There’s no better way to enjoy the City of Oaks than strolling along the majestic oak tree-lined streets with a scoop of ice cream! Here are some of the best ice cream in Raleigh, I’m sure you’ll love too.
From signature flavors and ice cream cakes to some great yogurt spots, here are some spots you can find great ice cream in Raleigh.
Two Roosters Ice Cream
What started as a locally-sourced ice cream truck roaming the streets (a turquoise 1965 Ford truck, to be precise) in 2015 by an NC State University alum, Jared Plummer, turned into a hit.
In the summer of 2017, they switched to their first brick-and-mortar location. Their popular handcrafted ice cream features a mix of rotating and permanent flavors.
Some of the Two Roosters’ greatest hits include Blackberry Hibiscus (a personal favorite), Roasted Strawberry and Honey, Sea Salt Chip Cookie Dough, and Dark Chocolate Mint Chunk.
Their have their famed movie series specials which have included Harry’s Butter Beer (credit: Harry Potter), Yeti’s Lemon Snow Cone Sorbet (credit: Monsters Inc.), and Edmund’s Turkish Delight (credit: The Chronicles of Narnia), among others.
They also have a limited selection of sumptuous ice cream cakes (Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Cake, and Cookie Dough).
- Two Roosters Ice Cream, multiple locations
Fresh. Local Ice Cream
The name says it all! This local family-owned business uses fresh ingredients from local dairy farms weekly to produce unbeatable homemade ice cream in the Triangle area.
Before moving to Raleigh, Brett Hillman and his wife started their ice cream journey in their hometown N.Y., bringing their expertise with them. The importance of collaborating with organic local farms and the strong community helped them become one of the most popular places in the area.
It’s no wonder they have created some award-winning ice cream. Their crowd favorite is the Carolina Crunch (caramel ice cream, Butterfinger, and health bar pieces). Other flavors that will have you wanting more include White Mint Chip, Kona Coffee, Banana Pudding, Coconut Almond Crunch, and Midnight Brownie Crunch.
They also have special monthly flavors, sundaes (including Farm Fresh Doggie Sundae for your furry friend), milkshakes, and soda floats.
You can grab your favorite ice cream from their store or ice cream truck on the streets of Raleigh.
- Fresh. Local Ice Cream, 6033 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
Howling Cow
The Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery make ice cream on NC State University campus. Generations of North Carolinians have indulged in premium ice cream on campus and also at the North Carolina State Fair which was founded right there at the NC State in 1853.
They make some fabulously good desserts using only fresh milk and cream directly from over 300 NC State cows on their 329-acre Raleigh farm. But they are more than just an ice cream store. They also have a learning center equipped with interactive video exhibits for visitors to discover how the center operates, all while relishing an ice cream sundae.
Among their wide variety of flavors, there’s Campfire Delight, Wolf Tracks, Banana Pudding, Cherry Brick Road, Sea Salt Caramel, and Peanut Butter Spin.
This is a great place to find fresh ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, non-dairy smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes.
- Howling Cow, 100 Dairy Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603
Lumpy’s Ice Cream
This ice cream shop, in the nearby town of Wake Forest, was the brainchild of Chef Buck Buchanan. From making ice cream as a treat for his kids to selling his first batches from a hand truck in downtown Raleigh, Lumpy’s ice cream now has its first shop in Wake Forest.
Lumpy’s uses only the best ingredients and hormone-free milk and cream sourced from local farms to create flavors such as Georgie’s Fuzzy Peach Dream, Denise’s Chocolate Brownie Addiction, Peter Peter’s Pumpkin Pie, Angel’s Apple Pie, and Charlie’s Cheesecake, among others.
Fancy some alcoholic ice cream? Try Buchanan’s Black and White (Whisky ice cream with chocolate chips), Whisky and Clover, and Bennie’s Bacon and Bourbon.
- Lumpy’s Ice Cream, 306 Wait Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
More than just your regular scoop of ice cream, Andia’s story, which started on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and led to this family-owned business, is close to my heart. My loved one is also from Cyprus, so I knew the ice cream was going to be great!
Andia’s makes small-batch, award-winning ice cream, that feels like home. They have some delicious signature flavors like Oreo Cookies & Cream, Lemon Basil Sorbet, and Coffee Bean Crunch, and also some Cypriot flavors like Baklava and Rose Pistachio.
