Tiny Arizona ice cream shop was just named best in all the US
Yelp released its list of 100 best U.S. ice cream shops 2025 ahead of National Ice Cream Day and five Arizona ice cream shops made the cut, three in metro Phoenix and two in Tucson. Even better? One metro Phoenix ice cream store topped the chart.
To create its "all-time list of the Top 100 Ice Cream Spots in the U.S.," Yelp's gathered the reviews of businesses in the ice cream category and then used factors such as the total volume and ratings of reviews ranked them. The top shops presented "artisan-crafted" flavors like ube and honey lavender; introduced new ways to serve them, for example as a flight, in taco shape inside a waffle taco and in burrito shape, rolled up in cotton candy.
According to Yelp, ice cream sandwiches are making a comeback, whether in a doughnut or between waffles or cookies, global flavors are in, as are house-made ingredients.
Here's a look at the Arizona ice cream shops that made the list.
Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix ranked No. 1 (in the entire country)
Fans raved about Novel's signature dough melt, which is creamy and cold ice cream stuffed in a warm glazed doughnut. For those who don't prefer doughnuts, Novel also offers cups, cones and Belgian waffle. Flavors range from Honey Lavender to Bourbon Caramel Toffee Crunch and Cookie Monster.
Rating: 4.9 from 1,245 reviews.
Reviewer comment: “This place was fantastic. The gingerbread ice cream I got was amazing. Great texture and good depth of flavor. My boyfriend said the donut ice cream sandwich was the best dessert he ever had.” — Yelp Elite Elizabeth H.
Details: 1028 Grand Ave., Cottage 6, Phoenix, 602-373-2235. Also at 40 N. Macdonald St., #2, Mesa. 602-784-4729. And 8295 W. Jefferson St., Peoria. 623-419-3680, novelicecream.com.
Dessert in Desert in Scottsdale ranked No. 27
Rating: 4.8 from 410 reviews.
Reviewer comment: "My husband and I were craving some Japanese sweets since our trip to Japan last October and this was the perfect place! I got the strawberry parfait with super fresh strawberries. My husband got the taro and milk fish cone with custard filling which was done to perfection." — Yelp Elite Sara T.
Licks Ice Cream & Coffee in Tucson ranked No. 44
Rating: 4.9 from 93 reviews.
Reviewer comment: "I mean, WOW!! Gotta admit, I was a bit overwhelmed at first. Make sure to talk to the staff and get the details to order accordingly. The bubble waffles are amazing!! Cool little place for sure!!" — Yelper Glenn S.
Blue Ice Gelato in Tucson ranked No. 51
Rating: 4.8 from 189 reviews
Reviewer comment: "The shop has over 20 flavors to choose from, with some non-dairy and many gluten-free options. I usually get a small cup with chocolate and honey lavender cinnamon (yes, up to 2 flavors per small). My partner really likes the waffle cone with butter pecan. The flavors always are fresh and the texture creamy." — Yelp Elite Melissa C.
Richard "Richie" Dolan is seen May 27, 2025, at Lix Uptown Ice Cream in Phoenix as he serves a to-go cup to a customer while employee Treyc Scqueira works to prepare a treat behind him.
Lix Uptown Ice Cream in Phoenix ranked No. 52
Rating: 4.8 from 184 reviews.
Reviewer comment: "Ok so had no idea I'd find what we did at Lix ice cream. It was such a cool spot with amazing flavors of ice cream, an abundance of topping choices but what makes it all even better is the ambiance of the place! The vibes are giving 80s 90s nostalgia so so hard - it just took me immediately back to feel good times. Who doesn't want to enjoy ice cream where it feels so good and looks so cool? This would be an awesome spot to bring a date or even get together for a book club or something. Beyond the counter in the back there is a whole other room with couches and seating and it's just soooooo cool." — Yelp Elite Astrid H.
When is National Ice Cream Day 2025?
July 20, 2025 is National Ice Cream Day.
