The city of Bristol, a hidden New England treasure, is rich in history, attractions, and abundant natural beauty. There’s no better way to enjoy these than with the city’s scrumptious frozen desserts. Read on to know where you can find the best ice cream in Bristol.
Stop by any of these places to satisfy your sweet tooth in Bristol with great ice cream.
Dunphy’s Ice Cream Store

Dunphy’s is the true ice cream experience in Bristol, unlike any other. The colorful display of scoops, sundaes and shakes in their window attracts adults and kids alike. Where else in Bristol can you find 24 flavors of soft serve and many more flavors of hard ice cream in one place?
Whatever you’re favorite flavor is, you’ll undoubtedly find it here. Dunphy’s is all about great service and great ice cream in one place. Some of their sumptuous ice cream flavors include Banana Pudding, Apple Pie, Banana Peanut Butter Moosetrack, Oatmeal Cookie Craving, Pumpkin, Brookie Dough, Salted Caramel Banana Foster, and Marshmallow Explosion.
Get your favorite flavor in an ice cream cookie sandwich with assorted toppings; it’s the ultimate indulgence.
- Dunphy’s Ice Cream Store, 912 Stafford Ave, Bristol, CT 06010
Rich Farm Ice Cream

Taking the meaning of rich farm fresh literally, Rich Farm makes super-premium homemade ice cream daily on their farm, using only the best ingredients. One look at their menu and you’ll know this is a great place to spend those sunny days with an ice cream cone in hand.
Ice cream sandwiches and cakes, ices, sundaes, soft-serve, soda floats, shakes, razzles, sugar-free ice cream, and Greek frozen yogurt; they also have seasonal flavors. Their daily flavors include Black Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Cookie Monster, German Chocolate Brownie, Toasted Almond, Sweet Cream, and Razzmanian Devil.
They have a wider range of special flavors. I highly recommend the Hawaiian Cow (coconut, mango, and pineapple ice cream with chocolate chunks) if you’re lucky enough to find it when you drop by. Don’t forget the whipped cream and hot caramel sauce topping (they have an amazing variety of toppings).
- Rich Farm Ice Cream, 409 Hill St, Bristol, CT 06010
Pat’s Main Street Ice Cream, 384 Main St, Southington, CT 06489

Located in the heart of Southington, Pat’s Main Street Ice Cream is a beloved local spot known for its rich, homemade ice cream and welcoming atmosphere. This family-friendly shop serves up generous scoops of classic and creative flavors, from tried-and-true favorites like chocolate and vanilla to seasonal specialties that keep customers coming back. Whether you opt for a cup, cone, or one of their indulgent sundaes, Pat’s delivers an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience with a modern twist.
Beyond ice cream, Pat’s also offers an assortment of frozen treats, including milkshakes and ice cream cakes, perfect for special occasions.
- Pat’s Main Street Ice Cream, 384 Main St, Southington, CT 06489
Kiwi Spoon Frozen Yogurt, 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489

For those looking for a lighter, customizable frozen treat, Kiwi Spoon Frozen Yogurt offers a refreshing alternative to ice cream. This self-serve fro-yo shop features a rotating selection of frozen yogurt flavors, ranging from tart fruit-based options to indulgent, dessert-inspired varieties like cake batter and cookies and cream.
Customers can fill their cups with their choice of yogurt and then load up on an impressive array of toppings, including fresh fruit, candies, nuts, and syrups.
- Kiwi Spoon Frozen Yogurt, 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489
Mortensen Dairy Ice Cream

Mortensen Dairy Ice Cream has been a Connecticut institution since 1915, serving up handcrafted ice cream with a rich, creamy texture that speaks to its century-old roots. This family-owned shop prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to produce some of the best ice cream in the state. With a menu boasting an array of flavors, from classic vanilla bean to fan favorites like black raspberry and cookie dough, Mortensen’s offers something for every palate.
In addition to their signature scoops, Mortensen Dairy Ice Cream also features delicious sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cone on a hot summer day or indulging in a decadent sundae, Mortensen’s continues to be a go-to destination for ice cream lovers in Newington and beyond.
- Mortensen Dairy Ice Cream, 3145 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111
Frisbee’s Dairy Barn Homemade Ice Cream

Frisbee’s Dairy Barn is known for its delicious homemade ice cream and welcoming, family-friendly vibe. . Whether you’re craving a rich and creamy scoop of chocolate peanut butter or a refreshing sorbet, Frisbee’s has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
. Their generous portions and reasonable prices make it a favorite among locals looking for a high-quality frozen dessert. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, a stop at Frisbee’s Dairy Barn is a delightful way to enjoy homemade ice cream in a cozy, nostalgic setting.
- Frisbee’s Dairy Barn Homemade Ice Cream, 951 Farmington Ave, New Britain, CT 06053
Carvel

Starting in 1929, Carvel is not that easy to find anymore, but thank goodness Bristol has one of their ice cream stores. Whether you’re looking for amazing ice cream, sundaes, thick shakes, sundae dashers, ice cream cakes, or soft-serve, they’ve got it all and more.
Take your pick from unique flavors of soft-serve ice cream, like Black Raspberry, Chocolate Hazelnut, Coconut, Cold Brew Coffee, Mint, Pistachio, Oreo Cookie, and Strawberry, apart from the traditional Chocolate and Vanilla swirl.
Among their ice cream options, they haveCherry Vanilla, Cake Mix, Cold Brew Coffee, Peanut Butter Treasure, or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, among others; they’re all fantastic.
Don’t even get me started on their ice cream sandwiches; premium ice cream wedged in an Oreo sandwich is simply out of this world. And don’t miss out on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Sundae Dasher!
- Carvel, 650 Farmington Ave, Bristol, CT 06010
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Another delicious chain, Rita’s isn’t your average ice cream shop. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, with options ranging from Italian ice (made of fresh fruit), cool, creamy, and delicious frozen custard, and Gelati (layers of Italian ice and custard).
It doesn’t stop there; you can also pick from their frozen custard cakes, custard cookie sandwiches, milkshakes, frozen drinks, Misto shakes, Concretes, and Blendinis (a blend of creamy custard and Italian ice with your favorite toppings).
Their choice of frozen custard flavors – Caramel Macchiato, Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Orange Cream, Pumpkin Cold Brew, Strawberry Banana, and more.
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, 358 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
Some are on the hunt for great food where they travel. And there are ice cream lovers like us who hunt for great ice cream and frozen treats everywhere we go. You know you’ve got Bristol, Connecticut, covered now.
Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!
