Jake FosterExploring the food scene in the Mile High City eventually leads every dessert lover to a special mission: finding the best ice cream store in Denver.
Don’t you agree that our crisp mountain air goes perfectly with a fresh scoop of local dairy?
Well, I do! Instead of buying store-bought products, you should try artisan flavors made in Colorado.
I’ve actually done the legwork and searched the city to find the best spots for family trips or late-night treats. Let me help you find these great shops with smooth textures and unique flavors!
How much does ice cream cost in Denver?
Ice cream sold in Denver stores costs between $5.00 and $10.50, depending on whether you choose simple scoops or hand-packed pints.
| Item | Price Range |
| Single Scoop/Cup | $5.00 – $6.75 |
| Double Scoop | $7.50 – $8.00 |
| Waffle Cone Add-on | +$1.75 – $2.00 |
| Hand-packed Pints | $8.50 – $10.50 |
| Milkshakes/Sundaes | $6.50 – $9.50 |
1. Little Man Ice Cream
Website: http://www.littlemanicecream.com/
Address: 2620 16th St
Contact: (303) 455-3811 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Spotting the giant 28-foot milk bottle in the LoHi area lets you know you have found a famous local landmark. Little Man Ice Cream stands out because they make all of their ice cream by hand in small batches.
With their meticulous approach, they ensure the treats are always fresh and have a thick, creamy texture. I love grabbing a waffle cone here on the weekends after visiting some local coffee shops.
Their outdoor seating area feels like an old-fashioned roadside stand and is perfect for meeting friends in the sun!
Their giving program is worth noting as well. Every time you buy a treat, you help provide food for people in need around the world.
Just be careful if you have severe food allergies. Their kitchen frequently uses common allergens, so there’s a risk of cross-contamination for some guests.
Phenomenal ice cream
Always a line, but always worth it. Helpful, cheerful staff, phenomenal ice cream. Well worth waiting for. Had the Uber Cream Cheese, and it was unlike anything anyone in the group had ever tasted before. Also had Mint Chip, Cookie Dough, and a hot fudge sundae (not all by myself, mind), and everything was fantastic. Great way to top off a night out, or a good reason to go out.
- Amy | Google Review
I love their icecream because its fresh
I love their icecream because its fresh. You think that that sizes are small until you start eating and realize its the perfect size to not waste. We had the oreo, cookie dough & sherbert….all was delicious. The location is visually nice. There is a welcoming sitting area.
- lashona birks | Google Review
2. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Website: http://www.bonniebraeicecream.com/
Address: 799 S University Blvd
Contact: (303) 777-0808
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Stepping into Bonnie Brae Ice Cream feels like traveling back in time to an old neighborhood gathering. It’s worth mentioning that the same family has run this place since 1986, keeping the classic soda-fountain vibe alive.
Plus, every scoop of ice cream is made right inside the building rather than shipped from a factory. Because they do such a great job, too, as they’ve won many local awards over the years!
I particularly love that they have more than 100 creative flavors that they constantly rotate. This means you’ll find something new to try every time you visit! They even offer fruit sorbets and vegan chocolate for people with special diets.
Just keep in mind that their menu changes often because they make things in small batches. This means your favorite flavor might not always be available when you stop by for a treat.
It was worth the wait
A classic ice cream shop in Bonnie Brae. They have a lot of flavors to choose from including a couple vegan/non-dairy and sorbets. It’s still got the classic diner/ice cream parlor look. When we went on a Tuesday night the line was way out the door so be a bit patient. But the line moves quickly and it was worth the wait.
Best ice cream shop in Denver
I discovered this wonderful place over 30 years ago when I lived in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood. Stopped in yesterday for a scoop of Butter Brickle and it was like time stopped. Same craveworthy flavors and friendly service at the best ice cream shop in Denver.
- D Jamison | Google Review
3. Sweet Action
Website: https://sweetaction.com/scoop-shops/broadway/
Address: 52 Broadway
Contact: (720) 994-5203
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
If you have a late-night dessert craving, you need a place that’s creative and open late.
Sweet Action, located in the Baker neighborhood, is a perfect choice because it stays open until midnight every day.
