Though temperatures can often dip down well below the freezing point in Denver, you should still be able to treat yourself to a few scoops of homemade ice cream.
Whether you want to purchase a pint of butter pecan to enjoy by your fireplace or a scoop of plain vanilla with hot fudge on top, ice cream is always a great way to end your day (or start it). Check out these best ice cream parlors in Denver.
Little Man Ice Cream
If the unique architecture isn’t enough of a reason to visit this Denver shop, then maybe the fresh hand-made ice cream made from the finest local ingredients will convince you to stop by. The silver milk jug at the edge of Highland is the place where many Denver natives go for a scoop of creamy banana-flavored ice cream with chocolate chips. If you’re looking for something different, try the salted Oreo ice cream or the extra creamy and smooth chocolate hazelnut gelato. Though the line can be long during peak hours, the wait is worth it – plus, Little Man is in a prime people watching spot.
Where: 2620 16th St., Denver, CO 80211
Sweet Action Ice Cream
This hot spot in the SoBo neighborhood serves up unique treats and ice cream flavors that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’ve got a craving for a mid-day treat or a late-night snack, Sweet Action is there for you. They use milk and cream from local dairies and spices from Savory Spice Shop to create out-of-the box flavors such as salted butterscotch, roasted green chile and whiskey brickle. Whiskey brickle is an ice cream with a vanilla base, and it includes whiskey-infused toffee crunch made from Stranahans Colorado whiskey. There are also vegan-friendly flavors. If you’re overwhelmed on which flavor to choose, ask for samples. The staff at Sweet Action is always willing to help, and they’ll be glad to serve up a large scoop of ice cream when you decide on a flavor.
Where: 52 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
When a store is as passionate about ice cream as Bonnie Brae is, you know that you won’t be disappointed. The long lines are another indicator of where Denver goes to get a scoop or three of cappuccino crunch or sinfully cinnamon ice cream. The store located on the corner of University Boulevard and Ohio Street has been a Denver institution for more than 20 years. There are more than 20 creamy homemade flavors available at any time. If you aren’t sure about eating an ice cream cone outside in the winter, order an ice cream pie to enjoy fireside and share with others – if you have any left.
Where: 799 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO 80209
Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt shops seem to be popping up on every corner in Denver these days. However, Golden Spoon has a different feel than most of those new places. It feels more like an ice cream parlor without all of the calories and fat found in your traditional ice cream flavors. The creamy yogurt is nonfat and doesn’t include any additives, which means the yogurt you order is fresh. The yogurt is good enough by itself, with flavors from your traditional vanilla to peanut butter and pomegranate blueberry. There is a large selection of toppings, such as cookie dough, Oreos and fresh berries.
Where: 7505 E. 35th Ave., Denver, CO 80207
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / CoolR