Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Arlington, VA, because we've curated a list of the top dessert destinations in the area. From creamy handmade ice cream to delectable pies and irresistible baked goods, these sweet spots are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Whether you're craving a classic scoop of Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream, a slice of heaven from Acme Pie Company, or a decadent treat from Bakeshop, this article will guide you to the 14 best sweet spots in Arlington.
Jump to places
- Nicecream
- The Cheesecake Factory
- La Moo Creamery
- Bakeshop
- Ice Cream Jubilee
- Häagen-Dazs
- Toby's Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee
- MIMI'S HANDMADE ICE CREAM
- Carvel Express
- Baskin-Robbins
- Dippin' Dots
- Acme Pie Company
- Baskin-Robbins
- Sidekick Bakery
Nicecream is a dessert shop worth visiting for its innovative approach to ice cream making. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of watching their ice cream being made right in front of them, using liquid nitrogen. People say that even during busy evenings, the staff at Nicecream are kind, patient, and take the time to explain the process and the different flavors available.
Guests have praised the pistachio flavor for being rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet. The vanilla and milk chocolate flavors have also received high praise for being fresh, delicious, and incredibly creamy. Reviewers appreciate that Nicecream offers a sampler of six flavors, allowing customers to try a variety of options.
With its small and fun atmosphere, Nicecream also offers ice cream to go, cookies, and gourmet coffees, making it a go-to dessert spot in the DMV Area.
The Cheesecake Factory is worth visiting for its delectable cheesecake flavors and unique main course dishes. Visitors rave about the wide selection of cheesecakes, with numerous varieties to choose from. People say that the cheesecakes are irresistible and have become fans of the restaurant's cheesecake flavors.
In addition to their famous desserts, guests are also impressed by the restaurant's main course offerings. The menu is extensive, almost like an encyclopedia, and each dish description leaves taste buds dancing with delight and anticipation. One reviewer even felt like they had been transported to a culinary wonderland while browsing the menu.
With such a tempting selection and a charming atmosphere, The Cheesecake Factory offers a delightful dessert experience.
La Moo Creamery, a bright and fast-casual cafe in Arlington, is a dessert destination that should be on everyone's radar. Visitors rave about the array of classic and creative ice cream flavors, making it a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts. One reviewer, who tried six different flavors including chocolate, cotton candy, strawberry, boba, and banana caramel, was blown away by the incredible taste of each and every flavor.
Another guest highly recommends the strawberry shortcake rolled ice cream, a favorite that has kept them coming back for the past three years. They praise the shop for its not-too-sweet but still satisfying flavors. With excellent service and a warm atmosphere, La Moo Creamery is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy a delightful ice cream experience.
Bakeshop, a local bakery in Arlington, is definitely worth a visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. One of the highlights of this bakery is its impressive selection of gluten-free items, which have garnered rave reviews from guests. Moreover, visitors have commended the bakery's staff for their unparalleled kindness and exceptional service, with one reviewer even mentioning a heartfelt gesture of gifting a treat to celebrate a promotion.
Additionally, Bakeshop has gained popularity among vegans for its mouthwatering array of vegan cupcakes and baked goods, which have been described as heavenly. The cozy and inviting atmosphere further enhances the overall experience at this must-try bakery in Arlington.
Ice Cream Jubilee is worth visiting for its reputation of serving some of the best ice cream in the area. Visitors rave about their super unique flavors that are always delicious, with a menu that changes seasonally to keep things exciting. While they have a few staple flavors available year-round, it's the seasonal options that really stand out.
For those who can't decide, the recommendation is to get a flight and try smaller scoops of all the seasonal flavors. The reviewer specifically mentions their personal favorite, but doesn't provide the name. Additionally, Ice Cream Jubilee offers dairy-free options, as well as ice cream featuring The Pie Shop, another locally-owned business.
With flavors that are well-balanced and lighter compared to Jeni's Ice Creams, guests appreciate the diverse range of options. However, one person had a disappointing experience due to the inconvenient cone-making process, but this seems to be an isolated incident.
Many visitors also appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.
Häagen-Dazs is a counter-service chain in Arlington that offers a delightful selection of ice cream, sorbet, sundaes, shakes, and smoothies. Visitors claim that this place is a must for every ice cream lover, as the restaurant serves generous portions of flavorful ice cream, providing excellent value for money.
The reviewer particularly praised the chocolate flavors as their personal favorites. Apart from the variety of ice cream flavors, guests also appreciate the range of cones available with options of chocolate and nuts to complement their frozen treat.
However, some guests caution to check the refrigerators before making a selection, as a few have reported instances of melted ice cream due to faulty refrigeration. While the majority of visitors have had positive experiences, one reviewer expressed disappointment with their watery drink and encountered rude behavior from the staff.
Despite this isolated incident, Häagen-Dazs remains a popular spot for indulging in delectable frozen desserts.
