Best Ice Cream Near Atlanta: Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore
Who wants ice cream? Everybody, especially in the summer. Fortunately, we have no shortage of ice cream near Atlanta. We've got all the big ice cream chains, like Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Bruster's. We also have lots of smaller, local ice cream parlors, some with just one location —these ice cream shops are the ones that really hit the sweet spot. It was a tough job, researching and tasting various flavors and styles of ice cream near Atlanta, but somebody had to do it! Read on for the "scoop" on the yummiest ice cream parlors near Atlanta, plus cool, local mobile ice cream and popsicle stands.
Want more of our Atlanta food faves? Check out our list of Atlanta Restaurants with Outdoor Seating and Great Patios and Atlanta Food Halls That Really Hit the Spot.
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Dreamy Ice Cream Near Atlanta
Buzzed Bull Creamery - Milton
The first Atlanta-area location of this liquid-nitrogen-based ice cream parlor is now open in Crabapple Market in Milton. Besides serving fresh, premium ice cream and milkshakes for kids, Buzzed is also known for providing ice cream for the over 21 crowd (with offerings like Buzzed Bull Margarita and Honey Bourbon Pecan that feature alcohol). More Atlanta locations are coming soon, in Decatur, Druid Hills, Alpharetta, and more.
Try a fancy milkshake at The Yard Milkshake Bar.
The Yard Milkshake Bar - Downtown and Buckhead
This ice cream parlor takes decadence to a new level, with over-the-top milkshakes covered in ice cream and toppings that spill over the jars. The treats are as delicous as they are photo-worthy.
Four Fat Cows - Multiple Locations
This cute Georgia-based ice cream shop has five locations around Atlanta. Known for their extensive list of ice cream flavors, Four Fat Cows also sells cupcakes and cookies.
Scream'n Nuts - Alpharetta
This mom-and-pop shop has a name that makes visitors laugh, and ice cream (plus donuts and coffee) that makes visitors drool. Their artisan menu changes daily but always includes unique flavors and familiar faves.
Ice cream near Atlanta brings out smiles for everyone. Photo by the author
Sweet Stack - Atlanta
Ice cream fantatics head to Sweet Stack in the Sweet Auburn Historic District for handcrafted ice cream or a doughnut sandwich (ice cream scoops between two doughnuts...genius!) The dessert bar even includes vegan options for all diners.
Morelli's - Multiple Locations
An Atlanta favorite since 2008, Morelli's serves up gourmet ice cream like salted caramel and ginger lavender at three Atlanta locations: East Atlanta, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highland.
Indulge in a beautiful bowl of rolled ice cream at Where's the Scoop?
Where's the Scoop? - Alpharetta
Rolled, scratch-made ice cream is what Where's the Scoop? in Alpharetta is all about. Ice cream fans can even enroll in classes to learn how to roll!
Big Softie - Summerhill
This popular, local soft-serve ice cream parlor, in the southeastern Atlanta neighborhood of Summerhill, is a sweet place to visit after a trip to Grant Park or Zoo Atlanta. Customers love Big Softie's yummy flavors and unique toppings like Cheez-It brittle and toasted coconut.
The Frosty Caboose - Chamblee
Come for the ice cream, stay for the train spotting. Visitors flock to this Chamblee ice cream shop, located in a stationary red caboose, throughout the year. The Caboose, known for rich, delicious, seasonal flavors, always offers a premium product.
Go for a triple scoop at Butter & Cream.
Butter & Cream - Decatur and Old Fourth Ward
Butter & Cream's name says it all. Made with real cream and fresh ingredients, folks love to stop by Butter & Cream while hanging at Decatur Square or the Atlanta BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward. The ice cream parlor is soon to have another location in Norcross.
Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe - Canton
Frosty Frog's gourmet ice cream (over 250 flavors!) is so popular, people drive to Canton just for a taste. Frosty Frog encourages visitors to order online, before heading to the cafe, to save time perusing the massive menu.
Ice Cream Trucks and Popsicles on Wheels
We love these mobile ice cream and popsicle businesses for parties, events or just as an impromtu treat.
King of Pops
We can't talk about ice cream and popsicle carts without mentioning Atlanta institution, King of Pops. Besides popping up at concerts, festivals, and events around Atlanta, King of Pops has bars in Old Fourth Ward, Colony Square and three spots at Ponce City Market. (Bonus: Adults can order boozy creations!)
Popsicolo
We met the Popsicolo guys (two young entrepreneurs) at Wills Park in Alpharetta when they were giving out FREE ice cream and treats to everybody. When they are not delivering "spontaneous smiles" (as they call it), the company is catering events and parties with the Popsicolo cart.
Atlanta Ice Cream Truck
Don't wait for the ice cream truck to come around, schedule it to come to your house! This company sends traditional ice cream trucks, an attendant, and lots of treats to your party or event.
Moki Pops
Fresh, all-natural, flavorful popsicles are Moki Pops' specialty. Fans can enjoy these frozen, fruity treats at their permanent locations around Atlanta (including Piece of Cake in Buckhead and Decatur), at pop-up events around town, or at your own personal parties.
Icey Hut
This Atlanta company rents out ice cream carts, trucks, and shaved ice trailers for parties or events. Their vehicles and carts are colorful and stocked with yummy treats. Renters can opt to add on inflatables, games, even a margarita machine.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the shops
Places featured in this article:
Buzzed Bull Creamery
The Yard Milkshake Bar - Downtown
Scream'n Nuts
Four Fat Cows - Alpharetta
Four Fat Cows - Buckhead
Four Fat Cows - Marietta
Four Fat Cows - Dunwoody
Four Fat Cows - Reynoldstown
Sweet Stack
Morelli's Ice Cream
Morelli's Ice Cream
Morelli's Ice Cream
Where's The Scoop?
Big Softie
The Frosty Caboose
Butter and Cream - Beltline
Butter and Cream - Decatur
King of Pops Shop @Ponce City Market
King of Pops - Old Fourth Ward
King of Pops - Colony Square
Frosty Frog Creamery and Cafe