Sacramento’s Sweet Ice Cream Addiction
Hey Sacramento, let’s cut the crap and talk ice cream. It’s our lifeline in this city—cheaper than therapy, cooler than the rent hikes (still $1,748 a month—kill me), and way tastier than whatever’s on the news. We’re a town of taco fiends and coffee snobs, but ice cream? That’s our universal language. So, here’s why we’re all nuts for it and the top 5 ice cream places in Sacramento that keep us coming back. Scoop’s up—let’s roll!
Why Ice Cream’s Our Sacramento Jam
Ice cream’s not just food—it’s our damn happy place. Remember sprinting after the ice cream truck on K Street? Or those sweaty summer nights when a cone was the only thing keeping you sane? It’s baked into our Sacramento bones. It’s cheap(ish) joy when PG&E’s robbing us blind, and it’s a brain-buzzing good time—something about dopamine, who cares, it works. From vanilla to batshit-crazy flavors, it’s the one thing we don’t fight over. We love it because it’s us—messy, sweet, and unapologetic. Now, let’s get to the spots that make it happen.
Top 5 Ice Cream Shops in Sacramento: The Creamy Elite
Here’s the real deal—our best ice cream in Sacramento list. These joints are local royalty, dishing out scoops that make life worth living. No fluff, just facts and flavors:
1. Gunther’s Ice Cream – Curtis Park’s Old-School Boss
- Where: 2801 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Why We’re Hooked: Since 1940, Gunther’s has been the king under that “Jugglin’ Joe” sign. Slow-churned, fatty goodness like Thai tea or lemon custard—it’s Sacramento history in a cup.
- Must-Try: The 50/50—sherbet and vanilla, pure gold.
- Vibe: Lines out the door, loud laughs, and retro feels. Hit their site.
2. Devil May Care – Downtown’s Flavor Freak
- Where: 1115 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Why We’re Hooked: This place is unhinged—salted hazelnut gianduja chip, corn on the cob ice cream, you name it. It’s wild, it’s downtown, and it’s a local poll crusher.
- Must-Try: Bacon fest. Bacon. In. Ice cream. Do it.
- Vibe: Cool-kid energy and Instagram bait. Check their goods.
3. Leatherby’s Family Creamery – The Sundae Savior
- Where: 2333 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 (also Elk Grove and Citrus Heights)
- Why We’re Hooked: Since ’82, Leatherby’s has been stacking sundaes like champs. Family-run, massive, and oh-so-comfy.
- Must-Try: Toasted almond with caramel sauce—melt-in-your-mouth magic.
- Vibe: Diner nostalgia and “share or die” portions. Scope their page.
4. Vic’s Ice Cream – Land Park’s Throwback Gem
- Where: 3199 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Why We’re Hooked: Since 1947, Vic’s has been serving cones, cakes, and pies that feel like a hug from a time machine. Simple, sweet, and so damn good.
- Must-Try: Muddy mocha cone—classic vibes, nailed.
- Vibe: Cozy, old-school, and all Sacramento.
5. The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs – Fair Oaks’ Donut-Ice Cream Mashup
- Where: 2620 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95864
- Why We’re Hooked: Hot donuts stuffed with ice cream—fuck yeah, that’s genius. It’s ridiculous, it’s delicious, and it’s ours.
- Must-Try: The Works—triple-scoop milkshake with a Nutella donut on top. Insane.
- Vibe: Fun, loud, and over-the-top Sac style. Drool here.
Need some Apple Crumble To Go With Ice Cream if you wanting to binge on an entire tub?
Check out our go to recipe right here!
Keep It Sweet, Sacramento
These Sacramento ice cream shops are our lifeline—proof we can still have fun when the world’s a dumpster fire.
Gunther’s loyalist?
Devil May Care daredevil?
Doesn’t matter—there’s a scoop for you.
Next time you’re cruising Midtown or chilling in Old Sac, hit one up. Life’s too short for bullshit—eat the ice cream, Sacramento. We’ve earned it.
What’s your fave ice cream joint in Sacramento? Tag us on our IG—let’s argue about it!
