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For a hot and humid town, Charleston doesn't have a long history of ice cream shops. Most frozen desserts are imported — whether that be from Ohio or recipes by way of Italy. These are the few ice cream and gelato shops worth a visit in the Lowcountry.
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7 Quintessential Ice Cream and Gelato Shops in Charleston
The classics and the new innovators
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Park Circle Creamery
Park Circle Creamery is Park Circle neighborhood favorite. The shop offers 16 handcrafted flavors, including blueberry cheesecake and the fan-favorite butter pecan. The sweet stop hopes to serve “a spoonful of smile” with each scoop.
OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
Brooklyn-based OddFellows specializes in non-traditional flavors like olive oil, miso peanut butter brownie, and cheddar apple pie, created by James Beard-nominated chef Sam Mason.
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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
For those not familiar with the Ohio-based chain, know that owner Jeni Britton Bauer and her employees wake up with one thought, "How can we make a better ice cream today?" One taste of the locally-sourced ingredients can confirm their handiwork. Food & Wine once stated, "No one makes ice cream like Jeni Britton Bauer."
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Off Track Ice Cream
Hip dessert spot Off Track serves traditional ice cream, as well as vegan and gluten-free versions. The shop has creative options for milkshakes, sundaes, and cookie sandwiches. For example, the Salty Beach sundae is one scoop of vegan sea salt caramel ice cream, vegan hot caramel, vegan whipped cream and toasted coconut chips,
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Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Cafe
Since 1972 Ye Ole Fashioned has added six locations to the Lowcountry. The restaurants are famous for BLTs and banana splits — what's not to love? Go for a scoop of the 36 flavors or a shake.
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Belgian Gelato
After learning the art of gelato, father and daughter Hugo Heule and Joany Heule-Missotten moved from Belgium to Charleston to open a shop. They have a store off of East Bay St. and on on Lower King. Flavors range from pistachio to apple pie.
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Beardcat's
Sunny shop Beardcat's is a sweet stop after the beach or dinner on Sullivans Island. The establishment below The Obstinate Daughter serves gelato reflecting seasonal flavors and espresso drinks.
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