The essential Detroit area ice cream shops you should have tried by now

By on Fri, Apr 14, 2023 at 10:39 am

There’s nothing better than a hot summer day and frozen treat to cool you down. While there are some great chain places, nothing beats the smaller ice cream shops dishing out soft-serve and hard scoops on those scorching days.

From dipped cones and banana split sundaes to towering milkshakes and waffle sandwiches, you’re sure to scream for these frozen dessert shops.
Scroll down to view images
Treat Dreams 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3440 | 621 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights Treat Dreams rotates its ice cream flavors often, but don’t think you’ll only go and find chocolate or vanilla. You might walk in and see lobster bisque or zucchini bread on the menu. The shop just recently opened a Madison Heights location that is walk-up and drive-thru only.
Treat Dreams/Facebook

Treat Dreams

22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3440 | 621 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights

Treat Dreams rotates its ice cream flavors often, but don’t think you’ll only go and find chocolate or vanilla. You might walk in and see lobster bisque or zucchini bread on the menu. The shop just recently opened a Madison Heights location that is walk-up and drive-thru only.
Ashby’s Sterling of Grosse Pointe 20081 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-886-2560; ashbysicecream.com Since 1984, Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream has been raking in awards and dishing out the goods for their dairy treats. You can turn any of their ice creams into a delicious shake.
Ashby's Sterling of Grosse Pointe / Facebook

Ashby’s Sterling of Grosse Pointe

20081 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-886-2560; ashbysicecream.com

Since 1984, Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream has been raking in awards and dishing out the goods for their dairy treats. You can turn any of their ice creams into a delicious shake.

1 of 20
The Custard Co. 2801 Monroe St., Dearborn; 313-274-1750; thecustardco.com The Custard Company carries a variety of frozen delicacies including cookie sandwiches, shakes, and their ever popular sweet bun ice cream sandwiches.
The Custard Co./Facebook

The Custard Co.

2801 Monroe St., Dearborn; 313-274-1750; thecustardco.com

The Custard Company carries a variety of frozen delicacies including cookie sandwiches, shakes, and their ever popular sweet bun ice cream sandwiches.
2 of 20
Frosty Boy 38650 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Twp; 586-465-3322 Conveniently located next to Lake St. Clair Metro Park, Frosty Boy is Harrison Township’s beloved frozen custard spot. They’ve got soft serve, Dole whips, sundaes, shakes, flurries, and banana splits, but most importantly, they offer pup cups so your four-legged friends can get in on the ice cream action.
Frosty Boy of Harrison Township/Facebook

Frosty Boy

38650 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Twp; 586-465-3322
Conveniently located next to Lake St. Clair Metro Park, Frosty Boy is Harrison Township’s beloved frozen custard spot. They’ve got soft serve, Dole whips, sundaes, shakes, flurries, and banana splits, but most importantly, they offer pup cups so your four-legged friends can get in on the ice cream action.
3 of 20
The Custard Hut 25947 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights; 313-278-5577 Who says your frozen custard only has to be served in a cone or a cup? At The Custard Hut you can get your favorite frozen flavor packed between two waffles.
The Custard Hut/Facebook

The Custard Hut

25947 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights; 313-278-5577

Who says your frozen custard only has to be served in a cone or a cup? At The Custard Hut you can get your favorite frozen flavor packed between two waffles.
5 of 20
Family Treat 2010 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-841-3522 Dipped cones, waffle cones, and sundaes are all classics you can find at Family Treats. If you just so happen to be hungry, you can grab a hot dog or a tac while you’re there.
Family Treat/Facebook

Family Treat

2010 Springwells St., Detroit; 313-841-3522
Dipped cones, waffle cones, and sundaes are all classics you can find at Family Treats. If you just so happen to be hungry, you can grab a hot dog or a tac while you’re there.
6 of 20
The Split 532 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park; 248-571-2064 Just because it’s named The Split, doesn’t mean that’s all it has to offer. The Split not only sells sundaes, but also soft-serve cones, mochi, waffle stacks and more.
The Split/Facebook

The Split

532 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park; 248-571-2064
Just because it’s named The Split, doesn’t mean that’s all it has to offer. The Split not only sells sundaes, but also soft-serve cones, mochi, waffle stacks and more.
7 of 20
Doug’s Delight 1108, 23110 John R. St., Hazel Park; 248-307-7970 There’s nothing more Michigan than a Sanders bumpy cake and at Doug’s Delight you can get a Bumpy Cake Dougie (their version of a DQ Blizzard).
Doug's Delight/Facebook

