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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
The BEST Ice-Cream Shops in Tampa Bay!
By Laura Byrne,
2024-07-18
Ice-cream and Florida go together like…well, all things that are supposed to go together! It just makes sense.
There’s no better way to cool off when the temperatures rise than a big scoop of ice-cream!. This is why we’re sharing some of our favorite ice-cream shops in Tampa Bay for you and the family to enjoy.
St. Petersburg: 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg Carrollwood: 13168 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
Sure, you can get a regular scoop of ice cream at The Yard, but what they’re best known for is their milkshakes. And these are not just any old milkshakes. Mason jars are filled with creamy, ice-cold shakes and topped with items like cupcakes, cheesecake slices, brownies, doughnuts, cookies, and candy. Grab a pint jar filled with edible cookie dough in different flavors or try it as a dipped cookie dough pop. You can also get a Calf Cup Combo. Layered edible cookie dough is topped with ice cream and toppings. Of course, if you prefer a good old-fashioned scoop of ice cream sans toppings, they have a multitude of flavors.
South Tampa: 3813 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa -original location Seminole: 5994 Seminole Blvd, Seminole
Why we love it: The nostalgia. This ice-cream shop is a South Tampa icon, serving families since 1958. The Mueller family of Tampa took over a few years ago and have given this sweet spot new life with a retro theme that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the 1950’s to order up a scoop of old-fashioned ice-cream. Not only are they known for their scoops and shakes, but they also offer a classic banana split that’s not to miss and non-dairy options. There is also a second location in Seminole and a play version of the ice-cream shop inside Glazer Children’s Museum.
Why we love it: It’s fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Jeni’s has made quite an impact in the ice cream industry. The ice cream comes in an array of unique flavors and boasts a smooth, buttercream texture. They have an array of unique flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Maple-Soaked Pancakes, and Gooey Butter Cake.
Why we love it: The creative and tasty ice-cream options! New York has arrived in Tampa! OddFellows is a small batch ice-cream shop which means they’re scooping some pretty unique flavors such as Strawberry Basil Lemonade Sorbet, Olive Oil Jelly Donut, and Coquito. But don’t worry…you can still order the classic scoop of vanilla. There’s a cool story behind the creation of this company – they say it started with the one of the founder’s wife’s pregnancy cravings for savory ice-cream. So, grab a scoop of your pick of ice-cream and enjoy at the fountain in Hyde Park Village.
Seminole Heights: 6701 N Florida Ave.,Tampa Tampa: 4032 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa Brandon: 220 W. Brandon Blvd., #104, Brandon
Why we love it: The quirky vibe and funky flavors! Revolution Ice Cream Co. has an eclectic lineup of flavors complimented by fun-to-say names. Try the Callie’s Hotcakes – a buttered pancake ice-cream topped with syrup, or the Porky’s Delight – vanilla ice-cream loaded with bacon and bacon brittle. Parents can enjoy a scoop of the Drunken Brownies – a chardonnay caramel ice cream with brownie bits and those with adventurous taste buds should definitely try The One That Started It All – goat cheese and habanero ice-cream with a raspberry ribbon. They have three locations to choose from and you can also savor some scoops at several local restaurants.
Ybor: 1910 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 South Tampa: 3302 Way to Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629 South Howard: 1205 A. Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 (in the Epicurian) Water Street: 1061 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Why we love it: The chill vibe, of course! This family-owned business started with the idea of a laid-back neighborhood place for people to chill out at and enjoy delicious ice-cream. Their signature custard base is made with just 5 ingredients in their Ybor City kitchen. Their menu includes an array of mouthwatering flavors such as Mad Vanilla Bean, Oatmeal Cookie, Tampa Banana, and Belgian Brownie. They have a rotating menu of seasonal flavors that include Mint Stracciatella, Frosted Carrot Cake, and Blueberry Buckle, and they also whip up vegan ice-cream as well.
Why we love it: Cloud cones, mermaid cones, and unicorn sundaes! Ice Cream Theory in Oldsmar serves up giant scoops of creamy, sweet goodness. Kids (and kids at heart) will swoon over their cloud cones – a waffle cone topped with cotton candy, and unicones – a cone dipped in sugar and topped with a candy unicorn horn. Their milkshakes are also worth a sip – you don’t wanna skip out on their mermaid shake or s’mores shake.
Hyde Park Village: 702 S Village Cir., Tampa, FL 33606 St. Pete: 627 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. 33701
Why we love it: So many fun popsicle flavors! Though it’s not technically an ice-cream shop, The Hyppo is on our list thanks to the sweet, refreshing gourmet ice pops they serve up. Starting with a fresh fruit base, the flavors are fun and simple (they’ve created 450 of them over the years!). While you can’t find all 450 of them in one place, they always have a great rotation of flavors to indulge on like Cherry Key Lime, Mango Mojito, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Blackberry Lemonade, Guava Mango, and Strawberry Basil.
Water Street: 505 Water St., Tampa (located inside Tampa Marriott Water Street)
Why we love it: High-quality ingredients and locally sourced ingredients Bright Ice is not your typical old-school ice cream shop. They specialize in a select number of small-batch ice creams with unique flavor profiles that use locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their Caramelized Bananas with Peanut Butter and Honey, Coffee Toffee, Key Lime Pie, or Roasted Strawberries with Brown Sugar and Balsamic Vinegar.
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