Summer is in full swing and Americans are celebrating National Ice Cream month (July) by enjoying the nation’s favorite frozen treat with friends and family.
We really love our ice cream. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American eats roughly 20 pounds, or about four gallons, of ice cream each year.
Yelp ranked the top 100 ice cream shops in the U.S. based on a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews and while Coneflower Creamery in Omaha, Nebraska earned the top spot for its “farm-to-cone” experience, several locations in the Sunshine State earned high praise from customers.
Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream in Coral Springs earned the number two spot for mixing up small batches of 30 flavors made with some of America’s most iconic names, including Oreos and Chips Ahoy! cookies. They’re also renowned for making their ice cream with all natural ingredients and no artificial colors.
Joey’s Custard in Sanibel came in at number 12, offering not only ice cream but dairy-free flavors, sorbet, Italian ice, frozen yogurt and house-made custard. Sadly, its storefront was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and owners are in the process of rebuilding. Check its website and social media channels for reopening dates.
Yelp has also ranked the top ice cream shops in Tampa. At the top of that list is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at 305 W. Palm Ave. Its made-from-scratch flavors, honed and perfected over two decades, include Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Buttercream Birthday Cake.
Taking the number two and three spot is Chill Bros Scoop Shop (located in Ybor City), and Revolution Ice Cream (Seminole Heights).
The website also ranked the favorite spots to purchase a frozen treat in Plant City and 32 Below, located at 208 W. Alexander St., won the top spot. The shop, which also sells Boba drinks, fruit, tea, mochi ice cream, smoothies and milkshakes, is famous for its rolled ice cream that’s spread thin on a cold metal surface, rolled into a perfect spiral and topped with tasty treats.
Owner Mabie Moore said while everyone enjoys watching their dessert created, kids especially enjoy watching workers take the liquid ice cream base and make ice cream in front of their eyes. “Kids really like to see the ice cream rolled and then top it with gummy bears and sprinkles,” she said.
Rounding out Yelp’s top ice cream shops in Plant City are La Michoacana Ice Cream (209 W. Alexander St.), Mr. Seba’s (104 E. Reynold’s St.), Sweet Missions (2406 James L. Redman Pkwy.) and Pelican’s Snoballs (610 S. Collins St.).
From frozen custard at Culver’s to soft-serve from Dairy Queen or Twistee Treat, residents don’t have to drive far to cool off with a cone or cup of their favorite ice cream flavor.