1. Ice Cream Club Artisan Ice Cream
3799 Guess Rd
2. Sugar Koi Artisan Ice Cream
905 W Main St
3. Milklab Artisan Ice Cream
265 State Highway 54
4. Locopops Artisan Ice Cream
2618 Hillsborough Road
5. Pincho Loco Artisan Ice Cream
1918 Perry St
6. Rockwood Dairy Bar Artisan Ice Cream
2514 University Dr
7. Frozy Artisan Ice Cream
8. Nieves Basilio Artisan Ice Cream
4991 Wake Forest Hwy
9. The Parlour Artisan Ice Cream
117 Market Street
10. Simon Says Dip This Artisan Ice Cream
117 West Parrish Street
11. Sugarfish Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
905 W Main St
12. Scoop Local Artisan Ice Cream
900 W Main St
13. Purple Monkey Boba Tea And Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
4015 University Dr
14. Honey Bee Artisan Ice Cream
923 N Miami Blvd steA
15. Mike's ice cream Artisan Ice Cream
1600 E Pettigrew St
16. La fiesta michoacana ice cream Artisan Ice Cream
1006 E Geer St
17. The Frozen Bull Artisan Ice Cream
Not Just Wings, 102 Hood St
18. La Monarca Michoacana Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
2000 Avondale Dr
19. Localicious Caribbean Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
3600 N Duke St #16
20. Goodberry's Artisan Ice Cream
3906 North Roxboro Street
21. Local Yogurt Artisan Ice Cream
Durham, NC
22. Two Roosters Ice Cream Durham Artisan Ice Cream
800 Taylor Street
24. Two Roosters Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
800 Taylor Street
Ice cream shops in Durham, NC: a local guide
We currently track 24 ice cream shops and parlors serving Durham, NC in Durham County.
What ice cream costs in Durham
A single scoop in Durham usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.
What to look for in an ice cream shop in Durham
- Check for dairy-free, vegan, or no-sugar-added options if you need them.
- Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.
- Read reviews for portion size and freshness, not just the flavor list.
- Check hours and seasonality — many Durham scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.
- For groups or events, ask about pints, cakes, and catering.
Questions to ask before you go
- What dairy-free or vegan options do you have?
- Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
- Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?
- What are your hours this time of year?
- Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
Many Durham listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ice cream cost in Durham?
A single scoop in Durham usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.
Where can I find dairy-free or vegan ice cream in Durham?
Many Durham shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several Durham shops serve both.
Are Durham ice cream shops open year-round?
Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.
Ice cream in Durham: the local scoop
Where's the best ice cream in Durham?
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around Durham — no chains. The order reflects community ratings, so the more people rate, the better it gets. Tried one? Give it a rating.
Gelato, custard, or classic scoop?
Use the category chips to filter Durham shops by gelato, frozen custard, soft serve, sorbet and dairy-free, and rolled ice cream — whatever you're craving.
Know a spot we're missing?
This directory is built from open data and grows with the community. If a great Durham scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Scoops near Durham
Beyond the listings above, here is a quick local index for Durham.
Ice cream in nearby towns
About Durham
Things to do in Durham