By The Gastronomes

We know, we know, we know that this headline is wayyyy dated and probably as over used as playing Sweet Caroline and Country Roads at almost every sporting event in the DMV and beyond! However, in the spirit of the many days of way to hot weather in our midst last month and possibly much of this month, it is fitting.

Before we get any further into this piece, we are fully aware that there are several other ice cream/custard/gelato outlets in the city of Alexandria and they deserve coverage as well but there are only so many pages we can devote to the subject. Hence the highlighting of the 6 independently owned/small local group shops dedicated to ice cream, gelato, and frozen treats located in Old Town Alexandria proper. The following is a combination of info obtained directly from the establishments themselves with a few comments of our own regarding those that we have frequented over the years. Every one of them has impressive selections of flavors and sizes. You should be able to find something for everyone in your party at each of them.

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

109 King Street

Phone: (703) 836-5676

Website: popsoldfashionedicecream.com

Pop’s is a highly-rated, long-running ice cream parlor known for its nostalgic, 1940s vintage atmosphere; it features a retro black-and-white checkered floor and serves premium, small-batch ice cream made right on the premises. “Ray “Pop” Giovannoni aka Mr. Ray had been in the ice cream and dessert business since the 1940s. Much of Pop’s early career was spent catering events at the White House serving First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt her favorite ice cream. In 1998, he left behind his little black book of recipes. Today, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream continues the same legacy that made the First Lady so happy.”

We can attest to the quality of the ice cream they put out at Pop’s. We also think it has the most legitimate “Ice Cream Parlor” feel of those that existed in the “old days”. Like most of the shops highlighted here, seating is minimal inside with access to a few tables and chairs out front so it is best to grab some extra napkins on the way out the door and take a walk to the waterfront and enjoy your treats.

The Creamery

110 King Street

Phone: (703) 549-4527

Website: creameryalexandria.com

The Creamery is “one of Alexandria’s longest running ice cream store. Founded in 1984 by Charlie Lindsey, when he saw a for lease sign and an opportunity. Having learned Ice cream making, and with close cooperation from his wife, Lynne, as well as his friend and fellow restauranteur Tim Jackson, they came up with the handcrafted recipes that we still use to this day. As such, The Creamery has a tradition of excellence and quality making distinctive, small batch ice cream. Our mission is to bring joy to all of our customers!”

For those of you old-timers out there, the Creamery operated under “The Scoop Grill & Homemade Ice Cream” under the aforementioned Charlie and Lynn Lindsey’s ownership. Unlike Scoop’s, breakfast and lunch items are not offered at the Creamery. It is now strictly an ice cream joint.

Dolci Gelati

107 N Fairfax Street

Phone: (571) 290-0684

Website: otdolci.com

Dolci, founded in 2006 by master pastry chef Gianluigi Dellaccio, is located in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria just a half a block off of King Street, “serving authentic Italian gelato, locally roasted espresso, and a selection of house-made sandwiches and pastries.”

We have enjoyed the coffee and pastries at Dolci a few times over the years and they have not disappointed. I wondered if it was part of a chain, but according to info available, it is not a corporate chain, but rather a small, locally owned regional group with just a few independent artisan storefronts in the DMV.

Pitango Gelato & Coffee

115 S Union Street

Phone: (571) 982-0797

Website: pitangogelato.com

Pitango was founded in Baltimore and the brand relies on a centralized production facility in Maryland to ship organic ingredient bases to its eight locations across the DMV and Baltimore areas. The storefront on South Union Street opened as their very first franchise-owned location. They churn every batch of gelato and sorbet on location in each of the shops to ensure peak freshness. All of their products are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Full disclosure, neither of us has tried any of the offerings at Pitango but have had friends who are Italian gelato aficionados that attest to the fact that theirs is very authentic.

Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato

111 S Payne Street

Phone: (703) 349-1001

Website: crgelato.com

Casa Rosada bills itself as a “family owned and operated business who brings a taste of world-class Argentine gelato and sorbet to Alexandria”. They indicate that all of their treats are produced on-site with the highest quality natural ingredients, giving customers the most authentic Argentine dessert experience in the DC-metro area with all frozen treats produced on-site.

Directly translated from Spanish, Casa Rosada means “pink house” – inspired by the Argentine presidential palace, also called “Casa Rosada.” We think they are stretching it a bit saying that the building they are housed in half a block off of Upper King Street on south Payne Street, originally built in the 1870’s, is the only pink colored house on the block. It is way closer to maroon but it is the closest thing to pink on the block.

They are pretty much the new kid in the independently owned gelato realm here in Old Town and we have yet to try their wares, but are looking forward to our first experience.

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats

200 Commerce Street

Phone: (202) 630-6455

Website: mmmgoodies.com

Goodies is located pretty much off the beaten path (upper King Street) in the refurbished Ice House on Commerce Street so you have to make a concerted effort to go there. Making the effort is worth visiting this highly popular, 1950s-inspired walk-up dessert stand serving legendary Wisconsin-style vanilla bean frozen custard. They specialize in handcrafted, small-batch custard made fresh daily. In addition to purchasing it by the cone or cup, trying the Boogie Woogie Turtle Pecan Sundae (featured on the Food Network), the Donut Sandwich or one of the nostalgic floats & shakes like the Route 66 Root Beer Float is a must.

We met owner Brandon Byrd when he and his partner Rozell Moore opened in one of the kiosks along American Way in National Harbor. They previously operated out of “Gigi” – a refurbished 1952 Metro Van – around the DMV with a concentration in DC. It was an exciting move for them to open in the historic Ice House here in Old Town in 2021! I can personally attest to their products and highly recommend the Route 66 Root Beer Float! You might just want to order it on August 6^th as we celebrate National Root Beer Float Day 2026!