Louisville and its nearby communities serve up some of the most irresistible ice cream around. We rounded up 20 spots where creativity meets classic cool, from local legends to fresh newcomers just a short drive away. Whether you’re craving a scoop downtown or an unexpected find outside the city, this list has your sweet tooth covered.
Hip Hop Sweet Shop
Hip Hop Sweet Shop’s cake shakes such as the “Bangin’ Banana Pudding” and “Oreo Always on Time” are local hits, and the graffiti-covered interior by artist Braylyn “Resko” Stewart creates a full hip hop dessert experience rooted in community and resilience. Hip Hop Sweet ShopPhilly’s Best Frozen Desserts
Philly’s Best Frozen Desserts scoops silky Italian water ice and creamy, dairy‑based ice cream inspired by classic Philadelphia recipes, and it frequently pops up at Louisville’s stadiums and local events to bring Philly favorites to Kentucky streets. Philly's Best Frozen DessertsLouisville Cream
Louisville Cream makes rich, small-batch ice cream with inventive flavors like Bourbon Smoked Pecan and Banana Pudding and has earned multiple “Best Ice Cream” titles from Food Network, USA Today, and local publications. Louisville CreamGelato Gilberto
Gelato Gilberto serves dense, low‑fat authentic Italian gelato made on-site using Sicilian pistachio paste and locally sourced milk, and even hosts “Gelato 101” classes to teach patrons the art behind their 200+ flavor creations. Louisville TourismRetta’s
Retta’s Scoop, opened in March 2025, offers inventive, chef-inspired ice cream flavors like Sweet Potato Pie, Fancy Toast, and Sour Dough PB&J in a modern, artful setting, created by Brooklyn-trained pastry chef Ben Deutsch. Retta'sEhrler’s Ice Cream
Ehrler’s Ice Cream, a Louisville institution since 1867, offers handcrafted ice cream made from Kentucky-sourced milk, featuring classic flavors like Bourbon Pecan Fudge and Cookies & Cream, served in a nostalgic yet modern setting. Ehrler's Ice CreamTaylor’s Cereal Bowl Kitchen
Taylor’s Cereal Bowl Kitchen blends childhood favorites into cereal-themed ice cream creations like Fruity Pebble swirls and Cinnamon Toast sundaes, providing a whimsical twist on classic treats. Southern Indiana is SoINUncommon Cups and Cones
Uncommon Cups and Cones serves bold, creative ice cream flavors in Instagram-worthy edible cups and cones, with rotating seasonal specials that keep the menu exciting and fresh. Uncommon Cups and ConesDairy Del Ice Cream
Dairy Del Ice Cream has been serving classic soft-serve and hearty shakes since the 1950s from its walk-up window, and locals still rave about the orange-vanilla twist cones that feel timeless. Dairy Del Ice CreamSweet B’s
Sweet B’s offers fresh house-made ice cream with rotating seasonal flavors like lemon basil and bourbon vanilla, and the cozy corner shop is widely appreciated for making creative ice cream cakes and sundaes. Sweet B'sDairy Kastle
Dairy Kastle has been a neighborhood favorite since the late 1940s, known for its creamy soft serve, orange sherbet, and beloved chili dogs. Dairy KastleSweet Savannah’s Frozen Yogurt
Sweet Savannah’s Frozen Yogurt continues to stand out as one of Jeffersonville’s few original self‑serve frozen yogurt spots, offering a flat price per cup and inclusive options like dairy‑free and gluten‑free flavors. WanderboatChocolate and Nut Kingdom
Chocolate and Nut Kingdom scoops up premium ice cream and elaborate sundaes alongside handmade chocolates and candy-coated treats. Chocolate and Nut KingdomPolly’s Freeze
Polly’s Freeze has been serving homemade ice cream in Georgetown, Indiana since 1952 and is famous for its orange sherbet and black raspberry flavors along with its iconic neon parrot sign that has welcomed generations of visitors. News and TribuneThe Comfy Cow
The Comfy Cow creates handcrafted ice cream from Kentucky-sourced milk, featuring standout flavors like Bourbon Ball and Salted Caramel, made in small batches to ensure quality and taste. The Comfy CowThe Widows Walk Ice Creamery
The Widows Walk Ice Creamery scoops inventive flavors like bourbon cornflake in a riverside location with scenic views of downtown Louisville, providing a picturesque setting for dessert lovers. Louisville TourismGraeter’s Ice Cream
Graeter’s Ice Cream uses the rare French pot method to churn ultra-dense scoops, famous for its chunky chocolate chip and black raspberry flavors, delighting customers with its rich texture and taste. Graeter's Ice CreamSchimpff’s Confectionery
Schimpff’s Confectionery has served hand-dipped ice cream alongside its famous candies since 1891, making it one of the oldest sweet shops in the country, offering a blend of history and delicious treats. Schimpff's ConfectioneryScoops & Smiles Water Ice
Scoops & Smiles Water Ice offers refreshing, fruit-flavored Italian ice and creamy soft serve from a cheerful pop-up truck around town, bringing sweet treats to various locations. Scoops & Smiles Water IceSundae Paradise
Sundae Paradise layers soft serve into colorful sundaes with homemade sauces and fresh toppings, all served from a bright and breezy outdoor stand, creating a delightful dessert experience. Sundae Paradise
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Shelby Brown is a multimedia journalist and producer with a focus on entertainment news. While attending Indiana University, she has produced digital and on-air stories under deadline for PBS, NPR, and...
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Shelby Brown
