Is there anything more nostalgic than ice cream? One spoonful of its creamy, sugary deliciousness can transport you back in time to a childhood filled with celebratory cones after scoring a goal at a soccer game, Friday nights spent with friends in a cozy booth, or cooling off on a hot summer day after a dip in the pool. Ice cream is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for both cheering up and celebrating. As the saying goes, there’s always room for ice cream because it “fills in the cracks.” So when the craving strikes, here are the top places to indulge in the best ice cream in Salt Lake City.
11. Joy Pops
Joy Pops, a charming food truck, offers refreshing and gourmet paletas (Mexican ice pops). The owner, inspired by her favorite treats from family vacations, started Joy Pops at the young age of 17. Here, you’ll find a delightful selection of nostalgic and fresh flavors to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss out on the fruity bites, berry cheesecake, and cookies and cream popsicles. You can find Joy Pops at various events throughout Salt Lake County and at the American Express Market in Vivant Arena. They also offer catering services. Check out their Instagram account, @joypopsicles, to see their upcoming locations.
10. Hatch Family Chocolates
Hatch Family Chocolates, a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts in Salt Lake City, not only serves heavenly chocolates but also boasts delicious homemade ice cream. Made in-house, their ice cream features the same high-quality dark and milk chocolates found in their specialty chocolate products. Indulge in a scoop of their rocky road or salted caramel flavors, but don’t miss their signature frozen hot chocolate. This rich and creamy milkshake is made with melted chocolate mixed into the ice cream and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Don’t be surprised if you find a long line outside their door on a hot summer day.
9. Doki Doki- Japanese Dessert Café
For a unique and delightful selection of sweet treats, head to Doki Doki in the heart of downtown. This Japanese dessert café offers cream puffs shaped like adorable little bears, melt-in-your-mouth slices of crepe cake, and soft-serve ice cream sundaes with bold flavors. Treat yourself to a taiyaki ice cream sundae, which features a fish-shaped waffle filled with either custard or Nutella, your choice of ice cream flavors, delectable toppings, and a decadent sauce. Don’t miss out on the refreshing lemon or the unique ube (a Japanese sweet potato) soft serve, topped with raspberry or passionfruit sauce.
8. MONKEYWRENCH
Prepare to be amazed by MONKEYWRENCH’s vegan ice cream. This place isn’t just good for vegan ice cream – it’s truly one of the best ice cream spots in Salt Lake City, period. Whether you’re dairy-free or not, MONKEYWRENCH won’t disappoint. Their top-notch flavors include Budderfinger, featuring homemade peanut butter candy bars and chocolate. It’s no wonder it’s their most popular flavor. Banana brownie and grasshopper are also menu standouts. Don’t miss out on the chance to try MONKEYWRENCH as soon as possible.
7. Spilled Milk
Cereal lovers, rejoice! Spilled Milk is one of Salt Lake City’s most unique ice cream shops, specializing in cereal milk-infused soft serve. Indulging in their ice cream is like reliving those Saturday mornings spent watching cartoons with a big bowl of your favorite cereal. Try their “Over the Rainbow” cone, featuring ice cream flavored with Fruity Pebbles and Captain Crunch, served in a creamsicle cone and topped with a rainbow sour rope. For a taste of fried ice cream, go for their cornflake and Cinnamon Toast Crunch ice cream, served in a coconut-flavored cone and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces.
6. Sweetaly Gelato
If you’re a fan of Italian food, you’ll fall in love with Sweetaly Gelato. This delightful gelato shop sources its ingredients straight from Italy, ensuring you get the best and most authentic gelato experience. Gelato is the smoother, silkier cousin of ice cream, and Sweetaly does it justice. Let your taste buds dance with delight as you savor the tangy and bright flavors of their blackberry and salted caramel gelato. It’s a perfect balance of salty and sweet – a dessert lover’s dream. When you’re craving a taste of Italy, let Sweetaly momentarily transport you there.
5. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
If you’re an ice cream aficionado in Salt Lake County, you’re probably familiar with Handel’s. This popular spot often has a line out the door, and it’s easy to see why. Handel’s boasts an extensive selection of flavors to satisfy every craving. We highly recommend trying their Graham Central Station flavor, featuring a graham ripple and chocolate-covered honeycomb. One spoonful won’t be enough. Not a fan of graham crackers? Monkey Business and Cherry Cordial are equally delicious options. Handel’s might not be a local Utah company, but it’s quickly becoming a beloved favorite throughout the valley.
4. Nielsen’s Frozen Custard
A true classic, Nielsen’s Frozen Custard has been a staple in the Salt Lake City ice cream scene since 1981. There’s something special about custard – it’s thicker and creamier than regular soft serve. Nielsen’s offers classic chocolate and vanilla flavors, both of which are exceptional. But what sets them apart is their daily rotating third flavor, adding an element of surprise to every visit. Trust your heart (and stomach) and create your own custom creation with your favorite toppings, or try their irresistible caramel cashew concrete. Vanilla custard swirled with sweet caramel and salty cashews – it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
3. Blacksmith Ice Cream Co.
A short drive from Salt Lake City, you’ll find Blacksmith Ice Cream Co. nestled on Main Street in Bountiful. They deserve recognition for their commitment to creating the highest quality ice cream, hand-churning small batch flavors every day. Don’t miss their fresh raspberry ice cream, where the tartness of the berries perfectly complements the luscious creaminess. For fans of classic cookies and cream, Blacksmith’s “Dough N’ Cookies” is a fun twist on the flavor. With plans to release more interesting and unique flavors throughout the year, Blacksmith is worth the short drive up I-15.
2. Normal Ice Cream
Normal Ice Cream is anything but ordinary. Their soft serve flavors are always fresh and exciting, making them a must-visit in Salt Lake City. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and try something unexpected at Normal. Past monthly flavors have included pomegranate, balsamic, horchata, and apple cider. It’s no wonder Normal was recently nominated for a James Beard award – the food equivalent of the Oscars. Each month, they also release five new “composed cones,” deluxe ice cream sundaes that will blow your mind. We highly recommend their fruit flavors or anything combined with their salted vanilla bean ice cream. Feeling nostalgic? Treat yourself to one of their dipped cones.
1. Rockwell Ice Cream
In a state that loves ice cream, Rockwell Ice Cream stands out as the best of the best. After gaining popularity in Utah County, they recently opened an eagerly awaited new location in Salt Lake City. What makes Rockwell’s ice cream so special? It’s always fresh, containing no artificial ingredients. Rockwell takes pride in incorporating less air into their ice creams during the churning process, resulting in dense and extra creamy treats. They offer classics like cookie dough and mint chocolate, as well as more unique flavors like muddy buddy and honeycomb. Every flavor at Rockwell is a winner – you can’t go wrong with any choice.
When the craving for ice cream strikes, satisfy it with a visit to one of Salt Lake City’s finest ice cream establishments. Each one of these shops offers a unique and unforgettable experience, ensuring that every bite is filled with joy and happiness. So grab a cone, swirl, or sundae and treat yourself to the best ice cream in town. And remember, if you want to explore more ice cream options, check out Ice Cream for a comprehensive directory of ice cream shops.
