Two words every summer lover can't live without: ice cream. Finding consistent service, quality and prices can be a drag... so here I have come up with RI's Top 10 ice cream shops in no particular order (except #1 bc it will forever be the best):
1. Sunshine Creamery
Where do I begin? This place is the ice-cream heaven of RI, I swear. They have a HUGE list of their homemade hard serve flavors and their prices are so unbeatable for the huge portions (no seriously, they must scoop the ice cream with a shovel or something). Be advised that there is no inside, but they have plenty of outdoor seating options including benches, tables and chairs. P.S. They also sell the heavenly treat by quart and pint so you can take it home to enjoy as well!
2. Newport Creamery
This RI chain has ten locations in-state and two in MA. They have an extensive food menu featuring a wide range of options, yet are best known for their delicious ice cream flavors and delectable hot fudge! Newport Creamery makes Monday's a little less horrendous with their Awful Awful Monday promo in the summers. It is BOGO free for these delicious shakes every Monday in the summer months, making this place a complete home run in my book!
3. Scoops
This place is SUCH a hidden gem. It is small inside but offers great outdoor seating. They have delicious flavors including the sea salt caramel which is my personal favorite. You can pair your ice-cream with fun cones that feature different toppings (including sprinkles & candy), or you can put your scoop in a cup with any of their assortment of toppings or their bright colored sprinkles. BONUS: they also offer Allie's Donuts in the shop daily.
4. Papa's Ice Cream LLC.
Papa's is a hit, having many hard and soft serve flavors to fulfill any craving you may desire. Both of which they can pair with their fresh waffle cones. They always have great family-friendly service, due to the fabulous locals working there! Also, they have yummy cupcakes and delicious watermelon lemonade slushies!
5. Sundaes
With two great RI locations in Johnston and Cranston (as well as one in Seekonk, MA), Sundaes has fair prices/portions and always has friendly staff. They have delicious homemade flavors including Coconut Almond Bar and Strawberry Cheesecake. My favorite thing from Sundaes is their thick and consistent milkshakes!
6. Brickley's Homemade Ice Cream
If you are looking for a beach lovers dream, then Brickley's is where it's at. They have two locations, one in Narragansett, and one in Wakefield. The one in Narragansett is a six-minute drive from Narraganset Town Beach, which is super convenient They also won Best Ice Cream at the 2017 ProJo Readers' Choice Awards!
7. Dear Hearts Ice Cream Inc
First of all, Dear Hearts has three locations: Cranston, Warwick and East Greenwich, so there's literally no reason for you to not go here. They are known for their giant scoops of ice-cream and delicious cones, which are always served with a big smile at this well-known shop. They have something for everyone since they service: hard serve, soft serve, Only 8 and nondairy ice cream!
8. Josie's Ice Cream
Josie's is a fan favorite due to their unique flavors including Chocolate Cupcake, Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel and Grasshopper. They have a wide range of toppings and great overall value. Also, this super cute place is filled with friendly staff that makes super delicious floats that are literally to die for!
9. The Ice Cream Machine Co
Known for their delicious ice cream pies, The Ice Cream Machine is a classic. The ice cream pie is something rare, which feature their yummy ice cream on a crust with all different kinds of yummy toppings. They are also known for their ice cream truck & delicious rich flavors.
10. Lincoln Creamery
Lincoln Creamery is known for their delicious flavors with affordable cost. They also feature a sprinkle lovers dream, meaning that they layer the jimmies through the ice cream so it's not just a layer on top. Lincoln Creamery also makes ice-cream cakes that look to die for!
BONUS: Coffee Bean Express
I want to start by saying that Coffee Bean Express is not an ice cream shop. They have all sorts of coffees, treat, and goodies. Yet, this coffee shop offers Hershey's Ice Cream year round. They have such delicious shakes and a 24-hour drive thru. Making it super easy to get a late night treat while in your PJs. (P.S. if you bring your pup they have dog treats)
