Arizona Ice Cream Shop Named Best in the U.S.

Interior of Novel Ice Cream shop with various flavors on display.

News Summary

Novel Ice Cream in Arizona has been recognized as the best ice cream shop in the United States for 2025 by Yelp. Known for its small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream, the shop boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating based on over 1,200 reviews. With unique offerings like the Dough Melt and a rotating selection of 250 flavors, Novel Ice Cream has expanded to three locations in the Phoenix area and a food truck in Peoria. As National Ice Cream Day approaches, the recognition is sure to attract more ice cream enthusiasts to the shop.

Arizona Ice Cream Shop Tops National Rankings

Arizona’s Novel Ice Cream has been named the best ice cream shop in the United States for 2025 by Yelp. This announcement was made on July 5, 2025, elevating the shop’s reputation as a premier destination for ice cream lovers across the country.

High Customer Ratings

Novel Ice Cream, which has been a favorite among residents of the Phoenix Valley since its inception in 2017, currently boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating on Yelp, derived from over 1,200 customer reviews. The high volume and favorable ratings played a significant role in its selection for the top position on Yelp’s annual list, which evaluates ice cream establishments nationwide.

Unique Offerings and Popular Flavors

The shop is renowned for its texture-driven, small-batch hand-crafted ice cream, with a variety of enticing flavors to appeal to diverse tastes. Among the highlights of their menu is the Dough Melt, which features a scoop of ice cream lovingly stuffed inside a warm, glazed doughnut. Customers can choose from eight staple flavors along with four rotating options, allowing for a fresh experience during each visit. Notable flavor offerings include Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch, Cookie Monster, and PB Wasted.

Novel Ice Cream prides itself on creativity and quality, crafting approximately 250 different flavors that rotate regularly to ensure freshness. However, only 12 flavors are showcased each day, ensuring that customers always experience the highest quality ice cream.

Expansion and Accessibility

The popular ice cream shop has expanded its reach with three brick-and-mortar locations in downtown Phoenix, downtown Mesa, and a food truck in Old Town Peoria. This strategic positioning allows them to cater to a larger audience and share their unique creations with more people.

Recognition Among Competitors

Arizona also showcased its ice cream prowess, with two other local shops making it to Yelp’s top 100 list; Dessert in Desert ranked 27th, while Lix Uptown Ice Cream secured the 52nd spot. This indicates a broad appreciation for quality ice cream within the state and contributes to the growth of a local ice cream culture.

Social Media Influence

Novel Ice Cream has built a robust social media presence, further amplifying its popularity and contributing to its success. Customer engagement and feedback on platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow the shop to foster a strong community around its offerings, enhancing its brand visibility.

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day

As National Ice Cream Day approaches on July 20, 2025, Novel Ice Cream’s ranking will likely draw significant attention from both loyal customers and new visitors eager to sample the award-winning flavors. The recognition from Yelp coincides with a celebration of this beloved dessert, marking an exciting time for ice cream fans.

Background on the Shop’s Founder

Novel Ice Cream was founded by Shawn Allard in 2017, who emphasized the hands-on approach and dedication that goes into each and every flavor. The acknowledgment from Yelp underscores the hard work and passion that Allard and the team put into crafting their unique ice creams, positioning Novel as a beacon of quality in the dessert industry.

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STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

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