The calendar says fall, but Texas weather rarely reads the calendar. October can still hit 90 degrees, and that makes a scoop of ice cream feel less like a summer treat and more like a year-round habit.
This list covers seven shops across the state that lean into the classic side of things, from antique soda fountains and river-level storefronts to a creamery where you can watch production from an observation deck. Some have been scooping for decades, and others build their whole menu around homemade batches and old-fashioned favorites like sundaes, malts, and banana splits.
You will find stops in Denton, San Antonio, Plano, Brenham, Austin, and Arlington, so there is a good chance one sits on your next weekend route. Save this one for the next warm afternoon, which in Texas is probably tomorrow.
1. Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Denton, TX
More than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream is a lot of decisions for one cone. That is the happy problem waiting at Beth Marie’s, which sits at 117 W Hickory St right on the historic Denton courthouse square.
The parlor leans fully into its vintage style, complete with an antique soda fountain. Waffle cones are made fresh, and the flavor lineup runs from lavender honey and Campfire Marshmallow to Cookie Lover, chocolate covered strawberry, and German chocolate.
My favorite name on the board might be courthouse pecan, since you can eat it while looking at the actual courthouse. After dinner mint and caramel bits round out the more classic side of the case.
Beth Marie’s also serves lunch fare and coffee, which makes it more than a dessert-only stop. Hours run late, until 10:30 PM most nights and 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Weekend evenings are the busiest stretch. If you want a calmer visit, mornings and early afternoons are the easier window.
2. Justin’s Ice Cream Co, San Antonio, TX
Since 1981, Justin’s has been scooping at river level along the San Antonio River Walk. That is a long run in a spot packed with newer attractions, and it gives the shop a real old-school storefront personality.
The counter holds roughly two dozen flavors of handmade ice cream and gelato, made daily. Sorbets are part of the lineup too, and the strawberry version is known for being especially creamy for a sorbet.
Not in the mood for something cold? Espresso and hot chocolate are on the menu, which is handy on the rare cool evening downtown.
You will find it at 245 E Commerce St on the river level. Hours run 10 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday and until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Plan around Sunday, since the shop is closed that day. Service moves quickly, so it fits neatly into a River Walk stroll.
3. Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream, Plano, TX
Hot dogs and ice cream on the same menu is a very Texas kind of logic. Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream in Plano pairs the two, along with pies and cakes, in a classic parlor setting at 3100 Independence Pkwy.
The shop has been part of Plano since the early 1990s. That longevity shows in its traditional, old-fashioned store feel and its loyal following.
Homemade flavors such as toffee and cinnamon share space with creative cones, including pretzel and chocolate chip versions. Scoops here are big, so ordering a single is a reasonable move.
Seating is available both indoors and outside. The shop is open daily from 11 AM, closing at 9 PM most nights and 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
4. Blue Bell Creameries & Country Store, Brenham, TX
A dollar still buys a generous scoop in Brenham. At the Blue Bell Creameries visitor center, the Country Store parlor serves any available flavor for $1, and the servings are true Texas size.
Before the scoop comes the story. The visitor building, with stained glass windows and brass handles, walks through Blue Bell history, including classic advertisements and posters from different decades.
A self-guided tour leads to an observation deck where you can watch ice cream production. There is a gift shop too, and the grounds are pleasant for a stroll with a cup in hand.
Timing matters here. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday only, and the visit requires an appointment, so check the Blue Bell website before heading out.
Brenham makes an easy road trip from Houston. Parking is free, both in the lot and on the street.
5. Amy’s Ice Creams, Austin, TX
Ask around Austin about ice cream and Amy’s comes up fast. The local chain has been an Austin institution for decades, and the Guadalupe Street shop at 3500 Guadalupe St is one of its best-known locations.
The menu is wide. You get inventive ice creams, milkshakes, ices, and frozen yogurts, plus clever fixings to mix in.
Classic orders hold their own here too, banana splits included. The staff is known for being upbeat and quick, and the shop takes extra precautions for guests with peanut allergies.
Night owls, take note. Amy’s stays open until 11 PM Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday nights are the busiest. A free parking lot makes the stop easier than many spots in central Austin.
6. Mr Ice Cream, San Antonio, TX
Chocolate sodas made with soda water are not easy to find anymore. Mr Ice Cream keeps them on the menu at its 1950s-style parlor at 423 E Commerce St in downtown San Antonio.
The shop scoops Blue Bell ice cream alongside classic and creative toppings and desserts. Sodas and malts fit right in with the retro interior details.
One nice bonus is the patio overlooking the river. It gives you a spot to sit with your cone instead of eating on the move.
There is also a slightly odd mechanical monkey game inside, which kids tend to notice right away. Scoops are generous and service is quick.
Hours run from 11 AM until 11 PM most days, and until 11:30 PM on Saturday. Since Justin’s is just down the street, a two-shop San Antonio ice cream crawl is completely doable.
7. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Arlington, TX
Good news for dog owners: four-legged friends are welcome outside at Handel’s in Arlington. That makes this shop at 4407 Little Rd Suite 700 an easy evening walk destination.
Handel’s is a long-standing ice cream brand with deep parlor roots. The Arlington store carries that tradition with many flavors of homemade ice cream and sorbet, plus sundaes and shakes.
The style here is old-fashioned ice cream at fair prices. Compared with some mix-in chains, a visit tends to cost a bit less.
Hours are simple to remember, 11 AM to 10 PM every day of the week. Weekend evenings are the busiest, while weekday mornings stay quiet.
Seating is available inside, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough for a quick family treat.
From the Denton square to the River Walk, these seven shops prove Texas ice cream season never really ends. Pick the closest one and enjoy the extra-long summer.
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