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Nothing spells joy like a scoop of ice cream (or two). In Metro Detroit, you’re in for a treat—quite literally. The city offers an array of ice cream parlors and custard connoisseurs to satisfy every craving you could possibly have. From vegan soft-serve options to classic custard shops, and hard scoops on waffle cones to more specialized offerings, Metro Detroit has it all. Join us as we explore the creamy and ever-so-dreamy world of Metro Detroit’s ice cream scene!
One word of warning: These creative food types really like to change up their menu boards on a regular basis. Because of that, you’ll need to keep track of their social media or know the rotating schedule to ensure your favorite wild ice cream concept is still available. Chances are, they’ll be happy to get your mixing back in the mix when they can as well.
If you’re looking for some crazy flavors or unique ice cream creations, check out these innovators and see what’s new on the menu.
TREAT DREAMS
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
This is the OG of fabulous ice cream and wild concoctions. There are introductory fun flavors that just make you drool a bit, like Kooky Monster. It features vanilla ice cream dyed blue with Oreos and cookie dough. If you want to take it up a notch, you can try the more exotic flavors, like Hot Jalapeno. Treat Dreams has earned the title of offering “the most original and innovative homemade Ice Cream in Michigan.”
COLD TRUTH
4240 Cass Ave, Detroit
The name says it all – this Detroit vegan and dairy soft serve is the truth and then some. They make everything from scratch, from the waffle cones to the toppings to the sauces. Everything is indeed “curated with love,” as they say on social media. Check out their website or social media for current flavors, like Chai or Hibiscus Berry. With a storefront in Detroit and a food truck frequently on the go, this is not a place you’ll want to skip.
WALLY’S FROZEN CUSTARD
22501 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores
We know…custard isn’t the same as ice cream. But the brilliant minds at Wally’s Frozen Custard in St. Clair Shores have a seemingly never-ending list of crazy desserts, ranging from its signature whirlies to its giant fire-helmet sundae, which follows its Fire Station Theme. Over at Wally’s, they update their menu weekly with new custard, frozen yogurt, and dole whip flavors. Keep an eye out for their social media updates for the flavors of the week, as you may want to stop at least once a week like I do!
GARRIDO’S BISTRO AND PASTRY
19605 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods
Grosse Pointe Woods families know that when they need something special to celebrate a fun event, they can head to this Mack Avenue bistro. They use ice cream as a base for a treat that is stacked about a mile high with everything thrown in including a milkshake, ice cream sandwiches, crunch cakes, cake pops, and scoops of ice cream topped with fudge sauce and homemade whipped cream.
These drinkable desserts weren’t always available, however. We’re told by Co-owner Vanessa Gonzalez, “We started offering the Extreme Towering Milkshakes and Hot Chocolates back in 2016. At first, we were just trying to sell a high-quality hot chocolate made from scratch, but the customers weren’t really interested. So, my husband/business partner had an idea…to make the hot chocolate look as unique as it was. Next thing I knew, he went back to the kitchen and came out about 20 minutes later with a freshly made waffle, dark chocolate sauce, marshmallows, cookies, whipped cream, and other treats…and created our first ever Extreme Towering Hot Cocoa…The designs and flavors have changed over the years; we are constantly innovating, serving different flavors according to the seasons, and always maintaining the quality, taste, and vertical design.”
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was authored by Karen Dybis.
