If you’re in the Indy area and craving something sweet, we’ve got the inside scoop. This summer, we set out on a mission: find the best ice cream shops across the Indianapolis region. From neighborhood staples to colorful hangouts, each spot had its own vibe—and plenty of flavors to discover.

Along the way, we met passionate owners, sampled bold flavors, and even found a few hidden gems that quickly became new favorites. Whether you’re a soft-serve loyalist, a flavor adventurer, or just someone who believes ice cream tastes better with friends, here are some of the best spots to check out all throughout the city.

Best Ice Cream in Downtown Indianapolis

LICK – Downtown and South Broad Ripple

LICK is known for taking ice cream in creative new directions, using locally sourced ingredients to make everything from scratch in their Indy kitchen. You can find them downtown at The Garage Food Hall in the Bottleworks District or at their original SoBro shop on 52nd and The Monon.

We stopped by the Bottleworks location and sampled some of their seasonal summer flavors, including a blueberry-and-corn combo that sounded unusual at first but turned out to be surprisingly delicious. That’s the fun of LICK: they’re always experimenting with bold, inventive flavors alongside the classics. And if you want to skip the trip, they’ll even deliver pints straight to your door, making it way too easy to keep your freezer stocked.

​Ice Cream on the Eastside of Indianapolis

LiftOff Creamery – Irvington

LiftOff Creamery might be small in size, but it’s packed with big flavor. Tucked into a walkable stretch of Irvington, this shop serves up incredibly delicious scoops. They even offer menu items beyond ice cream, like grilled cheese and burgers, and we couldn’t resist trying their house-made LiftOff Burger.

Our favorite combo? The staff recommended both the Salted Caramel flavor and the Lemon Sorbet—a sweet and tangy duo that hit just right on a hot day. The shop itself has a relaxed vibe with light music in the background, making it a cozy stop before continuing exploring the neighborhood. And if you can’t make it to the Irvington location, good news! LiftOff also has locations in downtown Indy and Greenwood.

Libby’s Ice Cream – Fortville

What started as a home goods shop in Fortville has grown into a community favorite for ice cream lovers. After the town’s longtime parlor closed, Libby and her family decided to bring ice cream back to Main Street, creating a space where people could gather and share a scoop. That vision is now expanding to Greenfield and McCordsville, and each space is just as welcoming as the original.

Libby’s serves hand-dipped ice cream from Sundae’s Homemade, a local brand Indy has loved for over 35 years. Flavors rotate often, but we tried Graham Central Station (a creamy, cookie-crumble classic) and it was a hit. The shop makes it easy to grab pints to-go with their “Grab-n-Go” freezer. Plus, the Greenfield location sits right along the Pennsy Trail, making it the perfect pit stop after a bike ride or walk. 

Moo & Lou Frozen Treats – Lawrence

Moo & Lou Frozen Treats was built in honor of the owner’s daughter, Maddie “Moo,” who passed away at just 19 years old. Now, they carry on her legacy through acts of kindness and spreading smiles, all while serving delicious treats. 

This shop started as a food truck but has now grown into a cheerful Lawrence staple, where Maddie’s sister Lacy “Lou” is often the smiling face behind the counter. The menu has a little bit of everything—with hand-dipped ice cream, slushies, shaved ice, and nostalgic drinks like root beer floats.

But what makes Moo & Lou truly special is the atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find board games and plenty of space to hang out. Outside, there’s a playground that makes it a go-to for families. When we visited, we tried a classic root beer float and a fun-sized shaved ice, and both tasted sweeter knowing the story behind the shop.

Ice Cream on the Southside of Indianapolis

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream & Sweets – Mooresville

Chunky Monkey is a locally owned and operated shop just off State Road 67 in Mooresville. We ordered a chocolate sprinkle-dipped cone filled with Salted Caramel ice cream, a fan favorite flavor packed with caramel swirls and chocolate chunks. Locals also rave about the Red Velvet Cake and Bourbon Butter Pecan ice cream. With its mix of quirky charm and bold flavors, Chunky Monkey is the kind of place that feels like a treat for both kids and adults.

The Suds Drive In – Greenwood

The Suds is a retro drive-in that feels like a step back in time. Just pull in, grab a picnic table, and soak in the 1950s vibes—complete with classic cars on display. We ordered a brownie sundae topped with soft-serve ice cream and a warm, fudgy brownie, and it was so delicious.

