Charleston, South Carolina, is a city known for its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Among its many gastronomic delights, ice cream stands out as a favorite treat for locals and tourists alike. In this blog, we will explore the best ice cream in Charleston, focusing on some of the top spots downtown and across the city. We’ll also provide insights into what makes each location unique.
One spot you won’t want to miss is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Known for its artisanal approach, Jeni’s offers a mouthwatering selection of unique flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Goat Cheese with Red Cherries. The use of high-quality ingredients and creative combinations ensures a delightful experience with every scoop.
Another must-try destination is Off Track Ice Cream, a local favorite that prides itself on small-batch, handcrafted treats. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients and offering dairy-free options, Off Track Ice Cream caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Patrons often rave about their inventive flavors, such as Brown Sugar Oat Milk and Lavender Honey.
Best Ice Cream in Charleston
When it comes to finding the best ice cream in Charleston, there are several standout shops that offer a variety of flavors and experiences. Here are a few of the top contenders:
One standout shop you must visit is Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar. Situated on East Bay Street, Carmella’s combines classic gelato with a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for a night out or a casual dessert stop. Their Italian-inspired flavors, such as Pistachio and Stracciatella, are crafted with authenticity and are sure to transport your taste buds to the streets of Rome.
If you’re exploring the West Ashley area, a visit to Park Circle Creamery is highly recommended. Known for its creamy, dense scoops and creative offerings, Park Circle Creamery features an ever-rotating menu that keeps locals coming back for more. From Sea Salt Caramel to Blueberry Cheesecake, each flavor is meticulously crafted to deliver a burst of joy in every bite.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. The shop’s vibrant and cheerful decor sets the mood for a joyful experience as soon as you step through the door. Each scoop of their ice cream tells a story, thanks to their commitment to using direct trade and Fairtrade ingredients, leading to a truly remarkable taste with every bite.
What truly sets Jeni’s apart is their dedication to experimenting with bold and innovative flavors. Seasonal specials often feature unconventional pairings that surprise and delight the palate, encouraging patrons to step out of their flavor comfort zones. Whether you’re a fan of traditional tastes or adventurous combinations, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers something to excite every ice cream lover’s taste buds.
Located in the heart of Charleston, Jeni’s is renowned for its innovative and high-quality flavors. From classics like Salty Caramel to unique options like Brambleberry Crisp, Jeni’s offers something for everyone. Their ice creams are made with the finest ingredients, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.   Â
Kilwins
Kilwins is a staple in downtown Charleston, known for its wide array of ice cream flavors and old-fashioned charm. In addition to their delicious ice cream, Kilwins also offers an assortment of chocolates and confections. Popular flavors include Toasted Coconut and New Orleans Praline.
Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar
Carmella’s offers a delightful selection of gelato and sorbet, perfect for those looking for a sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream. Their flavors are crafted with high-quality ingredients, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy your treat.
Ice Cream Downtown Charleston    Â
If you’re venturing around downtown, be sure to pause at Belgian Gelato. This charming shop offers authentic gelato made from traditional recipes, bringing a slice of Europe to Charleston. Their pistachio and hazelnut flavors are particularly popular, and the texture is wonderfully smooth, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience that sets Belgian Gelato apart from the rest.
Another hidden gem in Charleston’s ice cream scene is Luckhaus & Brubaker Sweets & Treats. This boutique dessert shop is known not only for its luscious ice creams but also for its handcrafted chocolates and pastries. Their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that every flavor, from rich chocolate to fresh fruit sorbets, bursts with authenticity and taste, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
Downtown Charleston is a hub of activity and the perfect place to indulge in some of the best ice cream the city has to offer. Here are a few must-visit spots:
Peace Pie
Located on King Street, Peace Pie is famous for its ice cream sandwiches filled with delicious layers of pie filling and ice cream. It’s a unique take on the classic ice cream treat and offers a variety of flavors to choose from, such as Salted Caramel Brownie and Key Lime Pie.
The Daily
The Daily is a trendy café that serves up some of the best ice cream in downtown Charleston. They offer a rotating selection of artisanal ice creams and sorbets, made with locally sourced ingredients. Their minimalist yet cozy setting provides a great backdrop for enjoying a scoop or two.
Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café
A Charleston institution, Ye Ole Fashioned offers generous portions of delicious ice cream. With a wide range of flavors and toppings, it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors. Their banana splits and milkshakes are particularly popular.
Ice Cream Shops Charleston SCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
For those looking to expand their ice cream adventures beyond downtown, a short drive to the surrounding neighborhoods will reward you with even more delightful options. These areas have their own unique charm and are home to some hidden gems that are definitely worth the trek. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring Charleston’s broader ice cream scene can lead to delightful surprises and new favorite flavors.
In addition to traditional ice cream shops, Charleston also boasts several places that offer creative frozen treats such as ice cream tacos and rolled ice cream. These innovative takes on classic desserts offer a fun twist and are perfect for anyone looking to try something new. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps you coming back for more.
