Nashville might be known for its hot chicken and honky-tonks, but when the Southern sun starts blazing, nothing beats a scoop (or two) of stellar ice cream. From classic parlors to experimental flavor labs, Music City’s ice cream scene is hitting all the right notes. Whether you’re in the mood for something nostalgic or a little wild, these ten spots serve up the best frozen treats in town.
Mike’s Ice Cream
Located right on Broadway, Mike’s is the go-to spot for a post-show sugar rush. With generous scoops and a menu full of classic flavors, it brings retro charm and no-frills deliciousness. Grab a cone, wander downtown, and feel like a kid again.
📍 208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
This retro drive-in has been serving soft-serve since the 1950s and remains an old-school favorite. Don’t miss the chocolate-dipped cones or their banana splits, which are both nostalgic and massively satisfying. It’s as much about the vibe as it is the ice cream.
📍 5301 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Elliston Place Soda Shop
A historic soda fountain with charm to spare, Elliston Place whips up sundaes, milkshakes, and hand-dipped cones just like they did in the 1930s. It’s a slice of Americana—ice cream the way your grandparents remember it.
📍 2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
The Ice Cream Bar at Hattie Jane’s Creamery
This small-batch creamery from nearby Columbia, TN has earned loyal Nashville fans. Think bold flavors like Goo Goo Cluster and Buttermilk Blackberry, made with local dairy and Southern flair. The downtown location makes it super convenient for sweet breaks.
📍 411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Legendairy Milkshake Bar
If you’re after ice cream drama, this is your place. Each milkshake is basically a dessert explosion, with cupcakes, cookies, or brownies perched on top. The base ice cream is rich and creamy—absolutely worth the hype.
📍 171 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Hugh-Baby’s
This burger joint may not scream “ice cream parlor,” but their soft-serve is secretly excellent. Thick, velvety, and topped just right, it’s the ideal finish to one of their smoky pulled pork sandwiches. Sometimes simple is best.
📍 4816 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
The Baked Bear
This custom ice cream sandwich shop lets you mix and match cookies, brownies, and ice creams to build the dessert of your dreams. The possibilities are endless—and dangerously addictive. Go big or go home.
📍 1807 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
A national favorite with local roots, Jeni’s is a Nashville staple for anyone seeking thoughtfully crafted flavors made with top-tier ingredients. Standouts include Brambleberry Crisp and Brown Butter Almond Brittle, though seasonal specials always surprise. Each scoop is as artful as it is indulgent.
📍 2312 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Mimi’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shoppe
This cozy and colorful shop in Berry Hill combines sweet scoops with strong coffee, making it a perfect afternoon stop. The menu leans classic but with a few surprises, and the vibe is friendly and local. Bring a book or a friend and linger.
📍 5751 Old Hickory Blvd, Hermitage, TN 37076
Koko’s Ice Cream Scoop Shop
A fully vegan ice cream shop that delivers rich, satisfying flavors without the dairy. Koko’s is a favorite among plant-based eaters and curious foodies alike, with creamy options like golden milk and strawberry shortcake. You won’t miss the milk.
📍 411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
The Bee Ice Cream Shop
A neighborhood gem in Bellevue, The Bee wins hearts with its creamy, flavorful ice creams and a playful lineup of sundaes and cones. The interior is bright and inviting—ideal for families and after-school treats. Sweet and simple, just how we like it.
📍 7180 Hwy 70 S, Nashville, TN 37221
La Michoacana Premium
This Mexican-style ice cream shop brings bold flavors and color to the scene with paletas, fruity sorbets, and rich ice creams like avocado, guava, and mango chili. A must-try if you’re craving something fun, fruity, and totally different.
📍 575 Bell Rd, Antioch, TN 37013
The Nashville Sundae Club
Stylish and retro with a luxurious twist, this East Nashville spot serves towering sundaes, classic floats, and seasonal specialties in a pink-accented space that screams photo-op. Try the Music City Mudslide or build your own masterpiece.
📍 969 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Fryce Cream
What happens when fries meet ice cream? Pure joy. Fryce Cream blends salty and sweet by pairing hot, crispy fries with gourmet ice cream and dipping sauces. This food truck–turned–destination is one of the most inventive concepts in town.
📍 Various pop-up locations in Nashville
Sarabha’s Creamery
New to the scene and already making waves, Sarabha’s serves hand-crafted ice cream with South Asian influences. Flavors like saffron pistachio and masala chai bring something truly unique to the Nashville dessert world. A flavor journey in every scoop.
📍 6565 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
From the old-school soda shops to the next-gen vegan scoop spots, Nashville is overflowing with incredible ice cream options. Whether you want something classic, experimental, dairy-free, or dipped in nostalgia, this city has a cone with your name on it. So go ahead—beat the heat and treat yourself at one (or all) of these standout ice cream destinations.
Now Try Phoenix’s Best Ice Cream Places
Like Tucson, Phoenix’s sweltering temperatures make ice cream more than just a treat—it’s a necessity. Fortunately, the city is home to a variety of incredible ice cream shops, each offering unique flavors and experiences.