During the warmer season, Alexandrians will line up at their favorite ice cream shop to cool off with a frozen treat. The city has no shortage of options, from classic ice cream parlors to gelato and frozen custard shops.
With the help of ALXnow readers through a Reader’s Choice Poll, we’ve rounded up the best ice cream shops in Alexandria, Virginia. After two weeks of voting (June 12-26) and over 900 individual votes cast, our readers navigated a field of nominees to crown the city’s best ice cream shop.
Last Vote: Poll: The best ice cream shop in Alexandria | Poll Held: June 12-26, 2026.
Top vote getters
1. The Dairy Godmother
2310 Mount Vernon Avenue
This frozen custard shop in Del Ray is known for rotating flavors of the week, plus pup pops for furry friends. The shop also introduced Just Fine Donuts five years ago.
2. Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream Co
109 King Street
This classic ice cream parlor continues the legacy of Ray “Pop” Giovanni, who served First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt her favorite ice cream. Today, the shop feeds the many visitors on lower King Street.
3. Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
111 S. Payne Street
Argentine-style gelato and sorbet are the specialties at this family-owned shop just off King Street. The shop produces its frozen desserts on site.
Other notable ice cream shops
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
- Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
- Dolci Gelati
Return to: ALXnow Readers’ Choice