Are you on the hunt for the places where you can find the very best ice cream in CT? Somewhere that serves over-the-top, decked-out ice cream sundaes?
Somewhere that serves unique and delicious handmade ice cream flavors?
If this describes you, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Last summer, my kids and I went on a bit of a road trip around CT to find the best ice cream shops.
We splurged on some of the best soft serve, hard ice cream, and milkshakes that you can imagine.
Some of my favorite cones were simple, but unique handmade ice creams and others dazzled me with both their flavor and presentation.
My kids didn’t waste any time when spring break came along this year when it came to asking if we could find some more great CT ice cream shops.
So, we hit the road again and found even more impressive ice cream restaurants.
My arm doesn’t need a lot of twisting when it comes to ice cream. I’m sure you understand.
Anyway, we found some great ice cream and I’m excited to tell you where you, too, can enjoy the best ice cream in CT.
Some of the picks on my list are old favorites, and others are new discoveries.
Almost every ice cream shop on this list opens each year by March 1st and most of them have soft serve and frozen yogurt options, as well.
I’m excited about this one, so let’s get right to it.
13 shops for the best ice cream in CT
Jennifer’s Ice Cream – East Haven
Jennifer’s Ice Cream in East Haven is our go-to ice cream shop for after we take the kids to the Shoreline Trolley Museum, so I’m very familiar with this place.
The ice cream here is handmade and fresh.
Jennifer’s Ice Cream serves flavors like Cheese Cake and their ever-so-delicious Banoffee, which is a combination of banana, caramel, and Oreo.
They have a large variety of sundaes and, of course, milkshakes.
If you’re looking for homemade ice cream cake, Jennifer’s makes some of the best in Connecticut.
Address: 388 Main Street, East Haven CT 06512
Arethusa al tavolo – Bantam
If you want to spoil yourself with a serving of decadent ice cream, a trip to Arethusa al tovolo in Litchfield is worth your time.
Most people in CT know this place as one of the best farm-to-table restaurants, but it also serves some of the best ice cream in CT.
Arethusa makes its ice cream by hand from locally sourced milk and you can definitely taste the difference.
There aren’t a ton of flavors to choose from here, but the flavors they do serve will impress you.
This is more of a fine dining restaurant than a family ice cream shop, so it’s a nice place to enjoy a serving of ice cream kid-free.
Address: 828 Bantam Road Bantam, CT 06750
Salem Valley Farms – Salem
Salem Valley Farms makes some of the best ice cream in CT. It’s all homemade and oh-so-delicious.
Walk up to the take-out window and order ice cream flavors like Apple Crumb Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Fudge Crunch Cappuccino.
Salem Valley Farms also serves sundaes, floats, and some of the best banana splits you’ll ever taste.
They also serve frozen yogurt and they have gluten-free cones for those with different dietary needs.
Address: 20 Darling Road, Salem, CT
Milkcraft – West Hartford
Milkcraft in West Hartford’s ice cream is a little on the pricey side, but don’t let that be the reason you don’t come treat yourself to an oversize scoop of amazing ice cream.
Some of the flavors they serve are seasonal, but if they’re serving their Chocolate Churro option, get it.
It’s amazing and I enjoy the beautiful downtown area around this Milkcraft, too.
There are other Milkcraft ice cream shops in CT, but most people agree that this one is the best.
Address: 967 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT
Buttonwood Farm – Griswold
If you’re looking for homemade gourmet ice cream surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in CT, Buttonwood Farm in Griswold is where you need to be.
This place is amazing.
They offer flavors like Coffee Resse and Orange Pineapple.
Buttonwood Farm is simply beautiful and has one of the most spectacular sunflower fields in Connecticut.
Getting an ice cream cone here is a whole experience – I highly recommend this place.
Address: 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT, 06351
Uconn Dairy Bar – Storrs
The Uconn Dairy Bar in Storrs is an award-winning ice cream parlor that serves some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste.
The ice cream is made in the creamery using an original recipe.
The Cherry Cotton Candy Swirl is a fan favorite, but there are so many other delicious flavors to choose from.
Address: 3384 Towers Loop Rd., Storrs, CT 06269
Grass Roots Ice Cream – Granby
If you’re looking for a totally organic ice cream experience, Grass Roots Ice Cream in Granby has what you’re looking for.
From the ice cream to the cones, everything is homemade. Even the sprinkles are homemade!
All of the ice cream flavor options here are simply delicious.
Grass Roots has vegan options, as well.
Address: 4 Park Place, Granby, CT
Rich Farm – Oxford
Rich Farm in Oxford has some of the best CT ice cream shops west of New Haven.
The ice cream here is all homemade and the milk comes straight from the dairy cows on this beautiful 100-acre property.
Flavors here include German Chocolate Brownie and Rum Raisin.
They also have plenty of seasonal ice cream flavors and specialty flavors.
If you’re looking for vegan ice cream, Rich Farms has it. Just call ahead to see what flavors are available.
Address: 691 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478
Gum Drops & Lollipops – Niantic
Gum Drops & Lollipops is our go-to ice cream shop when we spend the day at one of Niantic’s beautiful beaches.
The beachfront treasure is an ice cream shop and candy shop in one.
Ice cream flavors here range from extra tasty versions of all the classic varieties to fun flavors like Cotton Sandy and Coconut Coast.
If you haven’t visited Gum Drops & Lollipops in a while, you might be disappointed to know that they no longer have the 50s-style tables set up for indoor dining.
They still serve some of the best ice cream in CT, though, and they still serve lunch.
Address: 334 Main Street, Niantic, CT
Honeycone Craft Ice Cream – Chester
If you are looking for a high-end ice cream experience, Honeycone in Chester deserves your attention.
The owners here are long-time professionals in the culinary industry and it shows in the quality of the ice cream, as well as the creativity of the flavor choices.
Come to Honeycone and experience ice cream flavors like Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Honey Lavender.
Address: 29 Main St. Chester, CT
Cromwell Creamery – Cromwell
If you’re in the Middletown area and you’re on the hunt for some delicious premium ice cream, you definitely need to check out Cromwell Creamery.
The flavors here are so unique, and the flavor options here are extensive.
Cromwell Creamery serves ice cream flavors like Oatmeal Cookie and Valencia Orange.
This is a family owned business, so you can feel good about supporting the local economy while you enjoy your tasty treat.
Address: 2 Willowbrook Road, Cromwell, CT
Collins Creamery – Enfield
I discovered Collins Creamery in Enfield after taking my kids to Riverside Reptiles, Connecticut’s only serpentarium.
The kids wanted some good ice cream and boy oh boy did we have some good ice cream that day.
The ice cream here is all homemade and it’s so darn good.
Flavors here include things like Red Raspberry Chocolate Chip and Cowabunga, which is chocolate ice cream with peanuts and brownie pieces in it.
They have plenty of homemade packaged ice cream you can take home with you, as well.
Address: 9 Powder Hill Road, Enfield, CT
Sweet Claude’s – Cheshire
Last, but certainly not least, on my list is Sweet Claude’s in Cheshire.
This awesome ice cream shop has been serving homemade ice cream to Connecticut families for over 30 years.
Here, you’ll find flavors like Caramel Cashew and Coconut Crème – yum.
Sweet Claude’s even serves an adults-only ice cream flavor – Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Address: 493 W Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410
There are so many great ice cream shops in CT. It really was hard to pair down our original list to these 13.
If your favorite Connecticut ice cream spot didn’t make the list, send an email or leave a comment below and tell us all about it.
Heibeck’s Stand in Wilton
They also have the most amazing lobster rolls
https://www.heibecksstand.com/