Middle Tennessee summers can be sweltering, but there's a surefire way to beat the heat while indulging in some of the region's finest treats: visit one of our picks for the top ten best ice cream shops! Each of these delightful spots offers a unique twist on the classic summer dessert, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. So, this summer, take a break from the heat and explore these beloved ice cream parlors across Middle Tennessee. Each visit promises not just a refreshing treat, but also a delicious moment to remember.
Fryce Cream
2905 12th Ave S STE 104 | Nashville
Fryce Cream is the brainchild of Nashville chef Jeremy Barlow, known for his innovative restaurants and pop-up concepts. Inspired by the moment during which he introduced his children to the gustatory bliss of dipping fries into milkshakes, Barlow launched a successful pop-up in 2021 and opened Fryce Cream a year later.
This unique eatery combines the contrasting textures and flavors of crispy french fries and decadent ice cream, offering a diverse menu of dry rubs for the fries and a variety of ice cream flavors, including seasonal options. Fryce Cream stands out not only for its delicious and inventive offerings but also for its warm, community-focused atmosphere. Chef Jeremy engages personally with customers, creating a welcoming environment reminiscent of "Cheers," but for ice cream lovers.
The restaurant is exceptionally kid-friendly, ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for families. With affordable prices and quick service, Fryce Cream will be a top contender to become your family’s go-to spot for satisfying cravings, whether for fries, ice cream, or both.
Sarabhas Creamery
400 21st Ave S #201 | Nashville
Sarabha’s Creamery, the first Indian creamery in Nashville, specializes in homemade, Indian-style ice creams crafted fresh daily in-store. Renowned for its premium quality and unique flavors, Sarabha’s offers a delightful variety, including traditional kulfi, a street-style ice cream on a stick made with pure milk and natural flavors.
The creamery’s welcoming environment, complete with vibrant pop Indian music, adds to the inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a range of 19 flavors, four of which are vegan, along with coffee and pastries. The flight of nine ice cream flavors, perfect for sharing, is a favorite among customers, who rave about flavors like chai, kesar pista, mango, chai spice, coconut, and blueberry cheesecake.
The homemade touch and friendly staff make every visit special, ensuring that Sarabha’s Creamery stands out as a cherished spot for authentic Indian desserts in the community.
Scoopy's Ice Cream Bar
810 NW Broad St | Murfreesboro
Bringing over six decades of ice cream tradition from Michoacan, Mexico, Mr. Salvador Alonso (Don Chava) has introduced Tennessee to his family’s artisanal ice cream, using natural fruits and high-quality heavy cream to create over 80 unique flavors. Now led by the Alonso family, this Mexican ice creamery boasts more than ten locations across the state.
We also love Scoopy’s for their extensive and creative variety, from the tangy and spicy mangonada to the delectable Ferrero Rocher and Smoky Mountain flavors. The shop’s colorful and kid-friendly atmosphere, combined with the kind and welcoming staff, enhances the overall experience.
With fresh, made-daily paletas, churros, and an array of ice cream bars topped to perfection, Scoopy’s offers something for everyone. Free samples ensure you find the perfect flavor, while the smooth, yogurt-like texture of the ice cream keeps customers coming back.
Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or an adventurous blend, this locally owned gem is a must-visit for all ice cream enthusiasts.
Bobbie's Dairy Dip
5301 Charlotte Ave | Nashville
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip in Nashville is a charming, old-school ice cream stand that has become a beloved summer destination. Known for its impressively creamy soft serve and a wide variety of shakes, including the highly recommended Chubby Checker and Ikettes shakes, this spot offers a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories.
Situated conveniently next to Hattie B's, it’s the perfect place to cool down after some hot chicken. We adore the delicious, classic dipped cones and the fresh, flavorful hot fudge soft serve and thick, handmade shakes.
The friendly and efficient staff add to the shop’s charm, making Bobbie’s Dairy Dip an ideal date spot or a sweet, cooling retreat on a scorching day.
Whether you’re local or just visiting Nashville, a visit to Bobbie’s Dairy Dip is highly recommended as part of a quintessential summer experience!
La Paleteria Ice Cream Shop
1203 Murfreesboro Rd | Franklin
La Paleteria Ice Cream Shop, with its years of industry experience, stands out for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. You must stop here if you’re someone who savors unique flavors not commonly found elsewhere, such as Fresa con crema topped with nuts, granola, and coconut flakes.
Despite the potential for La Paleteria’s extensive selection to be initially overwhelming, the inviting atmosphere makes it a welcoming spot where you can linger with your friends and family as you explore new culinary adventures. This hidden treasure, never too crowded, offers great service and a unique ice cream experience worth returning for time and again.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Multiple Locations | Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a beloved local chain known for its innovative ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors made from high-quality local ingredients. Founded by Jeni Britton, a James Beard Award winner who revolutionized the ice cream industry, Jeni’s crafts its ice creams from scratch using a unique recipe perfected over two decades. This dedication results in a distinctively smooth texture and buttercream body with bright, clean flavors.
