Eight Standout Ice Cream Shops in Colorado
In case you needed another reason to scoop up deliciously creamy goodness, July is National Ice-Cream Month … you’re welcome! We all have our go-to flavors, but I challenge you to try some new twists and swirls this summer. Check out some of our favorite standouts and let us know about other notable novelties.
Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Little Man Ice Cream has built up its stable to include several locations: the original giant milk can in LoHi; Dang soft-serve in Park Hill; Sweet Cooie’s in Congress Park; the Constellation in Stapleton; and the Old Town Churn in Fort Collins. All the ice-cold magic happens at Little Man’s factory in Sloan’s Lake, complete with a whimsical tasting room. Favorite flavors: Salted Caramel, Chocolate Covered Strawberry and Baked Alaska Pops.
littlemanicecream.com
Liks
Since 1976, this family-owned creamery in the heart of Denver’s Capitol Hill district has served up millions of scoops of yum. The hand-crafted ice creams, sorbets and vegan flavors have generations of followers who gather around the corner shop or head up the hills to Liks’ second location in Conifer. Favorite flavors: Banana Foster, Root Beer Floats and Spumoni.
liksicecream.com
Highpoint Creamery
Ice cream can be sweet, it can be savory, but it must also always be delicious, according to Highpoint Creamery. After years in the culinary world and developing flavors for the foundation of their menu, this outpost offers sophisticated chef-driven flavors at their Berkely, Central Market and Hilltop locations. Favorite flavors: Basil with Blackberry Swirl, Coconut Crème Brulee and Cornbread with Strawberry Jam.
highpointcreamery.com
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Since 1986, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has been scooping up beloved family recipes in the former Dolly Madison Ice Cream Shop (it was a drugstore with a soda fountain before that). In fact, 240 gallons of ice cream are churned out each day, to countless smiles and cheers of delight from kids of all ages. Favorite flavors: Lemon Custard, Peppermint and Cappuccino Crunch.
bonniebraeicecream.com
Nuggs
The brothers behind Brothers BBQ have proven they know a thing or two about serving up good eats, so it’s no wonder Nuggs ice cream is no different. This Park Hill institution is one part nostalgia, one part hipster ha- ven—but the flavors are 100 percent delicious! Favorite flavors: Caroline’s Birthday Cake, Mountain Squeeze Key Lime and the Love Potion.
nuggsicecream.com
Sweet Cow
From Boulder to Stanley Market to Pearl Street, Sweet Cow is all about ice cream-covered smiles. Using locally sourced ingredients, the hand-crafted flavors take milk, cream and sugar to the next level. Favorite flavors: The Big Lebowski, Ozo Coffee and Boston Cream Pie.
sweetcow.com
Sweet Action
Wind-churned, locally sourced and hand-crafted, Sweet Action is not your average ice cream shop. With production running on wind energy and a team that’s supported by fair living wages and benefits, local ingredients (think Rocky Mountain berries and dairy from Longmont cows) and hand-crafted creations, Sweet Action has set the bar for artisanal ice cream. Favorite flavors: Stranahan’s Whiskey Brickle, Vegan Caramel Carrot Cake and Thai Iced Tea.
sweetaction.com
Glacier Homemade Ice Cream
This local family business offers handmade, small-batch, traditional, seasonal and totally unique flavors. With a nod to old-school neighborhood ice cream shops, Glacier prides itself on being part of the community where people can gather, laugh and delight in their creamy creations. Favorite flavors: Salted Caramel Oreo, Funky Donkey and Strawberry Gelato.
glacierdenver.com