Jump to: Ice Cream in Inner Houston | Creameries in Montrose, The Heights & East End | Trending Ice Cream Brands | Greater Houston Suburbs Shops
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—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.
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, Boba Tea Houston, and Best Frozen Yogurt in Houston.
Best Ice Cream in Houston: Inner Loop Favorites
Milk + Sugar Creamery
Image credit: milk + sugar Facebook
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.
Localite Tip: Try the mix-ins! Their housemade crumbles and cake pieces add the perfect crunch to the ultra-creamy base.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 12 am
Where: 1848 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
How Much: $5.50 – $8.00 per person
Flower & Cream
Vibrant and modern, Flower & Cream 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.
Localite Tip: Order your scoop in a housemade waffle cone; the smell alone is worth it.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm
Where: 2617 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: $6.00 – $9.00 per person
Top Creameries in Montrose, The Heights & East End
Popston
Image credit: Popstontx Facebook
What started as a pushcart is now a full-on East End destination. Popston serves bright, colorful paletas and fruity frozen bars that pack a serious punch. Their mango chamoy creation is tangy, spicy, and ultra-refreshing.
Localite Tip: The Mango Chamoy bar dipped in real chili powder is the ultimate Houston summer savior.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm | Friday Closed | Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: 3401 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
How Much: $4.00 – $6.50 per person
Underground Creamery
This ultra-exclusive, small-batch ice cream concept features rotating scratch-made, hand-packed pints. Known for its wild flavor profiles and viral social media drops, it’s a must-visit for serious culinary enthusiasts.
Localite Tip: Follow their social media closely—pints sell out online within seconds.
Operating Hours: Drop times vary weekly
Where: 1010 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: $12.00 – $15.00 per pint
Tiny’s Milk & Cookies
A neighborhood favorite walk-up window famous for its warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and premium house-churned ice cream flavors like “Milk & Cookies”.
Localite Tip: Grab a sleeve of chocolate chip cookies to crumble over your fresh scoop of sweet cream.
Operating Hours: Daily 7 am – 9 pm
Where: 3636 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $5.00 – $8.00 per person
Buzzy Newcomers & Trending Local Ice Cream Brands
Dolce Neve Gelato
Image credit: Dolce Neve Facebook
Dolce Neve is 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.
Localite Tip: Look out for their unique Goat Cheese and Fig profile—it’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 1 pm – 9 pm | Friday 1 pm – 10 pm | Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm
Where: 4721 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009
How Much: $5.50 – $8.00 per person
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.
Localite Tip: Their vegan flavors are remarkably creamy and easily rival traditional dairy options.
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 12 am
Where: 2565 Amherst St, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $6.50 – $9.00 per person
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Sourcing everything directly from local Texas farms, Lick offers exceptionally pure, artisanal flavors free of artificial preservatives or synthetic colorings.
Localite Tip: Try the Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint if you are looking for a unique, grounding flavor palette.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12:30 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: 3737 Cogdell St, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: $6.00 – $8.50 per person
Must-Try Ice Cream Shops in the Greater Houston Suburbs
Red Circle Ice Cream
Famous for combining premium, handcrafted ice cream with hot, fresh, made-to-order churros and Hong Kong egg waffles, this spot is an absolute paradise for sweet tooths.
Localite Tip: The “Churro Daddy”—a giant, looping warm churro over a cold scoop of ice cream—is mandatory.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: 8201 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77584
How Much: $6.50 – $11.00 per person
Cosmic Ice Cream Co.
Image credit: Cosmic Ice Cream Co. Facebook
All of Cosmic’s premium flavors are made in-house, drawing inspiration from childhood memories, family travels, and client recommendations.
Localite Tip: Try the Ube Graham flavor—it’s a spectacular house-made creation that has earned a permanent menu spot.
Operating Hours: Daily 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: 9240 W Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77584
How Much: $5.00 – $8.00 per person
Know Before You Go
While many of these acclaimed shops for ice cream in Houston are nestled inside the Loop or the central historic districts, the Greater Houston area boasts a vast landscape of hidden gems. Top-tier creameries are easily accessible for residents across the metroplex, including thriving outposts in Katy, Sugar Land, and Pearland, which are generally well within a 20-to-30-minute drive.
Common Questions about Ice Cream in Houston
Are there good vegan and dairy-free ice cream options in Houston?
Yes! Many top Houston locations, such as Van Leeuwen and Fat Cat Creamery, offer specialized, scratch-made coconut or oat milk bases that provide the same luxurious creaminess as traditional dairy.
When is the best time to visit popular scoop shops to avoid long lines?
Lines peak drastically on Friday and Saturday evenings between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, especially during the hot summer months. Visiting mid-afternoon on weekdays or right around opening ensures a quick and breezy experience.
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