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Houston’s sweltering summers are the perfect excuse to indulge in some of the city's best frozen treats. From artisan scoops to wildly inventive sundaes, the Houston metropolitan area is brimming with ice cream parlors that deliver flavor, creativity, and pure joy. Whether you're a classic vanilla lover or crave exotic flavors like lychee rose or Thai tea, these top ice cream spots in Houston and its surrounding neighborhoods offer something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
1. Cloud 10 Creamery
Locations: Heights, Rice Village, Midtown
Vibe: Modern & Inventive
Cloud 10 Creamery is a local gem known for its ultra-premium, chef-driven ice cream. Created by renowned pastry chef Chris Leung, this shop offers unique flavors like toasted rice, Nutella marshmallow, and Miso Brown Butter alongside classics like milk chocolate and vanilla bean. Their attention to ingredient quality and flavor development is unmatched, making each scoop feel like a dessert course from a fine dining restaurant.
Must-Try: Brown Sugar Cookies & Cream in a homemade waffle cone
2. Milk + Sugar
Location: Montrose
Vibe: Edgy & Instagrammable
Milk + Sugar is as bold in its aesthetics as it is in its flavors. The small-batch ice cream shop crafts unexpected combinations like Cereal Milk, Fruity Pebbles, and Birthday Cake Batter Swirl. Their branding and flavors attract a younger crowd looking for indulgent, quirky experiences.
Must-Try: Gimme S’more – toasted marshmallow ice cream with graham cracker swirl and chocolate chips
3. Amy’s Ice Creams
Location: Montrose
Vibe: Whimsical & Family-Friendly
An Austin-born favorite with a cult following, Amy’s Ice Creams brings its funky flair to Houston. Known for their Mexican Vanilla and Belgian Chocolate, Amy’s also serves up dozens of rotating flavors with mix-ins galore. The ice cream throwers behind the counter put on a show, flipping scoops into cups mid-air.
Must-Try: Mexican Vanilla with crushed Oreos and strawberries
4. Booza Ice Cream
Location: Hillcroft (Gulfton)
Vibe: Cultural & Unique
Booza specializes in Middle Eastern-style stretchy ice cream—a chewy, creamy treat that’s gaining popularity across the U.S. Their flavors often feature pistachio, rose water, saffron, and mastic. It's an immersive experience and a taste of a centuries-old dessert tradition.
Must-Try: Pistachio Booza with crushed almonds and rose syrup drizzle
5. Red Circle Ice Cream
Location: Bellaire, Katy, and Sugar Land
Vibe: Trendy & Fusion-Inspired
Known for its Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches and Asian-American fusion flavors, Red Circle Ice Cream is a hotspot for adventurous eaters. Try Vietnamese Coffee or Thai Tea ice cream served in a warm churro cone. They also offer bubble waffles and mochi toppings for extra flair.
Must-Try: Thai Tea Ice Cream in a cinnamon churro cone
6. Fat Cat Creamery
Location: The Heights
Vibe: Retro & Locally Sourced
Fat Cat Creamery prides itself on using local Texas dairy and ingredients. Their ice cream is creamy and nostalgic with a gourmet twist. Seasonal flavors like Churned Up Pumpkin and Watermelon Fresca Sorbet keep things fresh, while mainstays like Cat’s Meow Mexican Vanilla never disappoint.
Must-Try: Milk Chocolate Stout in a cookie sandwich
7. La Argentina Artisanal Gelato & Coffee
Location: Spring
Vibe: Cozy & Authentic
Just north of Houston in Spring, La Argentina brings South American gelato traditions to the Lone Star State. Family-owned and operated, they handcraft smooth gelato with authentic flavors like dulce de leche, tiramisu, and yerba mate. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a strong coffee menu to match.
Must-Try: Dulce de Leche Granizado (with chocolate flakes)
8. SweetCup Gelato & Sorbet Originale
Location: Montrose
Vibe: Boutique & International
Owner and chef Sobia Khan crafts her artisan gelato and sorbets in small batches using global influences. From Saffron Pistachio to Guava & Cream Cheese, SweetCup blends luxury with culture. Vegan and dairy-free options are also available.
Must-Try: Chai Gelato paired with Cardamom Pistachio
9. Constellation Ice Cream
Location: East End
Vibe: Futuristic & Craft-Driven
Located inside a shipping container, Constellation Ice Cream is minimalistic in design but maximal in flavor. They serve classic flavors done perfectly, with rich, dense textures and a curated seasonal rotation.
Must-Try: Classic Vanilla Bean with a scoop of passionfruit sorbet on top
10. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (for a healthier twist)
Multiple locations across Houston
Vibe: Bright & Customizable
While not strictly an ice cream shop, Menchie’s deserves a mention for froyo fans. With non-dairy, low-carb, and gluten-free options, it's a family favorite for guilt-free dessert. You build your own with over 40 toppings and creative flavor swirls.
Must-Try: Cake Batter Froyo with mochi and strawberry boba pearls
Final Scoop
Houston’s ice cream scene is as diverse as its people—blending global flavors, creative presentations, and nostalgic favorites into every cone. Whether you’re in the mood for artisanal gelato, bold new tastes, or a churro-wrapped sundae, the Bayou City has a frozen dessert for every craving.
Pro Tip: Summer heat in Houston can be brutal. Visit these parlors in the afternoon or early evening and consider ordering your scoop in a cup to avoid a melty mess!