San Antonio’s Scoops of Summer Bliss: Top 10 Must-Try Treats
A long and interesting history, a colorful multicultural background, and a fantastic choice of ice cream joints characterize the city of San Antonio. When it comes to finding the best ice cream in the city, both the newcomer and the local can offer some rather fascinating views. Ranging from small-scale shops specific to particular neighborhoods of the city to Mexican ice cream shops called cafeterias, there is something to satisfy the sweet tooth of every San Antonio food lover.
In this article, I’ll take you through my journey of tasting the Best ice cream San Antonio has to offer, focusing on five standout spots: Lick Honest Ice Creams, Black + White Modern Creamery, Paleteria San Antonio, the 210 ICE CREAM company and Kuma.
Lick Honest Ice Cream
Address
This is located at 312 Pearl Pkwy #2101, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Overview
Lick Honest Ice Cream is a beloved local treasure that prides itself on using ingredients sourced from nearby farmers and artisans. This means artificial flavors and preservatives do not get a chance to penetrate its scoop. Here, we’ve got delicious flavors like Lavender Honey and Horchata, which are sweet and spicy at the same time, and, of course, all-time favorites Chocolate and Strawberry.
My Review
Entering Lick Honest Ice Creams, the atmosphere is not dissimilar to walking into a corner store that every town resident supports due to its outstanding quality and taste. The staff always looks happy on the job, and the passion is evident in the ice cream they churn out. I couldn’t decide which was my favorite, but the Lavender Honey was comforting, like a summer evening in a cone. It has another signature dish known as the Horchata, which is well-blended with cinnamon and cream. Each time, from pumpkin pie to peppermint, presents something fresh and new that makes Lick Honest Ice Cream ideal for any ice cream enthusiast.
Black+White Modern Creamery
Address
This is located at 4011 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
Black+White Modern Creamery differs from most ice creams because of its variety of flavors and its attention to quality. They make their ice cream from scratch daily, so as you take every scoop, it is as delicious as the previous one was scooped. Here, they highlighted some options, namely Black Sesame, Ube Halaya, and Vegan Mexican Chocolate, all of which are made with great care.
My Review
My short visit to this Black+White Modern Creamery was nothing short of extraordinary. The moment you walk in, the minimalist decor and friendly atmosphere set the stage for the main event: The ice cream. The Black Sesame flavor was the biggest surprise: it tasted deeply and satisfyingly of toasted nuts, with a hint of bitterness. The Ube Halaya, with its beautiful purple color and very mild and soft flavor, reminded me of the Philippines. If you fancy something dairy-free, the Vegan Mexican Chocolate is something for you – silky, decadent, and boasting spice.
Paleteria San Antonio
Address
This is located at 510 S Alamo St Unit 104, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Paleteria San Antonio is the place for those who would like to taste Mexican products and feel the Mexican atmosphere. This lively place is packed with over 20 different paletas (popsicles), helados (ice cream), or mangonadas (fruit, lime juice, and chili ice). It is perfect for anyone who has an interest in exploring the different Mexican desserts.
My Review
Each time I step into Paleteria San Antonio, I feel transported to Mexico in a way. It is a veritable carnival of choices, which can be quite exciting in its own right. Packed with real fruit flavor, paletas are sweet and a perfect snack – my favorite is mango con Chile, which is sweet and spicy! The heads are also fantastic, with the velvety Coconut being particularly delightful, as well as the tart and fruity Tamarind. And the mangonadas?They’re a one-of-a-kind food – sour, zesty, and best-savored in the hot summer months.
210 ICE CREAM
Address
This is located at 7126 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238, United States.
Overview
They have suitable vibes that are friendly to families and friends, evident from the name 210 ICE CREAM. They offer basic, simple flavors: fruity, Dadi, Mexican Delights Churro, and Horchata. They offer not only ice cream but also milkshakes, raspas (also known as snow cones), and nachos for those with a hankering for something more savory.
My Review
Everyone feels this enthusiasm when they are at 210 ICE CREAM. It’s the kind of place where one can laugh from dawn till dusk and have ice creams in between. Special mention should be given to the Churro ice cream; it is the comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar blended with a smooth, creamy consistency. The Horchata flavor is another one I recommend, which gives you a great Mexican drink in a frozen treat. Besides ice cream, their milkshakes are creamy and dense, and the raspas are ideal for consumption when it is hot. 211 ICE CREAM is not just about desserts; it’s about having a good time.
Kuma
Address
This is located at 7915 W Loop 1604 N Ste 120, San Antonio, TX 78254, United States.
Overview
Kuma caters to those with a refined palate and a love for handcrafted, small-batch ice cream. The desserts are all made with ingredients appropriate for the specific season to keep them fresh, with flavors such as Olive Oil, Rosemary, and Toasted Coconut, meaning guests get to try something new each time.
My Review
Kuma is a fascinating place for everybody trying to find a good, non-traditional ice cream shop. The combination of the two flavors, olive oil and rosemary, may not appeal to the ordinary pallet. Still, it has a very rich and unanticipated blend of sweet and savory, which I enjoyed. The Toasted Coconut was one of my favorites the second time, which brought a nice combination of familiar warmth with something more exotic. Based on the freshness of the ingredients, Kuma is willing to go out of its way to get fresh and seasonal ingredients to ensure that each scoop bursts naturally, making it unique compared to other ice cream stores in San Antonio.
