Summer is here and you know what that means — we’re giving you the scoop on scoops. From cones to bowls to milkshakes, Charlotte is full of places to grab everyone’s favorite frozen treat. We’ve listed our favorite ice cream spots here, organized by neighborhood to make planning sweet.
SouthPark & Montford
Golden Cow
720 Gov Morrison St SouthPark, Uptown and South End
This local chain boasts three locations to get a sweet treat — SouthPark, Uptown and South End. All locations make their ice cream from scratch with no flavor bases, syrups, or commercial mixes. Next time you visit, try the fan-favorite Salted Oreo flavor.
The Local Scoop
1600 E. Woodlawn Rd, Suite 110, Ballantyne and Downtown Matthews
The Local Scoop, which also has locations in Ballantyne and Downtown Matthews, is the perfect place to take the whole family for ice cream. In addition to the delicious flavors, The Local Scoop runs fun deals and games, like giving out a free scoop of ice cream to people with different names every week, and allowing customers to suggest flavors.
South End
Tutti Gelato
1700 Camden Rd, Suite 101
If you like authentic, creamy gelato, Tutti Gelato in South End is a must visit. Each week there are new flavors for customers to try, but classics such as Tiramisu, Hazelnut Cremino, Pistachio, Peach and more are always on the menu.
SWIRL Dessert Bar
2822 South Blvd B
At SWIRL, customers can get a variety of desserts including cakes, cupcakes and of course, ice cream. Choose among a scoop of hard ice cream, a “SWIRL” of soft-serve with toppings mixed in, a float or a milkshake at this South End spot.
Morelia Ice Cream Paletas
1425 Winnifred St #104
There are three steps to creating your perfect paleta at Morelia’s. First, pick your handmade gourmet paleta flavor. Next, choose your dip. Lastly, roll your creation in your topping of choice. With so many ways to customize, you’re guaranteed to try something new and delicious at every visit to this ice cream shop.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
South End, Park Road, NoDa and Ballantyne
Although it’s a chain, Charlotte residents love Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, as seen from the constant long lines outside of the four Charlotte locations in South End, Park Road, NoDa and Ballantyne. Jeni’s is loved for the unique flavors including Maple Soaked Pancakes, Gooey Butter Cake, Coffee with Cream and Sugar, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Plaza Midwood & Elizabeth
Two Scoops Creamery
Plaza Midwood, South End, Lake Norman, Concord and Rock Hill
Two Scoops is a beloved local ice cream spot with locations in Plaza Midwood, South End, Lake Norman, Concord and Rock Hill. With over 100 homemade flavors available year round, everyone in the family will find a sweet treat they love at Two Scoops.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
1942 E 7th St #102
For a completely indulgent, over-the-top ice cream experience, head to The Yard Milkshake Bar in Elizabeth. Customers can get regular ice cream and milkshakes, or go for the specialty shakes and sundaes which include various combinations of brownies, cookies, ice cream, cupcakes milkshakes and toppings.
Elizabeth Creamery
1535 Elizabeth Ave #100
This family-run ice cream shop in the heart of Elizabeth is a Charlotte staple. Stop in with the whole family to get your favorite classic flavor in a cone, bowl or milkshake. Don’t forget to add on the toppings!
Optimist Park & NoDa
Honeysuckle Gelato
1115 N Brevard St and The Bowl at Ballantyne
Conveniently located in Optimist Hall and The Bowl at Ballantyne, Honeysuckle Gelato is a great place to grab a sweet treat after a meal elsewhere at the food hall or in The Bowl. Enjoy flavors such as Birthday Cake, Vanilla Bean, Honey Lavender, Peanut Butter Cup and Lemon Bar.
Seemingly Overzealous
Camp North End, Plaza Midwood and soon-to-be Dilworth
All the ice cream at Seemingly Overzealous, which has locations in Camp North End, Plaza Midwood and soon-to-be Dilworth, is 100% dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free. With unique flavors including coconut & matcha swirl, lemon blueberry muffin and carrot cake, it’s clear the missing ingredients don’t compromise deliciousness of this ice cream.
RiCkO’s Churro Bar
3100 N Davidson St, #104
Care for a side of churros with your ice cream? Visit Charlotte’s first churreria, RiCkO’s Churro Bar. Enjoy fresh churros, along with ice cream frappes, milkshakes and other desserts at this newly opened NoDa spot.
Worth the Drive
Ninety’s Dessert Bar
9009-4 J. M. Keynes Dr
Ninety’s Dessert Bar has so many delicious ice cream options, you’ll have a hard time picking just one thing to try. From milkshakes such as the Dunkaroos and Biscoff Butter Cookie, to sundae cups such as the Salted Caramel Brownie, to good ole’ fashioned ice cream flavors, Ninety’s Dessert Bar has it all.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
4923 Trojan Dr Suite 150
With locations in Steele Creek, Cornelius, Indian Land and Gastonia, you’re never too far from a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. The ice cream is worth the drive to any of these locations, with over 100 irresistible flavors.
Carolina Scoops
105 Dover St, Pineville
This family-friendly ice cream shop in Pineville offers 16 different ice cream flavors, sundaes, milkshakes and ice cream floats. Next time you’re craving something sweet, check it out.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her foodie content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
