10 Essential Memphis Ice Cream Spots
From dressed-up milkshakes to popsicles and snow cones, these local sweet shops are serving up frozen treats for sweltering-hot Memphis days. Image: Facebook / Sugar Ghost Ice Cream & Bubble Tea
There’s no sweeter way to cool off in summer than with a classic cone or cup of ice cream. And Memphis has no shortage of choices, with spots all around the city to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving a familiar flavor or something more unique, here’s a list of some of the best ice cream Memphis has to offer.
Sugar Ghost
Neighborhoods: Midtown & Germantown
More Info: sugarghostmemphis.com
Ice cream and bubble tea come together at Sugar Ghost. Try classic hand-scooped housemade ice cream, shakes, fruit tea, or a milk tea float. In addition to a selection of seasonal flavors, they also offer an occasional “Stuff-Your-Stanley” day, where you can fill your tumbler with all your favorites. (SB Tip: Grab a pint to go or snag a frozen treat for your pup!)
Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream and Cakes
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: margies-901-homemade-ice-cream.square.site
Just steps away from Beale Street and The Orpheum, you’ll find Margie’s 901 and a menu filled with sweet treats, including shakes, smoothies, sundaes, floats, ice cream cupcakes, and more. Go for the Bananas Foster Sundae, or take home a pint with your favorite mix-ins to enjoy any time you like!
Levee Coffee and Creamery
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: leveecreamery.com
Ice cream and coffee date, anyone? Levee Coffee and Creamery is the perfect place to grab a caffeine fix and a sweet treat. Choose from locally inspired flavors like Mud Island (chocolatey goodness), Grit N Grind (a blend of vanilla and coffee), and Grizz Berry Crunch (sweet berries and crushed graham crackers). Pro tip: Order a latte float with your favorite ice cream flavor.
Quintessential Sweets
Neighborhood: Bartlett
More Info: quintessentialsweets.com
Quintessential Sweets is all about fried and frozen treats, with a menu full of snow cones, ice cream cones, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and more. And there are plenty of take-home treats to sweeten your summer parties, like chocolate-covered marshmallows (perfect for s’mores) or gourmet caramel apples.
Jerry’s Sno Cones
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: jerryssnowcones.com
Don’t let the name fool you. Jerry’s is a Memphis institution, and the Snow Cone Supreme (a snow cone topped with ice cream) is to thank. In addition to this iconic staple, you can enjoy other favorites like a classic ice cream cone, sundae, or banana split. While the original Wells Station location is closed, you can still visit them in Cordova, either inside or at the drive-thru.
Sweet Noshings
Neighborhoods: East Memphis & Overton Square
More Info: sweetnoshings901.com
More than a candy shop, both Sweet Noshings locations offer hand-scooped ice cream (including some boozy options for adults). Try the seasonal flavors or snag one of the best-sellers like Chocolate Overload, Salted Caramel Mocha, Peaches and Cream, and Red Velvet. Pro tip: You can also grab a bag of popcorn for your next movie night.
Dipsticle Artisan Gelato Cafe
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: dipsticle.com
Dipsticle puts a fun twist on Italian favorites, with gelato and sorbet served on a stick. Each treat is dipped in your choice of four European chocolates — milk, white, dark, or dark with hazelnuts — and finished with your favorite toppings. While you’re there, pair your dessert with a European coffee or one of the shop’s creamy milkshakes.
Mempops
Neighborhoods: East Memphis & Crosstown
More Info: mempops.com
With both fruity and creamy popsicle options, Mempops earns a spot on our ice cream list. While the shop has two brick-and-mortar locations, you can also find its food trucks and stands all over town, including at the Memphis Zoo. Don’t miss the pet-friendly pup-sicles, or grab some boozy pops for your next summer pool party. Catering is also available.
Kaye’s Pints and Scoops
Neighborhood: Oakhaven
More Info: kayesicecream.com
From a pop-up to a shop, Kaye’s has been bringing homemade ice cream to the Bluff City since 2020. Ingredients come from local farmers and vendors, resulting in unique combinations like Crushed Black Walnut, Strawberry Brownie, and more. Not near the shop? You can also buy pints at Muddy’s Bake Shop, Cordelia’s Market, High Point Grocery, and other locations throughout Memphis.
Wonky’s Not So Famous Treats
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: wonkytreats.net
Wonky’s menu features sorbets, shaved ice, and signature fish-shaped Taiyaki waffle cones, which you can customize with your favorite sorbet flavor and toppings for a one-of-a-kind treat. Complete your sweet snack break with one of the shop’s fresh-squeezed lemonades.
Happy summer, Memphis!
**********
For more must-try dining spots in Memphis, visit our restaurant archives!
Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.