Top 10 Ice Cream Shops in the Area

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams 

1925 14th Street NW, Washington, DC

Sunday through Thursday: 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-12am

This Ohio-born chain has finally made its way to the nation's capital and it’s already a hit due to its use of fresh ingredients and its commitment to being environmentally friendly. Our favorite flavor is the brambleberry crisp, but they also have a selection of vegan flavors that are amazing.

 York Castle Tropical Ice Cream

827 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 

Monday through Thursday: 12pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 12pm-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-8pm

York Castle specializes in Caribean flavors such as guava and passion fruit that will not disappoint. The small, understated atmosphere makes for a very laid back vibe. 

Thomas Sweet

3214 P Street NW, Washington, DC

Monday through Thursday: 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-12am, Sunday: 11am-11pm

Stepping into Thomas Sweet is like being transported into desert heaven. While the expansive menu can appear overwhelming, we recommend trying the cafe au lait flavor.

Milk Bar

Multiple locations

Hours depend on location

Milk Bar is truly unique, and its soft serve ice cream is no exception. Their signature flavor is cereal milk which brings back the nostalgia of the sweet, corn-flavored milk left at the bottom of your cereal bowl.

Ice Cream Jubilee

Multiple locations

Hours depend on location

This shop prides itself in sourcing all of its ingredients locally. In fact, the creamery that produces the milk is only 50 miles out of DC!  You can taste the freshness in all of their flavors, but we love the honey lemon lavender flavor.

Class 520

Multiple locations

Hours depend on location

Class 520 serves up rolled ice cream that is made to order right in front customers. While it is not your typical scoop, this ice cream is worth a try, especially the green super giant which is a matcha flavor.

Henry’s Sweet Retreat 

4823 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD

Monday through Thursday: 11am-9pm, Friday: 11am-10pm, Saturday: 9am-10pm, Sunday: 10am-9pm

This charming shop brings out the inner sweet-loving child in all of its customers. At any given time they have at least 12 different ice cream flavors, and the strawberry flavor is a yummy classic.

SnowBots

1701 Rockville Pike suite B-9, Rockville, MD

Sunday through Thursday: 12pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday: 12pm-11pm

SnowBots is not your average ice cream shop. Their specialty is a “puffle” which according to their website is “ice cream wrapped in Hong Kong style egg waffle.” This unique food is delicious, especially oreo ice cream. 

The Baked Bear

929 Rose Avenue #404, North Bethesda, MD

Sunday through Thursday: 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-11pm

This shop is known for serving custom ice cream sandwiches. Customers get their choice of either a cookie, brownie, or doughnut as the top and bottom and then the flavor of ice cream in between. You can also just order the ice cream plain, and the signature bear batter flavor is a wonderful mix of cake batter, brownie, and fudge.

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream & Treats

5241 River Road, Bethesda, MD

Monday through Saturday: 11am-10pm, Sunday: 11am-9pm

Recently opened Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream & Treats is the epitome of a classic ice cream shop. With flavors like chocolate velvet and pina colada, there is something for everyone.