10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Atlanta

Summertime in Atlanta needs no explanation or introduction, and for better or worse ice cream has been our go-to bribe lately for everything from potty training to completing swim lessons. Here are some of the best ice cream shops in Atlanta from my own personal experience, plus some y’all submitted!

Michoacana at Gezzo’s Westside

I’m sure chef Ron and his family is sick of me lamenting around town the loss of Juniper Cafe, but alas. Gezzo’s, a West Coast-style Mexican spot, opened up in the former Juniper Cafe space walking distance from us, and it’s good but the real draw is Michoacana, the Mexican-style ice cream shop that took over the pastry window. They have everything from ice cream to mango slices with Tajin to strawberries and cream. 10/10 for convenience, flavor and originality.

Four Fat Cows

Some of y’all go absolutely feral for Four Fat Cows, which I’m ashamed to say I’ve never had the pleasure of trying but I’ll try to rectify that soon because any shop that has flavors like smoked pineapple and chocolate or yuzu deserves some love. There are five Atlanta locations, including Politan Row at Colony Square, downtown Alpharetta and Pharr Road.

Big Softie

I have mixed emotions for anyone who hasn’t had Big Softie yet—sad because WTF but also happy because you’ll soon know why most of Atlanta is enamored with Little Tart Bakery’s soft serve place in Summerhill. When I tell you I raced there to catch the tail end of Thai Tea and Sticky Mango Rice…heads up, the smallest size is huge! The toppings are absolutely off the charts, too. My favorite is the cornflake streusel and of course, my little one is partial to the seasonal strawberry shortcake crumble.

Butter & Cream

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Butter & Cream which is kind of a crime but it’s a staple in East Atlanta and Decatur for ice cream, sorbets and more. The seasonal flavors are where it’s at.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

My love/hate relationship with Jeni’s is very much a point of contention in my family—my husband loves it, as does my daughter. But to me, it’s too milky, too rich, too sweet most of the time. Anytime they have a corn flavor, though, I’m on board or anything that skews salty over sweet, like Biscuits with the Boss. I could have bathed in that.

TCBY

WHY AM I JUST FINDING OUT THERE’S STILL A TCBY IN ATLANTA??? Fountain Oaks at Sandy Springs! White Chocolate Mousse 4EVER.

Morelli’s Ice Cream

Morelli’s is a solid choice and they have several locations throughout Atlanta including one by us at The Works where we do a fair amount of business with them. Summer-ready flavors like Blueberry Corncake (do you sense a theme with me) slap, as do regular flavors like Mint Chip. Their confections and cakes look amazing!

Cherried Mary’s

If you are in downtown Roswell, Cherried Mary’s is an adorable place, especially for kids. It’s next to Fickle Pickle, which I grew up going to. The entire place has pink walls and chairs, so you know my kid was already obsessed. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that they have half scoops, which are perfect for little hands and moms who hate paying for too much ice cream. I had the pina colada sorbet and it was amazing!

Pala Bakery

Guys yes I know the difference between ice cream and gelato. But this is my Substack so just go with it. Pala is an amazing place to get GELATO in Atlanta. From the same family that does Antico is Pala Bakery on West Paces. The pizzas and sandwiches and pastries are all so good, but the gelato sees the most action from our family. Every flavor is perfectly balanced and creamy and ~not too milky~. Affogato is often a go-to for me. My only gripe is seating—high tops are hard with toddlers. There are a few benches scattered around outside the place.

Honorable Mention: King of Pops

How could I not mention the one business that gets more of my money than any other? If there’s a rainbow umbrella, my child is running to it like a moth to a flame. Well done, KOP.

Stuff I’m Consuming

EAT: Salmon Pasta Salad (Saveur)

EAT: Easy Strawberry Tiramisu (Half Baked Harvest)

READ: It Was Only a Matter of Time Before Everyone Started Dressing Like Kramer (The Atlantic)

READ: RFK Jr’s Inside Job (NY Mag)

READ: The Best LED Lightbulbs (NY Mag)

LISTEN: Americans in Paris featuring David Sedaris (This American Life)

LISTEN: How Clarence Thomas Came to Reject Affirmative Action (The Daily)

I Bought It, and I’m Cheap

Commissionable links

I finally succumbed to the nugget ice trend with these trays. Now if I only had a kitchen to use them in. Tinted lip balm for a little adult sparkle. One of those photo frames that holds 100000 pieces of kid art. $11 makeup balm remover that I truly cannot get over. Marlow adjustable firmness pillows. This adorable little popsicle set from Target. More kid sunglasses because we lose them like crazy. Waiting for yet another f*cking Nap Dress to go on sale because I really do love them that much.

Hacks, Hacks, Hacks

How to stretch your neck, traps and chest. How to release your jaw. How to create large art for less. Checking out items like zoo passes from the library. Caring for a citrus tree (the only thing I’ve kept alive). Publix digital coupons (most stores have these “secret” tabs). Most coffee at Dunkin’ is $2 or less on Mondays in the app.

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