Top 10 Best Ice Cream Chains

Top 10 Ice Cream Chains

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re giving you the scoop on our picks for the best places to go get your ice cream fix this summer!

#10: Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen, or DQ as it’s known to millions, first opened its doors in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940, where the soft-serve formula that many of us still drool over was first introduced. They essentially revolutionized the soft serve game with its signature smooth and velvety texture that’s still widely enjoyed by many. Their Blizzard treats, where mix-ins are folded into the cold custard, have become legendary, creating a fun, swirling party in your mouth. Walking into a Dairy Queen feels like a trip back in time, with friendly service and classic Americana helping make it a must-stop staple for summer treat seekers everywhere.

#9: Baskin-Robbins

When it comes to variety, Baskin-Robbins holds the crown with its famous “31 flavors” promise, launched in 1945 in Glendale, California. This chain’s brilliance lies in its ability to innovate endlessly, offering something new for every taste bud and occasion. Their texture leans rich but keeps a perfect balance, allowing each unique flavor, from Old Fashioned Butter Pecan to Pralines ‘n Cream, to shine. More than just an ice cream shop, Baskin-Robbins’ ever-changing flavors helped change how people thought about ice cream, turning it into something those of us with a sweet tooth (especially in the summer months) looked forward to discovering again and again.

#8: Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery flips the script on traditional ice cream with its theatrical preparation style, founded in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona. What sets them apart? Instead of just scooping and serving, they’d mix up your favorite flavors and toppings on a frozen granite stone right before your eyes, creating customized creamy concoctions packed with texture and flavor. Watching the crew mash up your custom order is half the fun, and you always end up with a treat that’s totally your own. This hands-on, made-to-order style is beloved by ice cream fans who want a little show and a lot of flavor in every bite.

#7: Blue Bell Creameries

Before it became famous for ice cream, Blue Bell began in Texas in 1907 as a local butter-making business called the Brenham Creamery Company. It’s become known for its rich, homemade taste and classic flavors. Favorites like Homemade Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, and of course their pioneering, cookies ‘n cream have earned a loyal following thanks to their luscious texture and comforting, old-fashioned feel. Even as the brand has grown, it has held on to its reputation for simple, high-quality ice cream that reminds many of their childhood. While Blue Bell’s roots are firmly Southern, its impact is heartwarmingly nationwide, stamping a lasting legacy on ice cream history.

#6: Häagen-Dazs

It’s hard to believe this brand started in a small Bronx kitchen in 1960. Reuben and Rose Mattus had a simple idea: make ice cream that felt more luxurious than anything else on the market. They did that by churning less air into the mix, creating a richer, denser, and creamier texture than the lighter ice creams people were used to. They also chose a European-sounding name that felt sophisticated and premium. That combination of quality and branding helped create what we now know as the super-premium ice cream category, turning ice cream from a simple kids' dessert into something adults could see as a gourmet treat.

#5: Van Leeuwen

It’s hard to believe Van Leeuwen started as a humble yellow ice cream truck driving around New York City in 2008. Since then, it’s grown into a brand with a huge following, thanks to its focus on simple, high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and ice cream made from scratch. The menu strikes a balance between classic flavors and creative new ideas, offering everything from rich French-style ice cream to surprisingly melt-in-your-mouth vegan options. Combined with its clean, modern aesthetic, Van Leeuwen has turned a simple frozen treat into a cultural phenomenon, giving ice cream lovers plenty to melt over one scoop at a time.

#4: Salt & Straw

When Portland’s quirky spirit meets artisanal ice cream, you get Salt & Straw, a 2011 startup that’s been churning out bold, boundary-pushing scoops ever since. Their texture is decadently silky, but it’s their fearless mix of ingredients (strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, anyone?) that really sets them apart. Their shops feel warm and community-driven, with plenty of chances to try flavors before choosing. By working closely with local farmers and constantly experimenting with new ideas, they’ve become one of the most inventive and recognizable names in craft ice cream. Frankly, when it comes to pushing the boundaries of frozen desserts, they really take the cake—and the scoop.

#3: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni Britton-Bauer didn’t exactly take the traditional route to becoming an ice cream mogul. With a background in art and a real knack for fragrance, she basically rebuilt the chemistry of ice cream from the ground up. She started playing around with essential oils and top-tier dairy, which is why her scoops have that signature, super-clean, smooth finish. Since she started out in Columbus, Ohio, the brand has remained focused on its own unique standard, with some intriguing experimental flavors. As you scan the menu, you can tell there’s a ton of thought behind every flavor. Honestly, they really know how to churn out a masterpiece.

#2: Carvel

It’s kind of funny that Carvel started thanks to a random flat tire in 1934. Thomas Carvel was stuck in Hartsdale, New York, and started selling his melting ice cream, now soft-serve, to passersby. People absolutely loved that melty texture, and just like that, an empire was born. He basically invented the blueprint for the modern ice cream shop, but we all really remember the cakes. Who didn’t have a Fudgie the Whale or Cookie Puss at their birthday? Even though it’s been around forever, the brand still has this cool, kitschy, old-school feel, and nothing feels more like summer has arrived than a good ol’ spoonful of Carvel’s!

#1: Ben & Jerry's

Topping our list is none other than Ben & Jerry’s. This Vermont original has been shaking up the ice cream world since 1978 with its legendary chunky mix-ins and unforgettable, pun-filled names. Their texture is thick and creamy with a playful edge that keeps fans coming back. Beyond flavor, their brand ethos celebrates social causes and environmental awareness, making every scoop feel like you’re making the world a better place. Who knew ice cream could have such an enormous cultural impact? They remain the undisputed champions of innovation, consistently delivering the kind of wild, crave-able combinations that have kept them (cookie) dough-minating for decades.

If you had to fight to keep one ice cream chain going forever, which one would it be and why? Let us know in the comments.