The Best Places for Ice Cream in New Orleans
Summer’s almost here and the weather is going to be aggressively hot. Your heart is going to yearn and scream for ice cream every day, and it would be a criminal offense to not give in to the guilty pleasures of your sweet tooth. Ice cream is America’s darling desert, so you will find everything from soft serve to handmade gelato in New Orleans. If you are looking for topnotch quality frozen desserts in the city, the following places will definitely make your day:
1 | Parish Parlor Ice Cream
Coming in hot at no. 1 is a new kid on the block, Parish Parlor, which got its start during COVID.
When owners Mason and Kelsey lost their restaurant gigs, they decided “whelp if people are going to stress eat, it might as well be delicious”. They offer a variety of flavors as well as milkshakes and coffee and is conveniently located on a business section of Magazine St., making it a perfect spot to grab some AC while touring some local shops. I picked up Parish (and 10-15 ice cream pounds) frequently during lockdown and I have [almost] no regrets.
As summer starts to heat up, take a walk by Parish Parlor and pick up a scoop of lemon rocotta for you and a pupsicle for your furry friends!
2 | Creole Creamery
This ice cream parlor is a summer staple of the Uptown in New Orleans. The location and quaint atmosphere are equally nostalgic. Creole cream cheese has been an essential component on our breakfast table since the mosquito-infested, criminal-led down of New Orleans, which is where this place gets its name.
Their Creole cream cheese ice cream is a classic, which is a favorite among locals, and it never ceases to amaze visitors. David Bergeron, the ice cream chef of the creamery, has been in the business for over a decade and knows how to create the perfect summer flavors. The red velvet or lavender honey ice creams are one-of-a-kind, and the cookie monster is a bestseller among children and adults.
Creole Creamery is open late and has one of the largest varieties of ice cream in the city, if not the largest, but you can also order fountain classics like banana splits, milkshakes, and floats. If you’re feeling a little masochistic and a lotta hungry, you can get your name up on the leaderboard by taking the Tchoupitoulas Challenge (pronounce chop-a-too-lass), which has eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, plus whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, and wafers.
They’re cash only but there’s a Chase bank right next door.
3 | Ice Cream 504
If you are looking for ice cream that is fresh, light, and flavorful, Ice Cream 504 shall deliver.
Their frozen desserts are prepared using old-fashioned churning methods and garden-fresh ingredients, which makes them one healthy treat. Their ice cream contains no gum, flour, or preservatives; there are options for gluten and dairy-free as well. In addition, even the waffle cones are prepared with the finest ingredients by the in-house chef. Their mint chocolate chip and coffee ice cream are unbeatable.
Conveniently located on Freret St., Ice Cream 504 is rooted in family tradition, Michael Southall, High Priest of Ice Cream draws his inspiration from his aunt’s traditional small-batch, porch ice cream and you can taste the love.
4 | Freezy Street
Freezy Street served the best Thai-inspired ice cream rolls in the city and was a perfect spot to escape the grueling summer heat in the French Quarter. They made the ice cream before your eyes - it really doesn’t get any fresher than that. Their S’more and Cookie Monster flavors reigned supreme and the creativity and flavors were superb, but unfortunately, they’ve shut down due to COVID.
Praying to the ice cream gods that owners make a comeback and continue to spread the sugary happiness.
5 | Drip Affogato Bar
Do you know what is better than ice cream? A combo of ice cream and coffee!
Affogato is a traditional Italian dessert, which is made of gelato with a shot of espresso; the Drip Affogato Bar brings this and more. Gelato is served with a drip or shot of your choice, which includes a variety of coffees, hot chocolate, tea, and matcha. You can make unique combinations with gelato and drip flavors of your own choice. It may sound bizarre, but you will fall in love once you try it.
Drip Affogato Bar would be a great pick-me-up after a long visit to the WWII museum or after long summer walks through the art district.
6 | Sweet Handkraft
Sweet Handkraft is literal dessert heaven that has its roots in Asia. The cookies, ice cream donuts/sandwiches, and macaroons are unrealistically picturesque, which makes it a haven for Instagrammers. The brilliantly handcrafted confections like mochi waffles and donuts will have you returning whenever it’s your cheat day.
Technically located in Metairie, Sweet Handkraft is definitely worth the venture out - plus there’s some great, authentic taco spots out that way.
7 | Angelo Brocato
Angelo Brocato has been serving authentic Italian gelato in New Orleans for more than a century; hence, it holds a special place in our hearts as a truly local spot. This cute, authentic spot serves exquisite gelato flavors that are hard to find anywhere else. Their exquisite assortment of Italian biscotti, pastries, and ricotta cheese cannoli are to die for.
If you don’t get a chance to swing by on our next trip to New Orleans, don’t fret too much - you might be able to catch them at their new location in the airport!
8 | Piccola Geletaria
This is another fine place for artisan gelato that will charm your taste buds. Their menu features 18 different gelatos everyday, which includes 4 ice (milk-free) sorbets. Make it your life’s goal to try their, King Cake, Sea Salt Caramel, and Rose Petal gelato at least once in this lifetime.
Piccola Geletaria also offers coffee, crepes, croissants, and other confections. Conveniently located near lots of shopping on Freret St., it’s a perfect after-dinner treat!