Pittsburgh’s Favorite Ice Cream Shops
Whether you want a new ice cream experience with innovative flavors, or simply want a quick treat from a mom-and-pop shop, you will not be disappointed with Pittsburgh's selection of America’s favorite frozen treat!
We all know that food staples in Pittsburgh abound, and we proudly weave it into the cultural fabric of our city. The Heinz ketchup bottle and pickle are imprinted on our minds, we see pierogis in our sleep, and most yinzers will recommend out of towners try a Primanti Bros. sandwich at least once while they’re here. But I’m going to let you in on a secret you may not know about: We also take our ice cream very seriously. Whether you want a new ice cream experience with innovative flavors like you’ll find at Millie’s or Dave and Andy’s, or simply want a quick treat from a mom-and-pop shop like Page’s Dairy Mart, you will not be disappointed with our selection of America’s favorite frozen treat!
1. Millie’s Ice Cream
Locations: multiple locations all around Pittsburgh
Based out of Homestead, Millie’s Ice Cream is a Pittsburgh brand started by Chef Chad Townsend and his wife, Lauren, in the name of his grandmother. The creaminess of Millie’s Ice Cream lies on this side of gelato, but not quite as fatty. There are several locations around the city, but a favorite is their flagship store in Shadyside, complete with picnic tables for summer seating. Flavors rotate regularly and include limited time selections like Brownie Batter and White Chocolate Hazelnut Rhubarb.
2. Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor
Location: 2801 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Stepping into Klavon’s in the Strip District will make you feel like you’ve stepped back to the early 20th century. Beautiful, vintage woodwork and small bistro tables and booths fill this classic ice cream parlor. A large chalkboard above the counter displays an amazing sundae selection. Carve out enough time to eat in the parlor. You won’t want to miss your sundae presented in a large glass bowl.
3. Dave and Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream
Location: 207 Atwood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Dave and Andy’s has held the heart of the residents of Oakland since 1983. Open until 10pm, this ice cream shop is the perfect place to end (or for the college students who frequent it, start) your night. The flavors are rich, the waffle cones are crispy and sweet, and the chocolate ice cream actually tastes like chocolate.
4. Page’s Dairy Mart
Location: 4112 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Ask any yinzer if they know about Page’s Dairy Mart, and they’re bound to send you dahn to da southside for a stop at this Pittsburgh institution. Page’s Dairy Mart was established in 1951 and has been serving families, teenagers, and anyone else on hot summer nights ever since. Specializing in soft serve ice cream, you can choose from a variety of flavors. Other treats include Artic Swirls blended with the toppings of your choice, sundaes made over cinnamon buns, and apple dumplings served with ice cream. Order a plain vanilla soft serve in a cake cone, and cover in rainbow sprinkles, for a nostalgic treat.
5. Sam’s in the Strip
Location: 2105 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
It’s a tiny place, located right next to Mon Aimee Chocolate on Penn Avenue. If you’re not looking for it, you may miss it. But this ice cream counter serves up an excellent assortment of gelatos and hard dip ice cream, as well as ice cream cookie sandwiches made on the spot with your selection of cookies and whatever ice cream flavor you want. If you’re spending a day shopping in the Strip District, be sure to stop there for a mid afternoon snack.
*Bonus Ice Cream Boss: Leona’s
Look at me, LOOK AT ME! You have not had an ice cream sandwich, until you have had a Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwich. Not only are they the greatest tasting ice cream sandwiches you’ve ever had, but they are all lactose free! Lactose intolerant, rejoice! Soft, homemade cookies sandwich a chuck of creamy, homemade ice cream. Unlike the rest of this list, Leona’s doesn’t have a storefront for their happy sandwiches. Instead, they sell them at several locations around the city and surrounding area. Check their website for selling locations!
