Ah, San Antonio, where the summers blaze and the temperatures on the surface under the sun can make anyone scream for ice cream. As a trustworthy guide to the best shops to cool off, I’m here to share a secret about this hot city: the businesses here know how to turn their air conditioning up to arctic conditions. Imagine a long day of slogging in 100+ degree weather, and then the relief of a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream, eaten your way – in cones or cups.
Now, SA boasts a thriving ice cream scene, and I’m excited to share a map to chill out. Freshest Ice Creams is a gem that stands out. They bring a slice of Colombian flair, offering natural ice cream heavily leaning towards fresh fruit flavors. Imagine savoring a scoop of Lemon or Strawberry on a scorching day, or perhaps the unique Kiwi, which is not just refreshing but also a healthier alternative. For those who prefer a touch of indulgence, their Chocolate and Almonds, or the robust Coffee flavor are irresistible options. The brightly colored Passion Fruit ice cream and the pineapple-heavy Brazilian ice cream are personal favorites, perfectly paired for a tropical escape. And if you’re just looking for a small treat, their kid-sized scoops are a perfect pick to capture that ideal amount of sweetness.
Best Artisanal Ice Cream in San Antonio
For those who dream of an ice cream dream where freshness and quality are king, look no further than Lick. Originally a hit among friends in Austin, TX, the founders decided to open an ice cream shop that would source its ingredients with an absolute insistence on seasonal and local ingredients. Lick was a runaway hit in Austin, leading to its much-celebrated expansion into the San Antonio ice cream scene. Now, as the city’s first artisan ice creamery, it operates across three locations in the Alamo city.
Lick’s Flavorful Offerings
At Lick, the available flavor options are seasonally driven, covering a spectrum from traditional favorites like Chocolate, Caramel, and Mint Chocolate Chip, to the more unusual like Roasted Beets, Fresh Mint, Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey. Their menu rotates frequently, always staying fresh and exciting with available new flavors to try. Recent favorites include Orange Plumsicle and Horchata, or the intriguing Fromage and Fig. And for those with a dairy-free or vegan sweet tooth, or special dietary needs, there’s always something delightful to savor.
Lick’s Locations in San Antonio
One of Lick’s charming locations is nestled in the Pearl Historic District, close to the iconic Pearl Brewery. This spot is nothing short of an adorable ice cream house, perfect for a post-shopping treat. Another must-visit location is near Hemisfair, where young kids can enjoy a splash pad and playground after indulging in their favorite scoops. Each Lick outlet in San Antonio is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and community, blending seamlessly into the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
In San Antonio, Lick has not just opened an ice cream shop; it has brought a slice of Austin’s artisanal creativity and dedication to quality, transforming the local ice cream scene with its unique flavors and community-focused approach.
Best Boozy Ice Cream in San Antonio
At Buzzed Bull, the ice cream experience takes an intriguing turn with a side of chemistry. Here, guests witness an enormous tank of liquid nitrogen used to flash freeze both ice creams and ice cream sandwiches, as well as milkshakes. This unique method not only prepares delightful treats but also adds an element of spectacle, making each visit a memorable fusion of flavor and science.
Buzzed Bull is not just another name on the list of San Antonio’s ice cream shops; it’s a game-changer for those eagerly awaiting treats that blend childhood nostalgia with adult indulgences. With props to their liquor license, they infuse alcohol into their tasty concoctions, creating a buzz both literally and figuratively. Imagine a Dreamsicle made with orange and cake batter ice creams, blended with waffle cone pieces and whipped cream, then elevated with an infusion of orange vodka.
Their namesake includes flavors like caramel, espresso, and peanuts with a splash of bourbon, each flavor more intriguing than the last. The menu is sizeable, boasting house specialty milkshakes and the freedom to create your own from 18 flavors. The standards like Chocolate and Vanilla are there, but why not try something more fancy, like Cake Batter, Butter Pecan, or Pineapple? And with over 20 toppings and 7 liquors to choose from, the possibilities are almost endless.
A personal favorite is the decadent Tiger Stripes, a perfect mix of peanut butter, peanut butter cups, and sauce, with a dash of spiced rum. It’s a place where every scoop is a deliciously adult twist on childhood favorites.
Best for Unique Flavor Options
In the heart of San Antonio, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, stands Black+White, an ice cream shop that opened its doors in October 2020. The sweet creation of owners Frank and Mary Collazo, this place began as a response to their dissatisfaction with serving Häagen-Dazs in their specialty chocolate shops. Determined to make their own mark, they decided to go for it, transforming a space just off Broadway into a haven for ice cream enthusiasts.
Black+White is not your average ice cream parlor. It’s a novel shop where one-of-a-kind flavors that you can’t find anywhere else are the norm. The emphasis is on the modern – moving away from traditional, run-of-the-mill choices to explore the far out. And when I say far out, I mean WAY far out. Imagine scoops of Lavender Milk Tea that are super delicious, or the uniquely appealing Black Vanilla and Fruity Pebbles. The adventurous can even try Strawberry and Cream, Maple Bacon, Big Red Sorbet, or the intriguingly weirdly delicious Honey Cornbread.
