Top Ice Cream Spots in DC! Life is always better with Ice Cream

Hey!  We’re back and another season down.  Summer 2020 is officially in the books and it has been quite the experience.  From the last time I posted, I was locked down in Maryland living with my parents trying to stay positive and adjusting to lockdown restrictions as the U.S. tried to get COVID under control.

Everyone in the world was dealing with similar anxieties, uncertainty,  and the roller coaster of emotions as they dealt with the impacts of a global pandemic.   That was almost 6 months ago and I feel very blessed that my family all stayed safe.  Since April, a whole lot has happened.

Sky view of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, close to where I was living for over 8 months.

First, I officially moved back to Washington D.C.! Hooray!  Going from the island life back to city living has been a huge adjustment. I was not expecting it to be as difficult a transition as it turned out to be.

Second, I spent the summer renovating a 100 year old row house.  Hooray X 2!  Well sort of.  I learned quite a bit about house construction this summer- how to do it and more importantly how not to do it.  I’ve always been more of an artist than a handyman, however I’m a firm believer that you can learn anything on Youtube.  My philosophy has yet to be proven wrong btw.

I was also really fortunate to have my parents around who helped tremendously with the house projects with my dad being a great painter and my mom being a fabulous decorator/designer.  I dealt with 3 water incidents, rehabbed the kitchen, fixed the plumbing, redid the roof, painted, and dealt with some questionable contractors (when it rains it… well, you know).

I also lived through one of the most tumultuous summers in U.S. history since the 1960s as it relates to racial justice, a lot of which unfolded right in my backyard.  Oh yeah, and the U.S. is still struggling to get COVID under control.   The entire country is all over the place with different reopening strategies but most places are gradually opening back up – which is good, I think. 

Not sure if it’s back to normal anywhere in the world yet. It is still amazing to see the resiliency of businesses and people coming together to overcome all the hurdles of life as we navigate this whole ordeal.

What have I been up to?

Despite being busy this entire summer fixing up my house, gardening, and going to Home Depot in the evenings, I did manage to get out a few times and check out a couple new spots to eat.  One of my simple pleasures this summer was trying different ice cream places all around D.C,  MD, and VA.

There really is nothing better after a long hot summer day than relishing a delicious serving of ice cream.  Slightly melted.  With some chocolate mixed in.  And cicadas buzzing and fireflies aglow as the sun goes down.   Ahhhh.  It’s the simple things in life.

Rundown of the Ice Cream SPOTS

I’ve always been mildly obsessed over ice cream so I will self proclaim that I’m worthy enough to give a breakdown and critique of all the places I’ve tried. 

This is a food blog, isn’t it?

Gelato:

Gusto Gelateria – Takoma Park, MD

When it comes to Gelato I know people are really particular about their favorite spot or telling you about this place they had in Italy when they studied abroad 10 years ago.   Yeah, yeah, yeah.   I get that it’s always better in Italy.  Always will be. 

However, if you’re ever in Northwest DC and you’re looking for some good Italian gelato this is a small little family run business that will hit the spot.  What’s also very cool is that it doubles as an Italian restaurant inside so you know they are the real deal.   Do yourself a favor and check it out sometime.  It most likely won’t be the best gelato you’ve ever had, but I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

Most convenient:

Dolci Gelato – Shaw, DC

Dolci Gelato is a chain in DC and there are several of them around.   But let’s not hate on chains all you food snobs.  They make excellent gelato (owner is from Naples, Italy so, duh!) and they have a great selection of flavors.   

Not to mention all the shops are pretty woke and support local groups in righteous causes.  So they’re fine in my book.  I like the Shaw location because it’s right in the middle of the city and a great spot to go after dinner at one of many top notch restaurants in the vicinity.

Plus it’s a great spot for people watching.  Always an interesting mix of people at that location.  I witnessed a heist or major drug deal of some sort from the Cambria hotel this summer, all while I sat there devouring my gelato.

