It's hard to beat a frosty cup or cone of ice cream—and there's no shortage of spots around town to sample the very best scoops. Here are four of our favorite creameries around town, along with a best bet for vegan ice cream or sorbet, in case lactose isn't really your thing.
Dolce Neve
South Austin/Bouldin Creek
If you're looking for the most authentic gelato around, look no further than this gelateria, owned by three natives of Italy. With a constant rotation of flavors sourced from nearby farms (12-16 are available each day), it regularly draws crowds for a taste of honey-pistachio-ricotta, almond custard, chocolate with candied orange peels, and other favorites. There's also a location in Houston, in case your gelato obsession transcends the 512.
Amy’s Ice Cream
Multiple Locations
Plain vanilla isn't, well, plain vanilla at this Austin institution, where Mexican Vanilla has been the signature flavor since 1984. But if you want something more exotic, they'll make it happen, with a rotating library of more than 350 flavors to choose from: one of the latest is the super-spicy ghost pepper chili chocolate. You can also have a "crush'n," from Oreos to fresh strawberries, mixed into your treat.
Even if you stick with vanilla, it may not arrive in a very vanilla fashion: Amy's employees are masters of tricks, with many of them throwing scoops of ice cream under their legs, behind their backs, or even across the street. The best of the best even compete each year in a Trick Olympics.
Teo
Rosedale
Austinites are fortunate enough to have not one, but two amazing gelaterias, thanks to Teo. Owner Matt Lee (whose Italian name is Matteo, or Teo for short) learned his craft from the best in Florence, and his gelati are made fresh every day, with a small but mighty selection of flavors that rotate with the seasons. Salted caramel, goat cheese and cherry, and Nuts (Nutella and peanut butter) are some of his greatest hits, but there's always something new to try.
SPUN Ice Cream
East Austin
If you're interested in feeling a bit futuristic, try your hand at a scoop from SPUN, where every ice cream is chilled to order with liquid nitrogen. Founded by two sisters, it offers a rotating selection of four flavors (from dark chocolate to coconut caramel), along with a dozen toppings like salted chocolate "magic shell." One of the newest menu items is the Churro Sundae, a tasty combination horchata ice cream, cinnamon crunchies and brown butter powder.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Bouldin Creek/Allandale/Mueller
Don't worry, we didn't forget about Lick. Since its inception in 2011, this creamery has become a major Austin favorite, boasting two locations and a third in San Antonio. The super-seasonal flavors include Texas Sheet Cake (chocolate ice cream with chocolate, caramel, and pecans), honey and vanilla bean, coffee with cream, and more. There are also always at least four vegan ice creams in the mix, including toasted coconut and chocolate chocolate.