I appreciate their advocacy of working with local Colorado farmers to get the freshest milk for their ice cream bases.
Every batch is mixed by hand with unique ingredients that you will not find at a typical cake shop. They even have vegan options that are just as creamy as their dairy flavors.
Also, the shop runs entirely on wind power, which shows how much they care about the environment.
Just keep in mind that they make limited batches of their most popular items. Because these flavors are so popular, they can sell out quickly in the freezer, so you should visit early to make sure you get your favorite scoop.
The ice cream here is perfection
The ice cream here is perfection because they make all the ice cream homemade. Also, it’s fairly cheape. They exchange flavors every week so different varieties and flavors are always being made. I kept it simple and order just vanilla on a freshly made waffle cone amazing ice cream was soft creamy taste phenomenal. 100% recommend!
- Hagz | Google Review
They use the highest quality ingredients
This is hands down some of Denver’s best ice cream. They use the highest quality ingredients, have amazing flavors (dairy, gluten free, vegan) and the staff and vibe are awesome. My favorite is the thai ice tea… hands down. I highly recommend!
- Jason Hill | Google Review
4. Sweet Cow
Website: https://www.sweetcow.com/
Address: 3475 West 32nd Avenue
Contact: (303) 477-3269
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sweet Cow has everything in-house to ensure every scoop is fresh and smooth. I recently tried their Dutch Chocolate on a sunny day and loved how thick and creamy it was.
I love that they use ingredients from local partners to keep every bite tasting pure and delicious. They also do their part to care for the planet by using fully compostable spoons and bowls.
While they always have 9 favorite flavors in stock, they also have 15 rotating seasonal flavors. This means that some of their more experimental flavors might not always be available when you visit. Still, there is always something tasty to try.
In addition to their main shop, they have a cute mobile truck that goes to local festivals and private parties. This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning an event.
Sweet Cow Ice Cream was amazing!
Sweet Cow Ice Cream was amazing! Liv, the manager, went above and beyond to help us navigate the flavors with fantastic customer service. We tried the vegan peppermint (so good, and we’re not even vegan!), coconut cream pie, and mint chocolate chip—all were excellent. Highly recommend!
- Ruben Rueda | Google Review
The rich flavors were definitely a worthy competitor
First time I’ve ever seen a pretzel cone and let me tell you it was amazing! Flaky and sturdy enough for my ice cream to melt and not drip everywhere. The combination of buttered pecan and salted pretzels was perfect. My boyfriend got the waffle cone with cookies and cream and cookie dough and the rich flavors were definitely a worthy competitor to my mouthwatering treat.
- Elizabeth Bolender | Google Review
5. Liks Ice Cream
Website: http://www.liksicecream.com/
Address: 2039 E 13th Avenue
Contact: (303) 321-2370
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Enjoying a piece of the city’s history is a great way to spend an afternoon. This family-owned creamery has been around since 1976 and is a true icon in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Liks Ice Cream focuses on making high-quality ice cream inspired by the local mountains, which makes their treats incredibly rich.
Their menu is very easy to read and includes both regular dairy and vegan options. I love how their transparency helps families with diverse dietary needs feel confident about what they eat.
Since they also have a large wholesale business, people all over the region can enjoy their products.
One thing to remember is that the shop opens a bit late in the day. Because of this, you cannot stop by for a dessert during your lunch break. However, it’s a perfect spot for an evening treat with your friends.
Coloradans approve of this amazing homemade ice-cream
Coloradans approve of this amazing homemade ice-cream. I have been going here since I was a kid. Still the same great ice-cream. Amazing flavors. I can’t decide on just one flavor to recommend. They change every so often. I do love: Black Gold, cookie dough, cotton candy, Bubble gum (with real gum pieces), and amazing sherbet. Would definitely recommend this place to everyone. Mom and dads it’s a great way to bribe kids if you need an incentive.
- Alexis Haynes | Google Review
Their ice cream is fabulous
Interior isn’t special but there is nice outdoor seating available and free parking on the street. Their ice cream is fabulous. I particularly liked huckleberry! I like it when I can get two different scoops in one small cup. I got vanilla and huckleberry and ate outside while people watching.
- Lisa J. Shultz | Google Review
