From family-owned ice cream counters to paleta bars bursting with color and spice, Amarillo’s frozen treat scene is full of local flavor. To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, the Amarillo Globe-News is letting the community decide: Who scoops it best in 2025?
A citywide poll invites readers to vote for their favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt shop from a list of 10 standout locations. Whether you’re craving birthday cake over waffles, a tart frozen swirl or a spicy-sweet mangonada, Amarillo has a frozen option to match your mood.
Each shop was selected based on community support, reputation and consistent service. Voting is open now through Sunday, July 27, at 11:59 p.m. CDT, using the embedded poll in this story.
A day made for scoops
National Ice Cream Day was established in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third Sunday in July as a tribute to the nation’s most popular frozen treat. The goal was to recognize the joy of ice cream while supporting the U.S. dairy industry.
More than 40 years later, the tradition continues across the country — including right here in Amarillo.
How to vote
Use the embedded poll in this article to cast your vote.
Share your favorite flavor or topping combo in the comments.
Voting closes Sunday, July 27, at 11:59 p.m.
The contenders
Dairy Queen
2601 Soncy Road and other Amarillo locations
A fast-food classic known for soft-serve cones, sundaes and Blizzards packed with cookie and candy mix-ins. Nostalgic, consistent and quick, it’s long been a favorite for Amarillo families.
Try it with: Oreo crumbs, Reese’s, Heath toffee bits
El Tropico
1105 South Grand Street
Known for colorful and flavorful Mexican-style treats, El Tropico serves mangonadas, paletas and scoops of bold housemade ice cream. Toppings like chamoy, Tajín and fresh fruit give each order a tangy kick.
Popular picks: Tres leches, cucumber-chile paleta, mango with chamoy
Cold Stone Creamery
2333 South Georgia Street and 2812 SW 34th Avenue, Suite 12
Cold Stone offers premium ice cream mixed to order on a frozen granite slab with your choice of mix-ins. Rich base flavors like Cake Batter and peanut butter chocolate are paired with everything from fruit to brownies and caramel. Both Amarillo locations provide a clean, modern setting with plenty of room for custom creations.
Top combos: Cake Batter with brownie chunks and caramel, chocolate with almonds and cookie dough
The Paleta Bar
9180 Town Square Blvd, Suite 1071
Located in Town Square, The Paleta Bar specializes in customizable Mexican-style paletas. Start with a fruity or creamy frozen pop, dip it in chocolate and finish it off with toppings like crushed Oreos, Tajín or coconut flakes. The vibe is modern, colorful and always sweet.
Fan favorites: Mango dipped in chocolate with coconut, cookies and cream rolled in sprinkles
Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Store
1900 South Grand Street and other locations
A Texas staple with its own dairy supply, Braum’s serves thick shakes, banana splits, sundaes and cones in generous portions. The menu features more than two dozen traditional and seasonal flavors.
Top picks: Mint chocolate chip, rocky road, cherry pecan in a waffle cone
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
2207 South Western Street
Self-serve frozen yogurt with 70+ rotating flavors and a DIY toppings bar. Dairy-free and gluten-free options are available, and customers can mix, match and layer to their liking.
Recommended combos: Tart pomegranate with strawberries and mochi, vanilla with crushed Oreos and fudge
Malcolm’s Ice Cream & Food
2100 Paramount Boulevard
A cozy retro diner known for its milkshakes, scoops and soda “sidecars” — fizzy drinks paired with ice cream. The atmosphere is vintage Amarillo, filled with antiques and booths.
Suggested pairing: Cherry soda with dark chocolate scoop, root beer float with vanilla
COW (Cream Over Waffles)
3350 South Soncy Road
Short for Cream Over Waffles, this shop pairs housemade ice cream with warm waffles and creative toppings. With playful flavors like Cookie Monster and birthday cake, it’s a dessert-lover’s dream.
Fan favorite: Birthday cake ice cream over waffles with caramel drizzle and crushed cookies
El Paleton
Locations:
818 Martin Road – The original family-run shop with a cozy, neighborhood vibe
Across from Sam’s Club on Ross Street
El Paleton delivers authentic Mexican-style ice cream, paletas and housemade cones across all three locations. Known for rich flavors like coconut, pistachio and dulce de leche, the shop blends tradition with creativity and community appeal.
Popular orders: Dulce de leche with caramel sauce, pistachio in a homemade cone, coconut sprinkled with Tajín
Baskin-Robbins
2823 Western Avenue
This iconic chain has been serving Amarillo for decades with its 31 rotating flavors and seasonal specials. Kid-friendly, quick and customizable, it remains a reliable stop for frozen treats.
Go-to combos: Pralines ’n Cream with rainbow sprinkles, fudge brownie with cookie dough topping
Get involved
Can’t decide? Try a few before you vote. Then share your experience on social media using #AmarilloIceCreamDay2025 on Instagram, X or Facebook. Your photos and flavor picks may be featured in follow-up coverage.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo’s sweetest showdown: Vote for the city’s top ice cream spot
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
