Best Ice Cream in Miami and South Florida
1. Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream
This place is straight up retro ice cream shop. At Walls it’s about homemade fudge and favorites like the banana split or old fashioned strawberry soda. They don’t mess with their ice cream flavors here, there are at least 25 including familiar ones like black cherry, cookies ‘n cream and pistachio, as well as seasonal ones like egg nog and pumpkin. And don’t forget to try their homemade fudge in nine different flavors.8075 SW 67th Ave., Miami, 305-740-9830
2. Azucar
In the heart of Little Havana is a tiny ice cream spot whose name translated means sugar. At Azucar there are a few select chairs which you won’t need because you won’t be there long enough to need them. With flavors like Abuela Maria made with the classic Cuban cookies (and one of their signature flavors), Café Con Leche with Cuban coffee and oreos and the always popular dulce de leche, you’ll devour it too quickly. They love to play up the Cuban angle here and even sell t-shirts emblazoned with familiar Cuban sayings.1503 8th St., Miami, 305-381-0369
3. Lulu’s
Walk into Lulu’s and you won’t find ready-made ice cream waiting to be scooped up for you. Here they have their batches ready for freezing, with liquid nitrogen once you place your order. Give the Nutella a try or the honey lavender when it’s in season, bet it’s the creamiest ice cream you’ve ever had because the process means less ice crystals and more pure, rich, creamy flavor. The minimalist interior features unique wood tables, benches and backdrops created by local crafsman/carpenter/designer Scott Hendler of Scotty Wonders.2001 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-717-7323
4. Whip ‘n Dip Ice Cream Shoppe
The spelling of the word shoppe in the name is a giveaway that this is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor churning out fresh homemade ice cream. Located in the heart of South Miami, they’ve been around since 1985 and their most popular flavors are still to this day the Bulldog Blitz (cotton candy flavored) and the traditional cookies ‘n cream. And the house made hot fudge is also a must try which sounds good over a chocolate/vanilla swirl.1407 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 305-665-2565
5. The Frieze Ice Cream Factory
A standard off Lincoln Road in Miami Beach it’s no wonder this spot is frequented by celebrities in town. Beyoncé & Jay-Z popped in with the kids while in town. Other than celeb sightings, the ice cream and sorbet here are first rate and the flavors have a SoBe bling flair. Take a few licks of the champagne flavored or perhaps the red wine one. Or combine the mango and raspberry flavors for a colorful and refreshing kick.1626 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach, 305-538-0207
6. Serendipity Creamery & Yogurt Café
You can feel a little good about going here since they’ve got ice cream but also frozen yogurt and it’s kosher. With a location in Surfside since 2008, it joins the many breweries and restaurants in Wynwood. Try the two flavors that pay homage to Wynwood establishments, the coffee flavored ice cream made with Panther Coffee and the chocolate stout combo with La Nada stout from J Wakefield. There are plenty of vegan options as well.421 NW 26 St., Miami, 305-527-7162
7. Smooshies
This place may sound like a name you call your honey but Smooshies on Key Biscayne is where you can find nitrogen ice cream made in a variety of exotic flavors. It’s like they knew Miamians would go crazy for coconut, mango and guava. Of course they also have dulce de leche and Nutella but imagine a peanut butter and banana combo. Thank you, thank you very much. And they can make any of these as a frozen yogurt. Bonus!260 Crandon Blvd., Ste. 27, Key Biscayne, 305-361-9393;5738 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 305-717-6400http://www.miami.com/things-to-do-in-miami/best-ice-cream-in-miami-south-florida-20634/
