The heat is on! Cooling down with delicious ice cream, gelato, frozen custard, or sorbet is one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Alexandria. From Old Town favorites to Del Ray staples and Belle Haven custard stops, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are looking for inventive flavors, classic frozen custard, or a sweet treat after a waterfront stroll, these are some of the best ice cream spots in Alexandria, VA.
As local Alexandria residents and Realtors, we are always searching for the best neighborhood spots to share with clients and newcomers alike.
OLD TOWN
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
📍200 Commerce Street
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats brings nostalgic charm to Old Town Alexandria with handcrafted frozen custard, sundaes, floats, milkshakes, and baked treats. Their creamy custard is made fresh daily and has quickly become a local favorite. Popular menu items include the Browniewich, classic root beer floats, and rotating seasonal flavors. The retro atmosphere and waterfront-adjacent location make it a perfect stop on a summer evening.
The Creamery
📍110 King Street
Located just steps from the Alexandria waterfront, The Creamery is one of Old Town’s longtime go-to spots for homemade ice cream and frozen custard. In addition to classic flavors, they also offer dairy-free sorbets and no-sugar-added options. The Creamery is known for its fast service and generous portions, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors exploring King Street.
Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
📍111 South Payne Street
This family-owned gelato shop brings authentic Argentinian-style gelato to Alexandria using high-quality natural ingredients. Casa Rosada is known for unique flavors like dulce de leche, sweet corn, and Malbec-inspired creations, along with a wide variety of sorbets. They also offer gelato cakes and dog-friendly treats for your four-legged friends.
Pitango Gelato & Bakery
📍115 South Union Street
Pitango Gelato & Bakery has become a favorite stop along the Old Town waterfront. Their gelato and sorbet are made fresh using organic milk and natural ingredients without artificial colors or preservatives. In addition to gelato, Pitango also serves coffee, pastries, and baked goods, making it an ideal place for an afternoon treat while exploring Old Town Alexandria.
Ben & Jerry’s
📍103 South Union Street
You can never go wrong with a scoop of one of Ben & Jerry’s iconic flavors. Located just off King Street, this Old Town shop is famous for its waffle cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes. Feeling adventurous? Gather some friends and tackle the legendary Vermonster sundae loaded with scoops, brownies, cookies, fudge, and toppings.
Old Town Dolci Gelati Café
📍107 North Fairfax Street
Dolci Gelati brings authentic Italian gelato to Alexandria using family recipes with a modern twist. Their flavor selection ranges from classics to creative combinations like saffron pistachio candied lemon peel and seasonal sorbets. In addition to gelato, the café serves espresso drinks, pastries, and desserts in a cozy Old Town setting.
Kilwins Alexandria
📍212 King Street
Part ice cream shop and part candy store, Kilwins is a sweet tooth paradise. In addition to premium ice cream, Kilwins is known for handcrafted fudge, caramel apples, chocolates, and waffle cones made fresh in-store. Their wide variety of flavors includes everything from traditional favorites to seasonal specialties.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
📍102 South Patrick Street
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams quickly became one of Alexandria’s most popular dessert destinations after opening in Old Town. Known nationwide for inventive flavor combinations and ultra-creamy texture, Jeni’s offers favorites like Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, and Darkest Chocolate alongside rotating seasonal options.
DEL RAY
The Dairy Godmother
📍2310 Mount Vernon Avenue
A true Del Ray institution, The Dairy Godmother is famous for its Wisconsin-style frozen custard. The custard is made with very little air during the freezing process, giving it a rich and creamy texture. In addition to daily rotating flavors, they also serve sorbet and dog-friendly treats. During warmer months, the line often stretches down the block, and locals will tell you it is absolutely worth the wait.
BELLE HAVEN
The Custard Shack
📍1401 Belle Haven Road
Located next to The Haven Pizzeria, The Custard Shack serves delicious frozen custard with rotating seasonal flavors and specialty creations. Open seasonally, this Belle Haven favorite has become a go-to summer stop for families looking for a classic frozen treat after dinner or an evening walk.
Of course, you can also find national ice cream chains like Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Dairy Queen in Alexandria as well.
Check out some other Alexandria favorites:
• Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria
• Best Waterfront Restaurants in Alexandria
• Best Outdoor Dining in Alexandria
• Fun Indoor Activities for Kids in Alexandria
• Best Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria
Did we miss your favorite spot for ice cream in Alexandria? If so, please let us know!
Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com
Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com
Phone: 703-362-3221
Looking for more local Alexandria recommendations and neighborhood insights? Explore our other Inside Alexandria posts and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on everything happening around town.
Newsletter Signup
"*" indicates required fields
Looking For Additional Resources?
We’ve got you covered. Click the button below to download our lifestyle, real estate, and area guides.
