Best Places for National Ice Cream Day in Houston
National Ice Cream Day is coming up on Sunday, July 21, and in Houston, it couldn’t land at a better time. With triple-digit heat pushing people indoors—or to any place with AC—it’s the ideal moment to step out for a cold scoop.
This guide highlights great spots around the city to get a refreshing scoop. Some focus on technique. Others go big on toppings. All are worth your time and your spoon.
Pay attention to their socials, as many local shops post discounts, flavor drops, or giveaways a few days in advance.
What You Should Try on National Ice Cream Day in Houston
Fat Cat Creamery
- Website: http://fatcatcreamery.com
- Location: 1225 W 34th St #300 | Also at Hobby Airport, Gate C27
- What to try: Mexican Vanilla, Milk Chocolate Stout, Chai Tea Coconut (dairy-free)
Still going strong in The Heights, Fat Cat Creamery continues to center its menu around Texas-sourced ingredients. The shop rotates in seasonal flavors, but their mainstays hit every time. You’ll also find a few dairy-free options made with coconut milk. Airport travelers can grab a quick cone too; just follow the signs to Gate C27 at Hobby.
milk + sugar
- Website: https://www.milkandsugarcreamery.com
- Locations: Montrose, The Heights, West University
- What to try: Thai Tea, Cinnamon Blondie Swirl, Milk Tea
This homegrown brand now has three shops across the city, and all focus on flavor blends that come with a little crunch or swirl. From cereal-inspired scoops to spiced desserts, the menu changes often, and samples are encouraged. Their Westheimer location gets busy in the evenings, so expect a line, especially on weekends.
Underground Creamery
- Website: http://undergroundcreamery.com
- Location: Preorder pickup at 1010 N Shepherd Dr
- What to try: Cornflake Milk, Brown Butter Miso, anything from their weekly rotation
Underground Creamery doesn’t operate like a typical shop. Instead, they post weekly drops to Instagram. You place a preorder online and pick it up later at a window inside Tenfold Coffee. The flavors shift constantly, often inspired by childhood snacks or late-night cravings. Orders tend to sell out fast—follow them at @undergroundcreamery.
Flower & Cream
- Website: http://flowerandcream.com
- Locations: Main location on W Holcombe Blvd, also at POST Houston and River Oaks
- What to try: Unicorn Tracks, Honey Roasted Strawberry, Kahlúa & Cookies
Flower & Cream does ice cream with attention to detail, with a design-focused shop and a tight flavor lineup. Their dairy-free and gluten-free choices are just as popular as the regular ones. You’ll also find seasonal specials and collaborations on rotation. The POST Houston stall is a good bet if you’re downtown.
Lick Honest Ice Creams
- Website: https://www.ilikelick.com/
- Locations: West University (Bellaire Blvd), Autry Park (Cogdell St)
- What to try: Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey; Vegan Coconut Cream Pie; Dark Chocolate with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
Lick started in Austin but has found a loyal Houston following. They avoid artificial flavors, instead using fresh herbs, fruit, and dairy from small Texas farms. Their flavor list reads more like a brunch menu than a dessert board, but it works. Vegan options are part of the core menu.
Red Circle Ice Cream
- Website: http://redcirclefranchising.com
- Location: 6838 Ranchester Dr
- What to try: Horchata, Matcha, Hot Cheetos; add a churro or egg waffle cone
Red Circle is known for its dramatic presentation. Scoops come stacked inside puffy egg waffles or wrapped in churros, with flavor choices that stretch far beyond vanilla. If you want your ice cream experience to come with a bit of flair—or to live forever on your Instagram grid—this is your spot.
Booza
- Website: http://booza1941.com
- Location: 5922 Richmond Ave Ste A
- What to try: Ashta (clotted cream), Rosewater, Pistachio
Booza offers something rarely found in most American ice cream shops: elasticity. Their namesake dessert is a style of frozen treat from the Levant region, made chewy with mastic and salep. It’s cold, creamy, and slow to melt. The flavors lean floral and nutty, and the texture surprises most first-timers.
Build Your Own Ice Cream Day
Need an excuse to make it a full outing? Here’s a simple route for your Sunday:
- Start at Fat Cat for a classic scoop before the lines build
- Hop over to milk + sugar in Montrose and test something unfamiliar
- Secure a pint from Underground Creamery (if you ordered early enough)
- End with churros at Red Circle or a rosewater scoop from Booza
This is also a good time to support shops that focus on sourcing carefully, paying attention to dietary needs, and staying creative with flavor.
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