Little Man Ice Cream
Location: 2620 16th St
Hours: Winter hours: daily 11AM – 10PM
Sounds sweet: Operating inside of its emblematic 28-foot tall cream can, Little Man has become Denver famous since opening in 2008. For every scoop of handmade ice cream purchased, Little Man delivers a scoop of rice to developing countries worldwide. We recommend the Bhakti Chai or Fluffernutter.
Sweet Action
Location: 52 Broadway
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 1 – 10PM; Friday – Saturday: 1 – 11PM
Sounds sweet: Voted the Best Ice Cream Shop in Colorado by USA Today and said to be Denver’s best ice cream by 5280 Magazine, the hype is deserved at this shop that uses only local ingredients. Known for its eclectic flavor combinations, some crowd favorites include Stranahan’s Whiskey Brickle and Honey Chile Pepper.
SNOWLAB
Location: 4360 E Evans Ave
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 12 – 10PM; closed Wednesday; Thursday: 12 – 10PM; Friday – Saturday: 12 – 11PM
Sounds sweet: Made with soy milk and only natural flavors, a Taiwanese shaved snow from Snowlab is the perfect option for lactose-intolerant and vegan visitors. This isn’t the type of shaved ice you’d expect from the state fair—this creamy, ribbon-like dessert comes in flavors like Black Sesame and Thai Tea.
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Location: 799 S University Blvd
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 9:30PM
Sounds sweet: Voted the 2016 Best Ice Cream Shop by Colorado Parent magazine, this neighborhood gem has been serving up some of the best ice cream and shakes in Denver since 1986. The shop near Wash Park has a retro feel and often a line down the block—but it’s worth the wait! We love the Mocha Almond and Oatmeal.
Sweet Cow
Locations: Denver Highlands (3475 W 32nd Ave); Denver Platt Park (1882 S Pearl St); North Boulder (2628 Broadway); South Boulder (669 S Broadway); Stanley Market (2501 N Dallas St); Louisville (637 Front St)
Hours: Denver Highlands: Sunday – Thursday: 10AM – 10PM; Friday – Saturday: 10AM – 11PM
Other locations: Sunday – Thursday: 10AM –9PM; Friday – Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sounds sweet: With six locations around Denver, you’re sure to be within a short drive or walk to this local chain dedicated to scooping ice cream in an environmentally responsible way. All of their flavors are hand churned on site—it doesn’t get fresher than that. Try the Mooscow Mule and Myranda’s Peanut Butter Honey.