13 Must-Try Frozen Treats in Memphis
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 / Mempops
In Memphis, we know how to do dessert. We’ve got the “scoop” on where to find the best snow cones, gelato, popsicles, and ice cream Memphis has to offer. Bookmark this list for those sweltering summer days to come!
Dipsticle Artisan Gelato Cafe
Neighborhood: Cordova
More Info: dipsticle.com
On a hot summer day, you can’t beat Dipsticle Artisan Gelato Cafe’s refreshing Italian gelato and sorbet on a stick. Every treat is made in-house with fresh, natural ingredients, and customers can choose from several flavors, dipping them in European chocolate (milk, white, dark, or dark with hazelnuts), and adding an array of toppings. They also offer European coffees, milkshakes, and their newest hit, the Waffsticle.
Jerry’s Snow Cones
Neighborhoods: Berclair and Cordova
More Info: jerryssnowcones.com
Jerry’s Snow Cones is a Memphis institution, beloved for its extensive menu of delicious flavors and its signature World Famous Snow Cone Supreme: a snow cone filled with creamy ice cream. The nostalgic vibe, generous portions, and creative combinations make it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. It’s especially great for families or anyone craving a classic Southern summer treat.
Kaye’s Pints & Scoops
Neighborhood: Winchester
More Info: kayesicecream.com
What began as a small pop-up business with handcrafted ice cream for special occasions has now blossomed into a full, small-batch creamery with a range of mouthwatering flavors. Kaye’s Pints & Scoops uses natural, locally-sourced ingredients to craft decadent scoops of salted caramel, black walnut, strawberry fields, sea salt chocolate, and much more!
La Michoacana
Neighborhood: Multiple
More Info: Instagram
No need to travel south of the border to enjoy a Mexican popsicle! You can get paletas at La Michoacana, a family-owned authentic Mexican ice cream parlor known for its unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and friendly staff. You’ll find the classics on both the paleta and ice cream menus, but we recommend sampling a few of the Mexican flavors to kick things up a notch. La Michoacana also offers traditional Mexican snacks such as fruit with chili powder and salt, street corn, and chamoyadas (a fruit-based drink).
Levee Coffee & Creamery
Neighborhood: Collierville
More Info: leveecreamery.com
At Levee Coffee & Creamery, the ice cream is made in-house, created by an ice cream chef using premium ingredients, churned in small batches. The result? Creamy, flavorful scoops that are sure to tickle your tastebuds. They offer 12 delicious flavors at a time, with a rotating menu that includes Classic Vanilla and Mud Island (chocolate), My Mocha Vice, Mint to Be, Sweet Chai of Mine, and Honeysuckle Lavender.
Margie’s 901
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: Instagram
Customize your own creation at Margie’s 901 with fresh-made flavor options that range from the classics to the adventurous, with countless toppings. The family-friendly spot has a welcoming vibe that’s perfect for kids of all ages and those of us who love to experiment with our desserts. You’ll find imaginative combinations and a homemade feel that sets this local favorite apart from chain ice cream shops.
Mempops
Neighborhoods: Crosstown and East Memphis
More Info: mempops.com
Local fave Mempops offers a modern take on the classic popsicle — the perfect treat for a hot summer day. Owners Chris and Emily Taylor offer handcrafted popsicles with a rotating menu of both fruit-based and cream-based flavors, based on local and seasonal availability. (They also have boozy options for the 21 and over crowd.) Made with high-quality ingredients in creative combinations, these pops are a refreshing, portable option for cooling off.
Miccos Snocones & Shakes
Neighborhood: Arlington
More Info: miccosmobile.wixsite.com/miccos
Family-owned Miccos Snocones & Shakes is a go-to spot for fun, indulgent desserts and a welcoming local experience. The authentic New Orleans-style sno cones and homemade ice cream sandwiches are hits, but the Freakshakes may be the top sellers. These crazy, over-the-top milkshakes are loaded with toppings like cookies, brownies, and candy bars, making them a visual and culinary treat.
Milk Dessert Bar
Neighborhood: Kirby Parkway
More Info: milkdessertbar.com
Milk Dessert Bar is the place to go for over-the-top milkshakes, edible cookie dough, and custom ice cream creations. The playful, Instagram-worthy desserts are perfect for anyone with a serious sweet tooth or looking to try something out of the ordinary. The menu is full of surprises, making it a hit with kids, teens, and anyone who loves a decadent treat.
Quintessential Sweets
Neighborhood: Bartlett
More Info: quintessentialsweets.com
With a tagline like “specializing in frozen & fried treats,” how can you go wrong? Featuring flavored snow, premium ice cream, and waffle cones, Quintessential Sweets has your cravings for frozen goodies covered. Both a local favorite and a tourist attraction, this spot sees some heavy foot traffic on a hot summer day. We suggest the ‘Gooey Butter Bar’ signature sweet, which combines a butter cookie crust, pecans, a baked flakey bar, and soft-serve ice cream.
Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co.
Neighborhood: Crosstown
More Info: Instagram
Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co. is celebrated for its small-batch, handcrafted gelato with inventive, rotating flavors. You’ll always find something new to try! This spot is ideal for those seeking a more artisanal experience, and its central location makes it a convenient stop during a hot day in Memphis. If you are further away, don’t worry — Sweet Magnolia ships nationwide!
Sweet Noshings
Neighborhood: East Memphis and Overton Square
More Info: sweetnoshings901.com
Locally owned Sweet Noshings is known for a fun atmosphere and awesome selection of treats, including handcrafted ice cream (made fresh weekly) in playful and inventive flavors. Think Birthday Cake, Cookie Explosion, Cotton Candy, and Chocolate Overload — rich, creamy flavors that rotate so you can try different options on every visit. Beyond ice cream, you’ll find homemade fudge, cookies, popcorn, and nostalgic and novelty candies.
Zio Matto Gelato
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: ziomatto.com
Satisfy your craving for authentic Italian gelato at Zio Matto Gelato. Visitors rave about the gelato’s light, creamy, fluffy texture, with flavors that range from classic coffee to inventive seasonal varieties. The shop combines Southern hospitality with Italian tradition, creating a casual, fun atmosphere. You can also find Zio Matto at local events, sports venues, and local stores. The focus on small-batch production and high-quality ingredients makes Zio Matto a must-visit for gelato lovers in Memphis.
Savor these icy, sweet Memphis treats — and say goodbye to the heat!
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.