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 more.
Nashville’s Top Ice Cream Shops
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
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 right 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 of the 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
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. Also, in honor of National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 21, 2024), they’ll be serving soft serve for $4 all day long.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
Tabla Rasa Cafe
Tabla Rasa Cafe is a coffee shop that also serves delicious and refreshing soft-serve ice cream. This family-friendly hangout spot was previously occupied by a gas station and is situated next to their toy store, Tabla Rasa Toys. Ice cream lovers can expect rotating flavors and topping options. Make sure to snap a photo of your sweet treat in front of the “no selfies” mural.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
Hattie Jane’s Creamery
Hattie Jane’s Creamery can be found 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: Downtown
Gracie’s Milkshake Bar
Gracie’s Milkshake Bar is located in L&L Market on Charlotte Avenue. This retro-inspired dessert bar is known for its decadent and extravagant milkshakes. If your kids are ice cream lovers, you’ll want to check this spot out. Also, the Duo-Licious Shake is a must-try.
- Neighborhood: The Nations
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 Holy Chocolate.
- Neighborhood: West End
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, 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 now open 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 from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
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!
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.