Atlanta’s ice cream scene reflects the city’s broader food culture: inventive, diverse, and deeply tied to local community. The hot and humid Georgia summers drive strong seasonal demand, but the best Atlanta ice cream shops have built year-round followings by offering creative flavors, local sourcing, and welcoming spaces that go well beyond a simple scoop. From artisanal small-batch operations to nationally recognized chains with devoted local customer bases, Atlanta supports a wide range of frozen dessert experiences. Neighborhoods like Ponce City Market, the BeltLine, and Virginia-Highland have become natural hubs for ice cream destinations drawing both residents and tourists.
When evaluating Atlanta ice cream shops, freshness and ingredient quality are the primary differentiators. The best operations make their ice cream on-site or source from producers with transparent ingredient lists, offer creative seasonal flavors alongside reliable classics, and maintain consistent serving temperatures and texture. Look for shops that post their ingredients clearly and can accommodate common dietary needs including dairy-free and gluten-free options. Standard Georgia food service permits apply, and cleanliness of the serving and prep areas should be non-negotiable. Avoid shops where staff cannot explain what goes into the product or where freezer burn is evident on displayed scoops.
Top Ice Cream Shop Companies in Atlanta
1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Founded: 2002
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 355-6050
Website: https://www.jenis.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Friday-Saturday extended hours
Service Area: Multiple Atlanta locations including Krog Street, Buckhead, and Dunwoody
Services:
- Artisanal small-batch ice cream scoops
- Dairy-free and gluten-free options
- Seasonal and rotating flavors
- Ice cream cakes and pints for retail
About: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is an Ohio-born brand that has become a permanent fixture of Atlanta’s dessert culture, with multiple locations across the metro area including Howell Mill Road, Krog Street, and Buckhead. Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002, the company is known for bold, ingredient-driven flavors sourced from farms and producers with direct relationships. The Howell Mill location is among the city’s most reviewed ice cream shops with over a thousand customer ratings reflecting consistent quality. Jeni’s makes fresh waffle cones daily, offers an extensive rotation of seasonal flavors, and has been called the best ice cream chain in the Southeast by multiple food publications.
2. Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Address: 749 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Phone: (404) 622-0210
Website: https://www.morellisicecream.com
Service Area: East Atlanta Village, Ponce City Market
Services:
- Small-batch gourmet ice cream
- Seasonal and rotating specialty flavors
- Sundaes and custom creations
- Dairy-free sorbet options
About: Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream is one of Atlanta’s most beloved locally owned ice cream institutions, operating in East Atlanta Village and at Ponce City Market. The shop is known for its creative, often surprising flavor combinations that draw on global culinary influences while remaining grounded in quality dairy sourced from regional producers. Morelli’s has maintained a loyal following for years by consistently innovating on its menu while keeping the classics excellent. The East Atlanta Village location in particular has become a neighborhood institution, regularly drawing lines on weekend evenings and serving as a gathering point for the community.
3. Jake’s Ice Cream
Address: 935 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 600-4800
Website: https://www.jakesicecream.com
Service Area: Midtown Atlanta, multiple metro locations
Services:
- Gourmet ice cream scoops
- Classic and creative specialty flavors
- Milkshakes and sundaes
- Retail pints
About: Jake’s Ice Cream is an Atlanta-based operation that has grown from a local favorite into a recognized name across the metro area with multiple storefronts. The brand balances approachable classics like chocolate and vanilla with genuinely inventive flavors that appeal to adventurous eaters. Jake’s commitment to quality ingredients and consistent execution has earned it strong word-of-mouth and placement on numerous Atlanta best-of lists. The Midtown location on Peachtree Street is particularly well-positioned to serve the city’s dense residential and office population, drawing steady traffic throughout the day and into the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I consider when choosing an ice cream shop in Atlanta?
A: Look for shops that make their ice cream in-house or work with local producers, as freshness has a direct impact on flavor and texture. A rotating seasonal menu alongside reliable classics suggests an operator who cares about the product rather than simply moving inventory. Check whether the shop accommodates dietary restrictions, particularly dairy-free options made with coconut or oat bases rather than subpar substitutes. Finally, cleanliness of the counter, the display case, and the utensils is a basic standard that the best Atlanta shops consistently meet.
Q: What is the price range for ice cream in Atlanta?
A: A single scoop at an artisanal Atlanta ice cream shop typically costs between $5 and $7, with double scoops ranging from $8 to $11. Sundaes and specialty creations can run $10 to $15 depending on toppings and add-ons. Milkshakes at quality shops generally fall between $9 and $14. Retail pints for take-home range from $10 to $16 at premium producers like Jeni’s. Prices at well-regarded independent shops are comparable to national chains of similar quality, and many Atlanta ice cream shops run loyalty programs or seasonal promotions.
Q: Are there dairy-free or vegan ice cream options available at Atlanta shops?
A: Yes, dairy-free and vegan ice cream options are increasingly common at Atlanta’s top ice cream shops. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams maintains a dedicated line of dairy-free pints and scoops made with coconut cream and other plant-based bases. Morelli’s and Jake’s both regularly rotate dairy-free sorbet and non-dairy ice cream options onto their menus. When visiting any shop, ask specifically about the base ingredients rather than assuming all labeled vegan items are made without cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s ice cream scene rewards exploration, from the nationally recognized quality of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams to the neighborhood authenticity of Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream and the creative boldness of Jake’s Ice Cream. Each of these three operations represents the best of what the city’s frozen dessert culture has to offer. Whether you are a longtime Atlanta resident or a first-time visitor, reaching out to any of these shops will connect you with ice cream made with genuine care and craft.