The small island of Nantucket, 30 miles out to sea from East Falmouth, Cape Cod, is popular for beaches, fishing, lighthouses, scallops, and its foggy weather. Still, the Grey Lady of the Sea is also a fan favorite because of its many ice cream shops!
You’ll be charmed by this New England island and tasting the best ice cream in Nantucket will only make your experiences more delightful.
Best Ice Cream in Nantucket
Here are some of the best ice cream shops in Nantucket to try your favorite flavors or go down the adventurous road and indulge in some island-only flavors instead.
The Juice Bar
Ask any local what is the perfect place in Nantucket for some amazing ice cream and The Juice Bar will be named right away. Don’t get intimidated by the long lines, you know it’s a symbol that this is indeed among the best ice cream places on the island.
Who doesn’t love the sweet aroma of homemade waffle cones made fresh to order? They also have waffle bowls – the perfect vehicle for the ultimate sundae.
Some of their best flavors include Chocolate Oreo, Green Monster (homemade chocolate chip cookie dough folded in green mint ice cream), Strawberry Dark Choco Chip, Dirty Grasshopper, and Coffee Cake. My favorites are the Crantucket (vanilla ice cream with dark chocolate-coated sweetened cranberries) and The Carl (chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and chocolate chips).
They also have sorbet, vegan options (made with coconut milk), and low-fat ice cream (Mint Oreo and Coffee Heath Bar).
With its homemade ice cream, a full-service coffee shop, and bakery, the Juice Bar also serves freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, ice cream cakes, pies, sandwiches, and sundaes.
- The Juice Bar, 12 Broad Street #3459, Nantucket, MA 02554
Jack + Charlie’s Ice Cream
Take your pick from unique flavors of homemade ice cream, gelato, gelato sorbets, frappes, malts, and floats; they even offer doggie cones topped with a biscuit – your furry friend will love it.
The Red Raspberry Sorbet, Orange Sherbet, Deer Tracks, Blue Monster, Black Forest Cherry Fudge, and Banana Cream Pie are just a few of the exciting flavors here. As for cones, you can go for cake cones, sugar cones, homemade waffle cones/cups, or chocolate waffle cones/cups.
Not only is this a fabulous ice cream shop, but they also serve a hearty breakfast, coffee, tea, and smoothies. Their homemade muffins and chocolate chip cookies are absolutely divine too.
BTW, it’s named after the owner’s children, Jack and Charlie!
- Jack + Charlie’s Ice Cream, 10 Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554
The Hub of Nantucket
In the very heart of Nantucket Island is the Hub, where they serve some fabulous ice cream! The outside benches make it an excellent spot for people watching in the middle of town.
Their menu includes frozen blended drinks, New York-style bagels, tea, coffee, smoothies, iced summer drinks, and Four Seas ice cream. Don’t miss trying their signature Cobblestone flavor.
Other sumptuous flavors include Maple Walnut, Butter Crunch, Rum and Butter, Frozen Pudding, Ginger, Coconut, and Lemon Crisp.
Island Kitchen Ice Cream
Not only know for its ice cream, Island Kitchen is the go to for fantastic food. Open year round and loved for its spectacular brunched, don’t miss trying their award-winning ice cream.
Before opening the ice cream parlour, Chef Patrick Ridge took to the highway and visited more than 30 ice cream places around the country.
His ice cream is made with 16% butterfat and has fantastic flavors like Captain Crunch, blueberry pie, and my fav peppermint brownie!
They serve over 30 flavors of ultra-premium ice cream and offer vegan options too. Grab a scoop of the honey caramel flavor; it’s to die for.
- Island Kitchen, 2 Chins Way, Nantucket, MA 02554
Nantucket Pharmacy
As weird as it may sound, you read it right. Nantucket Pharmacy has a old-school, counter soda shop which serves splendid homemade ice cream, frappes, and sandwiches.
I love the ice cream sodas, which you can get in the classic flavors or try Black Raspberry, Ditch Chocolate Almond, Orange Sherbet, or Peppermint Stick.
They also have frozen yogurt – Vanilla, Strawberry, Wild Maine Blueberry, and Georgia Peach.
- Nantucket Pharmacy, 45 Main St, Nantucket, MA 02554
Ice
This is Nantucket’s only Italian water ice store, with incredible fresh flavors. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out for this place tucked from the busy spots.
The best part is that they provide free samples until you can decide on the flavor you’d like to pick. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a day at the beach.
They have a fantastic range of flavors – Peach, Mango, Coconut, Sandbar Strawberry, Cola, Blueberry, Cola, Watermelon, Rainbow, Raspberry, and Lemon, among others.
- Ice, 21 Old South Wharf, Nantucket, MA
3-Way Scoops
Just because 3-Way Scoops is slightly off the main drag doesn’t mean they aren’t making amazing ice cream. out of theApart from the creamy and delicious ice creams, they also offer sundaes, Belgian waffles, and a range of delightful toppings. I highly recommend the Maine Black Bear (vanilla ice cream with swirls of black raspberry syrup and chocolate raspberry mini-melts).
Some other lovely flavors include Orange Sherbet, Strawberry Lemonade, Black Raspberry, Toasted Coconut, Campfire S’mores, and Peanut Butter Pie.
Get your scoops in their warm, fresh, and crispy waffle cones that they thoughtfully wrap with a bit of gold foil at the bottom to prevent dripping leaks. If you have your furry friend with you, don’t forget to get their pup cup!
- 3-Way Scoops, 57 Old South Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554
Other Places With Delicious Ice Cream Around Nantucket
Looking for some great ice cream around Nantucket? Here are some other places you can visit:
- Millie’s Market, 324 Madaket Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554
- Yummy, 63 Surfside Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554
The cherry on top!
While Nantucket will keep you busy with its endless beaches, historic buildings, and unique coastal vibes, you mustn’t miss out on some frozen indulgence. The best things on an island are better enjoyed with ice cream.
