When it’s hot and humid outside in Nashville, there’s nothing better than that first bite of ice cream. Whether you’re visiting or a local, these ice cream shops are a must-try for everybody. This is your go-to guide for Nashville’s top ice cream shops, including out-of-this-world milkshakes, dairy-free options, an old-fashioned soda shop, and some of the best frozen yogurt spots, too.
Note: National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July.
Nashville’s Top Ice Cream Shops
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip is one of Nashville’s most iconic ice cream shops. They’ve been keeping it simple since 1951, focusing on milkshakes, burgers, and ice cream. The colorful location situated on Charlotte Avenue will make you feel like you’re in a ’50s throwback movie. It’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
Mike’s Ice Cream
Mike’s Ice Cream moved from the heart of Broadway to 2nd Avenue, not far from its original location. The space stays packed with out-of-towners and locals alike because of one simple thing: tasty ice cream. It’s a rite of passage, so if you haven’t tried Mike’s, make your way to 2nd Avenue for a scoop or two.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
With several locations throughout the city, this hotspot is sure to cool you down with any of the abundant and unique ice cream flavors. Jeni’s staff is friendly and eager to let you taste any options. And with flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel, sampling is almost mandatory. If you can’t decide, get the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville | Downtown | 12 South | Hillsboro Village | The Nations | SoBro | Wedgewood-Houston
Fryce Cream
If you love fries and ice cream, then you must add Fryce Cream to your list. Can you name a more delicious combination? During the summer, this popular spot is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 9:00pm and on Sunday from noon to 7:00pm.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
cone•cept
cone•cept, located in Eastwood Village, is one of Nashville’s newest ice cream shops. This adorable spot offers a variety of sweet treats, including soft-serve, milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, slushes, and floats.
- Neighborhood:Â East NashvilleÂ
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream brings its longtime tradition of handcrafted ice cream to Music City with a location at Nashville Yards. This well-loved shop offers a variety of flavors, including classic favorites and unique creations.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
GelatoPazzo
GelatoPazzo is an authentic Italian gelato shop attached to PennePazze in Germantown. The gelato is made fresh daily with no preservatives or artificial flavorings.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream originated in NYC and now has locations in several cities, including Nashville. The popular ice cream shop brand is known for its unique flavors made with simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Neighborhood: Gulch | Edgehill | Germantown
Culture Club
Nashville’s only frozen Greek yogurt destination, Culture Club, is one of the newest spots to get sweet treats. There are now two locations to get their delicious froyo that packs 20+ grams of protein per cup.
- Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston | Downtown
Sushi-San
Sushi-San’s walk-up window is a popular new spot to get soft-serve ice cream and sundaes in the 12 South neighborhood. If you’re looking for something on the go, Sushi-San is a fun option.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar
Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar serves up a dose of nostalgia with all the best cereals from childhood days. And, they also have ice cream! Customers can mix their favorite combinations into an ice cream swirl or milkshake.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
Tabla Rasa Cafe
Tabla Rasa Cafe is a coffee shop that also has soft-serve ice cream. This family-friendly hangout spot was formerly a gas station and is located next to their toy store, Tabla Rasa Toys. Ice cream lovers can expect rotating flavors and topping options.
- Neighborhood:Â East NashvilleÂ
Mattheessen’s
Mattheessen’s is a must-try dessert shop in Downtown Nashville. In addition to serving ice cream, they also offer freshly-baked cookies, shakes, fudge, and Key Lime Pie.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
Hattie Jane’s Creamery
Hattie Jane’s Creamery can be found in East Nashville and on the second level of Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway. Customers can expect delicious, made-from-scratch ice cream created with the highest quality of local ingredients. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville | Downtown
Kokos Ice Cream
Kokos Ice Cream is a plant-based ice cream shop located in West Nashville. The ice cream is so delicious you won’t even believe it’s all dairy-free. Not sure which flavor to try? Go with the Lemon Pie.
- Neighborhood: West End
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop opened its doors in 1939 and has been serving some of the best milkshakes, floats, and scoops ever since. If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned ice cream parlor, this is the place for you. This popular spot still serves milkshakes with the extra stuff in the metal mixing cup.
- Neighborhood: Elliston Place
Lola’s European Cafe
Lola’s European Cafe offers Music City a taste of Italy with its house-made gelato. This charming spot also serves coffee, tasty food specials, and after-drink cocktails.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
East Nashville Cream and Bean
East Nashville Cream and Bean is a locally owned and operated ice cream and coffee shop. Customers rave about the banana splits, affogato, and the variety of rich and creamy flavors.
- Neighborhood:Â East NashvilleÂ
Sarabhas Creamery
Sarabhas Creamery is a popular ice cream shop known for its handcrafted Indian-style ice cream. From aromatic flavors like cardamom and chai spice to classics such as kesar pista and mango, every scoop offers a unique and delicious taste.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
Tipsy Scoop Nashville
Tipsy Scoop Nashville is Nashville’s first-ever boozy ice cream bar. This fun spot offers a twist on dessert, serving liquor-infused ice creams and sorbets along with specialty cocktails. For families, Tipsy Scoop offers Cool Kids Sundaes, which are tasty and alcohol-free.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
Legendairy Milkshake Bar
The milkshakes at Legendairy Milkshake Bar live up to the name. One of their most popular milkshakes, the Shake It Up, Buttercup, includes Happy Tracks ice cream, a peanut butter rim, mini Reese’s Pieces candy, whipped cream, peanut butter sauce, and two Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear is known for their monstrous ice cream sandwiches. The sandwiches are created with fresh-baked cookies and brownies and filled with homemade ice cream. Mix and match to find your favorite combination.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
Kilwins Nashville
Kilwins Nashville is situated in Music City’s SoBro/Downtown area. This popular ice cream and chocolate shop serves high-quality sweets made with the finest ingredients. Customers can stop in for a delicious confection daily beginning at 11:00am.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream is the only rolled ice cream experience offered in Nashville. Situated at the Nashville Farmers’ Market in Germantown, ice cream lovers can find The Roll Academy. During a Rolled Ice Cream Crafting Class, guests can customize and handcraft their own creamy rolled ice cream. This experience is for ages 6+.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
Other Great Ice Cream Shops in Nashville
If you want to branch outside of the neighborhoods covered on Nashville Guru, some other popular spots include:
Did we leave off your favorite Nashville ice cream shop? Let us know in the comments!Â
Also See:
Add Kokos! https://kokos-ice-cream.square.site/
Baked Bear just opened up at 19th and Division. So good!
You have to add Janarty’s Homemade Ice Cream. It’s truly homemade from scratch in 2 quart batches. Award winning ice cream and milkshakes
Janarty’s Homemade Ice Cream, Smyrna TN! The only shop I have found that makes their ice cream base from scratch, all right in front of you. They freeze it in tiny batches and they don’t add any stabilizers or preservatives. They also have lots of baked treats and gluten free waffle cones! 🙂
Come visit us at Mimi’s Ice Cream located in Caney Fork River Valley Grille next to the Opryland Hotel – this is our website feel free to remove it if not allowed – https://mimisicecreamandcoffee.com/
Fratellos Italian ice is the best in Nashville! Its creamy like gelato but no dairy. All kinds of flavors. right in Centennial Park next to the Parthenon.