Dreamy and Creamy Goodness: Top Ice Cream Shops in Charleston, SC

Where Are The Best Ice Cream Parlors in Charleston, SC? The seaside community of Charleston doesn’t lack for places to get a great dessert. Nothing is as satisfying as getting a scoop of creamy heaven on a southern summer day. Those on the hunt for the best ice cream parlors in Charleston will want shops that specialize in homemade, hand-churned delights that surpass all expectations. Luckily, these Charleston ice cream shops exceed expectations.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Address: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, 501 King St Ste A, Charleston, SC

With only a handful of select cities featuring storefront Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams locations, Charleston is fortunate to have one in the Radcliffeborough neighborhood. These stores utilize locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality to craft one-of-kind flavors like sweet potato marshmallow brûlée. The combination earned Jeni’s a place on local store shelves and a strong online customer presence. Stop by any day of the week to try out the splendid unlimited samples before ordering a customized dessert served with a smile. Another location is now in Mount Pleasant.

Ye Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café

Address: Ye Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café, 6554 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC

When an ice cream shop has won as many awards over the years as Ye Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café, something remarkable must be going on behind the kitchen doors. The ice cream masters at this Charleston staple are busy churning up 30+ flavors of creamy fun and seasonal flavors daily alongside their amazing home-style menu options.

Don’t miss the giant banana splits designed for sharing or a smooth milkshake or malt. For 12 years, the goodies here grace the ‘best in city’ lists amid multiple publications, so head down to their North Charleston or other locations in Summerville or West Ashley to see what the fuss is all about.

Park Circle Creamery

Address: Park Circle Creamery, 1044 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC

“Ooh la la, can I have another scoop?” is all one can ask after a visit to the Park Circle Creamery in North Charleston and Summerville. This neighborhood favorite ice cream parlor may be small in size, but it overflows big on taste. It sells at least 16 in-house flavors every day and promises to serve ‘a spoonful of smile’ with every bite. If creative flavors like blueberry cheesecake, peanut butter passion and maple bacon ice cream pique the curiosity, head to Park Circle Creamery and satisfy the urge. All ingredients, even the waffle cones, are homemade.

Belgian Gelato

Address: Belgian Gelato, 8 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC

While it’s not a traditional Charleston ice cream parlor, Belgian Gelato is well worth mentioning on the best of the best creamy treats. Owned and operated by a daughter/father team from Belgium, the smooth gelato crossing the counter here is authentic in every aspect. Customer favorites lean towards the white chocolate praline, pistachio, apple pie and peanut butter gelato flavors.

Off Track Ice Cream

Address: 6 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401

Love ice cream but following a vegan diet? Don’t despair! Try Off Track ice cream, a newer venue in the heart of Charleston delivering luscious treats to everyone. All ice creams are made from local, fresh, and clean ingredients starting from scratch with every delicious batch. Vegan ice creams use a raw cashew base, and have creative flavors from Peppermint Bark to Raspberry Fudge. Or indulge in traditional milk-based flavors like Salted Caramel or Melted Hot Cocoa. Other treats include sundaes and milkshakes.

Marble Slab Creamery

Address: 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., #20 Charleston, SC 29407

Your imagination has no limits when you visit Marble Slab Creamery. The mix-ins are always free. Choose your ice cream base and the mixers will whip it up on the ice-cold marble slab into ice cream sundaes, cones, and scoops. All ice creams are small batch made and have been since 1983. They also sell ice cream cakes, smoothies, and signature sundaes at their location in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant.