6147 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89511
The owner of this local ice cream joint started selling ice cream from a trailer, encouraged by friends and family to share his delicious gourmet ice cream with the world.
At this shop, you can find the most unique flavors of ice cream, many of which are inspired by cultures around the world (Thai Tea - Thailand, Melon - Asia, Ricotta, and Fico - Italy, Mango Lime Chile Sorbet -Mexico).
The owner is constantly exercising his creativity, churning out new flavors often. While you'll always have something new to try, the most popular flavors will usually be in stock on a regular basis.
Grab one of their fresh and delicious sandwiches (bread made in-house) before completing the meal with a touch of delicious creativity. Beer available and don't forget to ask for a rewards card to earn free ice cream.
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| Refreshing & Top Notch Italian Ice from Rita's |
2. Refreshing Italian Ice and Custards From Rita's
1650 Robb Dr Ste B4, Reno, NV 89523
Directions
Rita's Italian Ice is absolutely refreshing and delicious with many fun flavors to choose from, including their most popular- swedish fish, mango, and cherry. Think ice cones but made the same way as ice cream and only using high-quality flavorings. They use fresh fruit and also offer other desserts like ice cream sandwiches and shakes. A local favorite.
3. The Freshest Ice Cream Rolls from Rolled Mountain Creamery
Two Locations
Have fun at Rolled Mountain Creamery, watching workers work their magic right before your eyes on a cold metal plate. They offer all the classic favorites with room for customization (including vegan options - coconut milk base). With ingredients from Dorinda's Chocolates (peanut butter cups, chocolate & caramel sauce), which they share space with, you'll be having the best quality treat in town.
I've tried all their flavors and I loved them all.
P.S. The new location at Rancharra is absolutely gorgeous, with a cool place to hang out and play Harry Potter style chess and bocce ball.
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| There's an option to get your drinks with a rim of chili powder for a nice kick. You can try the powder beforehand to see if you like it. |
4. Handmade popsicles (paletas) & Agua Frescas (fruit waters) from Paleteria Del Angel
1353 Baring Blvd, Sparks, NV 89434
Try one of the many flavors of creamy, handmade Mexican-style popsicles at this friendly, family-owned shop. With their creamy base and fresh fruit, paletas pack a punch of flavor and are fun to eat any time of the year (Marzipan and Oreo are my go-tos).
If you haven't tried Agua Frescas, they are incredibly delicious and refreshing at this shop. Think lemonade, but in more flavors, like watermelon, passion fruit, cucumber, and pineapple (all made with fresh fruits, some chunky, some not). If you're feeling adventurous, ask for a combination of different agua frescas. Pineapple cucumber and strawberry lemon are popular combinations or try their signature drink with straight pineapple, chamoy, and Tajin chili powder. In Mexican culture, no special event is complete without these beverages.
Notes:
Top off a delicious churro with ice cream for a fun treat.
Some people bring their coolers to take some extra pops home (or is it just me?).
5. Chewy Mochi Ice Cream from Whole Foods
6139 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502
Mochi Ice Cream is a sticky rice cake ball filled with ice cream. It is commonly served as a dessert at many Japanese restaurants in Reno. Whole foods has many flavors (local) that are all tasty and satisfying. You can also find other brands in boxes located in their ice cream section next to checkout.
6. Halo Halo (Philippine's Unofficial Dessert) From Lolo's Filipino Restaurant2740 S. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89502
Halo Halo is the probably the most well-known dessert in the Philippines, consisting of different layers of ingredients- sweetened beans, fruits, jellies, shaved ice, ice cream, evaporated milk, toasted crispy rice (pinipig), and more.
The name Halo Halo translates to "mix mix" and is best enjoyed completely mixed before eating. I grew up with this dessert and love it to pieces. It is unique, fun, refreshing, and delicious. I crave it as often as ice cream and highly suggest for everyone to try this it at least once.
Lolo is the cook and owner of the restaurant and is super down to earth. Feel free to ask her questions and she'll find the right food for you.
P.S. If you're looking for a whole meal, try my favorite, Bistek (citrus-soy marinated rib-eye with caramelized onions. Served with rice). Also, the purple ice cream on top of Halo Halo is ube-flavored (sweet yam). YUM!
7. Bubble Tea (Boba) from Ding Tea
2900 Clear Acre Ln U-1, Reno, NV 89512
Bubble tea has gained popularity worldwide and is enjoyed by all ages. Most people I know who have tried bubble tea have become true fans for life. There is a wide variety of drink options and a nice selection of toppings (Boba is the most popular. Aloe is refreshing and is a favorite with my kids. Pairs well with fruity drinks) that makes trips to the boba shop fun, interesting, & yummy.
