WHIP’N DIP ICE CREAM SHOP – the traditionalist
Whip’n Dip is a Miami Ice Cream shop that’s been around since the 80s and is luckily one of the few staples that wasn’t shut down indefinitely during the pandemic.
South Miami locals will argue this is the BEST spot for ice cream in all of South Florida.
Whip’n Dip offers a traditional variety of ice cream flavors, a few sorbets, and even soft serve!
They also have a generous selection of toppings inclusive of the most WARM and comforting hot fudge.
At Whip’n Dip you can grab any combo of ice cream and toppings you like. I wholeheartedly suggest loading up on their cookie dough and hot fudge!
MIDTOWN CREAMERY – the Insta-worthy
So, it’s a weird thing to say but I was drawn to Midtown Creamery after a friend demonstrated the “pull” of their Oreo-Nutella ice cream on Snapchat. Think of the moment you reach for your first bite of a French onion soup or a Mexican queso fundido. Yeah, I know that’s a little weird for ice cream, but it goes to show you how creamy their ice cream is.
Its flagship store is located just a 5-minute walk from the artsy Wynwood neighborhood. Appropriately, Midtown Creamery is known for its fun and photo-worthy ice cream.
Sometimes these masterpieces can be huge, so you might want to consider sharing.
My go-to order is the popular Oreo-Nutella ice cream in a bubble waffle cone. Make sure to get some toppings so the ice cream artists can make it extra photogenic.
By the way, there is extremely limited seating inside the store, so plan to grab’n go!
AZÚCAR – the “I’m here for the culture”
Azúcar’s is a Miami ice cream shop whose vibe and flavors are representative of Cuban culture.
The flagship store is located on the famous Calle Ocho in Little Havana. And they stand OUT. The exterior is beautifully designed and makes for a stunning photo-op.
Inside they boast unique flavors like the “Abuela Maria”, with Maria Cracker pieces and guava paste chunks, and the “Platano Maduro” (sweet plantains).
Truly, it doesn’t get more “Miami” than Azúcar.
I suggest grabbing a cone and taking a stroll down Calle Ocho anytime Friday through Sunday to experience the liveliness of this area. Here’s an idea…you can stop by El Pub a few blocks away and order a Cuban coffee to go. I break down your El Pub Cuban Coffee order in the Top 3 Cuban Coffee Places in Miami post.
RIVARENO – the gelato lover
Rivareno is the youngest in the Miami ice cream shop scene, but definitely not in the world.
This Miami ice cream shop is like that person who pretends they don’t know how to play ping-pong, but they’re a superstar in their home country and can obliterate you 21-0.
They are an Italian Gelato Shop with their Brickell location being their only US location. And man, you can tell…. their flavors are so unique and incredibly creamy. I feel like I’m transported straight to Italy just sampling them.
Quick story, when my boyfriend and I went there for the first time we were just wanting to sample, and maybe (if we sampled so many that we felt guilty) grab a small cone. Well.. we ended up walking out of there with a box of 3 different flavors and DID NOT regret it. I promise I’ll candidly admit my regrets to you guys.
HANDS DOWN, unless you have a nut allergy, you have to try a hazelnut-based flavor.
They incorporate hazelnut into so many of their flavors so you’ll have a wide selection, even as they rotate.
Also, they have extremely fresh sorbets, my favorite is passionfruit.
I’m realizing that I may be revealing this one as my favorite with how much attention I am giving it.. ah well.
CREAM PARLOR – the hidden gem
As I begin to write this one, I recall the first time I walked into Cream Parlor. I used to work at the Youfit a block away, and I NEVER noticed it, until one day when I went on Yelp at work looking for an indulgence. I was probably stressed.
Anywho, I popped in and was surprised to find how cute and quaintly decorated it was for what I’d consider a hole in the wall.
They serve their ice cream in FINE China.
How innovative and FUN is that? Check out my oh-so-very posh sundae in the photo above! They have unique and kid-friendly flavor names like “Unicorn Poop” and “Purple Rain”. And yes, it’s the best poop I have ever had!
If you’re that person who picks out the Lucky Charms marshmallows, then Cream Parlor has saved you the hassle. They serve just the marshmallows as a topping! Dream come true.
CHILLN – the “non-dairy please”
Chilln is a great Miami ice cream shop for a truly “build-your-own” experience.
You can also make it non-dairy with their OAT milk options!
While ordering you’ll select from their periodic table of flavors and toppings. They’ll write it up as an “equation” and mix your selections using nitrogen. As a result, you’ll receive a very creamy cone or cup made with everything you like!
It’s fun for kids and for people who are on the pickier side.
JAXSON’S – the “give me the kitchen sink”
Growing up my dad used to take me to Jaxson’s. This ice cream shop and restaurant has been around since the 1950s.
Now, to be fair, I want to mention that the location is not considered “Miami” Miami. It’s about 40 minutes North in Dania Beach. It’s a little outside our scope here, but Jaxson’s is a part of South Florida history.
Jaxson’s is a carnival-style, over-the-top ice cream shop that will serve everything PLUS the kitchen sink. They have a menu item called “The Original Kitchen Sink”! This is a sundae served on Jaxson’s custom-designed, yup, kitchen sink.
The sundae has a 4-person minimum and serves 1 pound of ice cream per person. If you order it, expect to be the center of attention. They add sparklers and sound the Jaxson’s sirens every time it’s ordered!
Jaxson’s has been recognized by Food Network as one of the “Top Places to Eat” in their local guide. So if you’re not down for ice cream, they also serve food inside! All-American style to match their theme.
Finally, plan to add some extra waiting time to this stop. Due to its fame, there is usually a line out the door.
If you’re seeking out some casual and delicious Miami food to compliment your ice cream, check out this post.
Ashley Sutton
Hello there and welcome to Sutton Thoughts! This blog is a source of inspiration for living more productively – with a little bit of travel sprinkled in!