Best Ice Cream in Houston, Texas 2025

Best Ice Cream in Houston

Article Last Updated: August 3, 2025

Jump to: Ice Cream Shops in Inner Houston | Creameries in Montrose & The Heights | Trending Ice Cream in Houston

To make your search for the top ice cream in Houston a little easier, we’ve grouped our favorite spots by location and vibe. From popular ice cream shops in Inner Houston serving up trendy flavor bombs, to small-batch creameries in Montrose and The Heights, and buzzy newcomers making waves in 2025—you’ll find every kind of frozen fix right here. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a flavor explorer, there’s a Houston ice cream shop with your name on it.


11 Must-Try Places for Ice Cream in Houston 

If you’re on the hunt for the best ice cream in Houston, you’re in for a serious treat. Houston’s food scene doesn’t stop at barbecue and tacos—this city is packed with inventive, locally loved ice cream shops serving up everything from chef-inspired scoops to outrageous doughnut-stuffed cones. Whether you’re craving a creamy classic or a bold, seasonal flavor you’ve never heard of, Houston’s frozen dessert game delivers. We’ve rounded up the best ice cream shops in Houston to help you cool off and indulge in style—neighborhood by neighborhood.


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, a few links in this article may help HoustonOnTheCheap earn a small commission if you buy something using those links.

Also, check out our articles on Best Desserts in Houston, Best Bakeries in Houston, and Best Frozen Yogurts in Houston.  


Best Ice Cream in Inner Houston

Milk + Sugar Creamery

At Milk + Sugar, every scoop is a flavor adventure. This hip, locally loved spot takes ice cream seriously, balancing bold ingredients with playful combinations. Expect ultra-smooth textures, inventive infusions like Earl Grey, and creative mix-ins that are anything but basic. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or something entirely new, this is a place where you’ll want to sample every spoonful.

Where: 1848 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Must-try flavors: Brown Sugar Boba, Earl Grey Lavender Lemon, Cereal Milk


Amy’s Ice Creams

Austin-born but Houston-cherished, Amy’s brings a whimsical, high-energy vibe to your ice cream run. The staff performs tricks while scooping, and the flavor board constantly rotates with quirky and classic options. It’s the kind of place you can hit after a concert, with late-night hours and a loyal fan base spanning generations.

Where: 3816 Farnham St, Houston, TX 77098 and 7531 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063
Must-try flavors: Mexican Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Zilker Mint Chip


Cheater’s Creamery

Cheater’s is unapologetically over the top—in the best way. Think warm doughnuts sliced and stuffed with artisan scoops, or milkshakes so loaded they qualify as dessert buffets. It’s a dream come true for anyone who wants Instagram-worthy indulgence with big flavor to back it up.

Where: 5335 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 and 19003 Windsor Pointe Dr, Tomball, TX 77377
Must-try flavors: Ube, Biscoff Cookie Butter, Fudge Brownie Butter


Best Ice Cream in Montrose & The Heights

Fat Cat Creamery

Push up pops at Fat Cat Creamery Houston ice cream

Push up pops at Fat Cat Creamery in Houston

Fat Cat is a cozy Heights gem where scratch-made, small-batch ice cream meets Southern comfort. Everything here—from the pecan mix-ins to the rich chocolate bases—is made with love and local ingredients. The vibe is vintage-meets-modern, and the rotating menu means there’s always something new to love.

Where: 1225 W 34th St Suite C-300, Houston, TX 77018
Must-try flavors: Milk Chocolate Stout, Chai Tea Coconut, Waterloo Strawberry


Cloud 10 Creamery

Founded by a pastry chef, Cloud 10 treats ice cream like haute cuisine. The flavors are elegant, elevated, and often surprising, with delicate textures and chef-y twists on classics. Whether you want a scoop of Vietnamese iced coffee or a toasted rice flavor that tastes like a cozy memory, Cloud 10 is where indulgence gets sophisticated.

Where: 711 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 and 3502 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Must-try flavors: Cafe Sua Da, Toasted Rice, Banana Cinnamon


Flower & Cream

Best ice cream in Houston | Flower & Cream Ice Cream in Houston

If ice cream had a fashion influencer cousin, it would be Flower & Cream. This vibrant shop is known for its Insta-ready presentation and creative flavors that are as good as they look. Each scoop is made in-house and topped with flair—think edible glitter, colorful drizzles, and ultra-creamy textures that keep locals coming back.

Where: 2617 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 and Post Houston, 401 Franklin St
Must-try flavors: Raspberry Tres Leches, Unicorn Tracks, Honey-Roasted Strawberry


New & Trending Ice Cream Shops in Houston

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s is where Midwestern charm meets Houston’s sweet tooth. This nationally beloved brand brings curated, small-batch flavors that are as artful as they are addictive. From buttery brittles to complex fruit blends, everything is made with premium ingredients and a dedication to bold, balanced taste.

Where: 2565 Amherst St, Houston, TX 77005
Must-try flavors: Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Gooey Butter Cake


Dolce Neve Gelato

Dolce Neve isn’t just gelato—it’s a love letter to Italian craftsmanship. Every flavor is churned daily in small batches, using traditional techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The result is incredibly creamy, clean-tasting gelato with seasonal flair and subtle, sophisticated flavor profiles.

Where: 4721 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009
Must-try flavors: Goat Cheese and Fig, Rose, Stracciatella


Rocambolesc Gelateria

This is not your average scoop shop. Rocambolesc—created by world-renowned pastry chef Jordi Roca—brings surreal whimsy to every cone. Gelatos and pops are shaped like cartoon faces, galactic symbols, or even Darth Vader helmets. It’s fun, bizarre, and absolutely delicious. A must for adventurous dessert lovers.

Where: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Must-try flavors: Yogurt and Red Fruits, Vanilla with Pop Rocks, Darth Vader Chocolate Pop


Popston

What started as a pushcart is now a full-on East End destination. Popston serves bright, colorful paletas and fruity frozen bars that pack serious punch. Their mango chamoy creation is tangy, spicy, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for Houston’s hot summer afternoons.

Where: 3401 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Must-try flavors: Mango Chamoy, Piña Colada, Strawberry Lemonade Pop


Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen brings big Brooklyn energy to the Houston dessert scene. Their ultra-creamy base—both dairy and vegan—makes every scoop luxurious, and the rotating menu highlights wild flavors without sacrificing depth. It’s ice cream with attitude and craftsmanship.

Where: 2565 Amherst St, Houston, TX 77005 and additional Houston locations
Must-try flavors: Marionberry Cheesecake, Earl Grey Tea, Vegan Peanut Butter Choc Chip


There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this Weekend.

Travel on your mind? Check out Best Ice Cream in San Antonio and Best Ice Cream in Austin! 

Natalie Dulaney