The Good Life

As one of the most populated cities in the United States, Houston is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Situated in Southeast Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, the city offers visitors a diverse range of activities and attractions to enjoy.

Houston is home to various landscapes, from the sprawling metropolis to the bayous and prairies surrounding it. In addition, the city’s diverse topography makes it an ideal place to explore the great outdoors.

There are plenty of options for those looking to escape the city for a day, and there are plenty of options nearby. The beaches of Galveston Island are just a short drive away, and visitors can find tranquility in one of the many parks and nature reserves that dot the Houston area.

There’s no denying that Houston summers are brutally hot. The heat and humidity can make even the most staunch outdoor enthusiasts want to stay indoors with the air conditioner blasting. But there is one summertime activity that is worth braving the heat for – Ice cream!

Sure, you could go for a swim or drink an iced tea to cool down, but nothing beats a scoop (or two) of cold, creamy ice cream on a hot day. And fortunately, Houston has no shortage of great places to fix your ice cream.

From old-fashioned ice cream parlors to trendy gelato spots, these are the 12 best places to get ice cream in Houston:

• Creamistry

This picture is for illustration purposes only. 

Address
5000 Westheimer Ste 608 Houston, TX 77056
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Chocolate Combustion, Brownie

Ice cream lovers beware; this ice cream place in Houston has a legit Creamologist who handcrafts all their premium desserts with liquid nitrogen. 

Create your masterpiece by choosing from 60-plus flavors and toppings at The Creamistry. You can select a classic, such as vanilla bean bases for an ultra-rich flavor, or try something new with fruity pebbles on top. With so many options to choose from, you will be able to make anything imaginable.

• Honeychild’s Sweet Creams

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Address
600 N Shepherd Ste 450 Houston, TX 77007
Price Range
$
Must Try
Cookies n Cream, Pecan Praline

The ice creams at this place are unique in many ways. They have many flavors, all made with high-quality ingredients and locally sourced. The ice cream here is also some of the creamiest and most flavorful you’ll ever have.

Honeychild’s is also the go-to for all your coffee needs. From their signature lattes and macchiatos to cold brews, you’ll find something that suits every taste. Some of Houston’s hottest restaurants, such as Antidote Coffee Co, have praised the cozy shop.

• Fat Cat Creamery

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Address
1901 N Shepherd Houston, TX 77008
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Chai Tea Coconut, Coconut Stracciatella

Fat Cat is one of the city’s most popular spots to get your favorite frozen treat. With flavors like milk chocolate stout made with oatmeal and strawberry jam or buttermilk ice cream mixed(that you can’t refuse), there are always new adventures around every corner at the Fat Cat Ice Cream Parlor.

In addition to the traditional flavors, you can enjoy seasonal treats like push-up pops and ice cream sandwiches that are sure not only hit your taste buds but also take you back in time. The ice cream here will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

• Kwality Ice Cream

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Address
13425 University Blvd Ste 450 Sugar Land, TX 77479
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Meetha Paan,  Kaju Draksh

Kwality is your go-to for all things Indian ice cream, falooda, and more. With two locations in the Houston area (Mahatma Gandhi District and Sugar Land), you can get traditional kulfi flavors like Alphonso king mango or something new on-trend. Their specialty – “kulfis,” is made with rose water malai & takmaria. Kaju Draksh, ice cream with cashews and raisins, is a must-try for anyone exploring new flavor profiles.

You can enjoy these desserts in various ways, whether as ice cream or with ingredients like basil seeds and vermicelli.

• Red Circle Ice Cream

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Address
6838 Ranchester Dr. Houston, TX 77036
Price Range
$
Must Try
Cinnamon Sugar Churro, Vanilla Custard with Cookie Butter, and Crumbles

Houston’s Red Circle Ice cream has one of the most unique flavors. They are not just about rainbow-colored accusations but also get adventurous with scoops like durian and crawfish. Then, of course, there are neon treats like Elmo Crunch and Green Goblin.

The churro is the big draw at Red Circle. It’ll quickly become a favorite, and you can add whatever ice cream flavor you want to it. The best part is the Instagrammable shape, where they make an arch around the scoops.

• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

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Address
2565 Amherst St Houston, TX 77005
Price Range
$
Must Try
Earl Grey Ice Cream, Vegan Sake

Rice Village has a new kid on the block, and it’s one of America’s most popular ice cream makers. Van Leeuwen uses whole eggs, giving its products an extra velvety texture. In addition, the ice cream is slow-churned to enhance flavor and creaminess.