Here in Reno, the boba movement has gained momentum and is spreading like wildfire, with new locations popping up everywhere, but not all boba shops are created equal. Ding Tea is the first shop I've been to in Reno that actually has boba that's as delicious as the boba found in some of the shops in SF, with great flavor and texture. Some of the drinks could use a bit more flavor (I'd ask for a bit more matcha powder and suggest for them to strengthen tea flavor), but for the most part I am happy and will be back for more.
If you're new, try one of their top 10 drinks (I always get Oolong Milk Tea with boba to assess new spots). I suggest trying them as is, then adjusting the level of sweetness and toppings from there.
8. The Best Frozen Yogurt With Toppings Galore From Yogurt Beach
South Reno Location
748 S Meadows Pkwy suite a-5, Reno, NV 89521
There are many other locations in Reno, Sparks, and Carson City
DirectionsLocals will agree that Yogurt beach is the place to get delicious yogurt. Try one of their seasonal flavors and top them off with a wide variety of toppings (which they are known for), including fresh fruit, crushed oreos, candies, gummies, and a variety of sauces. Dine in and enjoy their signature beach ambiance and friendly service.
9. Power Up With Acai Bowls and Smoothies from Jus
Two Locations
If you're looking for a tasty, guilt-free cold treat that has some major health benefits, Jus has got you covered. Try one of their smoothies and acai bowls made with fresh fruits and veggies or grab one of the many fresh-pressed veggie/fruit juices and shots in their cold case. My father lives off of the pineapple/ginger/apple cider/cayenne shot.
10. Have an Adventure With Milkshakes That Make a Statement @ Black Rock Dessert
100 California Ave #106, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 420-5572
Directions
If you're looking for an adventure, Black Rock Dessert is the place to go. Modeled after everything Burning Man (names of treats, decor, shop name), this shop made sure their creations were also nothing short of unique and crazy cool, just like the event itself. If you're wondering, the owner of this spot also owns Icecycle Creamery, so you can bet on having a lot of tasty on your visit.
What to get:
-The Trash Fence (You choose the ice cream, they make the "trash fence," meaning they load it up with lots of goodies on top)
-Cereal Chiller - a must if you're a Fruity Pebble lover
11. Authentic Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Maui Jane's
2900 Clear Acre Ln # P, Reno, NV 89512
Directions
Maui Jane's is bringing on a bit of Aloha in shaved ice form using a legit shaving machine that's not found just anywhere. There are lots of flavors to choose from and service is friendly (In the picture, Marie talked and played with my kids). Have some shaved ice after eating one of their many lunch options. Their wings won an award for second place one year at a competition, so they just might be worth trying. Just expect to leave with colored lips, clothes that smell like BBQ, & a happy belly.
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| Key Lime Milkshake |
12. Crazy Good Milkshakes at Carmelita's Crazy Cravings
1075 N Hills Blvd #280, Reno, NV 89506 (facing Raley's, it's all the way on the right side)
For having little to choose from in the world of milkshakes, we got lucky with having an option that is pretty impressive. Carmelita's has mexican and american-style milkshakes, with ingredients made from their version of "hostess" like snacks such as gansito (cream and jelly chocolate cake), penguino (chocolate-filled chocolate-covered cake), as well as popular American favorite candies such as Ferrer Rocher and Kit-Kat.
I ordered the key lime pie (as suggested by another customer) and the mazapan (mexican peanut confection candy). The key lime pie surprised me because it actually tasted like one. I was quick to ask what was in it, but the woker was pretty secretive, (as she should be hahah). The mazapan (made with de la rosa peanut Mexican candy) is a truly satisfying option if you're a lover of peanuts.
Carmelita's is 25 minutes from South Reno, but i'll gladly make the drive out for these crazy good milkshakes.
I grew up next to Mexico so I'm accustomed to the flavors of Mexican snacks. I highly suggest for those who aren't familiar with Mexican culture, to give their style of milkshakes a try.
***Thursdays Special: 2 milkshakes for $14
BONUS
5000 Meadowood Mall Cir, Reno, NV 89502
If you don't know about this dessert, people call it the ice cream of the future due its unique beaded shapes. Find it at Meadowood Mall (next to the arcade and food court). It's too fun and delicious to pass up.
Categorized Under "Guides"
