The official first day of summer is approaching, and Texas summers are hot–we’re talking forget the egg, and cook your entire breakfast on the sidewalk, hot! Combating the scorching temperatures often includes pools, lake trips, afternoons at the dark, air-conditioned movie theater, and (what could easily be considered one of the best ways to stay cool,) frozen treats! DFW is doing dessert right, so don’t let “swimsuit season” keep you from getting your grub on. After all, swimsuit ready just means proximity to water and something cold in one hand, amirite? For your convenience, we’ve hand selected six of our favorite, local treats to beat the Texas heat. Try ‘em all and let us know which ones are your favorites!
Pop Star Handcrafted Popsicles
Popsicles are practically the official snack of summer, paralleled only by watermelon (maybe). Lucky for the fine folk of Dallas, Pop Star is crafting all-natural, organic popsicles in 27 flavors, including watermelon lime, strawberry lemonade, mango chili, mojito, and cold brew coffee–to name just a few. Pop Star Handcrafted Popsicles can be found at a handful of grocery stores, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout DFW. Check out their website for a map of retail locations.
Sweet Firefly
Located in the Canyon Creek neighborhood of Richardson, Sweet Firefly is well worth the drive (only 15 minutes from the Galleria). The local, hand made ice cream and candy shop is delivering joy and bringing the community together all year round, offering coffee drinks and shaved ice too. Sweet Firefly serves 16 flavors of ice cream that more or less rotate seasonally with the exception of the best sellers. Sea salt caramel, cinnamon, and bourbon vanilla are just a few of the most popular choices. Visit the sweet shop at 2701 Custer Pkwy #810.
Wild About Harry’s
Apparently the secret to this damn good custard is Harry’s mom’s recipe from the depression era. Smoother, creamier, and more dense than ice cream, the custard at Wild About Harry’s is made fresh daily, served in over 50 flavors, and the perfect pallet for all the sprinkles and toppings you could ever hope for. Harry’s also offers shakes, sundaes, and specialty hot dogs at both of their two locations listed online.
Pokey O’s
Beloved Blue Bell ice cream meets fresh baked cookies to create one amazing and addictive cookie ice cream sandwich known as the Pokey ‘O. Options are endless when you visit Pokey O’s storefront in University Park, where they offer a selection of 15 flavors of ice cream and 13 types of cookie! Choose any two cookies, add a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy the cold, chewy bliss. If an ice cream sandwich isn’t your thing, grab a scoop in a cup or cone, or snag a single cookie to munch on. Check ’em out at 3034 E Mockingbird Lane.
Chills 360
If you’ve been to Deep Ellum in the last year, chances are you’ve seen the line spilling out of Chills 360. Rolled Thai ice cream is a hot trend right now, but this Deep Ellum ice cream shop has us thinking it could become a staple in Dallas desserts. Custom made right before each customer’s eyes, it’s ice cream in its purest form. Choose from eight eclectic flavor/topping selections with unique names like Matcha Made in Heaven, Monkey Business, and the Hangover. Join the crowd at 2646 Elm St for your chance to taste the made-to-order ice cream rolls.
Paciugo Gelato Caffe
Ugo Ginatta moved to Dallas from Italy in 1999 armed with his secret family gelato recipe, and for that we thank him. If you wander around Dallas long enough, it’s pretty likely that you’ll run into a Paciugo Gelato Caffe (#blessed), they’re even popping up across the nation! Made the traditional Italian way using fresh fruit and all natural ingredients, the treat is smooth, decadent, and boasts 70% less fat than ice cream! Check out their store locator online to find the caffe closest to you, and feel free to sample as many flavors as you want–we sure did!
