This National Ice Cream Day, discover local ice cream shops that bring fresh, creative flavors to the table.
Check out these spots to uncover your next favorite flavor.
Raleigh Rolls
Raleigh Rolls started in Morgan Street food hall and has now expanded to two locations! Inspired by travels throughout Southeast Asia, rolled ice cream became a personal fascination of the owners. After exploring many street food vendors in Thailand and Vietnam, as well as researching companies throughout the United States, Raleigh Rolls was born. Many of Raleigh Rolls’ menu items are an ode to the South and include local ingredients.
Fat Cat Ice Cream
Fat Cat Homemade Ice Cream is a small, veteran-owned business deeply rooted in the vibrant community of Fuquay-Varina. Their team sets the standard for what ice cream should be: the richest, creamiest, Farm-fresh dairy, real ingredients, and flavors that don’t hold back. If they’re making chocolate, it’s the deep, rich kind. If they’re making dairy-free, you won’t know the difference. And if they’re making sundaes, it should probably come with a warning label. This ain’t your everyday, declawed treat. It’s ice cream that leaves a mark.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Located in Apex, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has flavors for the whole family. Classic flavors that standout and unique flavors that make your tastebuds want more!
Currently for a limited time, you can try a few scoop of their Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream. Chocolate pistachio ice cream loaded with real pistachios and chocolate covered krispies.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Cool down this summer with an unforgettable sweet treat from The Yard Milkshake Bar in downtown Raleigh! Known for their over-the-top, handcrafted desserts, The Yard takes ice cream to the next level with towering milkshakes loaded with delicious toppings, decadent sundaes, classic scoops, and edible cookie dough creations.
Made with rich Blue Bell Ice Cream, every dessert is designed to be as fun to look at as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a fun date night, treating the family, or simply satisfying your summer ice cream craving, The Yard offers a one-of-a-kind dessert experience right in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
Magdalenas Chimney Cakes
Magdalenas Chimney Cakes is a food truck specializing in authentic, freshly baked, handmade chimney cakes!
Kürtőskalács (pronounced kurtush kalach) is made from sweet, yeast dough, of which a strip is spun and then wrapped around a baking spit, and rolled in granulated sugar. It is roasted over an open flame until its surface cooks to a golden-brown color. During the baking process the sugar stuck on the kürtőskalács caramelizes and forms a shiny, crispy crust. The surface of the cake can then be topped with additional ingredients and following the latest trend, the hollow inside can be filled with ice cream!
JAM Soft Serve Ice Cream
JAM Soft Serve Ice Cream is a frozen dessert food truck serving fresh frozen fun wherever they go! From street festivals to private catering and everywhere in between. They have a rotation of unique sundaes and milkshakes in addition to everyday favorites in cones and cups along with shaved ice for a dairy-free option. Their ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, farmers, and dairies. Go check them out for your next ice cream adventure!
Two Roosters Ice Cream
Two Roosters Ice Cream is known for their creative flavors, local ingredients, and cheerful, modern vibe. A highlight is their rotating monthly flavors created by Wake County locals. During the month of July, they are featuring unique community-made flavors like Joe & Joe’s Salty Peanut Butter Fudge, Jess Ekstrom’s Birthday Cake, and Megan Gillikin’s Non Dairy Mint Fudge Oreo. Alongside their classic favorites like Double Fold Vanilla and Classic Chocolate, every scoop is made in small batches for rich flavor and smooth texture. Whether at their colorful shops or ice cream truck, Two Roosters offers a fun, community-focused ice cream experience that’s always fresh.
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard is a Raleigh staple, beloved for its ultra-creamy, made-from-scratch custard that’s crafted fresh daily using all-natural ingredients. Unlike traditional ice cream, their frozen custard has a richer, smoother texture thanks to a lower air content and higher egg yolk ratio. You can enjoy classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or the rotating Flavor of the Day, which features everything from fruity blends to cookie-packed creations. Customize your treat with a wide range of toppings or opt for one of their signature sundaes or concretes. Goodberry’s delivers a nostalgic, high-quality dessert experience that keeps locals coming back year-round.
Not Just Icing Co.
From cupcakes to cookie dough dreams! Not Just Icing, Inc. started as a mobile cupcakery in 2013, but their edible cookie dough quickly stole the spotlight. Now serving sweet scoops of cookie dough and ice cream from their dessert truck, they’re spreading the love all around the Triangle.
Made with heat-treated flour and no eggs, their dough is safe to eat raw and full of nostalgic flavor. This National Ice Cream Day, find their truck around the Triangle and treat yourself to a scoop of something sweet.
Ice Cream Monsters
Ice Cream Monsters is a family-friendly ice cream truck serving up frozen treats with a fun, monster-themed twist! Our colorful van, decorated with playful Ice Cream Monsters, brings smiles wherever it goes and creates an exciting experience for guests of all ages.
We offer a wide variety of packaged ice cream favorites, from classic bars and sandwiches to novelty treats, along with refreshing sodas to help everyone cool off. Whether we’re at community festivals, local events, school celebrations, or neighborhood gatherings, Ice Cream Monsters is dedicated to delivering delicious treats, friendly service, and a memorable experience for every customer.