There are always six extra monthly flavors, like Mango Un-Lyched, Speckled Cherries, and Caramel Macchiato. If you’re the adventurous kind, try the Couch Potato (burned sugar ice cream with chocolate-covered potato chips, brownie bites, and chocolate freckles).
- Andia’s Ice Cream, 1008 Ryan Rd, Cary, NC 27511, and 10120 Green Level Church Road #208, Cary, NC 27519
Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream
With over 120 flavors on the menu, this family-owned shop offers something for everyone, from classic vanilla and chocolate to adventurous options like Banana Pudding, Fireball, and the famously spicy Cold Sweat. Made fresh in-house, the ice cream boasts a rich, creamy texture that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
The outdoor seating area makes it an ideal spot for warm summer evenings, where families and ice cream lovers can gather to enjoy their favorite flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cone or daring enough to try the ultra-spicy Cold Sweat, Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream is a must-visit destination for any ice cream enthusiast in the Raleigh area.
Raleigh Rolls
Raleigh Rolls offers a unique take on ice cream with its Thai-inspired rolled ice cream. Each order is made fresh right in front of you, as a creamy base is poured onto an ice-cold surface, then mixed with various ingredients before being skillfully rolled into delicate spirals.
With flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous combinations like matcha green tea and s’mores, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The fun, interactive experience and the Instagram-worthy presentation make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Raleigh Rolls, 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
Unlike traditional ice cream, Goodberry’s uses a special process that results in a denser, silkier frozen custard, free of artificial additives. The vanilla and chocolate flavors are made fresh throughout the day, ensuring a consistently smooth texture and deep flavor. The shop is also known for its signature Carolina Concrete, a thick, customizable blend of custard and mix-ins like fruit, candies, and nuts.
With multiple locations around Raleigh, Goodberry’s is a convenient go-to for anyone craving a nostalgic, high-quality frozen dessert. The outdoor seating at many locations makes it an ideal stop for a summer evening treat, and the seasonal specials, such as pumpkin custard in the fall, keep fans coming back year-round.
- Goodberry’s Frozen Custard, multiple locations
Captain Cookie & the Milkman
Captain Cookie & the Milkman brings a playful twist to the dessert scene in Raleigh, specializing in fresh-baked cookies, creamy ice cream, and, of course, their legendary ice cream sandwiches. Customers can mix and match cookies and ice cream flavors to build their dream dessert, whether it’s a classic chocolate chip with vanilla or a snickerdoodle with cookies and cream.
The menu also features milkshakes, sundaes, and even fresh local milk to pair with your cookies. The fun, retro-inspired branding and welcoming atmosphere make it a hit with families, students, and anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re stopping by the store or tracking down their beloved food truck, Captain Cookie delivers indulgent, made-to-order treats with a smile.
- Captain Cookie & the Milkman, 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s has long been a household name in the world of ice cream, and its Raleigh locations offer the same quirky flavors and social-conscious ethos that made the brand famous. You’ll find all the classic flavors like Cherry Garcia, Phish Food, and Chunky Monkey.
Seasonal specials and limited-edition flavors keep the menu fresh, and the option to order custom ice cream cakes makes Ben & Jerry’s a go-to for birthdays and celebrations. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of their euphoric flavors or just looking for a reliably delicious scoop, Ben & Jerry’s remains a solid choice in Raleigh.
- Ben & Jerry’s, 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, and 4160 Main St, Raleigh, NC 27609
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen has been serving up classic soft-serve treats for generations, and its multiple locations in Raleigh continue to be a favorite for those seeking a nostalgic ice cream experience. Known for its signature Blizzard, which blends soft-serve with mix-ins like Oreos, Reese’s, and brownie pieces, DQ offers a sweet treat for any craving. Other menu highlights include dipped cones, sundaes, and the beloved Dilly Bar, a chocolate-coated ice cream disc on a stick.
- Dairy Queen, multiple locations
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery brings a hands-on, customizable experience to ice cream lovers. With locations on Poyner Village Parkway and Alexander Promenade Place, this chain is known for its signature “mix-in” process, where customers choose their favorite ice cream base and a variety of toppings that are blended together on a frozen granite slab.
Popular creations include Birthday Cake Remix (cake batter ice cream, brownies, and sprinkles) and The Founder’s Favorite (sweet cream ice cream, pecans, brownie, and caramel).
- Cold Stone Creamery, 5811 Poyner Village Pkwy, Ste 105, Raleigh, NC 27616, and 7840 Alexander Promenade PI, Ste 140, Raleigh, NC 27617
Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!
