Best Ice Cream Near Atlanta: Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore

Whether you eat it in a bowl or in a cone, the ice cream from Four Fat Cows will have you drooling for more! Photo by the author
Whether you eat it in a bowl or in a cone, the ice cream from Four Fat Cows will have you drooling for more! Photo by the author
8/12/22 - By Elsa Simcik

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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. 

decadent milkshakes
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. 

a group of kids smiling and eating ice cream
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. 

Thai rolled-ice cream with berries
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. 

a triple scoop with rainbow sprinkles in a waffle cone
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:


The Yard Milkshake Bar - Downtown

Four Fat Cows - Alpharetta

Four Fat Cows - Buckhead

Butter and Cream - Decatur

King of Pops Shop @Ponce City Market

King of Pops - Old Fourth Ward

King of Pops - Colony Square