About Me
Growing up in Wisconsin taught me a thing or two about dairy, which means I have strong opinions when it comes to ice cream. And let’s face it, Houston is HOT in the summer. There’s nothing like some cold ice cream after spending some time in the sun. Now having lived in Houston for 4 years, I feel qualified to give you my input on the city’s ice cream scene. So without further ado, here is a list of the places that make me scream for ice cream.
1. Winfield’s Chocolate Bar
2531 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005 or 2411 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
According to their website (and family lore), Winfield Campbell started selling desserts in 1925, and this family business is a haven for dessert lovers. While it is probably better known for huge slices of cake and rich chocolate confections, the Chocolate Bar also offers some serious ice cream flavors. While they feature more than just chocolate flavors, it’s hard to go with anything else in a place with chocolate in its name. I usually go for the Rocky Road in a waffle cone, but honestly, you can’t go wrong. Plus, the Rice Village location is so close to campus (and the RVA apartments/townhomes!) that it’s very easy to pop over for a quick treat.
2. Amy’s Ice Creams
3816 Farnham St, Houston, TX 77003
Girl, I love everything about Amy’s. Vibes? Immaculate. Cow statue on the roof? Campy. The ice cream? Always good. Amy’s Ice Creams is an Austin transplant that mixes your ice cream with your chosen add-ins on the cold plate right in front of you. This isn’t just a regular mix-in ice cream though, the flavors at Amy’s are always rotating with new specials and mixes to try every time! I’m a big fan of the quintessential Mexican Vanilla with gummy bears mixed in, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous go for one of the recommended combinations!
3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
1719 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Okay, okay so this one isn’t exclusive to Houston but I still felt like it needed a shout-out here. While Jeni’s has multiple locations in Houston, I’ve only ever frequented the location in Montrose, and it absolutely matches the energy of the neighborhood. Not to mention, Jeni’s released space-themed flavors around the total solar eclipse, perfect for Space City! The ice cream here is creamy with both classic and innovative flavors served by the “half-scoop” so that you can get more variety. Definitely a good place to stop after a long day of thrift shopping at one of Montrose’s many stores.
4. milk + sugar
1848 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 or 1324 N Shepard Dr, Houston, TX, 77008 or 5172 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX, 77005
Another true local creamery here, milk + sugar is another Montrose staple that was meant for the neighborhood. Every flavor is made in-house, and each is unique to the store. In addition to vegan and gluten-free options, you’ll find a variety of seasonal flavors available here throughout the year. If you’re looking for more than just your basic chocolate or vanilla and want some local whimsy, check out this spot.
5. Van Leeuwen
2565 Amherst St, Houston, TX, 77005
This one is for my vegans out there! Van Leeuwen is a national chain, but I think it’s found an excellent home in Houston. This ice cream is good for anyone, but for folks with any dietary restrictions you definitely need to visit Van Leeuwen. While they can’t guarantee certified gluten-free or nut-free (due to ice creams manufactured in the same facility), they do offer products that don’t purposefully contain these ingredients. While there are a few locations around Houston, the Rice Village store is where I will visit with my friends who stay dairy-free. As for me? I usually get the Honeycomb flavor (contains dairy, eggs, and tree nuts!).
6. Cloud 10 Creamery
3201 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77006 and many other locations
A true Houston classic. Cloud 10 Creamery was started by a pastry chef, Chris Leung, with an award-winning banana split and it shows. Leung was behind many of the artful desserts at Kata Robata (JJ Watt’s favorite restaurant in Houston) and brought that skill to Cloud 10 ice creams. While you can get a classic scoop in a cone or dish, the best way to experience Cloud 10 is through its sundaes.
Honorable Mention: Blue Bell Ice Cream
1101 S. Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833, or at your local HEB!
It would be hard to write about Houston ice cream without giving an honorable mention to Blue Bell. While not technically in the city, you can visit the Blue Bell factory just an hour drive away from Rice in Brenham, TX. Not sure you can make the trek? No worries! You can buy a quart in the freezer section of HEB.
Beating the Heat
It’s no secret that Houston can reach scorching summer temperatures, but with a wide variety of ice cream shops, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. Whether you’re drawn to the fun vibes of Amy’s, the creative flavors at milk + sugar, or the classic indulgence at Winfield's Chocolate Bar, there’s something for everyone (maybe with the exception of my beloved Wisconsin custard). So, whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or simply treat yourself, these ice cream shops are sure to deliver a delightful experience.
If you liked this blog, you should check out my previous one woman adventure in which I explore Houston’s pizza scene!
About the author:
Carly Graverson is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a current Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Lewis University in 2020. Read more.
Further Reading:
Where to find delicious food in HTX!
A One-Woman Adventure: Exploring Houston’s Pizza Scene
Houston’s Northern China Cuisine Map