When the Denver heat starts to rise, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream. Luckily, Denver has no shortage of incredible local ice cream shops—each with their own unique flavors, vibes, and fan favorites. From neighborhood institutions to small-batch artisans crafting wildly creative flavors, there’s something in the Mile High City for every ice cream lover.
Want more posts like this? Sign up HERE for updates straight to your inbox!
Here’s our guide to the best ice cream shops in Denver that are totally worth the brain freeze.
1. Little Man Ice Cream
Located in a giant 28-foot milk can in Denver's Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood, Little Man Ice Cream is a local icon known for its nostalgic charm and inventive flavors like Salted Oreo and Space Junkie. Beyond the flagship location, Little Man has expanded across Denver with several unique concepts:
-
Sweet Cooie’s: A retro-inspired spot in Congress Park famous for ice cream-stuffed brioche sandwiches.
-
Little Man Ice Cream Central Park: Formerly known as The Constellation, this kiosk in the Central Park neighborhood blends aviation history with sweet treats.
-
Little Man Ice Cream Factory: A 6,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room in Sloan’s Lake where visitors can sample new flavors and see the ice cream-making process.
-
Dang! Ice Cream: Known for its creamy soft serve and a fun twist—serving crispy French fries alongside.
2. High Point Creamery
With locations in Hilltop, RiNo, Central Park, and Berkeley, High Point Creamery takes ice cream to the next level with creative, upscale flavors. Don’t miss their Basil with Blackberry Swirl or Brown Butter Pecan. They also offer curated flights so you can try several at once.
3. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
Image: Bonnie Brae Ice Cream on Facebook
A local favorite since 1986, Bonnie Brae serves up generous scoops in a charming, old-school setting. With over 120 flavors rotating throughout the year, there’s always something new—and something nostalgic—to try.
799 S University Blvd, Denver, CO
4. Liks Ice Cream
Capitol Hill’s Liks has been serving Denver since 1976. They’re known for quirky flavors like Green Nerds and classic options like Cookies & Cream. Liks is a great go-to for ice cream lovers who like to mix the traditional with the unexpected.
2039 East 13th Avenue
5. Sweet Cow
With seven locations, including Highlands, Platt Park, and Stanley Marketplace, Sweet Cow is known for small-batch ice cream made with local ingredients. Popular choices include Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, and a variety of vegan selections.
6. Nuggs Ice Cream
A neighborhood favorite on East Colfax, Nuggs is known for indulgent ice cream tacos, massive cookie sandwiches, and creamy, rich textures that keep locals coming back for more.
5135 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
7. Sadboy Creamery
Sadboy Creamery drops new flavors every Monday at 10 AM on Hotplate for online preorder—no walk-ins. Pick up your order at Sadboy HQ during select windows:
-
Thu 4:30–6:00 PM
-
Fri 12:00–1:30 PM
-
Sat 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
With fun, limited-edition flavors like Glumfetti Cake, these sell out fast. Pro tip: sign up for drop reminders and bring a cooler for pickup! Follow them on Instagram for the latest scoops.
1280 N Sherman St, Denver
8. Sweet Action Ice Cream
A sustainable, small-batch artisan creamery with four Denver locations (Broadway, Wash Park, Uptown, Jeff Park). They handcraft every flavor using local Colorado dairy, fresh fruits, and their own baked mix-ins. Powered entirely by wind energy, Sweet Action also offers dairy-free and vegan options—guaranteeing at least a couple of vegan scoops or sorbets daily. Their seasonal flavors are endlessly inventive, ranging from Thai Iced Tea to Horchata and Stranahan’s Whiskey Brickle.
Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or an adventurous flavor, Denver's ice cream scene has something for everyone. Grab a cone (or a cup), find a shady spot, and enjoy summer one scoop at a time.
What’s your go-to ice cream shop in Denver? Let us know—we’re always looking for new favorites to try!