We chose this local gem for their delightfully creamy texture and home-churned taste, which far surpasses commercial premium brands. With a constantly rotating selection of flavors and delicious waffle bowls, Jeni’s provides an exceptional ice cream experience.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
350 E Main St | Hendersonville
We know you’ll fall in love with Bruster's Ice Cream in Brentwood, where you’ll find over 24 ever-changing homemade flavors daily! Throughout the year, Bruster’s rotates through 150 recipes to provide a vast array of frozen treats made with the freshest ingredients.
From classic banana splits to unique creations like the Purple Dinosaur, their selection is sure to have something for your whole family or friend group. Enjoy your ice cream in fresh-baked waffle cones, cups, sundaes, blasts, freezes, or milkshakes, with a variety of toppings to customize your treat.
Bruster’s also proudly cater to diverse dietary needs! Vegan, non-dairy oat milk flavors, sherbet, Italian ice, and no-sugar-added options round out the traditional ice cream. Simply inform your server of any food allergies or preferences before placing your order.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Bruster’s Brentwood offers generous portions and a friendly atmosphere. Customers rave about flavors like Graham Central Station and classic favorites like mint chocolate chip and Nestle Crunch. Stop by anytime and discover the delightful, refreshing treats at Bruster's Ice Cream Brentwood!
The Baked Bear
1809 Division St | Nashville
In 2012, childhood friends Rob Robbins and Shane Stanger left their careers to pursue their passion for creating a unique restaurant concept in San Diego. Inspired by Rob's favorite dessert, they decided to open a cookie and ice cream shop specializing in custom ice cream sandwiches. In May 2013, they launched their first store in Pacific Beach, CA, and were met with immediate success, drawing long lines and acclaim from locals, tourists, and major publications like Forbes, Eater, and Thrillist.
The Baked Bear has since expanded nationwide, and the Nashville location serves up the famous ice cream sandwiches in a fun, customer-friendly atmosphere. Come out and choose from over a dozen original-recipe cookie and ice cream flavors to create your perfect sandwich, which can be rolled in toppings and warmed before serving.
Additionally, The Baked Bear offers two "cookie of the month" flavors, seasonally rotating ice cream flavors, and other treats like ice cream cups, sundaes, and Bear Bowls—warm cookie or brownie bowls topped with ice cream.
Jeremiah's Italian Ice
2236 N Mt Juliet Rd | Mt. Juliet
Jeremiah's Italian Ice in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, offers authentic, refreshing Italian Ice made fresh in-house, with 24 flavors available daily. Their signature Jeremiah’s Gelati combines Italian Ice with their creamy Soft Ice Cream, creating a delightful treat.
When you arrive, you can choose from pre-built fan “Flavorites” or create your own custom flavor combinations. Jeremiah’s Soft Ice Cream is also available on its own or paired with Italian Ice in a Gelati. The friendly staff will happily help you sample as many flavors as you like, allowing you to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
The atmosphere is welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. You'll be obsessed with the smoothness and richness of the Italian Ice and Soft Ice Cream, along with the crunchiness of the Layer-Ins. Jeremiah's is a great addition to Mt. Juliet, with ample parking and a fun interior design that pays tribute to Tennessee and the local area.
Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing Italian Ice or a creamy Soft Ice Cream, Jeremiah's has seemingly endless combinations, making it a must-visit dessert destination.
Mike's Ice Cream
129 2nd Ave N | Nashville
Mike's Homemade Ice Cream in Nashville, TN, is a delightful spot known for its smooth, creamy ice cream that's made with care and without shortcuts. Featured in People Magazine and Rachel Ray’s magazine, their homemade ice cream is a special treat worth savoring.
You’ll be impressed by both the generous scoop sizes and the wide range of flavors available! Favorites like mint chocolate chip, Rocky Road, coffee fudge, and mocha are standout choices, with each flavor created using a perfected, balanced recipe. The blackberry cornbread milkshake is not to be missed: rumor has it this is the best shake you’ll ever have.
The Chocolate Overload and White Chocolate Banana Cream flavors are also popular, whether enjoyed as scoops or in milkshake form. The servers at Mike’s are also top-notch – often going the extra mile to ensure everyone leaves happy.
Mike's Homemade Ice Cream is a must-visit destination for anyone craving top-quality, freshly made, extra-rich ice cream and shakes in Nashville.
The Takeaway
We truly are spoiled for choice in so many ways in Middle Tennessee, and ice cream shops are no exception. We know you’ll be delighted with any of our recommendations in this category, so let your location and your in-the-moment cravings guide you this summer!
Beat the heat, enjoy the treats, and if you would like assistance selling or purchasing real estate in Middle Tennessee, reach out to your trusted agent. We’re always here to help!
Posted by Parks Compass on
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