5 Must-Try Ice Cream Shops in North Phoenix
By Nikki Ballin
5 Must-Try Ice Cream Shops in North Phoenix (Including Vegan & Dairy-Free Favorites)
From Union Hills to PV and even Flagstaff — here's the scoop!
When summer hits hard in Phoenix, nothing beats a good scoop of ice cream. Whether you’re team dairy-free, vegan, or just want a cold banana split from a drive-thru, we’ve rounded up five must-try ice cream spots in North Phoenix and beyond. From Scottsdale to Flagstaff (yes, it’s worth the road trip), these are the places locals are buzzing about.
1. Bruster’s Ice Cream – North Phoenix Drive-Thru Favorite (Great for families + banana split deals)
Bruster’s has quickly become our favorite neighborhood ice cream shop. They make their ice cream fresh daily and there is always a HUGE selection of flavors.
I appreciate that there are always several dairy free/vegan options. My current favorite is the Kickin Mango Strawberry Sorbet. They have a great reward program so there are always discounts you can earn to make your treats more affordable. The Union Hills location has a drive thru which makes it super convenient.
Nikki’s Hot Insider Tip – On Thursdays, if you bring your own banana, you can get half off a banana split.
2. Allora Gelato – Artisanal Gelato in Scottsdale (Vegan-friendly + European-inspired flavors)
Recently opened, Allora Gelato can be found in Scottsdale and is a lovely little shop with friendly service. They make everything in-house and you can taste the care and love that they put into each ingredient they use.
The owners have travelled around the world and used those influences from other countries to create some incredible flavors like Salted Sicilian Pistachio and Ricotta and Croatian Fig. My favorite is the Vegan Dark Chocolate – it is divine – rich and creamy and you don’t even miss the dairy.
Nikki’s Hot Insider Tip – you can order a cold brew float (gelato plus espresso) if you like your sweet treat caffeinated.
3. Handel’s Ice Cream – Big Portions & Classic Flavors in Scottsdale (Since 1945 + vegan chocolate almond milk)
Handel’s has been making ice cream since 1945 so they have had a lot of time to perfect their craft. This popular ice cream shop is always bustling with orders for ice cream scoops, shakes, ice cream sandwiches, and sundaes.
Their vegan Chocolate Almond Milk is worth a try!
Nikki’s Hot Insider Tip – portions are HUGE so be sure and pace yourself!
4. Frost Gelato – New Spot in Paradise Valley’s PV Mall Area (Try the Sorbetini + lots of flavors)
The newest Frost Gelato has just opened in the new PV development off Cactus and Tatum. They have about a zillion flavors (okay, not really, but it feels like that). Service is very friendly and helpful in suggesting flavors.
They have so many dairy free sorbets too. Try the banana sorbet – I know, banana sorbet might not sound that exciting but it is really creamy and yummy.
Nikki’s Hot Insider Tip – Try a Sorbettini (sorbet plus sparkling water). Sounds a little odd but super refreshing.
5. Timberline Ice Cream – Hidden Gem in Flagstaff, AZ (Housemade waffle cones + seasonal flavors)
This one will involve a road trip, but it is worth it to travel a couple hours for this homemade ice cream. Hidden away in an unassuming strip mall, is this little gem that churns out standard flavors like vanilla and strawberry as well as clever flavor names like Mint Freckle and Rocky Route 66.
New flavors are always circulating and there is always a dairy free option, which I appreciate. If the dairy free Coco Cocoa is on the menu, definitely order it.
We love Flagstaff. In fact, we own a 2nd home there. If you are ever looking for a getaway trip, or if you live in Northern Arizona, here is an article about things to do in Flagstaff
Nikki’s Hot Insider tip – they make their own waffle cones and they sell out of them regularly so definitely try them if you can!
Location Directory: Ice Cream Shop Addresses & Links
Where to Find These Top Ice Cream Shops in AZ
Bruster’s
Various locations.
Our preferred one
4731 E Union Hills Dr Ste 118
Phoenix AZ 85050
Allora Gelato
6990 E Shea Blvd Suite 106
Scottsdale AZ 85254
Handels
Various locations.
Our preferred one.
15681 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Frost Gelato
Various Locations
Our Favorite
4568 East Cactus Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Timberline
2710 N Steves Blvd, Suite 26
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
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After cooling off with some of the best ice cream in North Phoenix, and looking for other things to do in North Phoenix to stay cool? We got you covered