Must Try Ice Cream Shops in Sacramento

Sacramento is one of my favorite cities. Partially because it’s right up the freeway from me and also because I find it wildly underrated. The Sacramento food scene is pretty insane and while I could go on and on about the different restaurants we love, I’ll stick with the ice cream because I’m assuming that’s why you’re here!

In no particular order, here are seven must-try ice cream shops in Sacramento, CA.

Gunther’s Ice Cream

 

Gunther’s has a number of incredible flavors you’ll want to try but if there is one item that you have to pick up, make it their 50/50 Fruit Freeze. It’s half sorbet, half vanilla ice cream. The sorbet flavors are Orange, Strawberry, Lemon, Pineapple, Strawberry Banana, Mango, Raspberry, Lime, Guava and when you mix any of those flavors with a scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream, you’ll understand why this shop is so highly regarded in Sacramento!

Visit their website.

Visit their instagram.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery

 

I love an ice cream shop that sells burgers. Or a burger shop that sells ice cream? Anyway, if you’re in the mood for delicious ice cream AFTER a burger or garlic fries, this is your place. Since 1982, Leatherby’s has been running this family business. When I saw family business I mean it. Dave and Sally Leatherby started this business as a way for their entire family to work together and decades later, many of their family members have worked in the shop, serving the Sacramento community.

When you get there, try Daddy Dave’s Banana Split and bring a friend (or your whole family) because there is no way you’re getting through it by yourself… at least I hope not. Though if you do, respect.

Website

The Parlor

 

Do you like ice cream? Do you like donuts? But them together and The Parlor Ice Cream has got you covered! The Parlor specializes in putting a delicious scoop of ice cream inside a donut but we’re not talking about some cold, old donut. No way. We’re talking about a hot, perfectly crafted donut with a slowly melting scoop of ice cream on the inside. Let me tell you… this thing is amazing.

They also have ice cream with churros, milkshakes, and a milkshake called the works. I can’t even describe the works other than saying it looks like they put one of everything they have in their store into a cup and it’s amazing. You won’t want to miss this spot.

Vic’s 

 

Do you know what was happening in 1947? Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball. You know what else was happening in 1947? Vic’s Ice Cream parlor started selling their famous cones. Vic’s has been in business for a while and if you’re an OG Sacramento resident you probably know about this spot right outside the beautiful Land Park.

Check their hours before you go. As of this post, Vic’s is only open Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 4pm. In short, don’t take a date here on a Saturday thinking you’re about to end the night with some ice cream. Take your family here after a trip to the zoo instead! Many of their flavors are seasonal so ask an employee for their recommendation when you get there. If you love historic establishments and ice cream, this is your spot.

Devil May Care

 

Downtown Sacramento has a number of great spots you’ll want to visit. Devil May Care is one of them. Such a fun shop right around the corner from Golden 1 Center and Punch Bowl Social. They make new flavors every day right in the back of their shop. If you follow their social media handles, you’ll see what they’re working on so while I’d love to give you a recommendation my recommendation is to get whatever their employees recommend that day… and then may check out their Odd Future flavor, a malt ice cream with chunks of peanut butter honey cookies and banana marshmallow ribbon.

Conscious creamery

 

I love Oak Park. From Fixin’s to Underground Books, a Saturday afternoon eating lunch and picking up books is a perfect day. If you want to make it even more perfect, and if you’re a dairy free ice cream fan, Conscious Creamery is your spot! When you stop by, try their Gelato Taco! Their constantly changing their flavors, using local ingredients and in season flavors, so enjoy this amazing spot in Oak Park.