With summer comes heat, and with heat comes ice cream! What better way to cool off during the hot summer months than with a sweet, frozen treat? For current college students, touring students, and their families alike, college towns offer some of the best local ice cream parlors to help beat the heat. Here’s the scoop on the top ice cream shops in some of the biggest college cities in the country.
Popbar
Near New York University in New York, New York
Just a short walk away from NYU is Popbar, a cheap but tasty place serving up gelato in the most untraditional way. At just $4 a pop, customers can choose from a variety of gelato popsicles, ranging from classic vanilla to hazelnut to pistachio. Dip your pop in toppings such as chocolate sprinkles, crushed waffle cone, and coconut, or order a Popwich, a delicious gelato sandwich on a stick. Gelato not your thing? No worries! With a wide variety of Popsorbetto, Yogurtpops, frozen hot chocolate, and milkshakes, Popbar has something for everyone.
Related: The Best College Restaurants Across the Country: Part 1
CREAM
Near University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, California
What’s better than a scoop of ice cream? A scoop of ice cream between two oven-fresh cookies! Berkeley is home to the original CREAM location, which brothers Jimmy and Gus Shamieh opened in 2010 after being inspired by their mother’s homemade cookies. CREAM now serves up over 20 different flavors of ice cream and 10 different types of cookies, including gluten-free and vegan options. Customers can get pints to go and can even choose two different types of cookies in which to sandwich their tasty ice cream of choice. Such a delectable destination couldn’t be contained to just one region, so ice cream–sandwich lovers can now find CREAM locations in southern California, Nevada, Colorado, and Florida.
Homer’s Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream
Near Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois
Originally opened in 1935, Homer’s still stays true to the original recipes created by Gus Poulus, the founder of this local establishment. In addition to serving dinners, Homer’s offers a choice of over 35 unique, gourmet ice cream flavors. Customers can choose a plain cup or cone or be wowed by an extravagant Creamy Caramel or Pineapple Sundae. Just a short drive from Northwestern University, it’s a must for ice cream enthusiasts touring the campus during the summer or looking for a treat during the school year.
Related: The Best College Restaurants Across the Country: Part 2
Cow Tipping Creamery
Near University of Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas
The Cow Tipping Creamery’s unique specialty is the Stacker: a fanciful frozen formation with alternating layers of homemade ingredients and fresh, smooth soft-serve. Customers can choose between nine stackers—including the Stacker of the Week—listed on the menu or can be creative and make their own. The most popular Stacker, Southern Charm, includes rum caramel sauce, honey-dusted pecans, southern cracker candy, and a sprinkle of blue sugar crystals. New soft-serve flavors are listed daily on the menu board near the ingredients, which include cake chunks, cookie dough, bananas, strawberries, and lots more.
Whip ’n Dip
Near University of Miami in Miami, Florida
Customers are bound to find new flavors at Miami’s Whip ’n Dip with their constantly changing and growing menu. All ice cream is made daily with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, guaranteeing a deliciously creamy dessert. In addition to regular ice cream, Whip ’n Dip offers lite flavors—low-calorie options with no fat, no cholesterol, and no added sugars, yet all of the delectable flavor. As a bonus, University of Miami students and alums can get a 10% discount off flavors like Snowcapped Andes Chocolate, Chocolate-Covered Almond, and Heath Bar Brownie.
Basset’s Ice Cream
Near University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Offering over 40 different flavors of ice cream, Basset’s is a must for University of Pennsylvania students. The handmade, premium ice cream is scooped and served in bowls or waffle cones dipped in sprinkles, nuts, or Oreos. The flavors are diverse, ranging from the standard vanilla and chocolate to crazier confections like Vanilla Butterscotch and Pomegranate Blueberry Chunk. Basset’s also offers sorbet and frozen yogurt as slightly healthier—but nonetheless delicious—options.
Related: What Holiday Treat Should You Stress–Bake and Eat?
There you have it—some of the best ice cream joints near some of the best colleges in each region throughout the nation. Now go and enjoy some delectable ice cream treats!
Looking for other fun ways to fuel your college search? Check out our Lists & Rankings based on college trivia!
