The scorching heat demands a refreshing treat, and nothing beats the summer heat quite like a delicious scoop of ice cream. If you find yourself in Alexandria, we’ve got you covered with a diverse selection of unique ice cream spots. From gelato to custard to classic sundaes, there’s truly something for everyone in Old Town Alexandria.
In Old Town
The Creamery
Located at 110 King Street, a stone’s throw from the Alexandria waterfront, The Creamery is a go-to destination for ice cream enthusiasts. This charming shop offers a wide range of treats, including homemade ice cream, frozen custard, no-sugar-added options, and dairy-free sorbet. In addition to their delectable frozen delights, The Creamery also bakes fresh cookies and cobblers right in the store. With their excellent service, don’t let the long line deter you from this local gem.
Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Situated at 109 King Street, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is a beloved local favorite known for its nostalgic atmosphere and exceptional customer service. While they do offer the usual classic flavors, Pop’s also boasts some truly unique creations like Kahlua Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel, and Carrot Cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their specialty sundaes like the “Johnny Appleseed,” which includes vanilla ice cream, apple pie chunks, butterscotch, caramel, and whipped cream. They even offer lactose-free soft serve for those with dietary restrictions.
Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
Located at 111 South Payne Street, Casa Rosada is a family-owned and operated gelato shop that brings the flavors of Argentina to Alexandria. Using only the highest quality natural ingredients, Casa Rosada offers an array of distinctive flavors such as Malbec, sweet corn, kumquats, and dulce de leche. With 35 different flavors of gelato and 14 flavors of sorbet available on any given day, there’s always something new to try. They even have gelato specially made for your four-legged friends!
Ben & Jerry’s
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Ben & Jerry’s, conveniently located at 103 South Union Street. This iconic ice cream chain is known for its creatively-named flavors and vibrant atmosphere. As you stroll down King Street, you won’t be able to resist the mouthwatering aroma of their freshly-made waffle cones. Treat yourself to a Vermonster sundae, which features a whopping 20 scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, banana, cookies, brownies, and all your favorite toppings.
Old Town Dolci Gelati Café
Indulge yourself at 107 North Fairfax Street with a visit to Old Town Dolci Gelati Café. Chef Gianluigi Dellaccio, using an authentic Italian recipe passed down through generations, puts a modern twist on traditional gelato flavors. From bacon gelato to Bellini sorbetti and their award-winning Saffron Pistachio Candied Lemon Peel, the flavor options are simply amazing. They source ingredients from local dairy farms and even use imported Ecuadorian chocolate. Can’t make it to the shop? Look for Dolci Gelati products in Whole Foods Markets.
Kilwins Alexandria
Located at 212 King Street, Kilwins Alexandria is not only an ice cream shop but also a haven for candy lovers. This sweet spot offers a wide variety of flavors, including all the classics and delightful twists like Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Blueberry Waffle Cone, and Pumpkin Pie. Indulge your sweet tooth with their homemade chocolates, fudge, apples, corns, and brittles, all made from original recipes right on-site.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
A relative newcomer to the Old Town ice cream scene, Jeni’s opened their Old Town location in the fall of 2019 and quickly became immensely popular. With other locations in McLean, Bethesda, and downtown DC, Jeni’s is renowned for its unique and inventive flavors. Try their Cognac with Ginger Bread, Wildberry Lavender, or Texas Sheet for a memorable tasting experience. Of course, they also offer classic flavors like Vanilla Bean and Darkest Chocolate.
Elsewhere in Alexandria
The Dairy Godmother
Tucked away at 2310 Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother is a local favorite revered for its Wisconsin-style custard. What sets their custard apart is the process, which incorporates very little air, resulting in a dense and creamy texture. Alongside the vanilla and chocolate custard options, Dairy Godmother offers a flavor of the day and a selection of sorbets. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend along for one of their pumpkin or banana “Puppy Pops” or a “Squirrel,” a delightful baked dog treat.
Custard Shack at The Haven
For a divine custard experience, head to 1401 Belle Haven Road and visit DRP’s Custard Shack. Open only on weekend evenings from April to October, this hidden gem is worth the trip. Their silky custard is simply heavenly. Check their monthly menu for a delectable array of flavors.
Of course, you can also find national ice cream chains like Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen, and SweetFrog in Alexandria as well.
Did we miss your favorite ice cream spot in Alexandria? Let us know! We’re always eager to discover new places to satisfy our sweet tooth.
There’s more to Alexandria than just great ice cream! Check out our other Inside Alexandria posts for insights into living in this vibrant city. And if you’re new to the area, sign up for one of our neighborhood orientation tours to get better acquainted with your surroundings.
For more articles like this one, be sure to check out our weekly blog roundup every Monday morning. And if you’re craving some ice cream right now, why not satisfy your cravings by visiting Ice Cream?