Packed full of flavor and smooth as silk, these ice creams will make your mouth water for more. The royal wedding cake with elderflower lemon is perfect after dinner, while some vegan cookies satisfy any cravings during non-dessert hours.

• Magnolia’s Ice Cream & More

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Address
6421 Brady St Houston, TX 77011
Price Range
$
Must Try
Mangonada, Conchitas, Aguas Frescas

In the heart of Houston’s East End, Magnolia’s serves up some serious ice cream. With homemade flavors like mango and lemon-lime (with chamoy), you’re sure to find something your taste buds have never experienced. If ice cream’s not your thing, try one of their Aguas Frescas or Mexican sodas.

If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence, go straight to Magnolia and order their supreme. With three scoops of homemade ice cream mixed in with fresh fruit, this is one treat that will make your mouth explore new flavors just by reading about it.

• Cloud 10 Creamery

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Address
3502 S Shepherd Dr. Houston, TX 77098
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Strawberry Jam, Mint Chip, PB & J 

The award-winning pastry chef at this charming ice cream parlor branches out beyond just pouring forth premium ingredients and offers up a variety of sizes to suit your needs. If you’re particularly hungry or thirsty, you can get anything from four-ounce cups down to half-gallon cartons.

They offer both original and seasonal cups like currant mascarpone or earl grey lemon. For those who love dogs even more than humans, there are also doggie treats for your pups.

• Sweet Bribery

This picture is for illustration purposes only. 

Address
250 W 19th St Houston, TX 77008
Price Range
$$
Must Try 
Pina Colada Sorbet, Cognac Pecan Pie, Coconut Milk Horchata

A sweet tooth’s dream come true awaits at this cozy little hole with master pastry chef Sharon Leonard. Sweet Bribery has what it takes with an impressive list of desserts that will have you planning for dinner. Ice cream lovers can indulge in innovative options such as coconut milk key lime pie or strawberry lemon verbena sorbet.

The best way to enjoy a delicious banana split here is with some of Leonard’s famous pastries — like Belgian cherry cake and lemon tartlets. Then, pair it against your favorite glass o’ Champagne or rosé for an extra special treat.

• Amy’s Ice Cream

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Address
3816 Farnham St Houston, TX 77098
Price Range
$
Must Try
Aloha, Mexican Vanilla with Hot Fudge Sauce, Banana Split

Amy’s is a popular spot for their tasty ice cream because the lines there move pretty quickly. So you’re guaranteed freshness with an endless line and plenty of people waiting to get into the store.

Spin shakes and specialty ice cream cakes are available in many different flavors and are the best ice cream cakes in Huston. They are perfect for all sorts of occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

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Address
375 W 19th St Houston, TX 77008
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Gooey Butter Cake, Wild Berry Lavender, Bramble Berry Crisp

Jeni’s ice cream in Houston is the perfect breakfast treat. For those who love all things sweet, a pint of their “Everything Bagel” flavor will satisfy you with every bite. The deliciously filling combination consists primarily of creamy cheese-based creamsicles mixed seamlessly, topped off by buttery streusel sesame seeds and fluffy poppy buds; this dish has hints of onion-garlic, too, making it addicting in more ways than one.

You can start your day off right with a scoop of the classic gooey butter cake or refreshing frosé as you wander around the bustling City Centre.

• Tiny’s Milk and Cookies

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Address
3636 Rice Blvd Houston, TX 77005
Price Range
$$
Must Try
Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vanilla Caramel Crunch, Mellow Brick Road

If you’re ever in Houston and need a sugar rush, you must go to Tiny’s Milk and Cookies. This ice cream shop in Houston, TX, has some of the most creative and delicious flavors you’ll ever find. They offer excellent ice cream and cookies for everyone, including dairy-free and coconut milk chocolate lovers.

A great place, whether it be with friends or family–this restaurant does not disappoint at all.

Conclusion

Houston is home to some fantastic ice cream parlors, but which one reigns supreme? From classic ice cream shops to trendy new spots, whether you’re looking for a classic parlor with all the bells and whistles or something more unique, our list has got you covered. These 12 spots are our favorites, and we know you’ll love them too. So get out there and start sampling!