For some, ice cream is an indulgence they treat themselves to occasionally. For others, it's a nightly ritual.
But come summertime, ice cream is a seasonal staple, essential to surviving the Richmond heat.
Luckily, Richmond is filled with ice cream parlors. From the Southside and the West End to Chester and in the city, there's ice cream close to home, close to work and everything in between. So there's no excuse not to treat yourself to a sweet cool down.
Local Ice Cream, Gelato and Italian Ice Peddlers:
Bev's: This Carytown favorite regularly serves up 13 flavors of ice cream and rotates up to 20 specials weekly. The menu offers everything from sundaes and smoothies to sandwiches and espresso drinks, so there truly is something for everyone. Believe me, Bev's Espresso Oreo ice cream is an addiction worth cultivating. Price for a single scoop: $3.50. 2911 W. Cary St., (804) 204-2387
Boyer's Ice Cream & Coffee: Richmond's newest ice cream parlor brings the West End's beloved Gelati Celesti to city residents. And with 24 flavors, there's no reason to leave the city at all. Price for a single scoop: $2.52. 5720 Patterson Ave., (804) 288-4088
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream: With two locations under its banner, this local coffee favorite is giving the big “S” a run for its money. For some, it's the delicious coffee and eclectic lunch and dinner menu that keeps them coming back. But ask any patron under the age of 12 (and plenty of those who are legally eligible to vote) and it's all about a few scoops of Bev's homemade ice cream served with a friendly smile in their favorite neighborhood shop. Crossroads serves 14 to 16 flavors of ice cream, plus a few milkshakes, sundaes, malts and banana splits. Price for a single scoop: $2.25. 3600 Forest Hill Ave., (804) 231-2030 and 26 N. Morris St., (804) 355-3559
Country Style Ice Cream: This Chester shops serves up unique, old-fashioned churned soft ice cream – mixed with whatever “blend-ins” you can imagine. Forget “31 flavors;” if you can dream it, they can build it. But if you're not feeling creative, the staff is happy to suggest a menu favorite like chocolate-covered cherry ice cream, the signature banana split served in a cup or a “dirt sundae” from the children's menu (don't worry moms, that “dirt” is pure ice cream, Oreos and gummy worms). And remember, this is old-fashioned charm; you place your order straight into a walk up window in enjoy it on Country Style's backyard patio. Price for a single scoop: $1.67. 4211 Celebration Ave., (804) 706-4200
The Dairy Bar: The Dairy Bar has been a breakfast, lunch and ice cream staple to generations of Richmonders. The restaurant dates all the way back to 1946 when it was the onsite diner for the ice cream plant that once operated there. The plant moved on, but the ice cream and casual grub is here to stay. And with at least 12 flavors of ice cream and 17 different milkshakes (including rum raisin and strawberry/banana), it's no wonder. Price for a single scoop: $2.69. 1602 Roseneath Road, (804) 355-1937
De Rochonnet Delights: This local chocolatier makes some of the best gelato in town. Why? They use their own homemade dark chocolate (and a gelato-making machine straight out of Italy). And with 12 flavors that rotate out, there's a selection that will keep your palate busy all summer long. Price for a single scoop: $2.99. 13228 Midlothian Turnpike, (804) 794-1551
The Desserterie: The Desserterie, Southside's favorite bakery, serves 18 different flavors of gelato (including chocolate hazelnut, cookies and cream and tiramisu) plus an awe-inspiring array of delicious baked goods. Add that to the fact that the frozen treats can be enjoyed in the beautiful European-inspired bakery or on its Wi-Fi equipped patio, and you might just have a new summertime favorite. Price for a single scoop: $2.99
6161 Harbourside Centre Loop, (804) 639-9940
DeLuca Gelato: With 36 flavors of gelato, DeLuca is quickly becoming a West End favorite. Favorite flavors include caramel latte, chocolate and cookies and cream. Price for a single scoop: $2.50 (price includes tax). 1362 Gaskins Road, (804) 741-3202
Gelati Celesti Ice Cream Makers: Gelati is widely considered to serve some of the best ice cream in town. Gelati makes more than 100 different flavors (take that, Baskin-Robbins) and you could have unknowingly experienced the deliciousness since they sell their frozen treats to area restaurants. Price for a single scoop: $3.50. 8906 W. Broad St., (804) 346-0038
Ray's Italian Water Ice and Frozen Custard: At Ray's Italian Ice, the emphasis is entirely on flavor. Whether it's Italian water ice or frozen custard you're ordering, you can be sure that the ingredients will be fresh, the texture flawless and the flavor … well you'll just have to see for yourself, but let's say that "good" in an understatement. Ray's Italian ice is made from fruit puree, sugar and water and the frozen custard is similar to its ice cream cousin (it just has a higher butter fat content and is therefore a little creamier). Price for a single scoop: $2.38. 3039 Lauderdale Dr., (804) 360-8135
Southern Railway Deli: You make not immediately think of this Shockoe Slip restaurant deli for gelato, but they've got plenty. Southern Railway hand-makes the delicious frozen treat using only all-natural ingredients shipped straight from Italy. The flavors rotate regularly, but favorites include chocolate, pistachio, coconut and banana and green apple. Price for a single scoop: $1.99., 111 Virginia St., (804) 343-1770
The Usual Suspects:
Baskin-Robbins
6940 Forest Hill Ave.; 5510 W. Broad St.; 7300 Staples Mill Road; 9200 Stony Point Pkwy.; 1420 N. Parham Road
Ben & Jerry's
2901 W. Cary St.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
9101 W. Staples Mill Road; 11221 Hull Street Road; 11503 Robious Road; 11731 Sherbet Lane
Cold Stone Creamery
9982 Brook Road; 409 Libbie Ave.; 1220 Alverser Plaza; 11800 W. Broad St.; 13261 Rittenhouse Dr.; 7101 Forest Hill Ave.; 939 W. Broad St.; 9320 W. Broad St.
Dairy Queen
1601 Willow Lawn Dr.; 3900 Bailey Bridge Road; 11210 Patterson Ave.; 807 Parham Road; 6501 Iron Bridge Road; 4028 Cox Road; 11500 Midlothian Tpke.; 5711 Hull Street Road; 10101 Brook Road
Friendly's
11603 Midlothian Tpke.; 13800 Fribble Way; 8040 W. Broad St.; 10601 Patterson Ave.
5220 Brook Road; 2520 W. Hundred Road
Haagen-Dazs
9200 Stony Point Pkwy.; 11500 Midlothian Turnpike; 10871 W. Broad St.
Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and Treatery
11500 Midlothian Turnpike; 11761 W. Broad St.