A Tasty Central Austin Ice Cream Tour!
With chocolate covered strawberry season over, it’s time to focus on the next best sweet treat… ICE CREAM! There is an oddly high number of incredible ice cream shops in central Austin that you need to try out! With so many incredible ice cream shops within a mile of each other, do yourself a flavor (hehe) and take yourself on an ATX ice cream tour.
Gelato Paradiso
Photographes © Gelato Paradiso Instagram
I scream, you scream, all of our bellies scream for Gelato Paradiso. This is a new addition to South Congress and has made such a delicious splash. Their gelato maker comes in every morning to whip up fresh batches of their traditional Italian gelato. I recommend trying the Amarena Ciliegia (black cherry and sweet cream), Bacche (mixed berry), or Nocciola (roasted hazelnut). Offering generous samples, feel free to try them all!
Prohibition Creamery
Photograph © Prohibition Creamery Instagram
Prohibition Creamery not only offers my favorite food (ice cream), but they offer ALCOHOL. That’s right, from an alcohol infused ice cream, to an alcohol and ice cream flight, this woman-owned parlor offers it all. A few examples of their unique ice creams include The Green Fairy (Absinth and Cacao), dairy free Prickly Pear Mezcal, Whisky Chocolate, and Black Magic (Charcoal).
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Photograph © Lick
Lick prioritizes top grade ingredients and sources it’s grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free dairy products from a small creamery in McGregor, Texas. With all of that cow talk out of the way, they also offer dairy free ice cream! Expect festive flavors such as coconut based Golden Milk & Honey, Texas Sheet Cake, Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey, and Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil & Sea Salt. If you’re craving something a bit more simple, I recommend their Caramel Salt Lick or ice cream sandwiches.
Amy’s Ice Cream
Photograph © ATXpartygirl
This is a damn Austin classic. Amy’s ice cream is a much better version of Marble Slab Creamery. They have unique flavors like Shiner Bock, Key Lime Pie, and Brittany’s Parade (?), and more traditional flavors like Mexican Vanilla, Sweet Cream, and Belgian Chocolate. You can then obviously add your favorite mixins’ like golden Oreo, rainbow sprinkles, or raspberries! After walking through Allens Boots and grabbing a Jo’s Coffee, you have to complete the triad of south congress iconic spots by grabbing a scoop at Amy’s.
Holla Mode
Photograph © Holla Mode
This is recommended if you want to try something new and fun! Holla Mode is Thai style rolled ice cream, meaning that they pour their homemade creamy ice cream mix onto a frozen stainless surface, only to freeze and scrape into precious sweet cream rolls! They offer flavors like Classic S’more, Thai Coffee, and Strawberries and Cake. The ice cream base is made right before your eyes! If you prefer dairy free ice cream, you can upgrade your base from local dairy to coconut milk! If you’re walking east of Barton Springs from ACL or Blues on the Green, this is a must stop Barton Springs location.
Dolce Neve Gelato
Photograph © Dolce Neve Instagram
Dolce Neve was the very first gelato shop that I tried when moving to Austin, Texas. This gelato shop is owned by the sweetest trio; Francesca, Leo (Francesca’s fiancé), and Marco (Francesca’s brother). A few recommended flavors are Stracciatella, Almond custard, and Mascarpone & Figs!
Coming soon: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Photographes © Jeni’s Ice Cream
At risk of sounding basic AF, I am literally obsessed. Ok folks, Jeni’s Ice Cream has a special place in my heart as a pint of Jeni’s has gotten me through a few rough nights. A woman founded ice cream chain, Jeni’s has opened up shop on South Congress and is a true indulgence that is ALWAYS worth it. You cannot go wrong with any of their flavors, but a few of their creative flavors include Skillet Cinnamon Roll, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam, and Brandied Banana Brûlée. Their doors aren’t open yet, but will be open this spring!