A Summertime Guide to D.C.’s Soaring Ice Cream Scene

Between horrible humidity and record-setting temperatures as of late, this summer in the city is shaping up to be a sweltering one. Next to anice poolside bar,ice cream by the cup, cone, or pint is a great way to beat the heat. Luckily, there’s no shortage of fresh scoops around the nation’s capital.

Unique NYC-born brands like Indian-influenced Malai and booze-infused Tipsy Scoop touched down in D.C. for the first time in 2024, and fellow Big Apple import Van Leeuwen continues to sprinkle stores all over town. In addition, supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Tyra Banks just debuted her Smize & Dream ice cream shop right here in D.C. Meanwhile, Koma Cafe in Takoma Park is drawing lots of notice for its wild soft serve flavors like blueberry gochujang and strawberry sumac.

Icy desserts are on the rise at area restaurants as more chefs unleash frozen flavor collabs with familiar names like Dolcezza and Moorenko’s. And Tonari is one of the few places serving kakigori, a fluffy Japanese dessert made from pristine blocks of ice. For one over-the-top way to cool down, consider two-Michelin-starred Pineapple & Pearls’ truffle-and-caviar sundae service.

Scroll on for Eater DC’s latest stream of ice cream news to know about.