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. Whether you’re in the mood for classic scoops, inventive creations, or Italian-style gelato, here are the best ice cream places in Phoenix.
Churn
Churn is a charming ice cream parlor that embraces nostalgia with its vintage-inspired décor and classic treats. Their handcrafted ice cream is made with all-natural ingredients, ensuring every scoop is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
From traditional favorites like vanilla bean and cookies & cream to more adventurous seasonal offerings, there’s always something delicious to try. Beyond ice cream, Churn also sells fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and candies, making it a haven for dessert lovers.
Novel Ice Cream
Novel Ice Cream has made a name for itself with its inventive ice cream sandwiches, particularly the “Dough Melt”—a scoop of ice cream stuffed inside a warm, glazed doughnut. The combination of hot and cold, soft and creamy, creates an irresistible contrast that keeps customers coming back. Their rotating selection of handcrafted ice creams includes flavors like Fruity Pebbles, Butter Beer, and Mexican Hot Chocolate.
The shop’s unique flavors and playful presentation make it an Instagram-worthy stop, but the quality of their ice cream ensures it’s more than just a gimmick.
Sweet Republic
Sweet Republic has built a loyal following by making their ice cream from scratch using local ingredients and creative recipes. Their unique flavors, such as honey blue cheese and sweet potato with toasted marshmallows, showcase their dedication to innovation. For those who prefer something more familiar, classics like salted caramel and mint chip are also available.
Beyond traditional cones and cups, Sweet Republic offers sundaes, shakes, and ice cream sandwiches. Their dedication to small-batch production ensures that every bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
The Screamery
As Arizona’s first ice cream pasteurizers, The Screamery takes a farm-to-table approach to ice cream making. Their all-natural ice cream is made from grass-fed dairy, free of artificial preservatives and additives. This dedication to quality is evident in every creamy bite, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla bean to more adventurous options like Sweet Cream Honeycomb and Oatmeal Cookie Dough.
The Screamery’s welcoming environment makes it a great spot for families, with an emphasis on simple, wholesome ingredients. Their commitment to transparency in their production process ensures that customers know exactly what they’re eating.
Fatty Daddy’s
Fatty Daddy’s is all about indulgence, and their signature creation—the “cookie cup”—perfectly exemplifies their approach. This decadent dessert consists of a scoop of ice cream nestled inside a freshly baked cookie, topped with a macaron. It’s an explosion of textures and flavors in every bite.
The menu features both classic and seasonal flavors, ensuring there’s always something new to try. With its playful presentation and over-the-top combinations, Fatty Daddy’s is a must-visit for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth in a big way.
Frost Gelato
Frost Gelato brings an authentic taste of Italy to the Arizona desert. Their gelato is made fresh daily using traditional Italian techniques, resulting in a dense, creamy texture. Classic flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and dark chocolate transport customers straight to Europe with every bite.
Frost’s commitment to authenticity and high-quality ingredients makes it a top destination for gelato lovers.
The Gelato Spot
At The Gelato Spot, Italian tradition meets American innovation. Their gelato is made using imported Italian ingredients, but the flavors are inspired by a mix of classic and modern tastes. Favorites include Nutella, Salted Caramel, and Tiramisu, alongside seasonal specialties.
PussyCat Gelato
PussyCat Gelato is a boutique gelato shop with a bold personality. Their flavors range from classic vanilla bean to more exotic options like Lavender Honey and Blood Orange Sorbet. Each batch is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a rich and smooth texture.
The shop’s quirky branding and intimate setting make it a fun place to explore new flavors.
Phoenix’s ice cream scene is as diverse as its people, offering everything from old-fashioned parlors to innovative dessert shops. Whether you crave a classic scoop, a doughnut ice cream sandwich, or handcrafted gelato, these spots provide the perfect way to cool down and indulge.
Try ice cream in these places:
