With all this beautiful warm weather coming up, you will want to go out and find something frozen to cool off with while out and about in Nashville. Though our spring and summer season is one that is undeniably enjoyable, there’s nothing quite like a nice ice based dessert on a sunny afternoon. Keep reading to find out where to venture when you’re wanting a frozen sweet treat in Nashville.
Mike’s Ice Cream
4.6 ★
Starting off this chilled out list of frozen treats is Mike’s Ice Cream on 2nd Ave. Stop by any day (or night) from 8 am – 11 pm (12 am on Saturday/Sunday nights) and pick from their homemade selection of ice creams to pair up with a cup of coffee. Of their 30 menu flavors, you will find names like Blackberry Cornbread or Loaded Butterscotch that are bound to pique interest. Previously featured in Rachel Ray’s magazine, you won’t want to skip out on Mike’s Ice Cream so come find out what all the hype is about one of these days.
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
4.8 ★
They say that when you want something done right, you ask a woman for help and Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream is the female owned frozen treat store that keeps the old adage true. Located on 4th Ave, Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream doesn’t miss any marks with their expansive menu. From the small food truck that gained instant popularity back in 2018 to the Germantown central storefront that we can’t get enough of today, Rolled 4 Ever has stepped up the rolled treat game immensely with menu choices that include everything from key lime pie to fruit pebbles and everything in between. Something new and chic awaits you on the Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream menu any day except Monday from 2 pm – 8 pm, with slightly longer hours on Saturday/Sunday.
Sarabhas Creamery
4.9 ★
Nashville’s very first Indian ice cream store is Sarabhas Creamery in Vanderbilt Square on 21st Ave. Every day that they are open (closed on Tuesdays) they make all of their flavors in house, making for a fresh taste that is different from average ice cream shops. Cool off with some kulfi, a milkshake, or any of the house created flavors of ice cream at Sarabhas from 11 am – 11 pm during their open hours. Take on a waffle cone full of flavors like Indian Coffee, Chai Spice, or Old Tym Chocolate and see what makes this little shop so unique and memorable. There’s nothing quite like a small taste of India from Sarabhas Creamery so get your scoop today, unless you happen to be reading on a Tuesday. If that’s the case, we know what you’re gearing up for tomorrow at lunchtime.
KOKOS Ice Cream Scoop Shop
4.8 ★
Plant based ice cream can be a savior for folks whose stomachs just don’t seem to match up with milk and KOKOS Ice Cream Scoop Shop is here for you. During the week, come on in between 3 – 8 pm for a variety of Vegan friendly ice cream that keeps even non lactose avoidant guests coming back for more. From 12 – 9 pm on the weekends, this is a great stop if you’re near City Ave. Try out any of the latte flavors if they happen to be available, but any choice from their regularly rotating selection is a party for your taste buds. Plant based will take on a new meaning to you after a trip to KOKOS.
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
4.5 ★
Everything you could possibly want out of a 1950’s style soda shop aesthetic still remains at Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, from the neon signs to their incredibly affordable prices. This adorable ice cream stand is a popular spot for the long term locals who want a taste of what Nashville was like back in the day. Be wary of their gigantic sizes as a small can resemble what most chains would consider to be a large. You get more than your money’s worth at this noteworthy stand. From 11 am – 8 pm most days, a walk up to their window can be all you need so solve the problem of a hot summer’s day. Keep an eye out on Charlotte Ave for the classic outside decor, all in shades of pastel so there’s no missing it.
Mimi’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop
4.7 ★
When considering the quality of your social media accounts in regards to what restaurants are worth visiting while in Nashville, Mimi’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop is one of our most aesthetically pleasurable locations on the list. Red, white, and adorable all over, Mimi’s feels like the ice cream stop that you might remember from an old Saturday morning cartoon. This spot is simple and effective, with a full board of flavors to pick from, each one as satisfying as the one before. Load up on sprinkles, order a cup of coffee, and take a selfie with their massive ice cream cone (don’t try to eat it) before sitting down to figure out which hashtag suits their look the best. From 4 pm – 9 pm during the week or 11 am – 10 pm on the weekends, you will want to take advantage of the little porch at Mimi’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop. Keep an eye out for the bright red and white building on Music Valley Drive, this one is hard to skip over.
Blue Monkey Shaved Ice
5.0 ★
For those days when you’re craving something sweet and frozen, without all of the added sugars and syrups, Blue Monkey Shaved Ice is the truck you’ll need to visit. Sitting right in front of Minor Jewelry on 12th Ave, Blue Monkey Shaved Ice is a big teal truck that has everything you want with none of the guilt. 100% cane sugar is used in the real fruit syrup featured in all of their fluffy flavors. Take on some Watermelon Basil or Sour Gummi Worm when you want to wake up the taste buds and see why Blue Monkey serves up some of Nashville’s finest alternatives to an ice cream cone. Plan ahead when you find yourself craving the icy goodness of Blue Monkey as they are only operating from 12 – 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar
4.6 ★
Totally different from any other establishment featured on this list, Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar is the mashup of dessert and breakfast that none of us knew we were missing out on. Visit this odd location on Caruthers Ave and pick through a nostalgic selection of cereals from childhood eras. Oreo-o’s and lucky charms are only the tip on quite an iceberg at Wanna Spoon. Regular bowls of cereal are the start, but you can have your sugary treats mixed in with granola or ice cream. Ask for a shake if you’re feeling up to something totally out of left field. We can truly say that Wanna Spoon is nothing like any other eatery in the city, an experience within a snack. Make this your new breakfast spot during the week except for Wednesday when they are closed from 9 am – 9 pm other days.
Soft Service Station
4.8 ★
Cute, quaint, and becoming increasingly popular, Soft Service Station is one of east Nashville’s up and coming hidden gems. Pair up some soft serve with a cup of coffee and sit down at this Greenwood Ave location to relax and take a load off. Fill up your soft serve with all the toppings you need and they will have your dessert sent out of the window with a quickness. Their seating is outdoor only but that’s a sure way to make your ice cream taste even better. Right next to a toy store, Soft Service Station makes for a solid family outing without having to travel very far. Closed only on Mondays, you’re welcome to stop by from 9 am – 6 pm and get to know this little scoop of paradise.
Padrino’s Pops
4.9 ★
Made from scratch and with all the love in the world, Padrino’s Pops are notoriously fresh tasting and full of flavor. While they do not have a storefront or set location, there is always a high chance of running into their truck or cart. Visit their website to find out where they are set up that day, they update that information often. Once you find the cart or truck, a single bite of these paletas will have you wanting to take another bite out of every single flavor. 100% of the process is natural, with locally sourced cream and real fruit going into all of their flavors. Find out where and when Padrino’s Pops will be near you, or book them for your next event. They are known for being the hit of any party.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
4.5 ★
If you’ve ever been to Savannah, you will already know a little something about Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Chocolate covered everything comes to mind for those who have been inside of Savannah’s official location or our own Broadway Street storefront but we aren’t focused on their candy selection right now. Well, you must try out a free sample on your way in, but otherwise, let’s talk ice cream. Gelato, sorbet, and classic ice cream is served by the large scoop at this notoriously sweet candy store. Walk straight to the back and try to not get caught up with the tons and tons of treats from floor to ceiling on every wall. Cheesecake flavor speaks for itself, but they also feature an array of fruit sorbets with their super tasting scoops. Just under 5 minutes away from the Ryman Auditorium, your group could easily use Savannah’s Candy Kitchen as a pit stop to refuel after a tour. Come on in from 10 am – 10 pm every day, they will be happy to greet you with a bit of praline to start.
Conclusion
Now you know where to go the next time a day gets a little too hot here in Nashville. With everything we have going on outdoors, you and your group are sure to want to take advantage of all nice days and a scoop of ice cream is the cherry on top of any perfect day. Come back here to The Nashville Insider next time you have a question about all that happens in Music City. We’ve got plenty to enjoy in this side of Tennessee and you won’t regret taking the time to read what we have to say about the area.
Before you go, don’t forget to take a look at our FAQ. If you are in need of a group activity that is fun, affordable, and totally unique, don’t search any longer. Take a look into our Bar Bike tours, an eco-friendly experience that will show you all the best parts of downtown Nashville. We can’t wait to see your group for a ride out on the town!