In the sweltering Southern heat, few things provide relief quite like the perfect scoop of ice cream. Memphis may be world-famous for its barbecue and blues, but the city’s frozen treat scene deserves just as much recognition. From artisanal gelato to Mexican paletas, the Bluff City offers a delicious array of cold confections to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co.
A local favorite with Southern charm in every scoop, Sweet Magnolia creates small-batch gelato using fresh, regional ingredients. Standout flavors include Brown Sugar Vanilla, Mississippi Praline, and refreshing Lemon Basil. Their commitment to quality and local sourcing makes each spoonful a celebration of Southern culinary traditions.
📍 Various locations throughout Memphis
Area 51 Ice Cream
Worth the short drive to Mississippi, Area 51 Ice Cream has developed a cult following for its silky, luxurious texture and inventive flavors. Try the tropical Avocado Coconut or the adult-inspired Bourbon Butter Pecan for a taste of their creative approach to frozen treats.
📍 117 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS
Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream
This charming shop near Overton Square specializes in nostalgic ice cream that celebrates Memphis’s culinary heritage. Their signature Banana Pudding perfectly translates the beloved Southern dessert into frozen form, while the Southern Strawberry showcases regionally grown berries. Don’t miss their house-made waffle cones.
📍 125 S Main St, Memphis, TN
Sugar Ghost
Bringing Asian-inspired innovation to Cooper-Young, Sugar Ghost combines bubble tea with ice cream in unique flavor profiles. Their Thai Tea ice cream and Lychee sorbet offer perfectly balanced sweetness, while boba pearls add chewy texture to the smooth frozen treats.
📍 2166 Central Ave, Memphis, TN
La Michoacana
This Summer Avenue gem celebrates authentic Mexican frozen treats with vibrant flavors and cultural traditions. Their mango sorbet dusted with Tajín exemplifies the perfect Mexican balance of sweet, tart, spicy, and savory. The creamy paletas and Rompope scoops showcase traditional recipes in a colorful, family-friendly setting.
📍 4091 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN
MemPops
These handcrafted popsicles elevate the humble frozen treat to gourmet status using whole fruits and premium ingredients. Their Pineapple Chili balances tropical sweetness with subtle heat, while Honey Lavender offers sophisticated floral notes rarely found in frozen desserts.
📍 1243 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN
Sweet Noshings
Part nostalgic candy emporium, part ice cream parlor, Sweet Noshings creates a whimsical dessert experience that appeals to everyone’s inner child. Their ice cream selection focuses on crowd-pleasing classics with quality ingredients and generous mix-ins, perfect for pairing with their vast array of candies.
📍 2113 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN
The Levee Creamery
In Collierville, The Levee Creamery offers sophisticated flavor profiles in their small-batch creations. Combinations like Blackberry Bourbon balance fruit brightness with oak and vanilla notes, while Butterbeer captures butterscotch depth and creamy sweetness in a warm, rustic setting.
📍 2059 S Houston Levee Rd, Collierville, TN
Jerry’s Sno Cones
This Memphis legend has perfected the Supreme Sno Cone – finely shaved ice saturated with vibrant flavors and topped with a generous swirl of soft-serve vanilla ice cream. The no-frills cinderblock building with walk-up windows adds to the authentic experience that has kept Memphians returning for generations.
📍 1657 Wells Station Rd, Memphis, TN
Gracie Bleu
Bringing global dessert trends to Broad Avenue, Gracie Bleu specializes in bubble waffles topped with premium ice cream and creative garnishes. The warm, slightly sweet waffle provides perfect contrast to cold ice cream, while the signature “bubbles” create pockets that catch melting cream and toppings.
📍 2480 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN
Zio Matto Gelato
This South Main Arts District gem creates authentic Italian gelato that rivals European shops. With intense flavor concentration and signature dense-yet-soft texture, their classic flavors like pistachio and stracciatella showcase traditional craftsmanship in a sleek, modern setting.
📍 124 G.E. Patterson Ave, Memphis, TN
Milk Dessert Bar
Taking soft-serve to artistic heights, Milk Dessert Bar in Cooper-Young creates frozen sculptures featuring breakfast cereals, crushed cookies, and housemade sauces. Their minimalist, contemporary space with Instagram-worthy neon signs makes enjoying these creations a full sensory experience.
📍 800 S Cooper St Suite 101, Memphis, TN
From creamy gelatos to innovative Asian-inspired creations and classic Americana soft serve, Memphis’s ice cream scene reflects the city itself – diverse, creative, and deeply rooted in both heritage and innovation. These frozen treat destinations provide not just relief from Tennessee heat but windows into the culinary creativity that makes Memphis special. Next time you’re debating between barbecue joints, save room for a sweet Memphis finale at one of these exceptional ice cream spots.