it’s at. It’s PACKED with vegan and vegan + gluten-free backed goods. Can’t wait to go back!
Ready for more?
You’ve been to the classics, you’ve tried the new 2024 spots, you’ve been to all my personal favorites… you’re ready for more?! Well here’s the rest of the list – ENJOY!
Kessho Craft Chocolate
601 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 // 6726 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757
Craft chocolate creators Liang Wang and Mark Huetsch are weaving together their favorite Asian flavors with bean-to-bar chocolate to create some incredible desserts at Kessho – right here in Austin. At the truck, you can enjoy scoops of ice cream, fresh baked pastries, or full-sized chocolate bars. I highly recommend the chocolate pecan brownie and the Hojicha ice cream.
Zeds Read Fruit Ice Cream
1814 Harvey St, Austin, TX 78702
Zeds is the newest edition to the east Austin ice cream scene! I love a good soft serve and Zeds has it mastered. You start with the vanilla base (dairy-free vanilla also available) then choose a REAL fruit to mix in. Options include banana, blueberry, dark cherry, mango, pineapple, and strawberry. They you can drizzle and top it with a bunch of tasty stuff like chocolate, coconut cream, rainbow sprinkles, and more! They also offer specials like Pina colada, mango sticky rice, and strawberry paleta.
But wait, there’s more! Zeds also has a drink list! That’s right! You can also order wine, beer, cold brew… this place is perfection.
They have a lot of covered picnic tables in their space as well. I saw several families gathered, adults drinking some beers, kids eating ice cream – it was wonderful!
D’Lites
4404 W. William Cannon Dr. Unit G, Austin TX 78749
Every year I do this blog, I get SOMEONE commenting that I should go to D’Lites. So, I finally visited recently and WOW did I love it. My only complaint is that it’s so far from my house! D’Lites specializes in low carb ice cream. Not only low in carbs, but low in sugar as well! I knew that going in, and was expecting ice cream that I’d taste it and be like… yep, low carb, low sugar indeed, but NO WAY. It honestly tasted similar to a Wendy’s Frosty, I’m not even kidding. It was so delicious. If you’re on a diet (low sugar or KETO, for example) but still want to treat yourself, this is it. Even if you’re NOT on a diet, their soft serve is so good! But wait, it gets better. D’Lites is not just an ice cream shop! They have a grocery section filled with a variety of low carb, low sugar products.
Lou’s
1900 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin Texas, 78702 // 1608 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Lou’s is known for their rotisserie chicken but, which is excellent, but I’m here to say don’t skip the custard! You can get classic vanilla custard in a cup with various toppings, as an affogato, as a milkshake, or as an old school float (with Coke, Dr. Pepper, or Root Beer). Classic, simple, and absolutely delicious.
Connors Creamery
12709 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78727
I absolutely love soft serve. Connor’s Creamery is a little food truck specializing in the simple delight of soft serve ice cream. It’s located right next to Garbo’s Lobster. It’s the perfect combo – get yourself a delicious meal, then walk outside and get a cup of soft serve. They have flavors like bubble gum, butter pecan, chocolate swirl, banana ripple, strawberry, pineapple, blue raspberry, and tropical orange. You can choose two to get swirled together, or stick with one. You can add toppings as well, like rainbow sprinkles!
Gati Ice Cream
1512 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702
Gati Ice Cream serves delicious vegan ice cream made with coconut milk, gluten-free pastries, and coffee in East Austin. They have 40 rotating flavors, all made with 4 ingredients or less. Any colors are totally natural! I got lavender caramel and Thai coffee – delicious. Fun fact – Gati Ice Cream is owned by the same incredible wonderful people behind Thai Fresh!
Gelato Paradiso
1400 S Congress Ave Suite B160, Austin, TX 78704
Gelato Paradiso has actually been open on South Congress for over a year! Have you been? I visited for the first time recently and was pretty impressed! I love gelato shops that have the incredible set up. The gelato is poured into elaborate, huge swirls, topped with goodness. Like little pieces of art! This little gelato shop is tucked just off the main South Congress drag, so don’t miss it.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
11601 Rock Rose Ave #110 // 1208 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 // 4616 Triangle Ave., Suite 200 Austin, TX 78751
I’ve had Jeni’s ice cream in Washington DC, Nashville, and now, I’ve had Jeni’s in Austin! They currently have three shops open, one at Rock Rose, one on South Congress, and one at the Triangle. I have to say – I was EXTREMELY impressed with Jeni’s. My parents and I got three very different flavors and all three were exceptional. The Skillet Cinnamon Roll has pastry flakes and dark caramel mixed into a cream cheese ice cream. Blackout Chocolate Cake has four different chocolate pieces mixed in (my personal favorite of the three). I ordered the Wildberry Lavender (admittedly, for the colorful photo) but ended up really liking it. I already love lavender in everything and this had a wonderful lavender flavor.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
3400 Esperanza Xing Austin, Tx 78758 // 940 W University Ave #120 Georgetown, TX 78626
The Yard Milkshake Bar offers an ice cream EXPERIENCE. When you arrive, you can choose between specialty shakes or ‘build your own’ shakes. I’d highly recommend the specialty shakes. They’re wild and crazy and come with a TON of sweet goodness. You choose between a pint or quart size. I chose a pint and it was still big enough to share! My “Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss” came with brownie batter ice in a peanut butter dipped jar with chocolate chips. It’s topped with peanut butter cups, whipped cream, and a fudge brownie!
