Tucked inside a charming courtyard on Grand Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, Novel Ice Cream has quietly become one of the most talked-about dessert spots in the entire country. With a 4.9-star rating from over 2,300 reviews and the title of the nation’s number one ice cream shop, this little red shack punches way above its weight.
Whether you’re a local craving a late-night treat or a visitor looking for something unforgettable, Novel Ice Cream delivers in the most delicious way possible. Here’s everything you need to know about why this Phoenix gem is absolutely worth the trip.
The Legendary Dough Melt — Novel’s Star Creation
Some desserts are good. Others stop you mid-bite and make you forget where you are.
The Dough Melt at Novel Ice Cream is firmly in that second category.
Picture a warm, freshly glazed donut sliced in half, stuffed with a generous scoop of house-made artisanal ice cream, and finished with a free topping of your choice. The contrast between the soft, pillowy donut and the cold, creamy ice cream is nothing short of magical.
Customers rave that the bourbon toffee flavor inside a Dough Melt tastes remarkably similar to a maple bar — rich, buttery, and deeply satisfying. At around $9 with tip, it’s one of the best value desserts in all of Phoenix.
First-timers and regulars alike agree: you simply cannot visit Novel Ice Cream without ordering a Dough Melt.
Artisanal Ice Cream Flavors That Go Way Beyond Vanilla
Novel Ice Cream keeps eight signature flavors available every single day, plus four rotating seasonal options that change regularly. That rotating lineup is where things get really exciting — past flavors have included matcha, Thai tea, toffee bourbon, banana foster, and cookie dough monster.
Every flavor is crafted with obvious care and creativity. Even the classic Madagascar vanilla earns praise from customers who say it tastes far better than anything they’ve had elsewhere.
The Cookie Monster flavor, a fan favorite, turns your mouth and teeth a wild shade of blue — kids absolutely love it.
What makes Novel’s ice cream stand out is the texture. Reviewers consistently describe it as incredibly creamy with a smooth, rich consistency that holds up beautifully whether served in a cone, a cup, or tucked inside a warm donut.
Sampling is encouraged, so don’t be shy.
Bourbon Toffee — The Flavor Everyone Keeps Talking About
Ask any regular at Novel Ice Cream what flavor to order and they’ll probably say the same thing without hesitating: bourbon toffee. This flavor has developed a devoted following for good reason.
The bourbon toffee ice cream strikes a perfect balance between smoky warmth and sweet caramel richness. One reviewer described the experience of eating it so enthusiastically that they joked the audio would get fined by the FCC.
That’s the kind of reaction this flavor tends to inspire.
Served inside a Dough Melt, the bourbon toffee flavor takes on an almost maple bar-like quality — deep, indulgent, and completely addictive. Even employees recommend it as their top pick.
If you’re visiting Novel Ice Cream for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by the menu, start here. Bourbon toffee in a Dough Melt is the gold standard experience this shop is known for.
Fresh-Baked Donuts Made Right There on Site
Not all ice cream sandwich shops bother to make their bread component fresh. Novel Ice Cream does, and that decision makes all the difference in the world.
The donuts used in the Dough Melt are baked on-site and served warm. Customers consistently describe them as fluffy, soft, and perfectly glazed — the kind of donut that holds together just long enough for you to enjoy every bite without falling apart.
One reviewer called the donut “super soft and freshly baked,” noting it was a key reason the whole sandwich worked so well.
The warmth of the fresh donut against the cold ice cream creates a temperature contrast that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. It’s a small detail that shows just how much thought Novel puts into every item on their menu.
Fresh-baked matters, and Novel proves it.
Waffle Cone and Waffle Sandwich Options for Every Preference
Not everyone wants their ice cream in a donut, and Novel Ice Cream has you covered. The shop also offers waffle cones and waffle ice cream sandwiches as alternative serving options, giving customers real flexibility in how they enjoy their dessert.
Reviewers who’ve tried the waffle cone praise its crispiness and spot-on flavor, noting it complements the rich, creamy ice cream without overpowering it. One customer described the waffle cone as “spot on,” placing it alongside the beloved vanilla ice cream as a top choice for those who prefer a more traditional experience.
Whether you go classic cone or adventurous Dough Melt, Novel gives you options that all feel equally well-executed. The waffle sandwich format also works beautifully with bolder flavors, offering a slightly different texture experience from the donut version.
There’s truly something here for every dessert personality.
Rotating Seasonal Flavors That Keep You Coming Back
One of the smartest things Novel Ice Cream does is keep four of its flavors rotating on a regular basis. That means every visit has the potential to offer something brand new, which keeps even the most loyal regulars coming back with excitement.
Past rotating flavors have included matcha, Thai tea, banana foster, and other creative options that reflect real culinary imagination. Some of these limited-run flavors are so popular they sell out within a single day — which is both a testament to their quality and a gentle warning to visit early if you want to try them.
Regulars suggest always checking what’s rotating before you visit, because those flavors tend to be the most adventurous and memorable options on the menu. Novel’s willingness to experiment with bold, unexpected combinations is a big part of what earned it the title of the nation’s top ice cream shop.
