It’s officially summer, and nothing says summer quite like stopping into your favorite local ice creamery for a cold, creamy treat on a hot day or night. Luckily for those of us in Metro Detroit, there are dozens of great options – no matter where you may find yourself.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of some locally renowned spots to grab cones, smoothies, sundaes, ice cream nachos (yes, we said ice cream nachos!), and more. We hope you find a new favorite spot on this list, and wish you and your family a sweet, treat-filled summer.
Macomb County
Custard Spot | Utica
46919 Van Dyke Ave. | (586) 731-3677
A traditional custard shop serving classic favorites as well as hand-dipped cones, weekly special flavors, and vegan options.
Erma’s Original Frozen Custard | Warren
2080 14 Mile Rd. | (586) 275-2447
A local staple, Erma’s in Warren uses premium ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. They have 30 parfait choices, shakes, sundaes, cones, dairy free options, and more!
Milkster Nitro Creamery | Macomb
18309 Hall Rd. | (586) 263-3005
Located inside the Biggby Coffee on Hall Road, Milkster Nitro Creamery believes “dessert can change the world.” In addition to their decadent flavors, they also offer flavor syringes and toppings so you can create your very own, customized masterpiece.
Modern Cone | St. Clair Shores
28616 Harper Ave. | (586) 879-0722
A family owned ice cream and coffee shop serving up traditional ice cream options, custom ice cream cakes (pre-order and ready made available), and specialties such as ice cream nachos and deliciously well stacked ice cream cookies.
On the Bay Boutique | New Baltimore
51034 Washington St. | (586) 276-7695
Nothing defines “small town gem” more than On the Bay Boutique in downtown New Baltimore. This might not technically be an ice cream shop, but you will find deliciously cold shakes, smoothies and “boozy scoops” in addition to their extensive food, drink, and dessert menus.
Screamer’s Ice Cream | Sterling Heights
44666 Mound Rd. | (586) 254-1414
A brightly decorated, traditional ice cream shop serving all your favorites, including customizable ice cream sundaes, custard, and frozen yogurt.
The Sugar Bowl | Roseville
18679 E. 10 Mile Rd. | (586) 771-9530
A new, independently owned ice creamery serving Ashby’s Sterling ice cream as well as unique flavors such as Rock ‘n Rye Chocolate, Lemon Cookie Bar, and Banana Pudding. Come stop in and give them a try!
Wally’s Frozen Custard | St. Clair Shores
22501 Harper Ave. | (586) 552-5038
A local favorite known for their quality customer service, Wally’s offers creamy frozen custard options, dole whip, pies and cakes, specialty drinks, and lunch and breakfast options – all in a unique firehouse-style building that kids Iove to visit.
Oakland County
Clark’s Ice Cream | Berkley
3312 12 Mile Rd. | (586) 541-6560
A “simple, old-timey joint” known for their generous servings of hand-dipped ice cream in 40+ classic and unique flavors.
Dairy Twist Cafe | Walled Lake
2660 Benstein Rd. | (248) 624-4401
Voted Oakland County’s largest and best Ice Cream Shop for ten years running, Dairy Twist Cafe is a local staple serving the classics, as well as a tasty vegan, plant-based menu. Hungry for more than ice cream? They also have Michigan favorites such as coney dogs and chili cheese fries.
iChillyn Cafe | Rochester
107 E. 2nd Street | (248) 212-5694
Where do we start? From crepes, to churros, smoothies, to “freakshakes”, iChillyn Cafe in Downtown Rochester truly does have something sweet for everybody. Tried it and loved it? They also cater!
Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy | Troy
6854 Rochester Rd. | (248) 250-9574
A regional chain featuring nostalgic counter-service, homemade waffle cones, and signature whipped cream made from scratch. Head inside and enjoy your favorite ice cream treats over a game of chess or checkers.
Págos Ice Cream Rolls and Drinks | Royal Oak
623 S. Washington Ave.
Rolled ice cream is all the rage, and for good reason! It’s creamy, fun,and customizable. Pagos also offers Boba tea and smoothies.
Ray’s Ice Cream | Royal Oak
4233 Coolidge Hwy. | (248) 549-5256
Ray’s is an old-fashioned ice creamy, established in 1958, that creates delicious sundaes, milkshakes, and more. They also cater to both small and large events and are one of the last businesses in the area to specialize in custom ice cream molds.
Treat Dreams | Ferndale
22965 Woodward Ave. | (248) 544-3440
The aptly named Treat Dreams is a unique ice cream shop that has made more than 1,200 homemade ice cream flavors (including vegan options!). They also offer ice cream cakes, specialties, and an adorable food truck that is available for events.
Enjoy these recommendations? Check out our other blogs for Macomb and Oakland County food and fun, here.