Looking for the creamiest, dreamiest, most unforgettable ice cream in the USA? Whether you’re planning a road trip or just daydreaming about dessert, I’ve handpicked five legendary ice cream spots across America that are totally worth the hype in 2025. These places don’t just scoop—they craft flavors. Think small-batch ingredients, unique combos, and a loyal fanbase that stretches coast to coast. From bold, savory-sweet fusions to nostalgic classics done right, here are the top 15 ice cream spots in the USA ranked by flavor, creativity, and cult-following.
1. Salt & Straw – Portland, Oregon (and nationwide)
When it comes to pushing flavor boundaries, Salt & Straw is the undisputed heavyweight. Founded in Portland and now with locations across the West Coast and beyond, this scoop shop has built a reputation for quirky but deeply satisfying flavors.
What makes it special? They collaborate with local artisans and rotate menus monthly—think bone marrow & smoked cherries, or pear & blue cheese. But their Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons? That’s the gold standard. Sweet, salty, gooey, and creamy all at once.
- Top Flavor: Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
- Visit Salt & Straw
2. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Columbus, Ohio (and 25+ cities)
Jeni Britton Bauer changed the artisan ice cream game with her bold, creamy creations. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams uses grass-grazed milk and builds each flavor from the ground up—no premixes, ever.
Their Brambleberry Crisp is a fan favorite for a reason: layers of oven-toasted oat streusel swirled into vanilla ice cream with blackberries and blackcurrants. It tastes like summer pie à la mode—without needing a fork.
- Top Flavor: Brambleberry Crisp
- Find your local shop or order nationwide:
- Visit Jeni’s
3. Franklin Fountain – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you’re into old-school soda fountain vibes and vintage flavors, Franklin Fountain is an East Coast gem. Nestled in Old City Philly, this parlor mixes history and handcrafted ice cream like no one else.
Their Teaberry Gum flavor is polarizing—in a good way. It’s minty, floral, and oddly nostalgic (especially for Pennsylvania natives). They also churn rich classics like butter pecan and peach, all made in small batches with local cream.
- Top Flavor: Teaberry Gum
- Explore Franklin Fountain
4. Bi-Rite Creamery – San Francisco, California
Tucked into the Mission District, Bi-Rite Creamery is beloved by locals and travelers alike for its organic ingredients, short ingredient lists, and wildly intense flavors.
Their Balsamic Strawberry captures peak summer: housemade strawberry jam laced into balsamic-infused cream. It’s fruity, tart, and slightly savory—one bite, and you’ll never go back to grocery-store strawberry again.
- Top Flavor: Balsamic Strawberry
5. Creole Creamery – New Orleans, Louisiana
Creole Creamery is a local treasure in New Orleans that serves up southern hospitality with every scoop. Their flavors reflect regional culture—like Bananas Foster, King Cake, and Café au Lait.
But Creole Cream Cheese is the one that truly stands out. A nod to a fading Louisiana dairy tradition, it’s tangy, velvety, and ultra-refreshing. Pro tip: top it with local honey or a swirl of strawberry sauce.
- Top Flavor: Creole Cream Cheese
- Visit Creole Creamery
6. Ample Hills Creamery – Brooklyn, New York
If you’re craving something wildly indulgent and fun, Ample Hills Creamery in Brooklyn hits the sweet spot. This nostalgic, story-driven creamery handcrafts everything in-house—from the mix-ins to the ice cream base.
Their The Munchies flavor is next-level: pretzel-infused ice cream loaded with potato chips, Ritz crackers, and M&Ms. It’s crunchy, salty, sweet, and totally addictive.
- Top Flavor: The Munchies
- Check out Ample Hills Creamery
7. Fentons Creamery – Oakland, California
A Bay Area institution since 1894, Fentons Creamery serves old-fashioned scoops that feel like a hug from grandma. They’re known for huge portions and homemade sauces that make their sundaes legendary.
The Black & Tan Sundae—with toasted almond and vanilla ice cream, caramel, and hot fudge—is pure Americana in a bowl. It’s a must-try if you’re anywhere near Northern California.
- Top Flavor: Black & Tan Sundae
- Visit Fentons Creamery
8. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – New York City, NY
Morgenstern’s is where modern minimalism meets bold, refined flavors. It’s not just about being Instagrammable (though it is)—it’s about flavor precision. Founder Nick Morgenstern takes flavor science seriously.
The Burnt Honey Vanilla is unlike any vanilla you’ve tasted: rich, roasted honey notes layered into a custardy base. It’s elegant and unforgettable.
