Lick Local: The Scoop on Local Ice Cream in RVA
The official start of summer means one thing in Richmond: ice cream season is finally here. Whether you’re craving a classic cone, a creative flavor combo, or a frozen treat with a twist, Richmond’s locally-owned ice cream shops have you covered. Supporting local never tasted so sweet. Continue reading to explore our guide of must-try Richmond ice cream shops.
Located in the heart of Carytown, Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a Richmond favorite for over 30 years. Inspired by New England-style ice cream shops, this pink parlor is known for its handcrafted ice creams made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
For a New England-style ice cream parlor right here in RVA, head to Church Hill’s Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co. Small-batch flavors rotate regularly, but expect nostalgic favorites with a playful twist—like Salty Chocolate Chip Cookie and Banana Puddin’.
This soft serve window on Southside’s Forest Hill packs a big punch with creative takes on traditional soft serve toppings. Chocolate and vanilla cones (and occasional specialty flavors) are topped with anything from sprinkles to toasted marshmallow fluff to mochi.
For rich, ultra-creamy Wisconsin-style custard, Jiji Frozen Custard is rolling through RVA with a sweet twist on the classic ice cream truck. These slow-churned delights come straight from their mobile custard trucks, serving up cones, sundaes, and concretes all season long.
With multiple locations throughout the city, Gelati Celesti has become a staple in Richmond’s ice cream scene. Their creamy ice cream and sorbet creations are handcrafted daily using traditional Italian techniques and equipment. With 24 house favorites and over 100 additional flavors that rotate seasonally, there’s something for everyone at Gelati Celesti.
Ruby Scoops, the newly minted winner in the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s 2024 Best Ice Cream Bracket, is a must-visit for those seeking artisanal ice cream with a twist. Still located in Richmond’s Brookland Park neighborhood, but in a new, larger space this summer, this small-batch ice cream shop combines unexpected flavors to create delightful combinations of ice cream, sorbets, and sherbets. Can’t choose a flavor? Snag one of their ice cream flights featuring six different flavors.
Tucked away on Richmond’s charming Strawberry Street in The Fan, Scoop RVA brings a contemporary twist to the ice cream parlor concept. This sleek and stylish shop offers a rotating menu of artisanal flavors, ranging from classic favorites to unique standouts including Sweet Basil and Lemon Shortbread.
Situated steps from the Capital Trail in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom, Sweet Spot scoops more than 48 flavors in-store and rotates 300 additional flavors seasonally. But that’s not all, they also offer an extensive selection of waffle cone flavors making endless flavor combinations.
NarWhals
NarWhals is Richmond’s first handcrafted rolled ice cream shop, and it’s as much about the show as the scoop. Step into their “ice cream workshop” where you can mix and match ingredients to create your own one-of-a-kind flavor. Watching your dessert come to life on the cold slab is half the fun.
Honorable Mentions:
While technically not local to Richmond, Klines Dairy Bar in Chesterfield is a sweet outpost of Harrisonburg’s legendary custard-style dairy bar that’s been serving the ‘burg since 1943. Each week, Klines features a signature flavor in addition to chocolate and vanilla. They also offer an extensive selection of smoothies, milkshakes, flurries, and frappes.
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a unique and delightful twist on the classic ice cream experience, pick up a Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwich. Made right here in Richmond, these ice cream sandwiches have garnered national attention. Find them at local groceries, markets, restaurants, and breweries across the city, including Union Market, Northside Gourmet Market, Stella’s Market, and Little House Green Grocery.
