Best Ice Cream Parlors in the Washington, DC Area

As a DC area resident, Summers in Washington, DC can get really hot. That calls for something cool to relieve you from the high temperatures of the day. I'm also a fan of Ice Cream. I've been to many different ice cream stores in the DC region. In addition, I know some spot that offer better variety than some of the national chain ice cream shops. So, where you find the best ice cream in the Washington, DC region? I found a few spots that you need to check out!

Larry's Homemade Ice Cream: Located in DuPont Circle, Larry's Homemade Ice Cream has been hidden gems for local and tourists. Among the many Ice cream they have includes Green Tea, cookies and cream, and others great flavors. It's been one of my favorite spots when I'm in DuPont Circle.
1633 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC. (202) 234-2690

Thomas Sweet Ice Cream & Chocolate: Started by 2 Princeton Graduates, this ice cream shop has made fresh ice cream. In addition, they also made and sell fresh chocolate and other treats. The main attraction to the store is their blend-in. It combines ice cream with up to three kinds of fresh fruit, candies, cookies or nuts blended in.

3214 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co: Since 1938, Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co. has been using the finest ingredients to serve homemade super-premium ice cream and candy with classic rich creamy tastes that hark back to the good old days. They're headquarter is located in Silver Spring, and they have 4 shops in the DC Metro Region. The company is not only committed to making good ice cream; they are also committed to having eco-friendly stores. I enjoy the frozen drinks and shakes they make.

555 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004 and 3 locations in Montgomery County, MD

Cone E Island: Located in Foggy Bottom, Cone E Island has 20 ice cream flavors, including fat-free yogurts for those hot summer days. A single scoop will cost $2.90, but the kids will love the waffle cones, hot fudge, and whipped cream.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Dolcezza: Since its opening Georgetown in 2004, Dolcezza offers Argentinean Gelato to the masses. The gelato they make has many different flavors for you to choose: fruit, chocolate, coffee, butter pecan, and more. You taste buds will feel like their on vacation. You got to check out their blog on how their gelato is made.

1560 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC

Max's Best Ice Cream: This family-owned ice cream shop on Wisconsin Avenue near Glover Park has gotten rave reviews. The owner and his wife works behind the counter. In addition, there's an autographed picture of Al Gore in the shop. If you stop by, you can taste their many great flavors like Strawberry Daiquiri, Ginger, Pumpkin Spice or Mint Oreo Cookie.

2416 Wisconsin Ave Nw Washington, DC

The Ice Cream Factory & Café: Located in Brandywine, MD, this ice cream parlor/café one of the best kept secrets in the Metro DC area, and is definitely one of the highlights of Brandywine! Unlike other local Ice Cream spots, this venue is open year round. It has over 24 flavors of frozen custards. In addition, it's also a sit or dine out restaurant. You can have a meal with your ice cream.

13700 Old Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613

Dairy Godmother: Created by former Pastry Chef Liz Davis, Dairy Godmother specializes in Wisconsin-style frozen custard. Her brand of frozen custard has very little overrun In addition to their frozen custard, they also serve sorbet and cakes. I heard about this place last from members of Meetindc.org, and they recommend it to others. If you do go, it's best to avoid Tuesdays.

2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA (703) 683-7767

Bruster's Real Ice Cream: Since 1989, Bruster's has over 140 different flavors of ice cream for you to choose. It also has something other Ice Cream Chains don't have. They give free baby cones to children under 40" and free 'doggie sundaes' for your furry friend too!

18519 N. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Moorenko's Ice Cream Café: Since 2002, Moorenko's Ice Cream Café has been stable in Northern Virginia. Founded by Susan Soorenko, the shop was created by ice cream she and her kids ate on vacation. Their Ice Creams and Sorbets are made by hand with local ingredients. In addition, their ice cream is free from any growth hormones and chemicals. I had their ice cream, and it's great ice cream.

8030 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD (301) 588-5656

1359 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA (703)752-1919