There’s no better way to cool off on another hot Albuquerque summer day than with a refreshing cup or cone of delicious ice cream. Albuquerque is packed with a variety of options, including chains and local heroes. Both options are great, but we believe the local options bring unique flavors and features to the table that are truly worth experiencing. Check out this quick guide for our take on some of the best area ice cream shops in Albuquerque.

I Scream Ice Cream

Welcome to Albuquerque’s most eclectic ice cream shop! I Scream Ice Cream feels like an antique store or museum of kitsch that also offers yummy frozen desserts. Beyond the unique decor and vintage arcade games, their claim to fame is the wide variety of interesting toppings and dozens of ice cream flavors. Both takeout and curbside delivery are available.

Nitro Fog Creamery

Part of the newish nitro ice cream movement that’s been taking the nation by storm, Nitro Fog Creamery offers desserts that are frozen right before your very eyes, using the cooling effects of liquid nitrogen. And because liquid nitrogen prevents large ice crystals from forming, Nitro Fog ice cream is amazingly creamy. Pick your favorite ingredients or go with one of their suggestions and watch as Nitro’s ice cream team creates your custom treat. Then dig in for an out-of-this-world taste experience.

Rude Boy Cookies

Not a standalone ice cream shop, Rude Boy is a ska-themed all-day bakery offering a variety of sweets, including ice cream sandwiches made with their delicious custom cookies and silky smooth Blue Bell ice cream. They also offer scoops in a cup and made-to-order milkshakes.

Pop Fizz

Pop Fizz is a Mexican-style ice cream shop, or paleteria, that offers truly unique frozen treats you won’t find anywhere else, including custom dipped ice cream bars, chili, and frozen fruit chamoyadas, slushies, homemade ice cream tacos, and more. Currently, their location at the National Hispanic Cultural Center is closed until further notice, but their North Valley location is still up and running, offering all their frozen treats as well as a variety of hot eats and alcoholic drinks.

All of these ice cream shops need all the support they can get right now. In return, you’ll reap the unique pleasure of a delicious frozen treat on a hot day! For more tips on living the good life in Albuquerque, visit the Olympus Northpoint blog.