When the Oklahoma summer heat sets in, and trust me, it arrives every year, there is nothing quite like chasing down a cold, creamy treat. I have lived in Tulsa long enough to know that the best way to beat the August heat is with a cone, a cup, or a bowl of something frozen and delicious. Over the years, I have watched Tulsa's frozen dessert scene grow from a few reliable staples into a vibrant collection of artisan creameries, authentic gelaterias, and creative soft-serve shops that could hold their own in any city in the country. Whether you are a lifelong Tulsan or a newcomer who just moved here for work, this guide will help you find the best frozen treats in the metro.
Big Dipper Creamery
Big Dipper Creamery is the kind of local ice cream shop that makes you feel like you have discovered something special. They churn small-batch ice cream using seasonal Oklahoma ingredients, so the menu changes with what is fresh and available. One visit you might find a blackberry buttermilk flavor made with berries from a local farm, and the next visit could feature a sweet corn and honey that tastes like summer in a cone. Their locations at Mother Road Market on Route 66 and in Brookside make them easy to visit whether you are exploring downtown or spending an afternoon in Midtown. With a 4.9-star rating on Yelp, it is safe to say the locals have spoken. If you are showing someone around Tulsa for the first time, Big Dipper Creamery is a stop that will leave an impression.
Rose Rock Microcreamery
Rose Rock Microcreamery proudly calls itself Oklahoma's original microcreamery, and they have the accolades to back it up. They have been named Best Ice Cream in Oklahoma by multiple publications, and their 4.8-star rating across over 200 reviews reflects a loyal following. What sets Rose Rock apart is their commitment to small-batch production and creative flavor combinations. You will find classics like vanilla and chocolate done exceptionally well, alongside rotating seasonal offerings that keep regulars coming back. Their downtown location at 113 E 5th Street puts you right in the heart of the Arts District, perfect for a post-gallery walk or after dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The Cherry Street location shares space with Coffee House on Cherry Street, making it an easy stop for coffee and a scoop on a warm afternoon.
STG Gelateria
For a taste of Italy in the Tulsa Metro, STG Gelateria delivers authentic artisan gelato that rivals anything you would find in Rome or Florence. Part of the Andolini's family, STG (which stands for Sotto Trenta Gradi, or 'below thirty degrees,' the ideal temperature for gelato) brings the same passion for quality that Tulsa diners have come to expect from the Andolini's brand. The gelato is made fresh daily in small batches using traditional Italian techniques. Flavors range from classic pistachio and stracciatella to more inventive options like salted caramel and seasonal fruit sorbets. With locations on Cherry Street in Tulsa and in downtown Broken Arrow, STG Gelateria is a wonderful option for families in the south metro or anyone who appreciates a silky, dense, and intensely flavorful frozen treat.
Kremee Ice Cream & Desserts
Kremee Ice Cream & Desserts is one of the newer additions to Tulsa's frozen dessert scene, and it has quickly become a favorite for anyone seeking something a little different. Located on Greenwood Avenue in the historic Greenwood District, Kremee specializes in Taiyaki, a fish-shaped Japanese waffle cone filled with soft serve and topped with creative garnishes. Their soft serve comes in unique flavors like Taro and matcha alongside classic vanilla and chocolate, and the presentation is as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Opened in 2024, Kremee represents the kind of fresh, creative energy that makes Tulsa's food scene so exciting. It is a great stop after exploring the Greenwood District's museums and cultural sites.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
Braum's is an Oklahoma institution. Founded in 1968 in Oklahoma City, this family-owned dairy chain has been a beloved part of life in the Sooner State for generations. What makes Braum's special is their vertical integration, they own the dairy farm, the processing plant, and the stores, which means the ice cream goes from cow to cone in a matter of days. In Tulsa alone, there are 16 Braum's locations, making it the most accessible frozen treat option in the metro. Their fresh fruit sundaes, hand-dipped cones, and their legendary banana splits are a rite of passage for anyone growing up in Oklahoma. Whether you are a lifelong Oklahoman or a newcomer, a trip to Braum's is an essential part of the Tulsa experience.
