Scoop Up the Last of Summer at These Atlanta Ice Creameries (3/3)

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Nothing screams summer like ice cream. And with August temperatures pushing Atlanta thermometers well into the red, what better way to cool down than with a delicious, velvety smooth scoop of creamy goodness from one of the growing number of ice creameries located in the city? With origins that began with snow, it is no wonder ice cream goes hand-in-hand with warm weather. Said to have been collected from the mountains in Japan during the fourth century, the earliest frozen desserts featured icy snow topped with flavored sugar syrups. Over the centuries, due to advances in technology, new recipes and the more widespread availability of ice, this tasty treat took on a number of forms – from frozen ices and sorbets to the traditional ice cream we have all come to know and love today. 

Fortunately, you do not have to go very far to get your ice cream fix in the city. While known as a culinary powerhouse with its own Michelin Guide being released this fall, Atlanta is also dishing up some pretty distinguished ice cream treats. From classic cones topped with sprinkles, decadent sundaes, dishes of creamy gelato and ice cream mixed with cereal and candy, to soft-serve, vegan and trendy rolled options, there are as many delectable ice cream choices in Atlanta as there are drink combinations at Starbucks! So gather up the kids, grab your friends, bring a date or simply treat yourself to a timeless taste of summer at these essential Atlanta ice cream shops. Each offers a unique experience and a wide range of flavors to satisfy any ice cream lover’s cravings. 

1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Known for its creative and unique flavor combinations, Jeni’s builds ice cream completely from scratch using a unique recipe honed and perfected over more than 20 years by founder, Jeni Britton. Featuring artisanal ice creams made with high-quality ingredients, all have a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body, with a bright flavor and clean finish. Focused on creating new standards for ice cream classics, as well as creating their own, you’ll find flavors inspired by art, history, pop culture and beyond that simply do not exist anywhere else. Jeni’s has multiple locations around the city and also offers on-demand delivery from UberEats or Postmates. Choose between multi-packs of flavors, like an all-chocolate pack, or go dairy-free with pints of ice cream shipped straight to the front door. 

2. Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream: With locations in Virginia-Highland, Ormewood Square and the Chattahoochee Food Works in Atlanta’s Westside District, Morelli’s is a local favorite with a wide range of flavors, including some inventive options like Black Sesame, Buttermilk Oreo and Strawberry Jalapeño. Their nostalgic atmosphere and generous portions make it a must-visit. 

3. Sweet Charlie’s: Located at 3872 Roswell Road in Buckhead, Sweet Charlie’s is changing the way ice cream is produced, serving up fresh, made-to-order ice cream with no preservatives, emulsifiers or stabilizers. They are known for their rolled ice cream, which is made by pouring liquid ice cream base onto a freezing cold surface and then rolling it into thin scrolls. Visitors can customize their creations with various mix-ins and toppings. The end result is a creamy, quality cup of ice cream. 

4. Andy’s Frozen Custard: Frozen custard fanatics are buzzing about Andy’s. Being a quick-service frozen dessert service, you can find items on the menu such as Sundaes, Custard Scoops and even Specialty Pints! Located at 3033 North Druid Hills Road, Andy’s is open all year and operates under sun, rain, sleet and even snow! You can never go wrong with Andy’s fresh custard.  

5. Sublime Doughnuts: Best known for incredible doughnuts, you will not want to skip the ice cream here, including the Crème Brûlée, Mango Moscato, Peach Riesling and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There is even an ice cream doughnut burger on the menu where a scoop of ice cream is sandwiched between two freshly baked doughnuts. It is a delightful fusion of two beloved treats. Try the Butter Pecan Ice Cream Burger in a sugar-dusted cake doughnut. Yum! 

6.  Butter & Cream: Located just off the Eastside BeltLine Trail in Old Fourth Ward, Butter & Cream makes their ice cream in small batches from real cream and only the freshest ingredients – the way it should be made! Their offerings have unique, modern twists yet are still reminiscent of the classic ice cream flavors we have grown up with. They make all the inclusions in their ice cream as well, including brownies, cookies, toffee and sauces. Their commitment to quality ingredients and smooth textures keeps customers coming back. 

• Sweet Stack Creamery: If you went to Georgia State University or just enjoyed hanging out in the Downtown area over the past few years, then you were probably one of the first to enjoy Sweet Stack Creamery’s incredible flavors and their trademark sweet stacks. Situated at 25 Piedmont Avenue, Sweet Stack’s heavenly creations that share their namesake combine ice cream and heat-pressed donuts or cookies to make a truly one-of-a-kind ice cream sandwich. You don’t want to let summer pass you by without trying one. 