Located in Market Plaza just a quarter of a mile off of Main Street in Greenwood, The Suds is a go-to for lunch, dinner, or dessert. Just be sure to plan ahead! It’s a small business open only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor – Columbus

About an hour south of Indianapolis, Zaharakos is one of Indiana’s most historic ice cream parlors. Established in 1900, Zaharakos is known for its ornate mahogany backbar, Tiffany-style soda fountains, and a 1908 Welte orchestrion that fills the space with old-world music charm. 

Zaharakos is just as much about the atmosphere and history as it is about the ice cream, and it’s worth visiting Columbus at least once for the experience. We ordered a classic fountain soda and a couple of sundaes topped with rich sauces and whipped cream. Pro tip: make a reservation if you’re visiting on the weekend! This spot stays busy!

Ice Cream on the Westside of Indianapolis

Alpha Neveria & Tamales – Indianapolis

With two locations on the west side near Speedway, Alpha Neveria & Tamales is unlike anywhere else we visited. This authentic Mexican heladería (ice cream parlor) serves small-batch ice cream inspired by traditional Latin American desserts.

The shop is colorful and lively, with tropical murals that instantly immerse you in Latin American culture. We loved the Tres Leches flavor, which was incredibly rich and velvety. And yes, their menu also features tamales, making it a great spot to grab something sweet and savory. If you’re looking to branch out from traditional flavors, Alpha Neveria & Tamales is a must-try!

Mandy’s Ice Cream – Brownsburg

Mandy’s is a cozy, family-run shop that truly has something for everybody. Their most creative menu item? Ice Cream Nachos—crispy waffle chips piled with two scoops of Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream. It’s crunchy, creamy, and ridiculously fun to eat! The staff is also really friendly and ready to recommend new flavors, making Mandy’s a sweet detour if you’re in Brownsburg.

Frost Bite – Avon

Frost Bite is the definition of a classic summer stop. This nostalgic, walk-up ice cream stand serves frozen favorites like cones, sundaes, and their signature “frosts,” which is soft-serve blended with your choice of candy. We ordered a classic banana split piled high with toppings, and it was so tasty! Conveniently located right off Rockville Road in Avon, it’s a casual spot where it feels like summer never ends.

Ice Cream on the Northside of Indianapolis

BRICS – Broad Ripple

The Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station—better known as BRICS—is a neighborhood favorite right off the Monon Trail. Located in the heart of Broad Ripple, it’s housed in the century-old Monon Railway Station. And with over 30 rotating flavors including vegan options, there’s something for everyone!

We went with French Silk (rich chocolate mousse with dark chocolate flakes) and Vegan Watermelon Sorbet (which was smooth, refreshing, and way creamier than expected.) If you’re spending the day on the Monon, this is the perfect pit stop, whether you’re out with family, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself!

Fundae’s Ice Cream & Sweets – Zionsville

We visited the Fundae’s location in Zionsville, and it was fun, bright, and super welcoming for visitors of all ages. The menu is huge—with more than 80 flavors ranging from Blueberry Cheesecake to Electric Watermelon to their signature “ZOREO” flavor. 

Beyond ice cream scoops, you’ll also find floats, milkshakes, and even take-home cakes and pints. We sampled several flavors during our trip, but ultimately ended up with the Espresso Oreo, a coffee-meets-cookie combo that hit all the right notes. And with additional locations in Carmel and Speedway, Fundae’s is never too far away.

Crave Ice Cream Social – Geist

Crave is a 10/10 for both flavor and atmosphere! With both indoor and outdoor seating, some chill music, and over 25 rotating flavors, Crave is our top pick near Fishers and Geist Reservoir. The menu also goes beyond ice cream, offering smoothies, coffee, floats, cookie sandwiches, and shaved ice. 

First, we tried the Rainbow Sherbet ice cream, which had both a smooth and nostalgic taste. Then, we had their Iced Latte-Da flavor, which was just the right amount of sweet and caffeinated. Between the variety of choices and the laid-back atmosphere, Crave is a great option for grabbing a treat.

Alexander’s on the Water – Cicero

With its spot right across from Morse Reservoir, Alexander’s on the Water is the kind of place where you can get a milkshake with a view. Their Cicero location offers 16 hand-dipped flavors and 24 soft-serve options, plus a full food menu with sandwiches, chili, and their famous jumbo-breaded tenderloin if you’re hungry. We tried the Cookies and Cream Milkshake, and it was one of the creamiest shakes we’ve ever had—topped with plenty of whipped cream and perfect for sipping on a summer day by the lake.

If you’re closer to Noblesville, consider checking out their second location at Alexander’s on the Square. This location offers 36 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, making it a fun challenge to pick a favorite. Paired with the charm of Noblesville’s historic square, it’s a great spot to grab a cone while you stroll, shop, or just take in the small-town atmosphere.