Want the scoop? 10 best Atlanta ice cream shops to visit on a hot summer day

Picture this: It’s a hot, 95-degree summer afternoon (but feels more like 110 degrees, let’s be real), and all you can think about is treating yourself to some delicious ice cream. Well look no further, we’ve gathered plenty of must-try hotspots for unbeatable ice cream around town. Whether you’re walking your furry friend on the BeltLine or on a date night in Virginia-Highland, there are several spots to get a sweet treat.

Check out these local staples below to experience the best Atlanta ice cream shops:

Four Fat Cows

Started in Alpharetta back in 2015, Four Fat Cows offers delicious ice cream and much more! With all gluten-free baked goods (cookies, brownies, key lime pies, cakes and cupcakes - just to name a few), unique puffle cones and fun merch at each location, they pride themselves in friendly customer service and accommodating guests that may have allergies looking for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and even egg-free items.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: fourfatcows.com

Morelli’s Ice Cream

Back in 2008, this now-popular local staple first opened up shop in East Atlanta and quickly became an instant favorite. Bon Appétit Magazine named Morelli’s Ice Cream “fourth-best ice cream shop” in America just one year later in 2009, and the rest is history. With creative and unique flavors like “Flan Caramello,” “Krispy Kreamier,” “Coconut Jalapeño,” “PBJ Sandwich” and “Death by Chocolate,” everyone is sure to find something they’ll enjoy.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: morellisicecream.com;

Butter and Cream

Butter & Cream first opened in Downtown Decatur in 2014 and has become well-known for its unique twists on classic flavors and interesting combinations. Just a few years later, they opened their second location on the Eastside BeltLine in 2018 and plan to open their third spot in Norcross this year. From their ice cream and sorbet to their milkshakes, slushies and floats, even your dog can enjoy a sweet treat with their pup cups!

Locations: Decatur - 416 Church St., East Atlanta - 661 Auburn Ave. NE Suite 130, *Norcross location coming soon; Website: butterandcream.com

Sweet Stack Creamery

Hand-crafted doughnut sandwiches, cookies and ice cream? Yes, please! This self-described “odd but fun” dessert shop can be found in ATL’s Sweet Auburn Historic District. Be sure to try fun flavors like Cereal Milk, fruit loop cereal mixed with vanilla ice cream, Black Panther, activated charcoal and coconut mixed with vanilla wafers or a vegan option like Let The Man Go, alphonso mango ice cream. If you have a major sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied (and you’re up for this), be sure to give their ice cream donut sandwich a try.

Location: Downtown - 25 Piedmont Ave. NE; Website: sweet-stack.com; Contact: 404-205-5002

Paolo’s Gelato

Italian native, Paolo Dalla Zorza, has been serving authentic gelato to Atlantans for over 20 years now. Since Paolo’s Gelato first opened in 1999, this Virginia-Highland staple offers dozens of fruity and creamy gelato flavors. However, that’s not all! This Italian experience would not be complete without delicious cannolis, candies and imported coffees from Italy. Buon appetito!

Location: East Atlanta - 1025 Virginia Ave. NE; Website: atlantadessertcatering.com; Contact: 404-607-0055

Jake’s Ice Cream

Just like Paolo’s Gelato, Jake’s Ice Cream also began in 1999. Located in Inman Park, what sets this place apart is that they offer over 200 ice creams, sherbets, frozen yogurt, gelatos and sorbets ready to satisfy any sweet tooth. All of their flavors are made with pure cane sugar and hormone-free dairy and they have plenty of options for vegan ice cream lovers too. One of the coolest offerings at Jake’s is their Joyscream, a healthy non-dairy alternative with the perfect combination of almond milk, avocado, coconut cream and plantain base that took nearly five years to perfect.

Location: East Atlanta - 660 Irwin St. NE; Website: jakesicecream.com; Contact: 678-705-7945

Honeysuckle Gelato

Started by three friends in 2011, Honeysuckle Gelato began as a local Atlanta food truck and now you can visit them at their original shop in Ponce City Market offering scoops and pints of gelato, milkshakes and even gelato sandwiches. With several Southern-inspired flavors, some notable ones include Bourbon Pecan Praline and Lemon Raspberry Crumble. Over the years, the craze for their gelato has allowed them to expand into nearby southern states and continue sharing their delicious creamy dessert.

Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: honeysucklegelato.com; Contact: 404-228-7825

Amir’s Nitrogen Ice Parlor

Since 2018, Amir’s Nitrogren Ice Parlor has been on a mission to spark interest in science & technology in their customers, especially with their impressive liquid nitrogen ice cream. Along with ice cream, they also serve shaved ice making for a perfect summer treat. It’s a fun alternative to traditional ice cream and you’ll feel like a true scientist creating the creamiest kind of experiment to taste-test. As they say at Amir’s Nitrogen Ice Parlor, it’s “science you can eat!”

Location: East Atlanta - 1245 Caroline St. NE Suite 110; Website: amirsparlor.com; Contact: 404-228-8524

Frosty Caboose

All aboard! What’s cooler than an old train caboose converted into an ice cream shop? This bright red dessert shop will stop you right in your tracks if you’re in downtown Chamblee. You can never go wrong with their 36 traditional ice cream flavors, sundaes and toppings that all ages can indulge in. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to pick up their conductor hats and whistles as souvenirs. Oh, and if you’re into astrology (and could use some help choosing a flavor), make sure to check out their special Astrological Ice Cream Guide and find your sign.

Location: Chamblee - 5435 Peachtree Rd.; Website: frostycaboose.com; Contact: 770-451-4556

Paleteria Janitzio

Ice cream, popsicles and fresh mangonadas? This place is a go-to if you’re in the southside of Atlanta in need to cool off with some fruity, refreshing treats. If you’ve never tried a mangonada before, here’s your chance - it’s a mango sorbet with fresh mango chunks, topped with chili sauce and tamarind. This hidden gem in Forest Park is definitely a must-try!

Location: Forest Park - 5680 Old Dixie Hwy #107; Website: instagram.com; Contact: 404-500-4918