Doug’s Delight

1108, 23110 John R. St., Hazel Park; 248-307-7970
There’s nothing more Michigan than a Sanders bumpy cake and at Doug’s Delight you can get a Bumpy Cake Dougie (their version of a DQ Blizzard).
8 of 20
Screamers 44666 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-254-1414; goscreamers.com Screamers is a family-owned ice cream shop founded in 2010. It might be younger than some of the other shops on this list, but it serves the same great ice cream flavors that we’re used to.
Screamers/Facebook

Screamers

44666 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights; 586-254-1414; goscreamers.com
Screamers is a family-owned ice cream shop founded in 2010. It might be younger than some of the other shops on this list, but it serves the same great ice cream flavors that we’re used to.
9 of 20
Wally’s Frozen Custard 22501 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-552-5038; wallysfrozencustard.net Michigan loves Superman ice cream, but what about Superman frozen custard? If you’re lucky, it’s a treat you can get when you visit Wally’s Frozen Custard.
Wally's Frozen Custard / Facebook

Wally’s Frozen Custard

22501 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-552-5038; wallysfrozencustard.net

Michigan loves Superman ice cream, but what about Superman frozen custard? If you’re lucky, it’s a treat you can get when you visit Wally’s Frozen Custard.
10 of 20
Mangonadas Del Barrio 1210 Lawndale St., Detroit; 313-724-6074 A southwest Detroit favorite is home of the Mangonada, a frozen spicy Mexican fruit drink, but it also offers some incredibly over the top frozen treats and ice cream options.
Mangonadas Del Barrio/Facebook

Mangonadas Del Barrio

1210 Lawndale St., Detroit; 313-724-6074
A southwest Detroit favorite is home of the Mangonada, a frozen spicy Mexican fruit drink, but it also offers some incredibly over the top frozen treats and ice cream options.
11 of 20
Cold Truth 4240 Cass Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-680-1199; coldtruthsoftserve.com This Midtown soft serve joint offers out-of-the-box flavors like black sesame with strawberry balsamic drizzle, lavender, and black vanilla, but they always offer non-dairy options.
Google Maps

Cold Truth

4240 Cass Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-680-1199; coldtruthsoftserve.com

This Midtown soft serve joint offers out-of-the-box flavors like black sesame with strawberry balsamic drizzle, lavender, and black vanilla, but they always offer non-dairy options.
12 of 20
Ray's Ice Cream 4233 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; 888-549-5256; raysicecream.com Since 1958, Ray’s Ice Cream has been staying true to the retro soda shop vibe while serving out classic ice flavors like Mackinaw Island Fudge and Cherry Vanilla.
Ray's Ice Cream/Facebook

Ray's Ice Cream

4233 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; 888-549-5256; raysicecream.com

Since 1958, Ray’s Ice Cream has been staying true to the retro soda shop vibe while serving out classic ice flavors like Mackinaw Island Fudge and Cherry Vanilla.
13 of 20
Dairy-O 208 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-916-7700 Dairy-O is the ice cream shop of your childhood dreams. Serving up cones, sundaes, floats, coolers, flurries, glaciers, slushies, and smoothies, all of which can be topped and drizzled upon.
Dairy-O / Facebook

Dairy-O

208 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-916-7700

Dairy-O is the ice cream shop of your childhood dreams. Serving up cones, sundaes, floats, coolers, flurries, glaciers, slushies, and smoothies, all of which can be topped and drizzled upon.
14 of 20
Jim’s Frostie Treats 1528 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-399-7919; jimsfrostietreats.com Jim’s Frostie Treats has been a Royal Oak favorite since 1969, serving traditional soft-serve flavors, shakes, Dole whip, and more.
Google Maps

Jim’s Frostie Treats

1528 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-399-7919; jimsfrostietreats.com
Jim’s Frostie Treats has been a Royal Oak favorite since 1969, serving traditional soft-serve flavors, shakes, Dole whip, and more.
15 of 20
Bob Jo's Frozen Custard 4071 Fort St., Wyandotte; 734-282-6818 Bob Jo’s has been operating since the 1950s as a classic roadside custard and yogurt haven. There are 25 special flavors available as well as traditional faves like a vanilla-chocolate twist dipped in sprinkles.
Bob Jo's Frozen Custard/Facebook

