Houston’s Top 10 Ice Cream Shops

 

Updated July 2023

It’s July, and it’s hot. In my home, we eat an insane amount of ice cream. Since it’s National Ice Cream Month, my family decided to explore our city and try out the best Houston ice cream shops. Here is our expertly curated guide.

young girl holds two ice cream cones>>> TOP HOUSTON ICE CREAM SHOPS <<<

1. Fat Cat Creamery {1225 W. 34th St. Suite C-300, Houston, TX 77018}

Fat Cat Creamery is nestled in the heart of the Heights, and has a beautiful space for children to play. In this location, all of their ice creams are made from scratch. They use whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and other flavorings. Fat Cat also supports the local community by using cream from Texas dairy farmers, eggs from Ole Dad Farms, and fruits from The Barry Farm. Fat Cat specialized in unique flavors like Waterloo Strawberry Buttermilk, Bunny Bait, and vegan Push-up Pops, and the kids loved everything they tried. I especially enjoyed the “Grown Cat” for children 21 and older.

2. Van Leeuwen {888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 157, Houston, TX 77006}

Van Leeuwen originated as an ice cream truck in New York and has since grown to have locations in many states. Houston has three locations – the Montrose location has street parking nearby and the interior was bright and fun. Although the space is quaint and family-friendly, it would also be a great spot for a date. They are open past 11 pm in two locations and until midnight at the Montrose location. They have a QR code for people with allergies to find options suitable for them. With unique flavors like Glass Onion and Marion Berry Cheesecake, and traditional ones like Vanilla Bean and Cookies and Cream, you and your date won’t be bored.

3. Cosmic Ice Cream Co. {8207A Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77080}

What happens when two love birds decide to go for their dreams and trust the process? Cosmic Ice Cream is created. With two locations, one in Clear Lake and the newest one in Spring Branch, Houstonians have no excuse to skip out on this “out of this world” ice cream shop. The Spring Branch location is in a shopping complex that is up and coming. You can enjoy your ice cream inside or outside or while window shopping. With family friendly restaurants on either side of the ice cream shop, it’s a great spot to get dessert after dinner. Toasted Coconuts, Honey Lavender and Camp Fire S’mores were the favorites, although it was a difficult decision.

4. Over The Top Waffle Shoppe {11131 Harlem Rd, Suite 110, Richmond, TX 77406}

This truly local ice cream shop is everything you’d imagine an ice cream shop to be. It’s bright, lively and truly over the top. They are family owned and operated. They offer a variety of options to help anyone with a sweet tooth get their fix but their signature item is the Bubble Waffle topped with their many flavors of ice cream. The portions are large and the employees’ hearts are even larger. A taste of Pineapple Aloha makes you believe you are on an island. With an option like Unconditional Love, who needs anything else? Granny’s Banana Pudding takes you right back to summers in the kitchen devouring your grandma’s banana pudding.

5. Milk + Sugar {1848 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77098}

The first thing you notice when you arrive at Milk + Sugar is the inviting yellow door, then your nostrils are blessed with the smell of heaven, which in this case is their Brown Butter Waffle Cone. The cone should have its own line item on the menu because I could eat it for days. It’s crunch yet light, perfectly sweetened, and goes well with every flavor of ice cream. Their flavors are uniquely curated – you won’t find flavors like theirs anywhere else. With flavors like Hello Summer, Happy Wife and Sundae Funday, they were speaking my love language. The space is quaint and the lines can get long but the employees were incredibly warm, kind and helpful in making our selections.

6. Awesome Bites {2313 Edwards St. #185, in Sawyer Yards}

This quaint yet lively shop was started when a mom who loved baking for her daughter had to find a solution for her daughter with several allergies. This was my 6 year old’s favorite shop because he could eat everything edible in the store since everything they offer is vegan. He has a serious allergy and often comes in contact with dairy in other ice cream shops. Although the flavors are limited, what this shop lacks in variety, it makes up in taste. Maple Sunflower Butter and Lemon Strawberry were everyone’s favorite. This is the place to be if you or anyone in your family has one or more allergies. They offer deliveries and have Tester Thursdays, where customers are encouraged to try out new products on their R&D day. Adding that to the summer bucket list for sure!

>>> TOP SHOPS AROUND TOWN <<<

7. Sweets to the Sweet {26400 Kuykendahl Rd, Unit C110, The Woodlands, TX 77389}

Just like the name alludes, Sweets to the Sweet is the perfect spot for your sweethearts with the sweetest of teeth. Soft serve ice cream, gelato and traditional ice cream are available in the spacious and joyful space. It is warm and inviting and every employee is sweet as can be. With over 120 gelato flavors being rotated all year, you are sure to find something you’ll love. They offer 20+ dairy free sorbets, and 4 sugar free ice cream options. With green space across the street, you can let the kids run off the sugary goodness.

8. Surreal Creamery {1500 Research Forest Dr. Ste 170, Spring, TX 77381}

Surreal Creamery had me at Mason Jars. As you walk into the large shop, you are welcomed by friendly faces and a giant colorful logo. As I scanned the room to see what other patrons were delighting in,  my eyes were glued to the Signature Mason Jars. Their soft-serve ice cream can be used in floats, slushies, milkshakes and so much more. Give this one a try and you won’t be disappointed. We experimented with the Mango and Taro – they were refreshing and delicious.

9. Yonutz {11200 Broadway St. #430, Pearland, TX 77584}

We knew Yonutz was going to be delicious because when we walked in, there was a packed house. Everyone is greeted with a warm hello, no matter how busy they are. Your eyes and nose get first hand experience of the deliciousness your mouth will enjoy when you get your order. Donuts and ice cream? Genius, if you ask me. Then add a waffle maker looking apparatus that warms up the donut while the ice cream remains cold. It’s an explosion of texture and temperature happening at the same time and in the best way. The owners are parents to two young children. He’s a retired veteran and she works full time in addition to running the company.

10. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice {4030 FM 1463 Suite 101, Katy, TX 77494}

This Italian sweet spot has several locations in Houston, so pick the closest one to you and you will leave there feeling refreshed. They offer Celati, their perfect combination of soft serve ice cream and ice as well as either one on their own. No matter how you like it, you won’t go wrong. They are equally refreshing and delicious.

Happy Ice Cream Month! Where are your favorite Houston ice cream shops to get delectable frozen treats?


Please Note: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and various business details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.

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Ese D.
Ese is a proud Nigerian American who spent most of her teenage years and adult life in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved to Houston in 2012. Ese is a bonus, foster/adoptive and IVF mom. Her journey to motherhood wasn’t traditional but it’s been a remarkable ride. She has a passion for people, and it is reflected in the different ways she’s involved in the community. As a Junior League of Houston member, she loves serving the community with other strong women. Her commitment to her faith serves as a foundation in all aspects of her life. She’s a proud Buckeye {OH-IO} and a lover of most sports. After spending a year in Mexico, Nigeria and Colombia, she and her family moved back to Houston in the Spring of 2019. Ese spent most of her professional career in the Manufacturing industry doing Export Compliance. She is known as one who has never met a stranger. She loves connecting with and bringing women together. She may not be a fan of the traffic in Houston, but she has fallen in love with the diverse people and the amazing food options the city offers. When she’s not working and running her small business, you can find her listening to books on audible, catching up on her favorite podcast, hosting brunch with new and old friends as well as connecting with her online girlfriends on Facebook.

4 COMMENTS

  1. The Fun Shop is great! I had my daughter’s Birthday Party their and it was awesome! The staff was very nice and helpful!

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