Honorable Mention:

Dulcezza – City Center, DC

I actually think Dulcezza has the best overall gelato in DC. Unfortunately they are closing down a bunch of their stores this year (COVID casualty) and I didn’t make a trip this summer so I didn’t want to list them #1.

I have always loved the downtown location as it’s a great stop to take friends or visitors after a day of hitting the museums and monuments. Brings back good memories.

It’s also a perfect spot for getting that italian espresso fix in the colder months. I don’t think you can beat the quality of their gelato in the DMV as they have their own gelato factory using local and all natural ingredients. Hopefully they are able to keep a couple stores open and continue making world class gelato at their farm sourced gelato factory. A true DC gem.

Best for Instagram / Cool Factor:

Thomas Sweet – Georgetown DC

It has to be said, we all want to take a drool worthy picture of our food to share on social media.  Sometimes more than actually eating it.   For that matter,  pretty much everything in Georgetown is attractive and just inviting you to take a sexy picture.   From quaint cobblestone streets, to the yacht lined waterfront, to the posh designer stores, Georgetown has the look as D.C.’s finest.  And Thomas Sweet fits the part of meeting the Georgetown mold perfectly.   

Not only is it a cool place to visit, but Thomas Sweet also happens to make some pretty damn good ice cream.  Be prepared to wait in line for 20-30 minutes if you go at a popular time.   It’s worth the wait and I can almost assure you you’ll have a great pic to share.

Best ambiance and date spot:

Toby’s Handmade Ice Cream – Arlington, VA

Toby’s is located in one of the most idyllic American neighborhoods you’ll ever find.  It’s technically in Arlington but borders Falls Church – which is a a little bubble section of beautiful homes and feels almost utopian.   You do have to drive there, which is the one downside, but once you’re there you’ll feel like it’s 1955 and you’re in Pleasantville with all the world’s problems melting away,  no pun intended.

Take your ice cream and sit at the Italian shop courtyard or walk across the street to the little art gallery for some relaxing live music on the weekends and/or a drink.   You can’t beat the soothing ambiance and relaxing vibes for a great date night.

Hidden Gem:

Tropical Ice Cream Cafe – Silver Spring, MD

The Tropical Ice Cream Cafe came very close to winning the top ice cream spot for me this summer.  This place rocks.  I somehow stumbled on it with a friend and had to go back a couple times because it’s one of those places you get random cravings for throughout the week. 

It’s run by a Jamaican family and is tucked in a strip mall off a very busy section of Georgia Ave., one of the main traffic arteries of DC/MD.   There is nothing special about the storefront, but let me tell you what they lack in curb appeal they make up for with their ice cream.

Being a Caribbean/ Jamaican place they specialize in tropical flavors but all of them seem more creamy than fruity.   If you go, you have to try the Rum Raisin or the Mango.  Both are so freakin good.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.   I don’t even like Rum Raisin normally but whatever they put in there, it’s magical.

AND THE WINNER IS…..!

Mount Dessert Island Ice Cream Shop – Mount Pleasant, DC

And the Summer 2020 BEST ICE CREAM SHOP AWARD (according to Matt) goes to… Mount Dessert Island!  This place has got it all: creative flavors,  amazing rich and creamy ice cream, and located in one of my favorite pockets of DC, Mount Pleasant.   

My favorite flavor is Girls Scouts Gone Wild, a combo of thin mints, brownie, chocolate chunks, swirled in a delectably smooth chocolate base. 

Another must try flavor is the 7 Layer Bar  which is basically a Dream Bar crumbled into vanilla ice cream.   I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the favors offered.      

This place has the IT factor with their bold flavors and artsy design.    What’s not to love?  Mount Dessert Island is exactly what I look for in an ice cream shop: extremely good ice cream combined with upbeat vibes and original character.   

BONUS Meal!

Favorite meal of the summer:  Colada Shop – The Wharf, DC  

The Cuban sandwich… Ughhhh.   This. Was. So. Good.  I don’t even eat pork really but I am such a sucker for a good Cuban sandwich.   Their mojitos are also killer. I highly recommend giving both a try.