The Best Ice Cream in Modesto (and other frozen treats)

It seems like summertime temperatures last a little longer and climb a little higher every year. If you live in Modesto, it can be a challenge to keep cool—especially if your air conditioner suddenly quits.

When that happens, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help with a quick air conditioner repair in Modesto

But what happens if you call another heating and cooling company?  Well, you may have to wait a couple of days for anyone to show up at your house, leaving you to deal with the heatwave on your own.

The good news is that we’re still here to help, even if you called someone else. That’s why we’re serving up this guide to the best ice cream destinations in Modesto. You’ll even find a few FroYo options, and a few options in neighboring cities, so there’s something for everyone.

The Ice Cream Co. & Grill

“The Hometown Staple”

2401 E. Orangeburg Ave. #650 

Modesto, CA 95355

A classic stop for frozen delights in Modesto, The Ice Cream Co. & Grill was established in 1979, and has remained a local favorite ever since.

Their handcrafted ice cream flavors are made on-site, and are out-of-this-world delicious. The ice cream is made from a traditional recipe that takes 24 hours to prepare.

And the craftsmen behind the counter take that delicacy, and use it in their specialty sundaes that will satisfy any taste bud, young or old. There’s even a kid’s sundae made in the shape of a clown’s face for any young comedians in the family!

The Velvet Grill & Creamery

“The Classic Experience”

2204 McHenry Ave 

Modesto, CA 95350-3254

A local staple in the central valley, The Velvet Grill and Creamery has operated multiple diner locations for over 20 years, and continues to remain a hometown favorite.

A quaint 1950’s theme with chrome-paneled walls, art-deco lighting fixtures, and a beautifully recreated dining bar, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the days of soda fountains and traditional diners.

Along with their mouth-watering diner-style recipes, Velvet Grill’s ice cream shakes and malts will more than fulfill your craving for something classic and delicious.

Crafted from their own house-made ice cream, and blended with an authentic 1950’s shake machine, it’s a tasty treat you’ll want to come back for again and again.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Rita's Italian Ice and frozen custard

“Variety Your Way”

2001 McHenry Ave.

Modesto, CA 95350

You can really have it your way here!

Rita’s specializes in both Italian ice, as well as frozen custard, provides endless combinations of them both.

Sundaes, smoothies, Gelati, milkshakes, frozen gelato cakes, blended ‘cream ice’ mudslides, the possibilities are endless!

One of their specialties, Rita’s ‘cream ice’ is said to be a better alternative to its counterpart, and it’s sure to give you a taste of something truly special.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard provides a unique flavor explosion that is sure to keep you cool on even the hottest of days.

Oak Barrel Ice & Creamery

Ice cream Sundae, apple pie ice cream, and pumpkin spice ice cream from Oak Barrel Creamery in Modesto, CA

“The Best Artisanal Ice Cream”

197 S. Golden Gate Bl.

Turlock, CA 95380

A short drive south to Turlock will bring you to Oak Barrel Ice & Creamery, one of Turlock’s premiere frozen treat stops. Specializing in finely-crafted artisan style ice cream and sorbets, you’ll never go back to grocery store brands again!

Their friendly scoopers use only the best, locally-sourced ingredients to create the most tantalizing flavors around, many of which are customer suggestions.

As well as amazing delicacies, the shop also showcases some local artwork inside to provide a quaint atmosphere, including a massive mural. Stop on by for a cozy, local experience.

Oodles Frozen Yogurt

“The Best Dole Whip in Town”

3430 Tully Rd. Suite #42

Modesto, CA 95350

Did someone say frozen yogurt?

You want oodles of toppings?

Then look no further, than Oodles Frozen Yogurt in Modesto.

Oodles provides a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors that get swapped out for new delights every now and again, as well as a monumental assortment of fresh and sweet toppings.

And for those of you looking to satisfy your craving from a certain round-eared mouse, Oodles also serves classic Pineapple Dole Whip Floats, made of pineapples straight from Hawaii.

With new flavors added on a regular basis, this is one frozen yogurt shop that will keep your taste buds guessing!

Yogurt Mill

Reese's Shake and FroYo from Yogurt Mill in Modesto, CA

“The Best Drive-Thru Frozen Yogurt”

2509 Oakdale Rd.

Modesto, CA 95355

For a hip, colorful, and delicious experience, head over to any one of Yogurt Mill’s many locations. Specializing in frozen yogurt, the family-owned and operated Yogurt Mill provides only the best flavor concoctions and mix-ins, which change out on a daily basis. Their premiere flavor of the day is always something new and exciting, like Salted Caramel Pretzel, Stok Cold Brew Gelato, or Red Velvet Cheesecake.

And for those who are more health-conscious, Yogurt Mill has an entire menu of Acai bowls to sate any sweet-tooth with refreshing, and low-calorie options.

Bonus! If you’re in a hurry, they have a drive-thru!

Pura Vida Shaved Ice & Espresso Bar

“The Best Hawaiian Shaved Ice”

1407 Standiford Ave. A1

Modesto, CA 95350

Have a sensitivity to dairy or gluten?

Why not try Pura Vida Shaved Ice & Espresso Bar?

Specializing in Hawaiian Shaved Ice, these nondairy, gluten-free delights come in a nearly limitless variety of flavor combinations.

Sweet and savory…

Fruity and tart…

Rainbow…

You think of it, they’ll make it!

And if you need a little pick-me-up, their espresso & coffee bar provides a series of iced and hot coffee drinks, and one other insane specialty…a blended Red Bull and fruit slush (flavor of your choice) that will really put a pep in your step!

Yogolicious

“Classic Frozen Yogurt”

3204 Countryside Dr.

Turlock, CA 95380

A local franchise in the central valley, Yogolicious is a wonderfully simple and straightforward frozen yogurt shop.

Offering up 14 quality flavors made from fresh ingredients, non-dairy and allergy-sensitive options, and an assortment of 70 different toppings, this cool little shop provides an inviting atmosphere fit for any outing with family or friends.

Mountain Creamery

“The Best Fresh Alternative”

12178 Yosemite Blvd Unit B

Waterford, CA 95386

A short drive east of Modesto will take you to the cute and quiet little town of Waterford, home to Mountain Creamery.

Freshness? They got that!

Not only do they hand-scoop Dreyer’s ice cream, but they provide a very unique option for a refreshing sweet: the Mangonada.

A staple in Mexican food culture, the Mountain Creamery’s Mangonada is a combination of cubed and chilled fresh mango, mildly spiced chamoy, lime, and salt. It’s a cultural firework show for your taste buds you definitely don’t want to miss.

Which one is your favorite?

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Whether you go for artisanal Caramel Crunch, a bowl brimming with raspberry frozen yogurt and gummy bears, or a traditional chocolate malt, you simply can’t go wrong when it comes to frozen treats.

Have a fantastic summer, and stay cool!

(P.S. If you ever need more help staying cool, consider calling us for fast & professional air conditioning repair in Modesto.)