5223 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ

No matter where you’re at, a local-approved sweet treat is just around the corner thanks to these ice cream shops and parlors scooping up some of the best frozen desserts in town. Here's where to find some of the best ice cream spots in Phoenix.

15345 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ

Putting a scientific spin on your favorite cold treat is Creamistry, where “creamologists” use liquid nitrogen set at minus -321 degrees to produce creamy, premium ice cream. First, choose your base (premium, organic, sorbet and vegan), then pick your flavor (everything from chocolate to matcha green tea), then choose your toppings (unicorn dust, anyone?). For the ultimate experience, upgrade your masterpiece with a waffle or brownie bowl. The build-your-own format allows you to play “mad scientist” and create the ice cream of your dreams.

1028 Grand Ave
Phoenix, AZ

Deep in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District, Novel Ice Cream brings a novel twist to the delicious, yet run-of-the-mill serving of ice cream. Rather than having it in a cone, why not have it served in a doughnut ? One of Novel’s signature offerings, the Dough Melt is a glazed doughnut stuffed with ice cream. Flavors range from classic vanilla and strawberry to Hangry Honey Bee (salted sweet cream, raw honey, chocolate covered honeycomb) and Midnight Munchies (caramel-swirled butterfat ice cream with crunchy pretzels, M&Ms and Cracker Jacks).

6054 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ

Named among the top 10 ice cream shops in the country by Bon Appetit, Sweet Republic elevates ice cream to a culinary art — which is precisely how co-owner Jan Wichayanuparp landed a fellowship sponsored by the James Beard Foundation. Using local, all-natural ingredients, the shop churns out some of the most inventive flavors around. While the menu changes seasonally, tried-and-true standbys include the Salted Butter Caramel Swirl, Madagascar Vanilla and Belgian Chocolate. Stop by for new flavors including Strawberry Balsamic Pepper, Sweet Corn and Breakfast Cookie.

2014 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ

The idea for a vegan ice cream shop emerged from the restaurant’s infamous organic ice cream treat: the tSoynami. These now-famous dairy-free treats begin with homemade soy tSoft tServe before getting decked out with such goodies as cakes, cookies, chocolate, peanut butter, fruit and just about anything else you can think of. The restaurant’s bakers and baristas pour their hearts into each and every creation (and the list of selections is long). In addition to ice cream, Nami offers vegan baked treats and organic, shade-grown coffee. About 75% of Nami’s ingredients are organic and treats are served in biodegradable cups, boxes and flatware when possible.

Phoenix, AZ

301 N Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ

If ever you find yourself driving past a Gilberts building with a gopher statue perched atop it, that is your sign to stop and savor everything that is Topo Arizona. One part roadside attraction, one part Southwestern-inspired comfort food, this iconic food stand is an absolute must if you like photo ops as much as dipped cones. Things start out exactly as you might expect on a road trip pit stop: chocolate, vanilla ... but then, wait, does that say prickly pear? Yes, yes it does. And we can't get enough.