This post contains a list of where to find the best ice cream on Cape Cod. Here’s the ultimate list of ice cream shops that you must visit on Cape Cod.
As someone who has lived on Cape Cod for their entire life and is an ice cream connoisseur, it’s not hard to figure out where the best spots are. Not to mention, I even worked at an ice cream shop for four years! So it’s safe to say I have high standards for ice cream.
Here’s what I look for when it comes to ice cream.
- Quality & Flavor: In my opinion, quality and flavor are the two most important parts of what makes an ice cream exceptional. Further, I look for homemade fresh ice cream, not artificially tasting ice cream that is produced in a factory. Sometimes ice cream shops will say they serve homemade ice cream, but it is not always true! (An indicator that it is not homemade is if you see the same or similar flavor names from another shop. For example, “campfire smores”, this is a Gifford’s Brand flavor and not fresh.)
- Add-ins: Secondly, I love a delicious ice cream that contains freshly baked add-ins like homemade brownies or cookies. I can always tell when things are homemade vs box mix. Also, I love when shops use locally sourced ingredients.
- Sundae Quality: Lastly, one of my favorite things in this world is a hot fudge sundae, especially one with homemade hot fudge and whip cream. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you exactly where you can get the best ice cream sundae on Cape Cod!
If you like this post and you enjoy coffee, then you definitely want to read this post about the best coffee shops on Cape Cod.
This post is about the best ice cream on Cape Cod.
Table of Contents:
Barnstable |
Bourne |
Brewster |
Chatham |
Dennis |
Eastham |
Falmouth |
Harwich |
Mashpee |
Orleans |
Provincetown |
Sandwich |
Truro |
Wellfleet |
Yarmouth |
The best Barnstable ice cream shops:
1. Ben & Jerry’s, Hyannis
Firstly, we have Ben & Jerry’s in Hyannis, a well-known ice cream across the world, but for all good reasons. They have some of the very best ice cream flavors and varieties than any other ice cream shop on the Cape. In short, if you’re in Hyannis, you have to check out this locally owned Ben & Jerry’s which also is constantly giving back to its community.
The best Bourne ice cream shops:
2. Mic’s Main Scoop, Bourne
Secondly, we have Mic’s Main Scoop in Bourne and in the picture are the Cookie Monster shake and the canal cup shake, both are delicious and I highly recommend. Also, I recommend their sundaes and soft-serve ice creams. Although Mic’s doesn’t serve homemade ice cream, they serve high-quality ice cream from Crescent Ridge Dairy Farms.
The best Brewster ice cream shops:
3. The Brewster Scoop
Thirdly, we have the long standing Brewster Scoop in Brewster. The Scoop is open from just before Memorial Day until Labor Day and serve more than 30 flavors of delicious ice cream, yummy sundaes, fizzy floats, and tasty frappes. This is the only official ice cream shop in Brewster and has a long history.
The best Chatham ice cream shops:
4. Short ‘n’ Sweet
Short ‘N’ Sweet in Chatham is another great place where locals love to get ice cream. I’ll admit I haven’t been here yet, but I’m looking forward to trying this ice cream spot in Chatham.
The best dennis ice cream shops:
5. Sundae School Homemade Ice Cream, Dennis
Moreover, Sundae School is hands down the BEST place to get an ice cream sundae! Let me tell you they are truly the best, from the freshly made whipped cream, homemade hot fudge, to the fresh cherry. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than this!
Also, Sundae School has two locations: Dennisport and Harwichport. Unsurprisingly, Sundae School has won top awards for being so good. Sundae School Ice Cream is hands down my favorite ice cream shop on the entire Cape!
The best Eastham ice cream shops:
6. Nauset Ice Cream, Eastham
Additionally, Nauset Ice Cream in Eastham serves up some homemade ice cream that is defiantly worth the visit. I am so excited to try this homemade ice cream spot in Eastham. Although I have not been there myself, the highly-rated reviews speak for this shop.
The best Falmouth ice cream shops:
7. Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream, Falmouth
Furthermore, we have Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream in Falmouth that creates delicious homemade ice cream. In addition to the location in Falmouth, Smitty’s also has a location at the Mashpee rotary.
The best Harwich ice cream shops:
8. Sweet Izzy, Harwich
Certainly, Sweet Izzy’s in Harwich is the best ice cream shop on the Cape if you’re vegan or gluten-free. That is to say, Sweet Izzy is a dream come true for people that have gluten and dairy allergies. Personally, I am not gluten or dairy-free, but the sundae I had was amazing.
The best Mashpee ice cream shops:
9. Sweet Waves, Mashpee
Subsequently, if you’re looking for a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, Sweet Waves is the best in Mashpee. Moreover, Sweet Waves is located conveniently in the Mashpee Commons. If you like soft-serve better, Sweet Waves also has a few soft-serve flavors to choose from.
The best Orleans ice cream shops:
10. Ice Cream Cafe, Orleans
Moreover, Ice Cream Cafe in Orleans offers a wide range of sweet treats. There are SO many options and their prices are great. That is to say, their menu is extensive and offers many homemade ice cream options, and even dairy free options!
The best Provincetown ice cream shops:
11. Lewis Brothers Ice Cream, Provincetown
If you don’t already know, Provincetown is at the tip of Cape Cod subsequently, it makes it pretty far from everything else on Cape Cod. That is to say, I have never tried this Lewis Brothers Ice Cream shop in Provincetown. However, the reviews looks promising, and it’s homemade ice cream so I am looking forward to trying this shop.
The best sandwich ice cream shops:
12. Ice Cream Sandwich, Sandwich
Above all, if you are an ice cream sandwich lover, you will love the Ice Cream Sandwich in Sandwich. That is to say, their ice cream sandwiches taste just as good as they look. Also, their portions were huge when I went. In summary, I recommend this shop for creative ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.
The best truro ice cream shops:
13. Savory and The Sweet Escape
In addition, Savory and Sweet Escape in Truro offers a wide menu of sweets and food items. When it comes to their ice cream here, reviewers have great things to say. That is to say, I can’t wait to get ice cream from here next time I’m in Truro.
The best Wellfleet ice cream shops:
14. Wellfleet Gelato Joy Cafe, Wellfleet
Gelato Joy is a family-owned and operated gelato cafe that is so good. In the picture on the right, is one of their Spritzers which is scoops of fruit sorbet with chilled San Pellegrino. Also, you could get a spritzer with gelato and three fins of iced coffee. In conclusion, this is the perfect spot for some gelato and an iced coffee.
The best Yarmouth ice cream shops:
15. Caffe GelatoBertini, Yarmouth
Lastly, I strongly recommend Caffé Gelato Bertini in Yarmouth. So skip the line at Cape Cod Creamery and come here for amazing gelato. In short, this little cafe is a hidden gem in Yarmouth.