A List Of 7 Historic Ice Cream Shops In America

America’s love affair with ice cream runs deep, and some shops have been scooping smiles for more than a century.

These legendary parlors aren’t just about dessert – they’re living museums where every cone tells a story of family recipes, old-fashioned craftsmanship, and communities that keep coming back generation after generation.

Ready to taste a little history?

Disclaimer:

All information presented in this article is for general interest and cultural reference. Historical details have been verified to the best of available public records and official business sources as of 2025. Operating dates, ownership, and menu offerings are subject to change. Mentions of specific brands, businesses, or individuals do not imply endorsement by MSN. Readers are encouraged to confirm current information before visiting or making travel plans.

7. Leopold’s Ice Cream (1919) – Savannah, GA

Stepping into Leopold’s feels like walking onto a movie set – literally. This Savannah gem has starred in films and captured hearts since 1919, when three Greek brothers opened its doors with dreams as sweet as their gelato. The original marble counters, checkered floors, and vintage soda fountain transport you straight to the Jazz Age.

What makes Leopold’s legendary? Their secret recipes survived a fire, a move, and a century of change. Locals swear by the Tutti Frutti, a fruity explosion that’s been a bestseller since Prohibition. Tourists line up around the block for a scoop of history served in a waffle cone.

Still family-owned today, Leopold’s proves that some traditions never melt away.

6. Graeter’s (1870) – Cincinnati, OH

Before the Civil War ended, Louis Charles Graeter was already dreaming in chocolate chips. He opened his first shop in 1870, crafting ice cream in small batches using a French Pot freezer, a method Graeter’s still uses today. No giant factory machines here, just two gallons at a time, the old-school way.

Why does Graeter’s ice cream taste like a hug from your grandma? Those massive chocolate chunks aren’t accidents. When they pour liquid chocolate into spinning ice cream, it shatters into irregular, melt-in-your-mouth shards. Oprah once called it the best she’d ever tasted, and honestly, she’s not wrong.

With locations across the Midwest, Graeter’s remains a family treasure after 150-plus years.

5. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor & Museum (1900) – Columbus, IN

If ice cream parlors had a Hall of Fame, Zaharakos would be first-ballot material. Opened in 1900 by two Greek immigrant brothers, this Columbus landmark is half dessert shop, half time machine. The hand-carved mahogany bar, Tiffany lamps, and a self-playing pipe organ make every visit feel like a Victorian daydream.

Here’s the kicker: Zaharakos isn’t just serving nostalgia – it’s preserving it. The museum upstairs showcases antique soda fountain equipment, vintage menus, and memorabilia that tell the story of American ice cream culture. Downstairs, you can still order a classic sundae topped with homemade hot fudge while the pipe organ serenades you.

History never tasted this good.

4. Fentons Creamery (1894) – Oakland, CA

Ever heard of the Black and Tan Sundae? Fentons invented it, and people have been making pilgrimages to Oakland for a taste since 1894. This Bay Area icon started as a small neighborhood creamery and grew into a legend, one scoop at a time. Even Pixar gave it a cameo in the movie Up – talk about animated fame!

What keeps lines wrapped around the block? Fentons makes their ice cream fresh daily using recipes passed down through five generations. The Toasted Almond flavor is a cult favorite, and their sundaes are so massive they could double as a workout. Seriously, bring a friend or three.

You’d regret skipping Fentons.

3. Angelo Brocato (1905) – New Orleans, LA

New Orleans isn’t just about beignets and jazz – Angelo Brocato has been serving Sicilian-style gelato and Italian ice since 1905. Angelo himself immigrated from Palermo, bringing family recipes and a passion for authentic Italian desserts that still define the shop today. Hurricane Katrina couldn’t even stop them; they rebuilt and reopened, stronger and sweeter than ever.

Walk in and you’ll find cannoli, spumoni, lemon ice, and gelato flavors that taste like a Roman holiday. The pistachio gelato is so creamy it’ll ruin you for all other ice cream. Locals treat Brocato’s like a sacred tradition, and tourists quickly learn why.

This is where Old World charm meets Southern hospitality, one scoop at a time.

2. Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue (1934) – Norfolk, VA

Hold up, Doumar’s didn’t just sell waffle cones, they basically invented the whole concept. Abe Doumar rolled the first waffle cone at the 1904 World’s Fair, and his family opened this Norfolk drive-in in 1934 to keep the legacy rolling. The original waffle iron is still there, cranking out fresh cones daily like it’s 1904 all over again.

But here’s the twist: Doumar’s isn’t just ice cream. They serve classic carhop-style barbecue, burgers, and shakes, making it a full-blown retro experience. You can watch them make waffle cones by hand while you munch on a pulled pork sandwich. It’s quirky, delicious, and unapologetically old-school.

Honestly, where else can you eat history?

1. Ben & Jerry’s – Church Street (1978) – Burlington, VT

Before Cherry Garcia became a household name, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened a tiny scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington back in 1978. Armed with a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making and a whole lot of hope, they launched what would become one of the world’s most beloved brands. Their Church Street flagship still scoops today, right in the heart of downtown Burlington.

What makes this spot special? It’s where the magic started. You can taste limited-edition flavors, grab a cone of classic Phish Food, and soak in the funky, community-focused vibe that defines Ben & Jerry’s. The brand grew huge, but this shop keeps it real and local.

Sweet success never tasted so humble.