Bob Jo's Frozen Custard

4071 Fort St., Wyandotte; 734-282-6818

Bob Jo’s has been operating since the 1950s as a classic roadside custard and yogurt haven. There are 25 special flavors available as well as traditional faves like a vanilla-chocolate twist dipped in sprinkles.
16 of 20
Detroit Water Ice Factory 1014 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-888-9106; detroitwaterice.com Ok, so technically Italian water ice isn’t ice cream, but the shaved ice treat from Detroit Water Ice Factory is the perfect way to cool off while enjoying Downtown.
Google Maps

Detroit Water Ice Factory

1014 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-888-9106; detroitwaterice.com

Ok, so technically Italian water ice isn’t ice cream, but the shaved ice treat from Detroit Water Ice Factory is the perfect way to cool off while enjoying Downtown.
17 of 20
The Dairy Maid 31817 Utica Rd., Fraser; 586-294-1660 This family-owned shop is known for its drive-thru service, which can attracts a long line — but fans insist it's worth the wait.
The Dairy Maid/Facebook

The Dairy Maid

31817 Utica Rd., Fraser; 586-294-1660

This family-owned shop is known for its drive-thru service, which can attracts a long line — but fans insist it's worth the wait.
18 of 20
Taylor Queen Ice Cream Shop 25650 Ecorse Rd., Taylor; 734-776-9999 Not all royalty live in castles, some live in big red barns filled with delicious ice cream. Taylor Queen Ice Cream Shop, which specializes in specialty sundaes like the peanut buster, which is loaded with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, butterscotch, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Google Maps

Taylor Queen Ice Cream Shop

25650 Ecorse Rd., Taylor; 734-776-9999

Not all royalty live in castles, some live in big red barns filled with delicious ice cream. Taylor Queen Ice Cream Shop, which specializes in specialty sundaes like the peanut buster, which is loaded with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, butterscotch, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry.

19 of 20
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store 32808 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-565-1071 | 6854 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-250-9574; oberweis.com Oberweis is a regional Midwestern chain mostly based in Illinois. Their motto? Stop when you smell the waffle cone.
Google Maps

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store

32808 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-565-1071 | 6854 Rochester Rd., Troy; 248-250-9574; oberweis.com

Oberweis is a regional Midwestern chain mostly based in Illinois. Their motto? Stop when you smell the waffle cone.

20 of 20
Food & Drink

New Detroit-area restaurants for 2025

While the restaurant industry has been facing especially difficult headwinds lately, that hasn’t stopped a number of exciting new establishments from opening…

By Lee DeVito

Dime Store Rochester Hills 6920 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills; eatdimestore.com This Detroit brunch favorite celebrated a decade operating out of downtown’s Chrysler House Building with exciting news — an expansion to the ’burbs. Attached to a Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, the new location is more than double the size of the original Detroit spot, allowing for an expanded menu including pancakes and former limited-time specials like the General Tso’s Benny. The extra space also means it can accommodate reservations for parties of up to 12, private events, and catering orders.
40 slides
Food & Drink

Ranking the best Detroit-style pizzas

Thick, crispy, cheesy, and unmistakably Detroit. The city’s signature square pizza is a true local classic that has earned its place alongside…

By Steve Neavling

Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park is one of the best purveyors of Detroit-style pizza.
26 slides
Food & Drink

The most romantic restaurants in metro Detroit

Sure, romantic restaurants can be pricey, but you deserve to treat yourself and your partner sometimes, especially for Valentine’s Day. If you’re…

By Layla McMurtrie

Highlands 400 Renaissance Center, Floor 71, Detroit; 313-877-9090; highlandsdetroit.com For an amazing view of Detroit, Canada, and the river, this is the place to be. Located on the 71st floor of the Renaissance Center, the sights are breathtaking — but you better not be afraid of heights.
33 slides
Arts & Culture

You can live in a Michigan ice cream shop

If you are a person like us (one who loves ice cream of all flavors), you should definitely uproot your life and…

By Jenna Jones

110 E Nagonaba St, Northport, MI 49670
38 slides
More »

Shinola Hotel’s Evening Bar launches ‘Model T-iki’ pop-up and supports a good cause

By Lee DeVito

Image: Shinola Hotel’s Evening Bar launches ‘Model T-iki’ pop-up and supports a good cause

HopCat is expanding to Downriver

By Lee DeVito

Midtown Detroit's HopCat.

Lapointe: Is Detroit’s Coney feud more than a food fight?

By Joe Lapointe

Founded more than a century ago by Greek brothers, American and Lafayette Coney Island have a “love-hate” relationship.

All material © 2025 Detroit Metro Times, Ferndale, MI. All rights reserved.

Powered By Foundation
Subscribe