- Top Flavor: Burnt Honey Vanilla
- Explore Morgenstern’s Menu
9. Sweet Republic – Scottsdale, Arizona
A hidden gem in the desert, Sweet Republic uses milk from independent Arizona dairies and makes everything from scratch—including their cones and marshmallows.
The Salted Butter Caramel Swirl is outrageously smooth, with house-made caramel ribbons that cut through the cream with just enough salt to keep things balanced. It’s sunshine in a scoop.
- Top Flavor: Salted Butter Caramel Swirl
- Visit Sweet Republic
10. Leo’s Ice Cream – Charleston, South Carolina
Leo’s Ice Cream might not be a national name (yet), but locals in Charleston swear by it—and for good reason. It’s a small, family-run spot known for Southern-inspired flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
Their Brown Sugar Banana Pudding is the showstopper: chunks of real banana, swirls of caramel, and bits of vanilla wafer folded into a brown sugar ice cream base. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re sitting on a porch swing in the South.
(No national shipping yet, but it’s worth traveling for.)
- Top Flavor: Brown Sugar Banana Pudding.
11. Little Man Ice Cream – Denver, Colorado
Housed in a giant milk can, Little Man Ice Cream is as iconic as it is delicious. It’s a community-driven creamery that gives back with every scoop (literally—part of their profits go toward fighting hunger worldwide).
The Salted Oreo flavor is a standout—rich vanilla ice cream packed with crushed Oreos and a hint of sea salt. It’s nostalgic with a grown-up twist.
- Top Flavor: Salted Oreo
- Explore Little Man Ice Cream
12. OddFellows Ice Cream Co. – New York City, NY
If you like your ice cream on the experimental side, OddFellows delivers on every level. This NYC-based shop fuses fine dining flavor theory with classic scoop shop vibes.
Miso Cherry is the ultimate sweet-umami fusion: tart cherry preserves balanced with a subtle kick of savory miso. Unexpected and unforgettable.
- Top Flavor: Miso Cherry
- Visit OddFellows Ice Cream
13. The Baked Bear – San Diego, California (and growing)
The Baked Bear specializes in one thing: build-your-own ice cream sandwiches with fresh-baked cookies. You choose the cookie, the ice cream, and the topping—it’s customizable dessert heaven.
Their Cookie Dough Ice Cream stuffed between two warm chocolate chip cookies and rolled in sprinkles or Fruity Pebbles is pure joy. It’s especially popular with Gen Z and families.
- Top Flavor Combo: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich with Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Build Yours at The Baked Bear
14. La Michoacana Premium – Multiple Locations (California, Texas, Midwest)
For a taste of Mexican dessert culture, La Michoacana Premium is a must-visit. This beloved chain blends the tradition of paleterías with rich ice creams made from tropical fruits, nuts, and even spices.
Mangonada Ice Cream is their signature: sweet mango ice cream swirled with chamoy, tajín, and spicy-salty kick. A flavor bomb in every bite.
- Top Flavor: Mangonada Ice Cream
15. Bluebird Ice Cream – Seattle, Washington
A local Seattle gem, Bluebird Ice Cream combines small-batch excellence with craft creativity. They’re also known for infusing their flavors with locally brewed beers and teas.
Their Earl Grey & Chocolate Pudding flavor brings sophistication to your scoop: floral, citrusy tea cream blended with thick, fudgy ribbons of homemade pudding. Ideal for adult palates looking for something layered.
- Top Flavor: Earl Grey & Chocolate Pudding
Why These Ice Cream Spots Stand Out in 2025
In a sea of trendy flavors and TikTok-worthy cones, these shops keep quality at their core. What sets them apart?
Ingredient Integrity: Organic dairy, seasonal fruits, and handmade mix-ins.
Flavor Innovation: Unexpected combos that work—without gimmicks.
Consistency: Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the flavor never misses.
Final Scoop
Craving something that goes beyond cookies ‘n cream? These 5 ice cream shops are redefining what dessert tastes like in 2025. Whether you’re a flavor adventurer or a purist, these spots serve up something worth traveling—and waiting in line—for. Your next great scoop might just be a flight away
FAQs – Best Ice Cream in the USA (2025)
Q: Which city in the US has the best ice cream overall?
A: Portland, Oregon is often considered the flavor capital thanks to Salt & Straw’s innovations.
Q: Are these ice cream shops family-friendly?
Absolutely. Most locations offer kids’ scoops and classic flavors like vanilla bean, chocolate, and cookies & cream.
Q: Can I order these online?
Yes! Jeni’s, Salt & Straw, and Bi-Rite offer nationwide shipping with insulated packaging.
Q: What’s the most unique flavor from this list?
Teaberry Gum from Franklin Fountain is the most nostalgic and rare—you won’t find it at your typical chain.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