Refreshing Sorbets That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Ice cream gets most of the attention at Novel, but the sorbets quietly hold their own as exceptional offerings. For anyone who prefers a lighter, dairy-free option, Novel’s sorbets deliver bold flavor without the heaviness of traditional ice cream.
Long-time customers describe the sorbets as “very refreshing” and note that they stand up beautifully on their own. One devoted regular, who has been visiting since 2017, specifically calls out the sorbets as exceptional — high praise from someone who has tried nearly everything on the menu over the years.
One word of advice from experienced customers: sorbets can be hit or miss inside a Dough Melt, depending on the specific flavor you choose. Some work wonderfully, while others can highlight bitter notes when paired with the sweet donut.
In a cup or cone, though, the sorbets are consistently crowd-pleasing and well worth trying.
A Vibe and Atmosphere That Feels Truly Special
Novel Ice Cream isn’t just about the food — the whole experience feels like a hidden gem you want to tell everyone about. The shop is nestled inside a charming courtyard on Grand Avenue, surrounded by a mix of small businesses including a coffee shop, a tattoo and piercing studio, a barber shop, and even a wedding planner.
The outdoor patio area gives the whole spot a relaxed, community-feel energy that’s perfect for a casual date night, a family outing, or a spontaneous late-night dessert run. String lights and a lively atmosphere make evening visits feel especially memorable.
Reviewers describe the vibe as fun, cool, and welcoming — the kind of place that feels like a local secret even though it’s nationally recognized. Whether you’re visiting on a Tuesday evening or a Friday night close to closing time, the energy at Novel always feels just right.
Friendly, Fast Service That Keeps the Line Moving
Lines at Novel Ice Cream can get long, especially on weekend nights. But here’s the thing — almost every reviewer mentions how quickly the line moves, and how friendly the staff makes the whole experience feel.
Employees take time to explain flavors, offer samples, and help first-timers navigate the menu without making anyone feel rushed or out of place. One customer gave a specific shout-out to a staff member named Leo, praising him for explaining every flavor, providing samples, and even personalizing the bag with a handwritten message.
That kind of warm, attentive service is rare at any price point, let alone at a shop where most items cost under $10. Even during peak hours, the team operates with impressive efficiency.
The combination of speed and genuine friendliness is a huge reason why so many people describe Novel as a place they return to again and again.
Late-Night Hours That Make It a Perfect After-Dark Destination
Most ice cream shops close up early, leaving night owls with few dessert options. Novel Ice Cream breaks that mold entirely with some of the most generous late-night hours in the Phoenix food scene.
Tuesday through Thursday, the shop stays open until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, it runs all the way until 1 AM — making it one of the best late-night dessert destinations in the entire city.
Sunday hours run from noon until 10 PM, and the shop is closed on Mondays.
Reviewers consistently mention Novel as their go-to spot for a spontaneous late-night dessert run or a fun after-dinner treat following a night out. The courtyard atmosphere feels especially alive after dark, with a relaxed energy that makes lingering over your Dough Melt feel completely natural.
Night owls in Phoenix finally have a dessert spot that truly gets them.
Prices That Are Genuinely Fair for What You Get
Gourmet and affordable don’t always go together, but Novel Ice Cream manages to pull off both without compromise. For a shop that has earned national recognition and uses high-quality, artisanal ingredients, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
A Dough Melt — which includes a fresh-baked glazed donut, a generous scoop of ice cream, and a free topping — runs around $9 with tip. Single scoops start at approximately $5, which some customers note feels fair given the quality and craft behind each flavor.
Multiple reviewers specifically call out the pricing as one of Novel’s strongest selling points, noting that it’s rare to find this level of quality at such accessible prices. For families, couples, or solo dessert enthusiasts, Novel delivers an experience that feels luxurious without the luxury price tag.
That balance of quality and value is a big part of why people keep coming back.
National Recognition That Puts Phoenix on the Dessert Map
Novel Ice Cream isn’t just a local favorite — it’s a nationally recognized powerhouse in the dessert world. The shop earned the title of the number one ice cream shop in the entire United States, a recognition it also received back in 2019, making it a two-time national champion.
That kind of repeat recognition doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of consistent quality, creative flavor development, and a genuine passion for the craft of ice cream-making.
Customers who’ve visited ice cream shops across the country consistently say Novel stands apart in both flavor and experience.
For Phoenix residents, having a nationally ranked dessert destination right in their own backyard is a real source of local pride. For visitors passing through Arizona, it’s become a must-stop on any food itinerary.
Novel Ice Cream has officially put Phoenix on the national dessert map, and it shows no signs of stepping down from that top spot.
How to Find Novel Ice Cream and Plan Your Visit
Finding Novel Ice Cream for the first time can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. The shop is located at 1028 Grand Ave, Suite 6, Phoenix, AZ 85007 — tucked inside a courtyard that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
A few reviewers admit it took them a moment to spot, so keep your eyes open.
Parking in the immediate lot is limited, so street parking along Grand Avenue is often the practical choice. The good news is that the neighborhood is walkable and the surrounding courtyard shops make the wait feel like part of the fun.
Novel is open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday from noon to 1 AM, and Sunday from noon to 10 PM. They’re closed on Mondays.
You can reach them at 602-579-7773 or visit novelicecream.com to check for updates on rotating flavors before your trip.