Toby's Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee is a hidden gem in Arlington, known for its sunny scoop shop atmosphere and creative flavors of from-scratch ice cream. Visitors rave about their ube ice cream, which has been described as delicious and reminiscent of desserts enjoyed in Hawaii.
Another reviewer mentioned stumbling upon this hole-in-the-wall establishment while cruising around the area and was delighted by the experience. Despite arriving near closing time, guests still had the opportunity to sample a range of flavors, although some popular options like Oreo were unfortunately sold out.
The quality of Toby's ice cream surpasses that of chain and grocery stores, with premium ingredients and homemade flavors that enhance each delightful spoonful. The must-try chocolate coconut flavor and funky purple taro are highly recommended by patrons.
Additionally, Toby's offers generous portion sizes and a variety of choices, ensuring a satisfying visit.
Toby's Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee Full Review
Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream is a cozy little ice cream parlor that is a hidden gem just outside the city. People say that the ice cream here is truly something special, handmade with love and care, and bursting with flavors that transport you to another world.
One visitor mentioned opting for a single scoop of Thai Iced Tea ice cream, which tasted just like the real thing. The wide array of seating options, including benches and chairs outside, make it the perfect spot to enjoy a sweet treat on a pleasant evening.
Guests rave about the authentic flavors, as the owner doesn't use any artificial flavors but instead focuses on creating creations made from real ingredients. Whether it's the toasted banana nut, ube, or lemon poppy ice cream, visitors are guaranteed to have an absolutely phenomenal experience at Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream.
Carvel Express is a go-to spot for dessert enthusiasts in Arlington. People say that their soft-serve ice cream is seriously consistently flavorful, perfectly melty, and offers a wide array of delicious flavor options. The vibe at Carvel Express is just right for enjoying an afternoon ice cream treat.
Guests appreciate that despite the road noise, it doesn't detract from the overall experience. The service is also highly praised, adding to the satisfaction of indulging in their delectable offerings. One visitor was thrilled with their experience, giving it a perfect 10/10 rating and stating that they would gladly eat there again.
Another guest was impressed by the generous portions and wonderful handling of toppings, ensuring that their sweet tooth was more than satisfied. Although the ice cream price for a medium serving with two flavors may seem relatively higher at around $8-9, some reviewers believe that while it was good, it didn't quite make it onto their personal top list.
It should be noted that Carvel Express only offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your tasty treats on a pleasant day.
Dippin' Dots is a dessert chain serving flavored ice cream, ice, and frozen yogurt in the shape of little dots. Visitors often rave about the very tasty ice creams and the great service they receive at this beloved establishment. Many guests appreciate the excellent food offered at Dippin' Dots.
People reminisce about enjoying these delightful treats when they were very young and are glad to have the chance to indulge in them once again. With its unique concept and wide selection of flavors, Dippin' Dots continues to satisfy the tastes of its loyal customers who appreciate the nostalgia and deliciousness it offers.
Acme Pie Company, a local, independently-owned bakery in Arlington, is truly worth a visit. With an excellent variety of both savory and sweet options, this place has pie styles that will surely surprise and delight guests. People rave about their unique flavors, such as the delicious chocolate chess pie.
The buttery flaky crusts are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, making every bite a truly enjoyable experience. In addition to their outstanding pies, Acme Pie Company also offers exceptional customer service. They are known for their wedding pie options, where couples can have a tasting and choose from a wide array of flavors.
The owner, Sol, is highly regarded for being easy to work with and providing exceptional guidance. Additionally, the ambiance of this bakery is a standout feature, with antique pinball machines and a unique old school design. Most importantly, the pie quality at Acme Pie Company is top-notch, with each pie showcasing locally sourced ingredients that truly shine in terms of flavor.
So, make sure to stop by Acme Pie Company in Arlington for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Baskin-Robbins is a colorful ice cream parlor chain worth visiting in Arlington VA. Not sure what the bad reviews are about because people say it is the best Baskin-Robbins they have been to. It is super clean and quaint, and the employees are very welcoming.
Visitors love the fact that there are more ice cream flavors to choose from than one could ask for. Furthermore, the service at this establishment is always good. One guest even had the pleasure of carrying their small dog inside without any issues, which was a nice touch.
Although the review mentions a slight disappointment in regards to outdated closing hours, it is safe to say that Baskin-Robbins offers a great dessert experience.
Located inside the Ted Bulletins, Sidekick Bakery is a must-visit for dessert lovers. People say that they are obsessed with the bakery and its delectable treats. With a snazzy touch, the bakery successfully incorporates timeless classics into their desserts and pastries.
Visitors can indulge in a variety of items, including handmade pop tarts and generously sized cookies. One reviewer particularly loved the chocolate chip cookie, praising its perfect blend of crunchiness and softness. Despite being connected to Ted Bulletins, Sidekick Bakery has its own entrance, giving it a unique atmosphere.
While some guests found the service to be robotic and not very welcoming, the bakery's impressive selection and visually appealing displays make it worth a visit.