Amy’s Ice Creams
Address
This is located at 255 E Basse Rd Ste 430, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States.
Overview
Amy’s Ice Cream is a beloved local gem in San Antonio, known for its wide variety of classic and creative flavors. This ice cream parlor lets you order your ice cream as you wish with garnishing and additives. So, whether you are in the mood for a simple ice cream cone and toppings or a new experience, Amy’s has got you. Its spirited ambiance and novelty make it a perfect place for locals and tourists.
My Review
I love Amy’s Ice Cream. The first time I walked in, I was immediately struck by the vibrant and friendly vibe of the place. All the staff are very friendly and can assist you in going through all the numerous dishes that are offered. It is said that when it comes to the flavor, I prefer it to be plain or simple, so I always choose the Mexican Vanilla since it is quite creamy and not overly sweet. Sometimes, I add freshly chopped strawberries and almonds; the dish is so creamy but crunchy. Amy’s also does well with their other flavors, maybe because of their seasonal flavors, including lavender honey and Guinness. Every time, it is a different journey for the buds on my tongue to go through with different meals.
The Crave Ice Cream Social House
Overview
The Crave Ice Cream Social House is where you go when you want to indulge in over-the-top ice cream creations. This spot is famous for its extravagant sundaes, decadent milkshakes, and crispy waffle cones. They specialize in turning your wildest ice cream dreams into reality, making it a perfect destination for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.
My Review
Crave Ice Cream Social House is always a place to look forward to. The given atmosphere can be described as not so formal but rather cozy and is perfect for families or companies of friends. I tried their famous Freak Shake and Girl, and I can tell you, it was interesting! This mammoth milkshake was topped with brownies, cookies, and sweets, giving it the look of a desert and the taste of one. The ice cream was wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth, and both flavors were astounding, as they were not a combination. Crave offers a choice that will indulge any desire, whether you are in the mood for just a single scoop or a huge portion.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop
Address
This is located at 5311 N Loop 1604 W Acc Rd Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States.
Overview
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop is the place to go for classic ice cream flavors done right. Handel prides itself on sourcing superior, natural ingredients while making the ice cream daily, guaranteeing that customers get a delectable treat in every spoonful. The chocolate as black as the night seizing your taste buds and the crisp red fruit as juicy as the morning dew are clear testaments to their dedication.
My Review
Handel’s is where the die-hard traditional ice cream fanatic can feel right at home. First, they are presented as tender and creamy, which could be attributed to the company’s time and effort in their preparation. Of all the flavors I have tasted, I prefer the butter pecan the most because aside from being creamy, adding pecans makes it crunchy. In my last experience, I also had an opportunity to taste the chocolate chip cookie dough, and it was fantastic, especially with large pieces of dough in the ice cream. Handel’s is the prototypical ice cream establishment, at least from the standpoint of an experienced consumer such as myself.
Belgian Sweets
Address
This is located at 15614 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78248, United States.
Overview
Belgian Sweets offers a delightful blend of Belgian chocolates, cookies, and ice cream. Their ice cream, being real Belgian chocolate, is fond of different flavors, including rich chocolate flavoring, creamy vanilla, and delicious strawberry. This shop gives San Antonio’s ice cream lovers an experience akin to Europe’s sophisticated cream parlors.
My Review
Belgian Sweets – a fine European bakery and café that gives you a true feel of Belgium with its delightful delicacies. Oh, I love their chocolate ice cream – it is creamy and has a very intense chocolatey taste as opposed to usual ice cream that can be easily bought. Together with one of the cookies baked freshly in Belgium, it is a treat beyond compare. The environment and decoration are warm and inviting, allowing you to relax with your dessert for at least some time.
Justin’s Ice Cream
Address
This is located at River Level, 245 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.
Overview
Justin’s Ice Cream is an example of a small family business that specializes in ice cream production in various usual and seasonal flavors. The strategies involve the use of quality raw materials and the production of ice cream in large batches daily. This commitment to quality and freshly prepared ingredients extends to every spoonful.
My Review
It’s hard to pin it down, but there is something special about that little company, Justin’s Ice Cream. Perhaps it is this restaurant’s relaxed environment and friendly staff or the gustative experience. The latest addition of ice cream flavor was the pumpkin spice ice cream, which reminded me of the feeling of savoring an ice cream when the leaves are falling. The spice blending was just great, and the smoothness of the finish was out of this world. I also liked their traditional strawberry: It is tasty and not too sweet. Justin’s offers a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, making each dining experience worthwhile.
Read Also: Best 10 Cocktails in San Antonio
Final Words
The ice cream Scene in San Antonio is as rich as the cultural flavor of the city. Whether you crave authentic Mexican sweets and snacks or enjoy the exotic taste options contemporary cuisine offers, it is possible to satisfy any craving.
Lick Honest Ice Creams, Black+White Modern Creamery, Paleteria San Antonio, 210 ICE CREAM, and Kuma: Artisanal Creamery each have so much to provide fresh experiences that surely no ice cream enthusiast would want to miss. Next time you find yourself in San Antonio, do yourself a favor and taste some of these great ice creams!