Charleston is home to a variety of ice cream shops, each offering its own unique twist on this beloved dessert. Here are some top picks:
Park Circle Creamery
Located in North Charleston, Park Circle Creamery is known for its handcrafted ice cream made in small batches. Their creative flavors and commitment to quality make it a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts.
Republic Ice Cream
Republic Ice Cream is dedicated to using natural and locally sourced ingredients to create their ice cream. Their flavors are inspired by local tastes and traditions, offering a true taste of Charleston in every scoop.
Off Track Ice Cream
Off Track Ice Cream prides itself on making everything from scratch, including their mix-ins and sauces. Located in downtown Charleston, this shop offers a variety of vegan and dairy-free options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.        Â
 Unique Ice Cream Experiences in Charleston
4. Chapin’s Ice Cream & Coffee
Nestled in West Ashley, Chapin’s Ice Cream & Coffee offers a cozy and welcoming environment. Known for its rich ice cream flavors and freshly brewed coffee, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy pairing their dessert with a hot beverage. Popular choices include their Mocha Chip ice cream and signature espresso drinks.
If you’re craving an ice cream adventure, Charleston’s diverse offerings ensure you’ll never be bored. From classic scoops to innovative frozen delights, there’s always something new to try. The city’s passion for high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations makes each visit to an ice cream shop a memorable experience.
Don’t forget to explore the seasonal specials that many of these shops offer. With rotating flavors and limited-edition treats, you’ll always find a reason to come back and indulge. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor, Charleston’s ice cream scene promises to delight your taste buds.
5. Ye Olde Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe
A visit to Ye Olde Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe is like stepping back in time. This old-school diner, located in Mount Pleasant, serves up hefty portions of classic ice cream flavors and hearty sandwiches. Their hot fudge sundaes and root beer floats are particularly nostalgic treats that are sure to please.
For fans of exotic flavors, many Charleston ice cream shops feature unique combinations that reflect global culinary influences. From Thai tea-flavored ice cream to spicy Mexican chocolate, these adventurous options provide a world tour for your taste buds without leaving the city.
Additionally, Charleston’s ice cream scene offers plenty of family-friendly spots where both kids and adults can find something to enjoy. Many shops have play areas or outdoor seating, making them perfect for a fun outing with the whole family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, Charleston’s ice creams are sure to satisfy.
6. Woolfe Street Playhouse Ice Cream Parlor
Located inside the famed Woolfe Street Playhouse, this ice cream parlor offers a unique experience combining local theatre and dessert. Before or after catching a show, patrons can indulge in artisanal ice creams that highlight both traditional and avant-garde flavors. The setting adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already delightful treat.
In addition to the many ice cream parlors, Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene includes numerous dessert shops that feature decadent frozen treats like gelato and frozen yogurt. These establishments often experiment with bold flavors and creative combinations, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream.
Exploring Charleston’s desserts doesn’t stop at storefronts; many local food festivals and farmers’ markets showcase unique and seasonal frozen delights. These community events provide an excellent opportunity to sample a wide range of flavors while supporting local artisans and small businesses.
FAQs
Q: Are there any vegan or dairy-free ice cream options in Charleston?
Yes, many ice cream shops in Charleston offer vegan and dairy-free options. Off Track Ice Cream, in particular, is known for their variety of vegan and dairy-free flavors, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy a delicious treat.
Q: What is the best time to visit these ice cream shops?
Most ice cream shops in Charleston are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the warmer months from spring to early fall. This is when you can truly enjoy your ice cream while strolling through the charming streets.
Q: Do any ice cream shops offer gluten-free options?
Yes, several ice cream shops in Charleston offer gluten-free options. It’s always a good idea to check with the shop directly or look at their menu online before visiting to ensure they have the specific gluten-free items you’re looking for.
Q: Can I find unique or seasonal ice cream flavors in Charleston?
Absolutely! Many ice cream shops in Charleston take pride in offering unique and seasonal flavors. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, for example, frequently features seasonal specials that encourage patrons to try new and exciting combinations.
Q: Are there any ice cream shops that also serve other desserts?
Yes, some ice cream shops in Charleston also offer a variety of other desserts. Kilwins, for example, is known for its assortment of chocolates and confections in addition to their ice cream. Similarly, Luckhaus & Brubaker Sweets & Treats offers handmade chocolates and pastries.
Q: Do I need to make reservations for any of the ice cream shops?
Generally, you do not need to make reservations for ice cream shops in Charleston. They are typically walk-in establishments. However, for places with a café setting like Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar, it might be good to check if they offer reservations, especially during peak hours.
Conclusion
Charleston is a city that takes its ice cream seriously, with a plethora of options for every palate. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of downtown Charleston or venturing into the surrounding neighborhoods, you’re sure to find a delightful ice cream shop that offers the perfect treat. From classic favorites to innovative flavors, the best ice cream in Charleston is just a scoop away. Enjoy your sweet adventure in this charming Southern city!
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