Best ice cream shops in Sacramento 2022: Bee readers vote for these top 6 spots

Brianna Taylor
·3 min read

After a week of voting and more than 1,400 participants, a Sacramento ice cream shop has been crowned the “best” in the city by Bee readers.

But the clear favorite may come as a surprise.

Here’s where to get the “best” scoop of ice cream in the city of Sacramento, listed in order of most votes cast by readers (please remember the poll is not scientific, it’s for fun!):

DEVIL MAY CARE ICE CREAM AND FROZEN TREATS

Owner Jess Milbourn with a scoop of Strawberry sorbet at Devil May Care ice cream parlor in West Sacramento on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.
Owner Jess Milbourn with a scoop of Strawberry sorbet at Devil May Care ice cream parlor in West Sacramento on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Location: 710 K St., Sacramento

Devil May Care in downtown Sacramento took nearly half of the votes, ranking No. 1 in the “best ice cream in Sacramento” poll.

The creamery serves “real ice cream and assorted frozen treats” with a range of flavors including salted hazelnut gianduja chip, pineapple upside down cake, matcha cookies and cream, sea salt cookies and cream, corn on the cob, bacon fest and more, according to its Facebook page.

The shop is a consistent favorite — even after it closed its West Sacramento location. In a summer 2021 Bee poll, Devil May Care got nearly half of the 3,756 total votes (1,690 votes, or 45%), snagging the top spot.

It gained 666 votes this time, or 47%.

GUNTHER’S ICE CREAM

Location: 2801 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento

Gunther’s Ice Cream has been serving scoops in Sacramento since 1940 with “high quality ingredients and a slow-churn process,” according to its website. It’s been named the “best” in California by Food and Wine magazine and the “best” in Sacramento by PBS Food.

But for Bee readers who voted in our poll, Gunther’s is second, raking in less than half of Devil May Care’s votes. Gunther’s serves ice cream, fruit “freezes,” cakes and pies.

It gained 288 votes or 20%.

LEATHERBY’S FAMILY CREAMERY

Leatherby’s Family Creamery started on Arden Way in Arden Arcade, photographed on Thursday, Dec 3, 2020, in 1982 and now has three locations in the Sacramento region.
Leatherby’s Family Creamery started on Arden Way in Arden Arcade, photographed on Thursday, Dec 3, 2020, in 1982 and now has three locations in the Sacramento region.

Locations: Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Elk Grove

Coming in at No. 3 is Leatherby’s Family Creamery, a family owned ice cream shop that not only serves ice cream desserts but sandwiches, salads and more.

It gained 128 votes or 9%.

VIC’S ICE CREAM

Location: 3199 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento

Family-owned Vic’s Ice Cream parlor has been around since 1947, according to its Facebook page. Situated in Land Park, the old-fashion creamery took the fourth spot on the “Best ice cream in Sacramento” poll for its ice cream cones, cakes, pies and more.

It gained 115 votes or 8%.

DAIRY QUEEN

Locations: Sacramento, Roseville, Citrus Heights, more

Dairy Queen, located throughout the Sacramento area, was the only chain to snag a top spot on the poll. At No. 5, the dessert chain serves cakes, drinks, treats, food and more.

It gained 65 votes or 5%.

BUFFALO PIZZA & ICE CREAM CO

Christopher Kelly, right, of San Jose, enjoys Cornflower Creamery ice cream with friends Sebastian Leon, middle, and Selina Sotomayor at Buffalo Pizza & Ice Cream Co. in Sacramento’s Curtis Park neighborhood on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.
Christopher Kelly, right, of San Jose, enjoys Cornflower Creamery ice cream with friends Sebastian Leon, middle, and Selina Sotomayor at Buffalo Pizza & Ice Cream Co. in Sacramento’s Curtis Park neighborhood on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.

Taking the last spot on the list, Buffalo Pizza Ice Cream Co in Citrus Park serves pizzas and ice cream, as the name suggests. The compact food spot has been a food option for Sacramento residents for over 30 years serving breakfast, vegan and traditional pizzas and ice cream, according to its website.

It gained 30 votes or 2%.

OTHER FAVORITES

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