Kilwins Ice Cream, Chocolate & Fudge
Kilwins brings a classic ice cream parlor experience to downtown Tulsa's Blue Dome District. Known for their homemade fudge, caramel apples, and hand-dipped ice cream, Kilwins has been crafting confections since 1947. Each batch of ice cream is made on-site using their original recipe, and the smell of fresh waffle cones and chocolate wafting through the shop is enough to draw anyone in off the street. The Blue Dome District location puts you in the middle of one of Tulsa's most vibrant entertainment areas, making it an ideal stop before or after catching a show at Cain's Ballroom or The Vanguard. Their Mackinac Island fudge is a standout, and the peanut butter chocolate ice cream is a personal favorite.
Iguana Island Treats
For a tropical twist on the frozen treat experience, Iguana Island Treats serves pineapple whip that rivals anything you would find on a beach vacation. Their signature Dole Whip-style soft serve is dairy-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with dietary restrictions, and the flavor is bright, refreshing, and perfect for a hot Oklahoma summer day. With a 4.9-star rating, Iguana Island Treats has built a devoted following among Tulsa families. They frequently pop up at local events and farmers markets, so keep an eye on their schedule. It is the kind of treat that makes you feel like you have been transported somewhere tropical, even if you are just a few blocks from home.
Pro Tip: Plan an Ice Cream Crawl Through Tulsa
Start your afternoon at Big Dipper Creamery at Mother Road Market on Route 66. Grab a scoop of their seasonal flavor, then explore the market's other vendors. Walk over to Rose Rock Microcreamery downtown for a taste of what won them Best Ice Cream in Oklahoma. On your way out of downtown, stop at Kilwins in the Blue Dome District for a piece of Mackinac Island fudge to take home. Over the weekend, head south to STG Gelateria on Cherry Street or their Broken Arrow location for authentic Italian gelato. If you have kids, make a trip to Braum's for a classic banana split, and finish with a Taiyaki from Kremee while exploring the Greenwood District. It is a sweet way to spend a summer weekend in Tulsa.
Why a Great Dessert Scene Matters When You Are Choosing Where to Live
I spend a lot of time talking with families who are relocating to Tulsa, and one of the questions I always ask is what they love to do on weekends. A city with a thriving local food and dessert scene is a city where people care about quality of life. It means entrepreneurs are taking risks, local ingredients are being celebrated, and neighbors are gathering in shared spaces to enjoy the simple pleasures of a well-made cone or a perfectly crafted scoop of gelato.
Each of these shops is located in a distinct part of the metro. Big Dipper Creamery anchors the Mother Road Market and Brookside areas. Rose Rock and Kilwins put you in the heart of downtown and the Arts District. STG Gelateria serves the Cherry Street and Broken Arrow communities. Kremee brings something fresh to the Greenwood District. And Braum's, with 16 locations across the metro, is woven into the fabric of daily life in Tulsa.
When I work with buyers, I always ask what kind of neighborhood energy they are looking for. If a walkable dining and dessert scene matters to you, there is a Tulsa neighborhood that puts you right in the middle of it, whether that is a downtown loft, a historic bungalow near Cherry Street, or a new construction home in Broken Arrow.
FAQs
What is the best ice cream shop in Tulsa?
Big Dipper Creamery and Rose Rock Microcreamery are consistently the highest-rated local ice cream shops in Tulsa, with 4.9 and 4.8 stars on Yelp respectively. Both use small-batch production methods and seasonal Oklahoma ingredients.
Does Tulsa have good gelato?
Yes. STG Gelateria on Cherry Street and in Broken Arrow serves authentic Italian artisan gelato made fresh daily using traditional techniques. It is part of the Andolini's family and is widely considered the best gelato in the Tulsa Metro.
Where can I find unique or unusual ice cream flavors in Tulsa?
Kremee Ice Cream & Desserts on Greenwood Avenue offers Taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle cones) with unique soft serve flavors like Taro and matcha. Big Dipper Creamery also rotates creative seasonal flavors like blackberry buttermilk and sweet corn and honey.
Is Braum's only in Oklahoma?
Braum's operates over 300 stores across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas. The company is headquartered in Oklahoma City and has been family-owned since 1968. There are 16 Braum's locations in the Tulsa Metro alone.
What frozen treat options are available for people with dietary restrictions?
Iguana Island Treats serves dairy-free pineapple whip that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. STG Gelateria offers fruit sorbets that are dairy-free. Many shops also carry options for various dietary needs, so it is worth asking when you visit.
Written by Jessica Ford, Realtor(R) | Chinowth and Cohen Realtors