Charlotte has no shortage of locally owned ice cream shops that are sure to delight young and old alike. Whether you want a classic cone, sundae or unique flavor, there's something for everyone. Here are the five best ice cream shops in Charlotte.
1. Elizabeth Creamery
1535 Elizabeth Ave.
704-376-3426
Hours: Monday: Closed; Tuesday to Sunday: Noon-9:30 p.m.
Located in Charlotte's Elizabeth Neighborhood, Elizabeth Creamery is a small, family-owned ice cream shop that serves up traditional flavors as well as several interesting flavors like beer-flavored ice cream. For an extra special treat, get your favorite frozen goodie in one of the creamery's freshly made waffle cones.
PHOTOS: Favorite ice cream spots in Charlotte
2. Golden Cow Creamery
170 W Summit Ave.
980-938-0925
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday - Saturday: 1 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Golden Cow's menu is full of handcrafted ice cream that's made in small batches with only natural ingredients to guarantee you'll always get the very best. Flavors are constantly changing and can range from raspberry brownie and Vietnamese coffee chip to gingersnap pear. But you can always count on popular staples like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, salted Oreo and the nostalgic Dunkaroos. As an added bonus, their ice cream cookie sandwiches are made with cookies the size of your hand. Oh, and the cookies they use? They're made by one of the city's most popular bakeries, Suarez Bakery.
3. Mr. K's Soft Ice Cream & Drive In
2107 South Blvd.
704-375-4318
Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday: Closed
Opened in 1967 on Charlotte's busy South Blvd., Mr. K's Soft Ice Cream & Drive In has been a popular Queen City institution for generations. While their menu may be small, it is mighty with delicious soft serve ice cream options that include chocolate, vanilla and twist. You can also order a hand-dipped cone, banana split or a strawberry shortcake sundae.
4. Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop
1930 Camden Road
704-372-0092
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Take a step back in time and pull up a seat at Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop's counter and indulge in one of their traditional ice cream sundaes, brownie sundaes or a banana split. Fun fact — the Jack Black movie "Shallow Hal" was filmed at the restaurant.
5. Two Scoops Creamery
913 Central Ave.
704-900-5792
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday: 1 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Rounding out the list of best ice cream shops in Charlotte is Two Scoops Creamery, which is located in Plaza Midwood and offers countless flavors that rotate throughout the year. Flavors range from butter pecan and thin mint crunch to bubble gum and vanilla fudge brownie. They also offer a ton of delicious toppings including everything from traditional sprinkles to fresh cherries to popular chocolate candies. Aside from the ice cream Two Scoop's colorful murals painted by local artists are a big draw.
Cox Media Group
