The Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treats in Houston Heights

When the Houston heat is in full force, there is no better way to cool down than with a scoop of something cold and sweet. Lucky for us, the Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods are home to an impressive lineup of ice cream shops, gelaterias, and frozen treat destinations. Whether you crave a classic waffle cone, a cup of silky gelato, a boozy shake, or a shave ice that tastes like pure summer, here is where to find the best frozen treats in the area.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

375 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008. Jeni's is the kind of place that turns a simple ice cream run into an event. Known for bold, creative flavors made from scratch with high-quality ingredients, the 19th Street location is a Heights staple. Their rotating menu includes classics like Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Brambleberry Crisp alongside seasonal offerings that change with the Texas calendar. On any given summer evening, you will find the line stretching out the door, which tells you everything you need to know. There is a second location in Montrose at 1719 Westheimer Road for those closer to that side of the Loop.

Cloud 10 Creamery

711A Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007. Tucked right on Heights Boulevard, Cloud 10 Creamery is a neighborhood treasure. This small-batch creamery churns out some of the richest, creamiest ice cream in Houston, with flavors that range from nostalgic (Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream) to inventive (Lemon Poppyseed, Thai Tea). The shop has a bright, cheerful vibe and is within walking distance of several Heights parks, making it an ideal post-playground or post-trail stop for families. You can also grab pints to go.

Amy's Ice Creams

1901 N Shepherd Dr #3, Houston, TX 77008. An Austin-born institution that has become a Houston favorite, Amy's serves up reliably excellent ice cream with a side of personality. The Shepherd Drive location sits right in the heart of the Heights and offers the full Amy's experience: their signature Mexican Vanilla, creamy Dark Chocolate, and a rotation of seasonal flavors. What sets Amy's apart is the topping-smashing tradition, where they fold your choice of mix-ins right into a scoop on a cold granite slab. It is messy, fun, and delicious. There is also a Montrose location at 3816 Farnham Street.

Dolce Neve Gelato

4721 N Main St, Ste H, Houston, TX 77009. Just a short drive from the Heights in nearby Northside, Dolce Neve serves some of the most authentic Italian gelato you will find in Houston. Made fresh daily with traditional techniques and Italian ingredients, the texture is noticeably denser and silkier than standard ice cream. Favorites include Pistachio (a brilliant pale green with real pistachio flavor), Stracciatella, and seasonal fruit sorbettos that taste like the fruit itself. It is a hidden gem worth the trip.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

888 Westheimer Rd, Suite 157, Houston, TX 77006. Located in Montrose, Van Leeuwen brought its New York-style ice cream to Houston to much fanfare. The brand is known for its simple, high-quality recipes that let the ingredients shine. Their French Vanilla and Chocolate are benchmarks for what those flavors should taste like, and their vegan offerings, made from oat milk and cashew milk, are surprisingly creamy. The Montrose location is bright and modern, perfect for an afternoon treat while exploring the neighborhood.

Sweet Bribery

250 W 19th St, Suite E, Houston, TX 77008. More than just an ice cream shop, Sweet Bribery is a full-fledged dessert destination on 19th Street. Alongside their handcrafted ice cream, they serve up decadent milkshakes, floats, sundaes, and baked treats. The space is cozy and charming, with a retro-modern aesthetic that makes it a popular spot for dates and family outings alike. Their salted caramel milkshake is the stuff of local legend.

Underground Creamery

1010 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008. Tucked in near the busy Shepherd corridor, Underground Creamery is a local spot with serious ice cream credentials. They focus on small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream with a rotating selection of creative flavors. It is the kind of place where you might find a Blueberry Lavender or Honey Goat Cheese next to a classic Vanilla Bean. Their portions are generous and the quality is top-notch.

Flower & Cream

401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201. While technically a bit further out in the downtown area, Flower & Cream is worth mentioning for its unique concept: they make ice cream using liquid nitrogen right in front of you. The flash-freezing process creates an exceptionally smooth texture, and the flavors are creative and seasonal. It is a fun experience as much as a delicious treat, and makes for a memorable outing.

Honorable Mentions

The Heights area has plenty more to offer for those with a sweet tooth. Fluff Bake Bar (1701 W 15th St) serves incredible desserts including ice cream sandwiches made with their signature cookies. Common Bond Bistro & Bakery (449 W 19th St) offers excellent pastries and a rotating selection of frozen treats. And for the traditionalists, there is nothing wrong with grabbing a pint of Blue Bell from the Heights Mercantile and enjoying it on a bench along Heights Boulevard.

A Sweet Tour Worth Taking

One of the great things about living in the Heights is that you are never far from a high-quality frozen treat. Whether you are pushing a stroller down to Cloud 10 after an afternoon at Donovan Park, grabbing a scoop of Jeni's on a date night, or trying a new flavor at Underground Creamery, the neighborhood's ice cream scene is a genuine pleasure. The best approach, honestly, is to try them all and find your favorite. Summer in Houston is long. You have plenty of time.