One of the joys of Gulf Coast livin’ — year-round ice cream. Luckily, there are plenty of creameries offering standout options around Tampa Bay.
We rounded up some of the most popular choices for you to scope out:
Chill Bros. Scoop Shop | Multiple locations | While still relatively new on the scoop scene, Chill Bros. is one of the most popular spots in town for its locally-inspired flavors (Think: Tampa Banana + Guava Pastelito), ice cream flights, and seasonal offerings.
Plant Life Ice Cream | Multiple locations | The local spot’s 50+ homemade, rotating flavors are all made with plant-based ingredients and coconut cream — no cow’s milk in sight.
Dairy Joy | Multiple locations | Head to the South Tampa institution for all the old school vibes — like a plastic Elvis mannequin and pink-and-white striped umbrellas — and a massive menu of sundaes, scoops, and floats. Plus, there’s an easy access drive-thru next door.
City Editor Bailey recommends ordering a scoop of coffee ice cream (it comes with peanut butter cups) at Dairy Joy.
Photo by TBAYtoday
The Yard Milkshake Bar | Multiple locations | If you’re into milkshakes of “Super Size Me” proportions, this is the place for you. Dessert lovers can choose from toppings like cookie dough, cheesecake slices, brownies, and even Oreo Cakesters.
Coco Lov | Multiple locations | There’s something for every kind of dessert person at this vegan scoopery, from fresh local smoothies and ice cream to acai bowls and raw desserts. And yes, they have options for Fido too.
Bright Ice Scoop Shop | Multiple locations | This Tampa Bay brand promises a “a little bit of sunshine in every scoop” with flavors like Oat of This World, Key lime pie, and sea salt caramel.
Hampton Chocolate Factory | Tampa | It’s more than just a chocolate shop. Conveniently parked in Sparkman Wharf, Hampton is famous for its Giant Cone Ice Cream, including a 5-pound swirled cone.
Larry’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream and Gelato | St. Pete Beach | There’s oftentimes a line out the door for this SPB ice cream joint with 100+ flavors of ice cream, donuts, and a wealth of gelato on the menu. Pro tip: If you order two scoops of ice cream, you get the cone for free.
Sea Maids Creamery | Tampa | Cap off a Seminole Heights date night at the dessert haven with a cookie, brownie, hot chocolate bomb, or ice cream, of course. Best of all, they top your towering waffle cone with a bright blue whale tail.
Old Farmer’s Creamery | St. Pete | Locals have been picking up homemade scoops from the big red barn creamery on Fourth Avenue for decades.
Did we miss your favorite local ice cream spot or gelato joint? Let us know, and we may just add it to our guide.