• Four Fat Cows: Boasting two Intown locations at 30 Pharr Road in Buckhead and Politan Row at Colony Square, Four Fat Cows creates stunningly creative ice cream with a focus on flavor above gimmicks. They are passionate about quality and creativity, but mostly about the joy of eating ice cream and yummy baked goods! Four Fat Cows is not just a place to enjoy ice cream and treats, including a wide variety of baked goods, cones and ice creams that are gluten free – it is a place to spend time with those who matter most.​ 

• Jake’s Ice Cream: A classic shop with an unbelievable variety of flavors, Jake’s is one of Atlanta’s go-tos for frozen treats. With a location at 660 Irwin Street, Jake’s intown location boasts five variations of vanilla and nearly a dozen different chocolate flavors, and it also gives you plenty of options on how you can enjoy your ice cream. If you live in the Tri-Cities, Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park areas, you can have it delivered directly to your home, or you can give any—or all—of them a try the next time you hit the Atlanta BeltLine. 

• Frosty Caboose: Housed in a converted train caboose near antiques row in historic downtown Chamblee, Frosty Caboose is where to head for old-school ice cream cones and sundaes with lots of toppings. Their ice cream is made locally and is one of the richest, creamiest and luxurious products available. Order at the walk-up window and find a seat in the shade on one of the benches. It does not get any cuter than this!  

• Big Softie: Ice cream comes in all different shapes and sizes, and if you are a fan of that old school, soft serve variety, then the Big Softie is the place for you. Made from local ingredients, Big Softie uses Georgia dairy, as well as organic cane sugar in their products. The toppings and cones are all made in-house, which only adds to the down-home flavor here. Ice cream options include classic vanilla and chocolate, or you can go vegan with their oat vanilla, matcha and strawberry sorbet. The topping choices are endless, and the finished cones are picture perfect. 

1. Honeysuckle Gelato: It started as a food truck, but Honeysuckle’s gelato proved so popular, there is now a permanent outpost at Ponce City Market. Inspired by Southern flavors, Honeysuckle’s gelato pints are the perfect size for folks on-the-go during the summer. Grab a gallon tray and a four-pack of cookie and brownie gelato sandwiches to pack the freezer full of frozen treats.  

2. Amorino Gelato: Making organic gelato with high expectations, Amorino strives for nothing less than freshness. Located at Lenox Mall in Buckhead, it is taking a creative twist with rose-shaped gelato scoops, creating an experience that is not only tasty, but beautiful as well. Always launching new flavors, don’t miss their seasonal based menus; just go during every season!  

• The Yard Milkshake Bar : Located at 341 Marietta Street, their milkshakes are bringing all the boys, girls and everyone else in ATL to The Yard. With lines down the block, they are one of Atlanta’s hottest places to get a sweet, frozen dessert. They make insane, gargantuan milkshakes with delicious desserts crowning their increasingly iconic glass jar. 

• Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream: Boasting the original flash-frozen ice cream recipe, Sub Zero uses liquid nitrogen to create a smoother, creamier and denser finish than traditional freezing methods. Stop by the Intown location at 250 Park Avenue West near Centennial Olympic Park to customize your own treat from a wide variety of cream bases and tasty mix-ins. Already-crafted creations include Magnetic Mint with mint and fudge ice cream, Oreo and Andes mints as well as the Key Lime Voltage featuring limes and cheesecake ice cream topped with graham cracker and cheesecake bites. 

• Paolo’s Gelato: Indulge in an incredibly authentic Italian gelateria experience courtesy of Paolo Dalla Zorza, founder and native of Treviso, Italy. For over 20 years, Paolo has dedicated himself to providing gelato to Atlanta with over 50 different creamy and fruity flavors. Drop by the Virginia-Highland staple for a cup, cone or take-home quart, or sample one of the many imported Italian coffees, candies, cookies and cannolis. Ask about his Gelato Art, such as the signature “spaghetti” made from vanilla gelato shaped like pasta topped with strawberry sauce and grated coconut.  

• Eighty7Sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company: Unable to do dairy? Give Eighty7Sweets a try! Located Downtown on Broad Street, this vegan ice cream shop is decidedly Atlanta and includes flavors like Spelman strawberry and mango ice cream served in a red velvet cone, scoops of Morehouse chocolate and Vinings vanilla, and even Biscoff cookie shakes. You can also enjoy your vegan ice cream in a vegan chocolate chip cookie bowl. Delicious! No dairy, no nuts, no soy – no problem at Eighty7Sweets. 

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