It’s a simple fact of the universe that I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
What’s not so set in stone is where you actually go for your preferred frozen treat. While at times this decision is made for us by proximity alone (especially in the case of ice cream trucks), if you have a specific craving, you might need to journey further.
So, let’s take a look at just a few of the ice cream spots in town with unique offerings well worth the trip.
Too Tall’s Sweet & Savory
2963 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
tootalls.com
As the name suggests, Too Tall’s Sweet & Savory has no issue crossing the aisle. In addition to their menu of Hudsonville ice cream, shakes, sundaes and flurries, you’ll find excellent steakburgers, fried chicken, all-beef dogs, and savory sides here everyday. Plus, you can stop in on weekends for the “craft smokehouse” menu, offering smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork, along with all the classic BBQ sides.
Frosty Boy Grand Rapids
1757 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
frostyboygr.com
While the friendly workers are a big part of Frosty Boy’s charm, another main draw is the massive menu. Here you’ll find soft serve, Flavor Burst, hard serve, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, slushes, freezes, floats, flurries, popsicles and more. This all includes rotating vegan soft serve and flurry options, plus gluten-free cones. On top of all that, if you want a truly unique treat at Frosty Boy, try a chocolate-dipped frozen banana, with your choice of toppings!
The Cone Shoppe
1225 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
The Cone Shoppe offers 24 flavors of soft serve every season, ranging from Black Cherry to Maple Nut, Pina Colada and Yellow Cake batter. But there’s also one very special treat on the menu here, perfect for Disney enthusiasts: The Dole Whip. This dairy-free, soft-serve treat is primarily made with fruit puree and coconut cream, making it a refreshing and tangy alternative to traditional ice cream. The dessert is often associated with Disney theme parks, where it gained a cult following due to its unique flavor and creamy texture. While pineapple is the flagship flavor many people know and love, Cone Shoppe rotates flavors throughout the season.
Love’s Ice Cream
435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
lovesicecream.com
Located in the Downtown Market, Love’s is serving up handcrafted ice cream from organic, grass-fed dairy year-round, which alone is quite a treat. You can even get a flight of five flavors when you stop in, which is perfect for deciding which pints you’d like to take home for future enjoyment. But this also includes a wide selection of vegan gelato, with flavors like Lavender Blueberry, Amaretto Cherry and Dark Chocolate. Plus, if you’re looking for a sweet gift to give, check out the dark chocolate bars molded in the shape of Michigan’s peninsulas!
Jersey Junction
652 Croswell Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
jerseyjunction.com
Nestled in the heart of East Grand Rapids, stepping into Jersey Junction feels like a journey back in time. Established in 1963 by Doris “Chris” VanAllsburg—the mother of Polar Express author Chris VanAllsburg—this shop exudes an old-timey charm with its vintage decor and nostalgic ambiance. Beyond ice cream, Jersey Junction offers a wide selection of other candies and treats, making it a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Furniture City Creamery
958 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
furniturecitycreamery.com
Furniture City Creamery stands out with its commitment to scratch-made ice cream, with its own mix recipe developed on-site by their in-house chemical engineer. Each scoop is crafted with care, with some mixes taking up to three days to be ready, ensuring high quality and fresh flavors. This means a frequently rotating menu, plus a wide range of vegan (coconut milk-based) offerings, including sundaes, shakes and ice cream sandwiches. vegan shakes, making it an inclusive destination for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto
palazzolosdairy.com
For gelato and sorbet lovers, Palazzolo’s is here for you. You’re most likely to find Palazzolo’s products in a local grocery store like Bridge Street Market, but you can also order it straight to your door. Their specialty is gelato, a milk-based frozen dessert that’s denser and richer than ice cream. Surprise your party guests with pints of all-natural artisan gelato, offering tons of flavors, from Mackinac Island Fudge to White Chocolate Raspberry.
Norm’s Ice Cream
1453 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
Norm’s goes above and beyond the norm, with not just a huge menu of basically every kind of ice cream to choose from, but notably large portions for very reasonable prices. If you’re looking to make sure the whole family is happy and full, head here and no one will leave disappointed. Plus, each time you visit you’ll find something new, as they offer rotating, themed flights alongside specials like June’s Orange Float with sherbert ice cream and Sprite.
Mercadito Mexican Eats & Treats
1202 Fulton St., Grand Rapids
From the owners of El Granjero comes Mercadito, serving up not just savory dishes like tacos and flautas, but unique sweet treats as well. They have ice cream, of course, along with Mexican desserts like the Gansito Preparado, which starts with a gansito pastry, then is topped with ice cream, fruit and whipped cream. Or try the Mangonada—fresh mango cubes mixed with mango ice cream and chamoy.
