Pittsburgh’s Favorite Ice Cream Shops

Pittsburgh is famous for its food staples, from Heinz ketchup and pierogis to Primanti Bros. sandwiches, but we take our ice cream just as seriously.

Whether you’re craving inventive flavors at spots or a quick treat from a classic mom-and-pop, you’ll find plenty of delicious ways to enjoy America’s favorite frozen treat in Pittsburgh.

Credit |
@_chelsealauren_

1. Millie’s Ice Cream

Locations: multiple locations all around Pittsburgh

Based in Homestead, Millie’s Ice Cream is a Pittsburgh brand founded by Chef Chad Townsend and his wife, Lauren, in honor 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 selection of sundaes. 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 hearts of Oakland residents 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 is perfectly chocolate-y.

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 it in rainbow sprinkles for a nostalgic treat.

5. Sam’s in the Strip

Location: 2105 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Sam's in the Strip is located right next to Mon Aimee Chocolat on Penn Avenue. If you’re not looking for it, you may miss it. But this ice cream counter serves an excellent assortment of gelatos and hard-dip ice cream, as well as ice cream cookie sandwiches made on the spot with your choice of cookies and any 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.

6. Leona’s

Location: sold at multiple locations all around Pittsburgh

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 chunk 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 the surrounding area.

Credit |
@adventures.in.allergies
Credit |
@adventures.in.allergies

7. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Location: 9020 St Simon Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a Pittsburgh favorite for fresh, homemade ice cream since 1945. Each batch is made in-store using generous amounts of high-quality, great-tasting ingredients, which explains why Handel’s has been recognized as the #1 ice cream on the planet by National Geographic Magazine. Guests can choose from a wide variety of flavors, including Cotton Candy, Graham Central Station, Ooohh…Dough!, Salty Caramel Truffle, among many others.

Credit |
@handelsmccandlesscrossing
Credit |
@handelsmccandlesscrossing

8. Antney's Ice Cream

Location: 1316 Poplar St, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Antney's Ice Cream is known for its daily rotating selection of unique, handcrafted flavors. The shop operates as a seasonal walk-up stand with outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to sit in the summer sun and enjoy a delicious ice cream cone.

Credit |
Antney's Ice Cream
Credit |
Antney's Ice Cream

9. OddFellows Ice Cream Co.

Location: 1637 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Ice Cream and books? What could be a better combination! OddFellows teamed up with Posman Books to open a joint ice cream and bookstore. Find more than 500 wacky and weird flavors, like passionfruit apricot pistachio, miso peanut butter & jelly, and raspberry rocky road, alongside reimagined and improved classics.

Related Blogs

Pittsburgh Summer Festivals & Events Mark your calendars for these 2026 Pittsburgh summer festivals and check back often for event updates!
Learn More
21 Foods You Can Only Get in Pittsburgh When you're in Pittsburgh, make sure you eat like the locals do.
Learn More
Best Bakeries in Pittsburgh From cakes and pies to cookies and tortes - Pittsburgh's best bakeries have it all.
Learn More
Best Donut Shops in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s donut scene is a true treasure for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Learn More
Elaine Z.

Author

Elaine Z.

Elaine is a graduate student in the Food Studies program at Chatham University. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her loved ones, and having a book in her hand. Pittsburgh passionate, Elaine loves showing out-of-towners new places to go and restaurants to try.

Related Content: