Stay Cool: D.C.’s Best Ice Cream Shops

Dolcezza
Ice Cream Jubilee
Victoria Lai has come a long way since she started conducting public tastings for her Ice Cream Jubilee creations in 2012. She moved to a commercial kitchen space and started an ice cream delivery business. This summer, she opened a storefront in Yards Park, where she sells refreshing flavors such as baklava, fig and honey, fluffernutter and mango habenero.
(Courtesy Ice Cream Jubilee Facebook)
Pleasant Pops
Using local and seasonal ingredients to make uniquely-flavored popsicles? That's the idea behind Pleasant Pops. Since the treats are made with seasonal ingredients, the menu varies, but this summer you can find watermelon mint, Mexican chocolate, sweet cream and corn, and strawberry ginger lemonade.
(Courtesy Pleasant Pops Facebook)
The Dairy Godmother
The Dairy Godmother, a Del Ray favorite, makes some deliciously creamy frozen custard. The local shop's online flavor forecaster boasts of varieties such as summer pudding, peach, Tollhouse cookie and coconut drumstick.
(Courtesy Dairy Godmother Facebook)
Dolci Gelati
You can find locally-made Dolci Gelati gelato in the freezer aisle of many grocery stores, at the company's cafe in Takoma Park and even during baseball games at Nationals Park. The flavor options span from A to Z.
(Courtesy Dolci Gelati Facebook)
Nicecream Factory
This spring, Clarendon welcomed made-to-order ice cream shop, Nicecream Factory. Watch how it's made in the video to the left.
(Courtesy Dolci Gelati Facebook)
Pitango
Pitango is satisfying the cravings of nearly every Washingtonian with locations in Penn Quarter, Logan Circle, Capitol Hill, Reston Town Center and Fells Point. The local company prides itself on using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Try its unique flavors like rhubarb and chocolate noir.
(Courtesy Pitango Facebook)
Trickling Springs Creamery
Tucked in the back of Union Market is Trickling Springs Creamery, a Pennsylvania-based dairy producer that makes ice cream, milk, cheese and butter from local dairy farms.
Thomas Sweet
In the mood for a sundae? Thomas Sweet's Georgetown storefront is a popular destination for ice cream and all of the toppings.
(Courtesy Thomas Sweet Facebook)
Larry's Homemade Ice Cream
Larry's Homemade Ice Cream, a Dupont Circle basement shop, scoops up fantastic ice cream, don't get us wrong, but the cupcakes there are another huge draw to the small storefront.
(Courtesy Larry's Homemade Ice Cream Facebook)
Sweetgreen
In addition to mixing some of D.C.'s best salads, Sweetgreen churns out some of the most delicious tart frozen yogurt, or Sweetflow, as it's called on the menu.
(Courtesy Sweetgreen Facebook)
Boccato Gelato & Espresso
Boccato is an Arlington gelato lounge that serves up Stumptown coffee, Julia's Empanadas and scoops of gelato. You can also catch live music or participate in karaoke at Boccato.
Pops Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Pops offers 26 flavors in an old fashioned soda shop set-up.
(Getty Images)
Twin Kiss Ice Cream
Twin Kiss, a La Plata, Maryland, staple, is connected to a Texas barbecue restaurant -- it doesn't get any better than that. Expect fresh ice creams, sundaes and shakes.
(WTOP/Colleen Kelleher)
Carl's Ice Cream
On a typical summer night, the line outside of Carl's, a Fredericksburg ice cream window, will wind down the sidewalk of Princess Anne Street. The soft serve and the shakes are well worth the wait.
(Courtesy Carl's Facebook)
Moo Thru
On 29 in Remington, Virginia, drivers will spot a red barn-like structure with cow lettering. This beautiful site for sore eyes and rumbling tummies is Moo Thru: an ice cream window that specializes in homemade ice cream using ingredients from local dairy farmers.
(WTOP/Colleen Kelleher)
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