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Photo courtesy of JJ's Custard Co.
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brightly, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a delightful scoop of ice cream (or two!). From innovative treats to classic mixes, Metro Detroit boasts a fantastic array of ice cream shops that cater to all tastes and preferences. Here are some must-visit spots for your next frozen treat adventure.
GUERNSEY FARMS DAIRY
21300 Novi Road, Northville
Guernsey Farms Dairy has been a staple in the Metro Detroit area since the 40’s. Known for its creamy, rich ice cream made with high-quality ingredients, Guernsey Farms Dairy offers a nostalgic experience with every scoop. From classic flavors to more adventurous options like Cinnamon Roll, Grandpa’s Blueberry Way, Bumpy Cake, and Mackinac Island Lilac, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with almost 50 choices available. Their on-site dairy store and restaurant make it a perfect stop for families looking to make a trip of it, offering fresh milk, cream, and even more dairy choices.
BROWNDOG CREAMERY
12930 Capital Street, Oak Park
120 East Main Street, Northville
Browndog Creamery is a small-batch craft ice cream maker renowned for its distinctive flavors. From Midnight Cherry Fudge to Grasshopper Mint Cookie, the creations are truly unique. Each scoop is a testament to quality, as it’s made with locally sourced Michigan dairy and other ingredients. For boozy shakes, Browndog Creamery’s Northville location is Barlor®, combining a bar with a parlor-style spot. CEO and Co-founder Paul Gabriel proudly shares, “Browndog Creamery is the first and only ice cream manufacturer licensed to create Faygo ice cream, crafting innovative flavors like Choc & Rye, Groovy Grape, Unicorn Swirl, and Firework.” For season favorites, classics, and innovative blends, check out their site on where to pick up a pint or to have it shipped to you!
TREAT DREAMS
22965 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
21012 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods
Treat Dreams is where creativity meets indulgence. This innovative ice cream shop is known for its imaginative flavors and unique combinations rotating regularly. From staple favorites like Kooky Monster to quirky offerings such as Lemon Poppyseed or Avocado Chocolate Chip, Treat Dreams is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Be sure to check their rotating menu for the latest inventive creations. The Ferndale location is paired with coffee shop Meillie and sandwich gurus Hero or Villain Deli. For parties, the Grosse Pointe Woods spot has a private upstairs party room perfect for gatherings.
JJ’S CUSTARD COMPANY
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
Beloved in the Metro Detroit area, JJ’s Custard Company has expanded, including a newly opened spot inside Little Caesars Arena. Known for unique menu items like The Sweet Bun, The Wowffle, and Injected Loaded Cones, JJ’s has become a fan-favorite. JJ’s Custard Company emphasizes excellent customer service and high-quality products, making it a favorite among ice cream enthusiasts in the Metro Detroit area. Karim Kadouh, VP of Operations and Marketing, underscores their commitment, sharing, “We’re dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience through our innovative and delicious offerings.” The loaded Drumstick cup stands out, with a cone of vanilla custard injected with salted caramel sauce and then dipped in chocolate and rolled in a crushed waffle cone, along with the Mangonada, a mango and pineapple Dole whip layered with Chamoy, Tajin, a Tamarind stick, and fresh mango chunks. The Sweet Buns and Wowffles are each filled with your choice of custard.
COLD TRUTH
4240 Cass Avenue, Detroit
Nestled in Detroit’s Midtown, Cold Truth brings a fresh twist to the local ice cream scene with its diet-friendly offerings. Using high-quality, non-dairy ingredients, Cold Truth caters to those looking for delicious vegan options without compromising on flavor. Flavors change regularly and are posted on Instagram, like sweet cream and chocolate deluxe among other fun choices. Toppings available are all dairy-free, like toasted coconut, crushed graham crackers, Oreo, or Biscoff cookies, as well as Fruity Pebbles. Many of these are vegan or gluten-free, too. Choose a drizzle and a house-made waffle cone, or turn your creation into a shake. With its minimalist aesthetic and commitment to quality, Cold Truth has quickly become a favorite among locals.
BOMBSHELL TREAT BAR
2688 Coolidge Highway, Berkley
For a chic and trendy ice cream experience, head over to Bombshell Treat Bar. Known for its Instagram-worthy treats, Bombshell Treat Bar offers an array of visually stunning and delicious desserts. Its menu features decadently dipped ice cream bars customized to your heart’s desire. Select a favorite customization, like Berry Queen with a blue raspberry dip, raspberry drizzle, a sour rainbow belt, and bombshell sprinkles, or Sweet N Salty with dark chocolate dip, caramel drizzle, flake salt, crumbled pretzels, and crushed potato chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, curate your own sweet treat with a choice of ice cream bases (Madagascar vanilla, mint cookie, strawberry sorbet, and more), a chocolate dip, with options like Michigan cherry and dulce de leche, a drizzle, and toppings from candies and cookies to salty snacks. The options are endless!
MODERN CONE
28616 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Modern Cone is a family-owned business that has made a name for itself with creative treats such as ice cream nachos, stackers, and affogato sundaes. Known for their love of all things ice cream and coffee, the Modern Cone team continually crafts exciting and delicious combinations that keep customers coming back for more. The ice cream nachos are paired with waffle chips, sauces, and toppings, and are perfect to share or enjoy yourself. The stackers are layered ice cream treats with toppings and sauce, and can be completely customized or there are preselected choices like I Want Smore with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate chips, or Death by Chocolate, with chocolate ice cream, Oreos, brownies, chocolate chips, and hot fudge. Order a scoop or two, or even try an ice cream flight with 6 of Modern Cone’s flavors. For special events, the ice cream cakes are a hit as well and can be ordered ahead for something custom or delicious options made in their freezer.
PÁGOS ICE CREAM
623 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak
Págos Ice Cream and Bubble Tea in Royal Oak offers a delightful menu of rolled ice cream. This shop prides itself on crafting flavors that appeal to all ages. You’ll find ice cream roll options ranging from Oreo Free Tonight? with vanilla and Oreo base along with chocolate drizzle, Oreo cookies, and a chocolate wafer to top, to Girl, Let That Mango! with a mango base and topped with a vanilla wafer, condensed milk, and mango jelly. The bubble teas also stand out, with options of milk or fruit teas with traditional, bursting, and jelly boba add-ons available.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on May 17, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
