Atlanta’s ice cream landscape is diverse and flavorful, with a variety of shops offering unique creations that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From classic flavors to innovative combinations, these spots highlight the city’s love for this beloved frozen treat.
One of the most celebrated locations is Butter & Cream. Founded by Decatur resident Stacy Gunther, the shop has been a staple for eleven years, known for adventurous flavors and timeless classics. This July, to commemorate their anniversary, they will be reintroducing fan favorites such as Cherry Pie, Salted Butterscotch, and Anniversary Mint—a rich peppermint ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and dark chocolate chips. Current bestsellers include Cookie Monster and Peach Sorbet. With locations in Decatur, Roswell, and Norcross, Butter & Cream also plans to expand to Duluth in the near future.
Another notable establishment is Big Softie, an exclusively soft-serve shop that channels the nostalgic essence of childhood ice cream outings. Owner Sarah O’Brien drew inspiration from her days enjoying Dairy Queen and aimed to create a similar experience using organic ingredients. The menu features classic soft-serve flavors with vegan and nondairy options available. Excitingly, a third location is set to open in Atlanta’s Beltline in Old Fourth Ward this August.
Rock Salt Milk Bar, founded by mother-son duo Cynthia and Grayson Hendricks, opened its doors in 2019 after an extensive cross-country road trip filled with ice cream exploration. The bar is known for its signature flavor, Brittle & Salt, which features pecan brittle mixed into sea salt ice cream. They pride themselves on using local ingredients and making everything in-house, including cones crafted from non-GMO flour. Visitors can look forward to a limited “Christmas” menu debuting from July 22-27, showcasing winter-inspired flavors.
In downtown Atlanta, Scoops @ Peachtree emerged from the imagination of Nirav Bodiwala and Biren Bharucha. Launching in May 2022, the shop offers a range of 14 Southern-inspired flavors such as Georgia Peach Cobbler and Red Velvet, all supplied by local ice cream company Southern Scoops. The owners aim to create a welcoming environment that encourages conversations over sweet treats.
Juke N Jive Creamery was established by Debi Yorke in 2017. Originally serving fellow church members, her business has since expanded to multiple locations, including a North Georgia site in Hoschton. The shop showcases a unique vintage vibe while offering modern flavors like Brown Butter Bourbon Butterscotch and bestselling Lavender Honey. Upcoming, they’re excited to reveal a Blueberry Goat Cheese flavor, which reflects Yorke’s commitment to innovation.
Frozen Cow Creamery provides an interactive experience where customers can personalize their ice cream creations right before their eyes. Manager Cassandra DeLuca, along with her family, runs this Kennesaw gem, offering a wide range of flavor combinations. Fans of vegan and sugar-free options will also find enticing choices available, including the recent addition of Boba, which has quickly gained popularity among customers.
For those with a fondness for nostalgia, Cereal and Cream presents a unique dessert concept that combines ice cream and cereal. Founded by Tayler Walker in 2020, this shop in Grant Park allows patrons to build their own sundaes by selecting from various ice cream bases and cereal options, topped with a range of candies and goodies. Signature combinations such as the East Atlanta and The Downtown have quickly become crowd favorites.
Lastly, Jake’s Ice Cream in Hapeville stands out by involving young customers in its creative process. Known for flavors conceptualized by children, the shop rotates over 200 flavors, with favorites like Max’s Magic Kisses and Summer Never Ends making regular appearances. Celebrating the creativity of its young patrons adds a unique touch to the ice cream experience, fostering community and engagement.
This vibrant array of ice cream shops reflects Atlanta’s progressive culinary landscape, showcasing the dedication of local entrepreneurs committed to creating exceptional flavors and memorable experiences. Whether you’re seeking innovative concoctions, traditional soft-serve, or delightful nostalgia, the city’s ice cream scene offers something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
So, as the summer heats up, make sure to explore the delightful offerings from these local shops. Each stop promises not just a scoop of ice cream, but also a taste of creativity and a shared love for this delightful treat.
image source from：ajc