Frozen Rolls Creamery
704 North Lamar Blvd Austin, Texas 78703
For a fun change from your usual cones and shakes, try some of the Thai-style rolled ice cream from Frozen Rolls. The people at Frozen Rolls are so nice! Their customer service is A+ for sure. I met the owner and he was happily talking to each person that had ordered ice cream. I was also pretty impressed with their toppings selection, which included things like mochi and pocky sticks. I tried their most popular flavor – cookies and cream – with Nutella, peanut butter pieces, and chocolate-dipped Pocky sticks. They also have frozen tacos! I went with plain chocolate for this one and was not disappointed. You can get your rolls in a colorful taco shell. It’s super cute for photos if that’s something that’s important to you.
Luv Fats
Storefront: 7135 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 // Various spots around town!
Luv Fats has been on my radar for a while but I never actually tried it until recently. WOW. Luv Fats is totally vegan, made with coconut milk and avocado bases. No, you can’t taste the avocado, chill out. It just improves the texture. This is the smoothest, creamiest vegan ice cream I’ve ever had and I know it’s because of the avocado! There are like, no ice crystals in it at all. Luv Fats founder and maker, Chi Ndika, is crafting up some TASTY, unique flavors. I tried the Kenyan Chai and Matcha Lavender (obviously) but other popular ones include Sourdough Toast & Peach Jam and Colombian Chocolate. One thing I do need to note is the price. These little pints are not cheap, but honestly, the ingredients and quality of Luv Fats isn’t cheap either.
Fresa’s Chicken
1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 // 915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 (drive thru/curbside)
I know it’s called Fresa’s CHICKEN but stick with me. The ice cream here top notch. I love visiting restaurants that are putting a lot of thought and effort into their desserts! So make sure, when you visit Fresa’s, get your margarita, get your chips and queso, and don’t forget a scoop of ice cream. Their cookies and cream is my favorite!
Vanilla Ice Cream at Black’s BBQ
3110 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78705
The Original Black’s BBQ is obviously best known for their BBQ, but I have a secret to share with you – their vanilla ice cream is fantastic. I got the tip from a fellow Austin food blogger and had to check it out for myself. For $2.59, you can get a 5oz cup of their house-made vanilla ice cream. It’s super sweet (almost tastes like… frosting?), super simple, and super delicious. If you’re visiting ATX and go to Black’s, you’ll look like a true Austin foodie when you order the vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Handel’s Ice Cream
11521 N FM 620 #1500, Austin, TX 78726
Handel’s is now open in north Austin! Their ice cream is homemade fresh daily at every store everyday. It’s been that way since the original store opened in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio. The Anderson Mill location is serving up a delicious selection of ice cream. They have over 45 flavors spanning over two menu screens to choose from! Once you’ve chosen your flavors, you need to decide how you want it. Want it in a cone, or a dish? In a pint or quart to go? As a sundae with toppings like caramel, marshmallow, peanut butter, or hot fudge? As a Hurricane with candy mixed in? As a shake? As a Handel ice cream pop? SO MANY OPTIONS!
Gelatoro
4500 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
Gelatoro makes artisanal, small batch Italian gelato fresh every day. They also have exceptional coffee! I opted to mix the two together and get an affogato – so good! If you’re in the Hyde Park area and need a quick, high quality sweet treat, hit up Gelatoro.
Uncle Nicky’s
4222 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
I’ve always loved Uncle Nicky’s for brunch and lunch, but just recently discovered their Italian Custard. Pick your flavor, pick your toppings (or go with a Specialty Flavor) and enjoy! The espresso Italian custard is super melty, but still really tasty. It’s actually made with vanilla custard and an espresso shot, affogato style, so it melts really quickly.
There you have it! My 2025 updated list with the BEST ice cream in Austin. If you’re looking for more of the “2025 Best Places to Eat in Austin” lists, from cupcakes to BBQ to east side hot spots, check out the complete list of city guides HERE!
D’lites!
I’ve never heard of them but I just looked them up! They sound great!! Always up for some low calorie ice cream! I’m going to for sure check them out. Stay tuned! Thank you so much for the recommendation.