What sets Black+White apart is its dedication to freshness and variety. Their menu rotates monthly, incorporating a wide selection of both gluten-free and dairy-free options. As a personal recommendation, I urge you to order a flight. For just $13, it comes with six scoops of your choosing, making it an affordable, shareable treat. It’s an excellent way to try their wild array of flavors.
Black+White redefines the ice cream experience in San Antonio, blending the nostalgia of ice cream with a modern twist. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, missing out on this place would be a disservice to your taste buds.
Best Frozen Yogurt in San Antonio
When it comes to the best froyo in San Antonio, the top spot on any list is Arctic Ape Wild Desserts. It’s undoubtedly the city’s best-frozen yogurt destination, combining fun and flavor in every scoop. Owned and operated by Ron and Cathy Witcher, who, after retiring to Windcrest, decided to open a business that would not only be enjoyable but also benefit the local community. They also support primates at the local San Antonio Zoo, showing they care deeply about more than just desserts.
This full-sized, stuffed ape that sits in the middle of the store perfectly captures the spirit of Arctic Ape. It invites guests to enjoy a friendly service with a side of unique charm. With 18 flavors ranging from gelato to custard, Italian ice, coconut milk soft-serve, and sorbet, there’s an endless variety to choose from. Not just limited to frozen yogurt, you can also indulge in ice cream and milkshake flavors, with over 150 toppings to choose from. The price is determined by the weight of the cup, making it a limiting factor in how much you can put away – though it’s tempting to drown your selection in candy, sauces, and fruits.
But Arctic Ape is more than just a froyo shop. It stocks board games and offers free Wi-Fi, making it a great place for the family to spend an evening enjoying treats and games. Whether you’re a local or visiting San Antonio, stopping by Arctic Ape Wild Desserts is a must for a delightful, family-friendly dessert experience.
Best Rolled Ice Cream
Rolled ice cream, the newest trend in the ice cream world, has made its mark in San Antonio, especially at Fahrenheit 32. This unique style of ice cream is made by pouring a liquid base onto a sub-zero hard surface, where it freezes in just a minute or two. Then, it’s rolled out into a thin layer, cylindrical tube, sliced, and placed in a cup or cone to be enjoyed. What sets this apart is that it uses less sugar than traditional ice cream, making it a healthier alternative to its more sugary cousin. This fad has found its way into a few shops, with Fahrenheit 32 being a local favorite.
Fahrenheit 32 combines flavors from Korea and Latin America, offering a variety of cold treats, beyond just rolled ice cream. They serve up sandwiches, ramen, udon, and fried rice dishes, but their 18 different, delightfully named ice cream cups steal the show. You can choose from options like Purple Haze with Taro, Espress-Yourself with coffee, or Gotcha Matcha with green tea, each bringing a unique twist to the ice cream experience.
Best Ice Cream On The Riverwalk
For every visitor to San Antonio, a stroll along the Riverwalk is a must, and what better way to complement it than with some of the best ice cream in town? One such gem is a shop that has been cooling off guests and keeping them well-fed for over 40 years. Founded 40 years ago, this shop has become a staple on the Riverwalk, its location being a key contributing factor to its success. Their quality ice cream, made fresh daily, has been a constant in keeping the tradition going. The balanced menu offers both traditional and unique San Antonio-esque flavors, ones you won’t find anywhere else.
Flavors like Cajeta, Mexican Raspberry, Oaxacan Chocolate, and the brightly colored Fiesta are just a few of the treats that await. The Mango sorbet, in particular, is a must-try – so much so that President Bill Clinton once dubbed it a national treasure back in 1992, and he wasn’t wrong. This shop is more than just an ice cream spot; it’s a piece of San Antonio’s heart, offering a refreshing escape from the heat with every cold, refreshing, frosty treat.
Best Healthy Ice Cream in San Antonio
When it comes to healthy ice cream in San Antonio, many might consider it an oxymoron, but not for the owners of Freshest Ice Creams. For them, crafting natural ice cream in a Colombian style, rich with fruit, is their ultimate goal. They serve not just ice cream but also slushies and fruit salads, all made with the best and highest quality ingredients. They go the extra mile by using lactose-free milk and alkaline water, ensuring that every scoop is as fresh as it is delicious.
Their flavors lean heavily towards fruit options, like Lemon, Kiwi, and Strawberry, providing a burst of natural sweetness with every bite. For those who prefer something beyond fruits, there are non-fruity choices too, like Chocolate and Almonds or Coffee, each available in vibrant colors and taste. Take, for example, their brightly colored Passion Fruit or the exotic pineapple Brazilian, both paired wonderfully together.
Freshest Ice Creams offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something small and light or wanting to try a variety of flavors. Their kid’s sized scoop is perfect to capture that perfect amount of sweetness without ordering more than you want to eat. It’s a delightful way to indulge in ice cream while still keeping health in mind. This place stands out as a haven for those seeking a guilt-free treat in the bustling city of San Antonio.
FAQs:
What are popular ice cream shops in San Antonio?
Notable ones include Black+White Modern Creamery, Arctic Ape Wild Desserts, and Freshest Ice Creams.
Are there unique flavors available?
Yes, especially at Black+White Modern Creamery with flavors like Lavender Milk Tea and Honey Cornbread.
Can I find healthy or dairy-free options?
Definitely. Shops like Freshest Ice Creams offer lactose-free and fruit-based options.
