Denver has an abundance of delicious ice cream shops. I have been tasting my way around the Mile High City to find the best ice cream in town. Here are my picks for the 11 best ice cream establishments in Denver!
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Established in 1986, their motto is, “Yes, we make it here”. Popular picks are Butter Brickle and Cappuccino Crunch, but they change their offerings regularly, so just ask for the latest fun flavor. Vegan and dairy free options available.
Location: 799 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80209
DANG Soft Serve
Enjoy soft serve ice cream and french fries. Add colorful flavors and artistic toppings. A percentage of sales goes to young and burgeoning artists and musicians in the Park Hill neighborhood. Entertainment, events and community gatherings also occur there.
Location: 2211 Oneida St., Denver, CO 80207
High Point Creamery
You might also see a pink food truck around town. Their most popular flavors are Basil with Blackberry Swirl or Tin Cup Whiskey with Pistachio Brittle.
Three Denver locations to pick from:
– Hilltop: 215 S. Holly St., Denver, CO 80246
– RiNo: 2669 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205
– Berkeley: 3977 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212
Ice Cream Riot
Opened in 2014, this Colfax shop serves up small-batch ice cream scoops and water ices at the counter in a no-frills space. Fan favorites include Dirty Cookies & Cream and Cheddar Goldfish.
Location: 1238 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218
Liks
Liks opened in 1976. It dishes up cups and cones in myriad innovative flavors, plus frozen yogurt and sorbet. The most-requested flavor is Mint Chocolate Chip.
Location: 2039 E. 13th Ave., Denver, CO 80206
Little Man
Opened in 2008 and named after founder Paul Tamburello’s father, Peter, whose nickname was Little Man. A 28-foot milk-jug-shaped shop scoops unique flavors of homemade ice cream and is open until midnight. The most popular flavor is Salted Oreo. Family-friendly with a slide for kids. Check their event schedule for music, dancing, yoga and more.
Location: 2620 16th St., Denver, CO 80211
Nuggs Ice Cream
Since 2014, this family-owned ice cream shop has been serving scoops with locally sourced ingredients, seasonal flavors with nostalgic styling, and patio seating. East High School students often work there, creating a friendly neighborhood environment. Fun art on the walls inside and out. Cookies and Cream is a great flavor to pick.
Location: 5135 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80220
Sweet Action
Sources from local Colorado dairies, purveyors, farmers, bakers, and produce for ingredients. A sustainable business powered entirely by wind.
Multiple locations:
– Broadway: 52 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
– Jeff Park: 2851 W. 25th Ave., Denver, CO 80211
– Uptown: 530 E. 19th Ave., Denver, CO 80203
– Wash Park: 1061 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80209
Sweet Cooie’s
Lovingly named after owner Paul Tamburello’s mother Elaine, whose nickname was Cooie. A portion of every scoop goes to women’s education and family needs. The most popular flavor is Salted Oreo, but they are also known for Gooey Cooie ice cream sandwiches and chocolate truffles.
Location: 3506 E. 12th Ave., Denver, CO 80206
Sweet Cow
A Colorado-based small-batch ice cream shop with ice cream that is homemade fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients. The motto is “Simply moolicious!” The most popular flavors are Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Locations in Louisville, Boulder, Stanley Market in Aurora, and two Denver locations.
– Denver Highlands: 3475 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, CO 80211
– Denver Platte Park: 1882 S. Pearl St. Denver, CO 80210
The Constellation Ice Cream/Little Man-Central Park
Inspired by the community’s history of aviation as the original home of Stapleton International Airport, the shop looks like an airplane. The Constellation supports STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs by donating to local schools and relevant nonprofit organizations with a portion of each scoop purchased.
Recently, this location had a name change to Little Man Ice Cream Central Park.
Location: 10175 E. 29th Dr., Denver, CO 80238
Note: Little Man Ice Cream also owns DANG, Sweet Cooie’s, and The Constellation. I provided separate entries in these cases due to unique features and cool neighborhoods to explore before or after you enjoy your scoop.
Let me know your pick for the best place for ice cream and your favorite flavor by commenting below.
