The Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Shops in Indy

When I think of summer, I think of sunshine on my face, cooling off in any water I can find, and rounding the day out with the perfect ice cream treat. Indy has so many great options for frozen treats to indulge your sweet tooth. We are serving up the most delicious list for you, just in time for summer! Don’t forget National Ice Cream Day – celebrated on the third Sunday of July every year.

BRICs Broad Ripple

Located directly on the Monon Trail in an adorable old train station, BRICS Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station has been a local favorite since 2010. Offering well-loved flavors, vegan options and one of a kind, creamy possibilities – BRICS has something for everyone! They anticipate you may not be able to decide on just one flavor so you can opt for a Tour de Bric’s and explore four flavors (we loved Bananas Foster and Monon Tracks). After a hot day on the Monon, BRICs is the perfect stop for your family in Broad Ripple.

Sundae’s

Sundae’s is a homemade and locally sourced ice cream shop offering 32 rotating flavors on the border of Geist & Lawrence. Sundae’s is a gem and an ideal stop after a visit to nearby Fort Harrison State Park. Upon entering you’ll smell more than just ice cream as Sundae’s has mastered coffee roasting as well. Get a scoop of one of their specialties or delight in a perfectly crafted sundae.

Rita’s Italian Ice

Rita’s Italian Ice is actually a chain based out of Pennsylvania and the Indy-area is lucky enough to have a location in Fishers off 96th Street and a second location on Main Street in Carmel. What sets Rita’s apart is not only the refreshing Italian Ice and Creamy Custard but the ability to mix both for a smooth gelati. There are numerous ways you can order your treats here including sugar free and dairy free options.

SubZero Nitrogen

Anyone who’s been will tell you SubZero Nitrogen is more than ice cream, it’s an experience! You can create your own concoctions with a variety of flavors and mix-ins or stick with one of their suggested creations. There are sugar free, dairy-free and low-fat options available, so everyone can partake here. Your ice cream begins in liquid form and you’ll watch it solidify right before your eyes through the process of flash freezing with liquid nitrogen. The fog rolls across the counter and “oohs” & “ahhs” begin. The end product is smooth and creamy. Curious kids and adults alike will love being able to watch the transformation. Find it in Carmel Arts District, Castleton Square Mall or Mass Ave.

Big Hoffa’s Freezery

This freezery is the brain child and expansion of the popular Big Hoffa’s BBQ site in Westfield and it’s located in the same artsy barn. The Freezery is trending for having ridiculously amazing, over the top shakes available! Make sure your kids are prepared to share because they definitely take 2+ people to finish. Hand dipped ice cream by the scoop is also available. Due to the nature of the shakes, allow extra time for them to be made!

Cone + Crumb

Cone + Crumb is located on the most adorable street in all of Westfield – Park St. Here you’ll find unique, handmade flavors of ice cream (vegan options too!), and four different cone options. They also offer cake and slab pie by the slice (hence the Crumb). You also can design an ice cream cake online for your next special occasion. Seating is available inside and out on the deck.

Teejay’s Sweet tooth

Teejay’s was founded in 2018 by two dental hygienists who have a knack for sweets. Currently serving 16 rotating ice cream flavors with the option to stuff these scoops between warm glazed donuts or a fruity pebble sandwich! Teejay’s is closed on Mondays, but they offer afternoon and evening hours the rest of the week and is located off W 86th Street & Michigan Road. They are currently drive-thru only.

Paradise Shaved Ice & Ice Cream

This place has been such a hit that they continue to open more locations. For now, you can find them in Noblesville, Fishers, Lebanon, and Carmel! What makes Paradise stand out, aside from the tropical décor, is that they offer so many options of shaved ice, dole whip, and ice cream. With the ability to combine them, there are what seems like endless amounts of flavor possibilities. You’ll definitely want to visit more than once!

Crave

Crave is located right off of Geist Reservoir in the Fishers/Indianapolis area. Here you can grab homemade ice cream sandwiches or even customize your own. They also offer Nicey Treats, baked goods, popcorn, and cute little knick-knacks! Crave’s outdoor seating is the best place to enjoy your treats.

Lick Ice Cream

If you haven’t heard, Bottleworks District is home to The Garage Food Hall featuring local and boundary breaking culinary experiences. Lick Ice Cream has been around since 2010 but has gained more popularity after opening up shop in the Garage. The two sisters and co-owners of the shop have expertly crafted some truly interesting, and unique flavors made from homemade and locally sourced fruits, herbs and spices. Some of the favorites are Cedar & Whisky, Gorgonzola Candied Pecan and Gingersnap Lemon Curd. Take a pint home of your favorite or visit with family as The Garage Food Hall is very kid friendly!

Zaharakos

A little way out of Indy, we wanted to be sure you knew about a nostalgic ice cream shop called Zaharakos located in Columbus, Indiana. Zaharakos opened its stained-glass doors in 1900 and serves up delicious ice cream with an abundance of old school charm. This place is packed with history and features a museum of collections. The ice cream has stood the test of time and is a great stop after visiting Kids Commons or other local attractions. Just be sure to make the drive Wednesday-Sunday as they close on Monday & Tuesday.

Gordon’s Milkshakes

Gordon opened his Milkshake Bar just a few months before stay at home orders were enacted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite this timing, his Milkshake Bar is thriving. Lines are often seen coming out of the original Mass Ave establishment and a new Carmel location opened late in 2021. Your wait will be rewarded with a top-notch treat. You can get ice cream by the scoop, or over nachos, but the rich and luscious milkshakes are what give Gordon’s its name. Vegan and dairy-free options are available, as well as picnic tables for seating.

Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium

Wyliepalooza was founded by a Mother-Daughter duo in 2013. With two locations, the original one in Irvington and a smaller location on the Monon Trail in SoBro, WyliePalooza promises a party in your mouth. Customers love This $&@! Just Got Serious and the Zanzibar Chocolate but you’ll have to visit to discover your favorite. Try a delicious bubble tea while you’re there as well! The Eastside location is now under new ownership, but is open and offers a collection of anime merchandise is available for purchase.

We hope this list has given you some ice cream inspiration for your adventures this summer.

Let us know your favorite!

5 thoughts on “The Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Shops in Indy”

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