In 2018, we compiled a list of the top 25 ice cream shops in the U.S. Now, we are revisiting this list. This time, we’re focusing on mom-and-pop ice cream shops, regional chains, and even unconventional places to get ice cream. You won’t find any big name ice cream chains like Cold Stone or Baskin Robbins on this list! 

Check out our curated list below to see if your favorite local ice cream shop made it to the top 25.

Long Acre Farms is a family farm that is open to the public. The farm’s ice cream shop serves handcrafted ice cream from Dar’s Delights. When you are done eating your ice cream, you can explore the farm’s attractions, winery, and farmer’s market.

The Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company is a family-owned chain that has multiple locations in Wisconsin. This ice cream shop has a wide variety of ice cream flavors with fun names such as the “Exhausted Parent” and “Snap-o-Lantern.”

Creamistry is an ice cream chain specializing in liquid nitrogen ice cream. Customer favorites include “nitroshakes,”  ice cream cakes, and “croffles.” 

Big Buck’s Ice Cream is a local ice cream chain in the Outer Banks. Big Buck’s has over 50 ice cream flavors and also has homemade chocolate for those who are craving more than just ice cream.

Zesty’s Frozen Custard is both an ice cream shop and a restaurant with three locations in the Green Bay area. Zesty’s frozen custard comes in flavors like chocolate and vanilla. Looking to go beyond just vanilla and chocolate? Consider upgrading your frozen custard with candy toppings or even turning it into a sundae.

Graeter’s Ice Cream is a family-owned regional chain with locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Twistee Treat of Ocoee is a family-owned and operated ice cream shop that has been serving the Ocoee area since 1994. Its Ocoee location, known for its iconic ice cream cone shape, has a walk-up window and a drive-thru.

In 2008, Hopkins Farm Creamery opened on Green Acres Farm. Since then, Hopkins has served farm-made ice cream to beach goers and locals alike.

Located in Baltimore’s Lexington Market, Frozen Dessert Sorbet is known for its variety of homemade sorbet flavors. Signature sorbet flavors include Island Mix, Mango, and Strawberry.

The Milk Shake Factory, which started out as a soda fountain and chocolate shop in 1914, is a family-operated ice cream chain with locations across the Pittsburgh area.

Founded in 2002, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is an ice cream chain owned by Jeni Britton Bauer. Jeni’s Alpharetta location is at the Avalon shopping center.

Scooped Cookie Dough Bar is a dessert shop known for its large selection of cookie dough options. Even though its focus might not be completely on ice cream, Scooped made our list with its signature cookie dough ice cream sandwiches.

Dairy Delite Depot is a seasonal ice cream shop near the Oconto County ATV trails in Suring.

Jacksonville’s Bambino Scoops serves frozen gelato and sorbet. If you are looking for something extra to go with your gelato, they also have an assortment of sliced cakes, paninis, and empanadas on their menu.

Andy’s Frozen Custard is an ice cream chain with locations across the Southwest, South, and Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is the original location that started this family ice cream business.

Mad Myrtle’s Ice Creamery is the oldest ice cream shop in Myrtle Beach. Mad Myrtle’s is known for its “World Famous Freak Shakes,” which are big milkshakes with crazy amounts of sweet toppings.

35 Below is an ice cream shop with locations in Tampa and Wesley Chapel. From rolled ice cream to boba tea, there are plenty of menu options for customers to choose from. 

From signature milkshakes served in mason jars to hot chocolate concoctions, there are tons of milkshake options for everyone at Nashville’s Legendairy Milk Bar.

At Trombetta’s Farm, a family-owned ice cream business, you can enjoy homemade ice cream as you play indoor mini golf  or browse plants in their nursery.

Sweet Home Gelato brings classic Italian ice cream to Naperville. Looking for caffeine to go with your gelato or sorbet? Sweet Home also has lattes, caffeinated milkshakes, and affogatos.

The Milkhouse is open daily to serve customers farm fresh ice cream. What’s good at this ice cream shop? Check out the “moo” shakes or get a signature sundae.

Rolling Ice is an ice cream shop with a speciality in rolled ice cream and other frozen treats like milkshakes.

The Scoop is an old fashioned ice cream parlor and restaurant located in Valdosta.

Pace’s Dairy Ann is a family-owned restaurant, which has been a staple of North Salt Lake City since 1957. Its menu has classic fast-food options alongside ice cream favorites like malted milk shakes.

Sugar Magnolia is an ice cream and gift shop with locations in Blacksburg and Roanoke. Its menu has classic ice cream flavors, ice cream nachos, and even seasonal beverages like hot chocolate.

What’s your favorite place to get ice cream? Let us know on social media.