If you’re craving a sweet treat, you’re in luck. There are many great options for ice cream in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Whether you’re in the heart of the city, out enjoying the beach on Anna Maria Island, or up in Palmetto, we’ve got you covered.
Here are ten of our favorite local ice cream shops. Start now and you’ll be able to hit them all before summer is over.
SweetBerries Frozen Custard & Eatery
4500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
A staple in Bradenton for over 20 years, SweetBerries Frozen Custard & Eatery is the go-to place for a delicious frozen treat you won’t soon forget.
Their custard is fresh-made at least two times a day. Using their secret recipe (which includes a bit of egg yolk) and a slow-churn method they create a dense, thick frozen dessert with a premium ice cream taste and far less fat.
Every day you’ll find chocolate, vanilla, and one special flavor on the menu. Check the flavor calendar on their website to see their monthly line-up so you can plan your next trip.
You’ll also want to try one of their signature “concrete” desserts. It’s custard combined with your choice of candy or other mix-ins. The result is a dessert so thick they serve it to you upside down!
Rockin Gelato
6646 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, FL 34210
Want a delicious frozen treat with a side of awesome music history? Head out to Rockin Gelato on Cortez Road West in Bradenton where you’ll enjoy a variety of gelato flavors and an impressive collection of rock ‘n roll memorabilia.
You’ll also find a variety of locally-made ice cream flavors, fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and other sweet treats (Fireball Whiskey Fudge, anybody?).
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only amazing but also Instagram-worthy, you’ll definitely want to add this to your summertime “must-visit” list.
Corwin’s Ice Cream & Smoothies
1000 1st Ave W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Next time you’re down by the Bradenton Riverwalk, you’ll want to stop by Corwin’s Ice Cream & Smoothies. Here you’ll find homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt, sundaes, ice cream floats, baked goods, and old fashioned candy. Oh! And they healthy smoothies too – if that’s your thing.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hot fudge brownie or peanut butter fudge sundae, unique ice cream flavors like cotton candy, rainbow sorbet, or salted caramel pretzel, or a simple iced coffee — they’ve got you covered.
Take your treat to go or enjoy open-air seating with a gorgeous view of the Manatee River.
Big Cow Creamery
5217 33rd St E, Bradenton, FL 34203
If you find yourself in east Bradenton, do yourself a favor and stop by Big Cow Creamery. This homemade ice cream shop has been in business since 1998. One stop there and you’ll quickly see why!
They make over 50 different flavors of ice cream and carry ice cream cakes, malts, sundaes, banana splits, and more! They also have sugar free and low-fat options. Feeling adventurous? Check out some of the exotic Indian flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Manatee County!
DISCOUNT ALERT! Mention Discover Bradenton when you visit and get a free ice cream cone when you buy a cone (Max value $2.88, Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, expires 8/7/2020)
Coco Joe’s Italian Ice
5120 Manatee Avenue W. Bradenton, Florida 34209
Coco Joe’s Italian Ice has been a favorite in Bradenton since 1995. This family-owned-and-operated shop carries a variety of Italian Ice flavors like mango, tangerine, chocolate, blue raspberry, watermelon, and more!
That’s not all, though. They also make delicious homemade custard, and you won’t want to miss their “Gelati” – which is custard layered with Italian Ice. They also offer Oreo and Nutter Butter ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and root beer floats! Stop by their location on Manatee Ave. or look for their truck at local area events.
Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream
11904 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, Florida 34215
Well-known for their gourmet old-fashioned ice cream made on-premises, Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream has been pleasing their customers since 1984.
It only takes one visit to see why this has been one of the most popular ice cream shops in Bradenton for over three decades!
You’ll love their soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, floats, cones, milkshakes, and banana splits. Before you head out, make sure you remember to grab a few pints or quarts to go.
Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee Cafe
101 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, Florida 34216
There’s a reason why Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee Cafe is considered by many to be Anna Maria Island’s best ice cream shop! They’s been around since 2007 and offer 32 different flavors of homemade ice cream including Gator Tracks, Bing Cherry, Maple Walnut, Coffee Crunch, and Chocolate Chunk.
They also have sundaes, shakes, floats, sorbet, and a selection of coffee drinks. We suggest the iced cappuccino made with a scoop of homemade ice cream — yum!
Looking for something a bit more substantial? Take a look at their breakfast and lunch menu. When you’re done with your tasty treat, make sure you stop by Two Sides of Nature Boutique and browse their inventory of resort wear, home decor, gifts, and more!
Small Town Creamery
5404 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217
The award-winning Small Town Creamery is another favorite among Holmes Beach locals and visitors. With 50 different flavors of ice cream to choose from, you’re guaranteed never to get bored!
They also serve homemade fudge, candy, shakes, cold-brew espresso coffee, sundaes, and more. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, there’s always something to smile about when you visit this whimsical and charming getaway.
The kids will love browsing through the adorable shop and maybe discovering the next “must-have” toy.
When you’re ready to take a break from the beating sun and spend some time with super-friendly staff, this is the perfect escape.
Holy Cow Ice Cream & Other Cool Stuff
3234 E Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Family-owned and operated since 2009, Holy Cow Ice Cream & Other Cool Stuff offers 36 different flavors of homemade ice cream crafted from the finest possible ingredients. They also have sugar-free, dairy-free, and frozen yogurt options.
The selection changes daily but often includes interesting flavors like rum raisin, Snickers, crazy cake, coffee, pistachio, mocha almond fudge, and cappuccino Kahlua.
Order a cone or get fancy with a hand-spun shake, sundae special, coffee frappe, or a fruit smoothie.
Alice Scoopers
1057 Riverside Dr. Palmetto, FL 34221
We certainly don’t want to forget about our friends to the north! Next time you’re in the Palmetto area, head over to Alice Scoopers, located in the Regatta Pointe Marina. They create small-batch ice cream in-store using only the finest ingredients. They also offer two keto and two vegan/nondairy options as well.
All of the flavors have fun names, like “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” (creamy chocolate), “Brown Eyed Girl” (buttery cinnamon roll flavored ice cream filled with chunks of real cinnamon rolls and a cream cheese frosting swirl) and “Cheesecake in Paradise” (cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker crust and key lime swirl). You can also enjoy one of their specialty sundaes: Johnny Cashew, Nutellica, or Conway Twinkie.
If you love a good pun and even better ice cream, this is the spot for you!
There you have it — plenty of awesome ways to celebrate National Ice Cream day (or any day for that matter!). When you stop by to visit one of these hot spots, be sure to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton!
Did your favorite spot make the list? We would love to hear about your experiences and recommendations. Leave us a comment below!
2 thoughts on “Ice Cream in Bradenton: 10 Local Shops You Need to Try!”
Thanks for posting this! Have to try the places we missed!
Great information for someone looking for ice cream! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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