While soaking up the sun this summer, what better way to cool down than by indulging in some frozen delights?
We tested out some locations where the tasty treats and the fun are through the roof. (It was a tough job, but hey, someone had to do it!)
Steel City Pop
If you haven’t been to Steel City Pops, then you are missing out! Their all-natural and certified organic popsicles are divided into three different categories: fruity, creamy, and cookie. Try one of their fruity flavors, such as Blueberry Basil, Sweet Tea, or Lavender Lemonade. But you also can’t go wrong with one of their creamy varieties. We sampled Coffee, Avocado and Peach Cream. If you’re looking for a little crumble in your popsicle, try either Oatmeal Cream Pie or Peanut Butter Pie, both with a cookie in the middle! Once you’ve finally made the toughest popsicle decision of your life, cool off in the hip ambiance.
6025 Royal Lane #105
Dallas, TX 75230 (multiple other locations)
972.556.5292 | www.steelcitypops.com
Sun-Thu: 12 pm- 10 pm; Fri-Sat: 12 pm- 11 pm
Chills 360
The next time you’re in Deep Ellum and you see a line around the block, you know you’re at Chills 360. This tiny shop is introducing Thai rolled ice cream to Dallas—that’s right rolled ice cream. Watch as an ice cream mix is poured before your very eyes over an icy cold disc until it freezes. Then, it’s rolled into an amazing pinwheel of perfection. You have to get The Hangover, which is a wonderful mix of coffee and Kit-Kats. The Pinky Promise—strawberry and graham cracker—and the Matcha Made In Heaven—green tea and raspberry—are crowd favorites. This is ice cream worth waiting for!
2646 Elm St | Dallas, TX 75226 | 469-687-75226
Sun-Wed: 1 pm- 12 am; Thur: 1 pm- 2 am;
Fri-Sat: 1 pm- 3 am
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is known for their decadent flavors, like Chocolate Cherry Garcia, Bourbon Brown Butter, and our personal favorite, Coconut Seven Layer Bar. But what many people don’t realize is that this shop is the perfect first stop in planning a summer party. Why not pick up one of their sweet Ice Cream Cakes for your next celebration? If you’re throwing a big affair, you should know that Ben & Jerry’s—with its Cowmobile that is equipped to feed up to 15,000 people—is actually the premier ice cream caterer in DFW.
1501 Preston Rd #400 | Plano, TX 75093
972-380-2697 | www.benjerry.com
Sun-Thu: 12 pm–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 12 pm–11 pm
Menchie’s
You can’t go wrong getting frozen yogurt at Menchie’s, where they aim to make you smile. You’ll have trouble choosing between the unique flavors including non-fat Pineapple Cake, low-fat Red Velvet Royale and Uber Fudgy Brownie Batter. Then, you’ll have more trouble selecting from a huge variety of toppings, from Nilla Wafers (perfect on the coconut yogurt, topped with whipped cream) to cheesecake chunks and giant vats of hot fudge, marshmallow cream, caramel and more. Open late, Menchie’s gives new meaning to “family fun night!”
Multiple Locations | 469-999-4050
Sun-Thu: 11 am- 10 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am- 11 pm
Highland Park Soda Fountain
Step back in time and hop up on an old-fashioned circular stool to experience the “soda jerks” mixing up your favorite treat. Milkshakes and Malts (extra malt, please!) are just the start. Maybe a Float is your thing or Egg Cream Soda? Order what you like and while you wait, you can wander around and check out all the goods for sale. Everything from lotions and candles to baby clothes and artwork line the walls of this historic shop.
3229 Knox Street | Dallas, TX 75205
214-521-2126 | highlandparksodafountain.com
Mon-Fri: 7 am–6 pm; Sat: 8 am–6 pm; Sun:10 am–5 pm
Dozens of unique flavors are served up by high school employees who seem to be having as much fun making the concoctions as you will have eating them. Try the Caribbean Cola, a soda with vanilla flavoring and tropic cream. Another favorite for the teen scene is the Super Sour Sno Cones. Apple, Blueberry and even the Atomic Warhead are all winners for those who like to make pucker faces with their icy treats. The list of flavors is dizzying, and then with the add-ons like ice cream, chocolate syrup and more, you can really customize your creation.
8700 Preston Rd #127 | Plano, TX 75024 (Multiple other locations)
214-618-8395 | bahamabucks.com
Mon-Thu:11 am–10 pm; Fri-Sat:11 am–11 pm; Sun:1 pm–10 pm
The choice between a massive drive-thru and walk-up ordering makes this a unique stop on our list. There are a few benches outside, but be warned, there is no indoor seating here. Frozen Custard is a change of pace from all of the ice cream, and since blueberries are in season, we went with the Blue Bonnet Jackhammer, which mixed vanilla custard with blueberries and a marshmallow center. Not your thing? Try a Malt, Shake or even a Banana Split. No matter what you order, the whole family will be impressed. Don’t forget about bringing Spot along—Andy’s is dog friendly!
1731 E Hebron Pkwy | Carrollton, TX 75010
972-394-7555 | eatandys.com
Sun-Thu: 11 am–11 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–11:30 pm
Is there anything more indulgent than gelato? How do they pack in all that flavor with 70% less fat than ice cream? I don’t know, but I do know that I love the Salted Caramel Gelato here. Give me a giant scoop in a waffle cone, and my inner fat kid is happily fooled. You can also find sorbets and lattes if that’s more to your liking. Most locations are open late so this is a great place to head after a movie or dinner if you want that night to go on just a little bit longer. (Hint, hint fellas!)
936 Garden Park Drive | Allen, TX 75013 (Multiple other locations)
972-359-8586 | paciugo.com
Mon-Thu:10 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am–11 pm; Sun: 12 pm–9pm
Susie Cakes
Feeling nostalgic for some old-fashioned dessert?
Make your way to Susie Cakes for a delicious treat made by in-house bakers. Founder Susie Sarich pays homage to her two beloved grandmothers Mildred and Madeline by using their traditions and love of family to recreate their made-from-scratch recipes using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Sentimental summer favorites, like Key Lime Pie and Ice Cream Sandwiches will surely help you keep your cool—and transport you back to memories of your own grandma baking in her ruffled apron.
6100 Luther Ln | Dallas, TX 75225 | 214-983-2253
4909 W. Park Blvd | Plano, TX 75093 | 469-423-2253
www.susiecakes.com | Mon-Sat: 9 am- 8 pm; Sun: 11 am- 5 pm
Howdy’s is the best way to my heart or anyone else’s! This unassuming blue door in a shopping center holds a delight that is worth a drive. Incredible flavors like Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip and Hot Tamales (yes, like the candy) are just a few of the gems here. The real treat though, is the staff. 14 out of the 16 employees are people with special needs, who love their job. It shows. We couldn’t eat the samples fast enough—the staff is so proud of their flavors and product that they can’t wait to share it with everyone. They handed us spoonful after spoonful of every delicious flavor, and we couldn’t get enough. I left with a bag full of pints and a huge smile on my face.
4333 Lovers Ln | Dallas, TX 75225
469-930-8494 | howdyicecream.com
Mon-Thu: 11 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–10 pm; Sun: 2 pm–9 pm