Summer time often means we’re all thinking about ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and other frozen treats. Whether it’s a bowl, cone, cup, or stick of the sweet stuff, Denver has plenty of places to choose from.
We already know Little Man Ice Cream, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, and Sweet Action Ice Cream rock the scene with fresh flavors. So this time we’re looking toward places that offer something a little different, from international twists to dairy-free treats. With that, here’s some of the best, unconventional places to get a memorable scoop.
Ace Eat Serve
Craving a cold dessert to cover all the taste buds and senses? Head to Ace for the Hot n’ Cold ($8), a sweet, salty, nutty, spicy, cool, and refreshing dish with a streak of heat. The spice comes from house-made chili crunch, which gets drizzled on top of executive pastry chef Michael Kurowski’s double-vanilla bean ice cream. The crowning glory comes in the form of an almond cookie, inspired by the traditional Chinese New Year treats. 501 E. 17th Ave., Denver, aceeatserve.com
Milk Tea People
Kevin Ung’s downtown drink shop is praised for excellent Japanese tea and matcha. However, those in the know indulge in the mochi waffles with a scoop of gelato as well. Flavors change, but recently the house-made gelato came in two options, lavender-blueberry and strawberry-matcha ($9).
Located at Market Station, the sweet combo of fruity gelato with the smooth, nutty-rice nuances of the mochi waffle, leaves one wondering, is this a matcha made in heaven? Puns aside, take your order to the outside tables in front of the shop and enjoy the hot day with a cool treat. And yes, a cup of tea pairs perfectly with the dessert. 1641 Market St., Suite 133, Denver, milkteapeople.com
The Colorado Club
A month ago Bryan Dayton’s Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality quality launched a new, casual spot in Boulder right on Pearl Street Mall. All the food we tried hit, but when we got a couple scoops of ice cream at the end, that’s when the choir sang in sweet, cool harmony.
The options prove simple, vanilla and chocolate ice creams ($2), and raspberry and mango sorbets ($3). A scoop of chocolate in one cup, and raspberry in the other, had us wondering where they got the silky desserts from. Unsurprisingly, it’s all made in house. The chocolate was rich, creamy and dark, like a really good candy bar that melts on the tongue. The raspberry sorbet proved bright, tart, and somehow creamy despite being dairy-free. Visit the new spot for lunch or dinner, or just stop in at the bar for a treat. 1043 Pearl St., Boulder, coloradoclubsaloon.com
Sweet Izzy
Plant based ice cream can go one of two ways. Either the dish tastes terrible and you’re sad you wasted calories, or, it’s so good you forget or don’t care it’s dairy-free. Such is the case at Sweet Izzy, a Cape Cod transplant that opened in Denver at the end of 2022.
The base of the creations are either coconut or almond milk. Each option is soy-free, vegan, and gluten-conscious. Flavors include salted caramel, coffee, strawberry, chocolate fudge, and so many more. Plus, vegan soft serve, which any lover of this style will enjoy. Top an order with peanut butter sauce, chocolate-covered pretzels, sprinkles, blueberry sauce, mint M&Ms, and whatever else your whimsical heart desires. Prices start at $6. 3003 E. 3rd Ave, Denver, sweetizzy.co
Milkroll Creamery
Originating in Thailand, rolled ice cream may sound like a traditional treat. But, instead of being scooped from a tub of pre-made ice cream, it’s made on the spot. To create the rolls a liquid base gets poured on a sub-zero frozen sheet, then chopped, mixed, and spread out before rolling.
This is how ice cream gets made at Mary Nguyen’s parlor. Choose from a menu of delights such as Vietnamese Coffee ($8.75), Unicorn Magic ($9.25) with cotton candy, and Y.O.L.O. ($8.75), which features Oreo cookies four ways, including in Pocky form. Customers can also create their own flavors by choosing a base, mixes, and toppings. 3500 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, clover.com
