Best Ice Cream in Milwaukee (Parents Share the Scoop)

Molly Weber:  Just a short drive outside of Milwaukee, this retro style diner (with burgers, wraps, salads, fish fry, etc.) also has a great selection of sundaes, malts, shakes, or floats to pick from, and a marble top creamery where you can mix any custard and topping to create your own custard flavor. You can also pick from any of their custard flavors to blend or mix with coffee for a custard coffee beverage. All of these combinations make them the home of over one million flavors!

Gina I.:  Come for their famous burgers, stay for their amazing ice cream! Be sure to stop at an ATM, they are cash only. Try a classic sundae or banana split, and don't let the name fool you--this place closes early!

Tim Ponisciak:  Oscar's has loads of flavors. Check out their schedule to find out when flavors like "death by chocolate", "tiramisu", "chocolate covered cherry" and "lemon berry" will be available! Oscar's also serves shakes and burgers.

Gina I.:  If you're looking for delicious ice cream and lots of variety, Babes is the place to go! Choose from blueberry cheesecake, cake batter fudge, Zanzibar, key lime pie, horchata, and more! Also serving shakes, malts, sundaes, vegan ice cream, cakes and pies. They rotate 30 flavors at a time out more than 100 flavors.

Erynn:  Traditional Thai rolled ice cream debuts at Fro Zone! Creative flavors and a unique-to-MKE concept make Fro Zone a hit with locals. Try a themed cup such as the Machada Green Machine, Peanut Butta Colossus, or The Campfire for a one-of-a-kind flavor and presentation. Inventory often sells out before closing time, so stop in early!

Gina I.:  Where can you try flavors like sliced pear sorbet, espresso bourbon chocolate chip, blackberry quark, and beer & pretzels? Purple Door Ice Cream! Not only is the ice cream delicious, but Purple Door is committed to sustainability both in how they produce their products and how they run their shop. Try their famous ice cream flight, which allows you to sample a variety of their tasty varieties.

Vanessa M.:  Leon's has been dishing up their world famous frozen custard in Milwaukee since 1942! They are open year-round and also serve burgers and hot dogs in addition to their custard cones, sundaes, malts, shakes, and floats. Leon's custard is made fresh daily with fresh cream and eggs in both standard flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan) and specialty flavors such as mint, raspberry, or maple walnut.

Vanessa M.:  A Milwaukee landmark since 1950 and now boasting three locations, Kopp's Frozen Custard is not to be missed. Kopp's-lovers know to check the "flavor preview" to see what unique flavors will be offered, from French Silk Pie, German Apple Streusel, or Never Enough Chocolate. Also on the menu are jumbo burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and more. Specialty sundaes are a special treat!

Molly Weber:  Indulge in a classic banana split or get creative with a custom made treat with all your favorite toppings! This is a great little neighborhood joint with dine-in and carry-out options available for your convenience!

Gina I.:  Ok, Cold Spoons is technically a gelato shop, but it just might make you an ice cream convert! Smooth and creamy, Cold Spoons serves up a wonderful assortment of delicious fresh made gelato like: tiramisu, panna cotta, caramel sea salt, and cappuccino. Flavors are rotated on a regular basis, so call ahead if you have your heart set on a particular variety.

Molly Weber:  Ted's has delicious homemade frozen custard in addition to their diner-style meals if you're looking for something savory in addition to something sweet. Choose from food from the grill, specialty sandwiches and fish fry Fridays. Breakfast is even served all day Sunday! Try their tasty frozen malts! Low fat and gluten-free options are also available. The retro spot is great for root beer floats too!

Tim Ponisciak:  Gilles is Milwaukee's oldest custard stand! They serve amazing, world famous, custard, and a full menu of hot food items.

The main food entrees here are universally approved by kids: hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, pizza rolls, etc. But the malts, shakes and ice cream is what Lee's is known for -- and it does not disappoint. This small, old-fashioned soft serve shop makes specialty sundaes and hand-dipped cones to the delight of many locals and visitors alike!