Sometimes, the only answer to scorching temperatures (other than a dip in the pool) is ice cream. These days, everyone in Vegas is screaming for the chilly treat, and with good reason: there are so many spots in town now scooping up some ridiculously good — and creative — summer treats! From Downtown to the Strip and beyond to the ‘burbs, Vegas shops are springing up to combat that dry desert heat and tickle those sweet, dessert-y taste buds we have.
DOWNTOWN
Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop
Ice cream and shaved ice and are the name of the game at this Downtown spot inside the California Hotel. A longtime favorite of visitors from Hawaii, the California Hotel did right by bringing in another Hawaiian favorite — Lappert’s. This shop serves up massive scoops of ice cream on the cheap, and is known for its Hawaiian ice cream flavor creations, like Manila Mango or Kona Coffee. If you are staying downtown and get a craving for ice-cream, hunt this place down!
California Hotel & Casino, 12 East Ogden, Las Vegas, 89101. (702) 385-1222 thecal.com
THE STRIP
BLVD Creamery
Photo Courtesy of MGM Resorts International
This walk-up shop in the new Monte Carlo Plaza is convenient for anyone craving something sweet and cool while walking on The Strip. Location isn’t the only thing going for BLVD though. This little darling of the Strip has garnered quite the reputation for its creative ice cream concoctions, especially the alcoholic ones. With a seasonal menu to add into the mix, it’s easy to see why this spot has so much buzz (literally).
Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, 89109. (702) 730-6900 montecarlo.com
Ice Pan
Watch ice cream made before your eyes! At Ice Pan, its all about skipping artificial flavors and preservatives and creating simple ice cream-y goodness. First choose your ice cream flavor, then select from either non-fat, low-fat, whole milk or organic soy milk, and finally pick what toppings you want in it (marshmallow, fruit, chocochip and more), then enjoy your own creation. Delicious!
Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, 89109. (702) 817-3947 icepanusa.com
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
The LINQ’s Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is a dessert-lovers dream. Indulge in the shop’s famous Hot Fudge Sundae topped with freshly made hot fudge (oh my yum), a homemade shake or simply grab some chocolate to nosh on while exploring all The LINQ has to offer.
The LINQ Promenade, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, 89109. (702) 650-0096 ghirardelli.com
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Of course, one super popular name had to make our list! This mammoth ice cream company taps into local Vermont for ingredients and then sends them out to stores. Known for their funky flavors, cool off with a scoop of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or Greek frozen yogurt.
Miracle Mile Shops, New York-New York, Casino Royale and numerous other locations.
Pinkberry
The Pinkberry craze first hit California and then expanded to other spots in the US. So, it was only a matter of time until Vegas was delivered its own Pinkberry outlet. Originally, the shop served only a few tart frozen yogurts, but as they have grown, so has their menu. Today, dessert-lovers can snack on tart or sweet frozen yogurt, plus frozen yogurt or Greek yogurt smoothies, with heaps of fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts and sauces to add on.
The Shops at Crystals, 3752 Las Vegas Blvd., (702) 895-7003 theshopsatcrystals.com
Boca Park, 740 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas, 89145. (702) 331-0975
Shake Shack
This spot has its own takeaway window so you can grab-and-go. It serves up gourmet fast food, plus frozen custard and shakes. If you want to do good (and eat super tasty), order the All Shook Up, concrete. Not only does it include house-made peanut butter from Gimme Some Sugar, a local Vegas bakery, five percent of the sales for that item go back to the First Friday Foundation Las Vegas.
New York – New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, 89109. (725) 222-6730 shakeshack.com
Cocolini II
Of course, the Venice-themed Venetian needs to have at least one gelato shop. Enter Cocolini’s. Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes, Cocolini’s is strictly a gelato place. While more expensive than other options on this list (hello, Grand Canal rent!), you can’t go wrong with this creamy goodness.
Grand Canal Shoppes, 3377 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, 89109. (702) 732-8927
THE ‘BURBS
Gelato Messina
Photo Courtesy of Gelato Messina
Fresh from Sydney, Australia, Gelato Messina is delivering its famous Aussie goodness to Summerlin. Made-fresh on-site daily, it serves more than 40 flavors, as well as gelato cakes. Yes. Gelato. Cakes. This hip shop has become known for its unusual gelato flavors, like poached figs in Marsala or salted coconut and mango. Who knew Aussies would take the crown for best gelato? Even better, this location is set to start offering gelato classes soon!
2010 Festival Plaza Drive, Ste. 130, Las Vegas, 89135. (702) 848-1688 gelatomessina.com
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Handel’s has been around since 1945 … just not in Vegas. The shop churns freshly made ice cream daily on-site, delivering ice cream lovers the ultimate smooth and creamy ice cream. It uses all fresh ingredients to create its flavors like Caramel Pretzel Crunch and Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch. It’s also got low-fat, fat- and sugar-free, ices and sherbet options.
10170 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 150, Las Vegas, 89147. (702) 749-9299 handelsicecream.com
