Here are the best-rated ice cream spots in Columbia to cool down this summer, Yelp says
It’s about that time of the year when the warmer weather drives hordes of people to their local ice cream shops.
There are dozens of frozen dessert locations scattered throughout Columbia to try, but several places are so popular that they make customers keep coming back for more.
Here are the seven top-rated ice cream spots in Columbia, according to Yelp reviews.
Best ice cream spots in Columbia
#1. Sweet Cream Company at 1627 Main St.
Sweet Cream Company has been a part of Columbia’s ice cream scene since 2012, and has since gotten over 220 Yelp reviews and earned 4.5 stars.
They might not have as many flavors available as some other big chains, but their small batch of ice cream is made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. Ice cream flavors are subject to change at any time, so you should expect to try something new every time you visit them.
#2. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream at 4619 Forest Dr Ste 5
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream was once a single ice cream parlor from the 1940s, and eventually grew into a major chain of over 150 locations across 15 states. They have dozens of unique ice cream flavors to enjoy.
To this day, Handel’s upholds the same quality the original parlor served with each scoop. This location opened two years ago, and was the first Handel’s to open in Columbia. On Yelp, they have achieved 4.5 stars and over 20 positive reviews.
#3. Scoopy Doo Gelato Shop at 725 Saluda Ave
Located in the heart of Five Points, Scoopy Doo Gelato Shop has been a student favorite for years. They specialize in house-made gelato and sorbetto, which technically aren’t ice cream, but they do the same trick on a hot, sunny day.
They have 4.4 stars and over 50 reviews on Yelp.
#4. The Baked Bear at 631 Harden St Ste C
If you want to take ice cream to the next level, visiting The Baked Bear is a must. Not only do they have their own original ice cream recipes, but they also bake uniquely flavored cookies, allowing customers to create whatever kind of ice cream sandwich they can imagine.
On Yelp, they have 150 reviews and 4.3 stars.
#5. Morelia Gourmet Paletas at 4517 Forest Dr
Morelia Gourmet Paletas is another unique ice cream spot that only opened in Columbia last year. They specialize in paletas, which are Mexican frozen treats made from fruits, such as strawberry and mango, or made from rich, creamy ingredients, like chocolate and pistachio.
Their Columbia location has achieved 4.9 stars on Yelp and has 15 reviews.
#6. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream at 252 Harbison Blvd
This Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is the second one to open in Columbia, and is nearly as popular as the first. It has the same qualities as the other location, and even earned the same 4.5 stars on Yelp, with 19 user reviews.
#7. Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe at 930 Gervais St
Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, located in the middle of the Vista, provides a cozy atmosphere with a rotating selection of delectable desserts made in-house daily, in addition to heaping milkshakes and specialty coffees.
If you want to feel a little warmer inside, they also offer dessert martinis, hot toddies and spirited specialties.
Kaminsky’s earned 4.1 stars and has over 375 reviews on Yelp.