The Best Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo

Cream Over Waffles leads for ice cream made fresh over two days, served in bubble waffles with generous scoops that justify the premium.

By The Scoop Editorial Team · How we pick · Updated July 2026

Visiting Amarillo? Peak season runs spring and fall, when Amarillo's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt see lines at the local favorites.

Cream Over Waffles

★★★★★ 4.9 · 70 reviews

Open 11 AM–9 PM most days

The homemade ice cream takes two full days to produce, and the difference shows in texture and flavor depth that customers notice immediately. Bubble waffles arrive loaded with ice cream nachos, while Liege waffles come studded with caramelized sugar pieces that add crunch. The chocolate decadence and s'mores milkshakes with roasted marshmallows earn consistent praise, and dairy-free options keep the menu accessible. The loaded baked potatoes surprised customers as an unexpected standout, with cheddar broccoli and chicken bacon ranch varieties feeding families easily. Portions run large, scoops run generous, and the owners greet regulars by face. Pricing sits on the higher end, with most ice cream options above the budget threshold, but the quality and serving size back the ticket.

"GOOD QUALITY ICE CREAM IN AMARILLO. Beats the pants off of Brahms, and DQ."Verified review

Best for: homemade ice cream worth the splurge

Call Now (806) 877-1485 Visit Website

201-M Westgate Pkwy W, Amarillo

THE SCOOP Cream Over Waffles Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt · Amarillo No image available

201-M Westgate Pkwy W, Amarillo

2No. 2 in Amarillo

Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream

★★★★★ 4.9 · 58 reviews

Open 9 AM–10 PM, closed Sun

The blueberry with cheese ice cream flavor signals the creative range here, while the generous sampling policy lets customers try before committing. Corn in a cup, fresas con crema, and chilindrina bring authentic Mexican street treats to the menu, and the horchata and aguas frescas with multiple fruit options pull in regulars who grew up with these flavors. Homemade popsicles rotate through the freezer case. The shop stays clean, the owners stay visible, and the team makes a point of loading toppings to the top rather than skimping. Fruit bowls with ice cream combinations work particularly well. Service moves quickly without rushing customers, and the welcoming atmosphere keeps families coming back weekly.

"The best ice cream and aguas frescas. They have a wide variety of flavors…"Verified review

Best for: artisan flavors and aguas frescas

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3429 S Osage St Ste 100, Amarillo

Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo — Parad-ice Artisan Ice CreamPhoto: Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream

3429 S Osage St Ste 100, Amarillo

3No. 3 in Amarillo

Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor

★★★★★ 5 · 24 reviews

Open 11 AM–9 PM daily

The friendliness here lives up to the name, with a team that makes conversation while scooping generous toppings onto Blue Bell ice cream. The rewards app makes online ordering straightforward, prices stay accessible, and the shop sits close to residential neighborhoods for easy post-dinner stops.

"Wonderful place, very small and inviting. Service was excellent. Best ice cream we've had in a long time."Verified review

Best for: neighborhood charm and good value

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5197 S Washington St, Amarillo

Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo — Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream ParlorPhoto: Miguel M

5197 S Washington St, Amarillo

4No. 4 in Amarillo

El Tropico

★★★★★ 4.4 · 670 reviews

Open 10 AM–10 PM most days

The mangonadas arrive as elaborate works of art, layered with fresh fruit and chamoy that photographs well and tastes better. Esquites, esquimales, fruit cups, and paletas round out the menu, all made with quality ingredients. Customers sample the specialty waters before ordering, and the strawberries-and-cream option stays on the favorites list.

"They are fast and efficient and make my mangonada a beautiful work of art."Verified review

Best for: mangonadas and Mexican frozen treats

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1111 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo

El Tropico, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo — El TropicoPhoto: Carol Ibañez

1111 E Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo

5No. 5 in Amarillo

El Paleton

★★★★★ 4.4 · 489 reviews

Open 10 AM–10 PM most days

The elote pulls in regulars who want it done right, with good seasoning and fresh corn that holds up through the meal. Aguas frescas, paletas, and the signature Mango Loco keep the menu grounded in traditional Mexican flavors. Strawberries and cream get frequent mentions. Prices stay affordable, the shop stays clean, and service moves quickly with a welcoming tone. The variety of ice cream flavors gives families options.

"The food was great and the ice cream after was so good, everything was at a really good price and the service was so quick and friendly…"Verified review

Best for: budget-friendly paletas and elote

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818 Martin Rd Suite #2, Amarillo

El Paleton, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo — El PaletonPhoto: Christine M Garcia

818 Martin Rd Suite #2, Amarillo

How Amarillo's Top Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Compare

How Amarillo's top Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt compare across key factors
Business	Price	Hours	Known for
Cream Over Waffles Top Pick	Not listed	11 AM–9 PM	homemade ice cream worth the splurge

Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream	Not listed	9 AM–10 PM	artisan flavors and aguas frescas
Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor	Not listed	11 AM–9 PM	neighborhood charm and good value
El Tropico	Inexpensive	10 AM–10 PM	mangonadas and Mexican frozen treats
El Paleton	Inexpensive	10 AM–10 PM	budget-friendly paletas and elote

What People Are Saying

21% of Cream Over Waffles reviews mention the waffle.

★★★★★

Each scoop is rich and creamy, made from high-quality ingredients that you can taste.

Cream Over Waffles

★★★★★

…the ice creams are truly delicious, especially the blueberry with cheese flavor…

Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream

★★★★★

Nice little place with excellent service. The service was quick and friendly, the icecream was on point.

Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor

Eating Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amarillo

Amarillo's ice cream shops split between American-style scoop shops and authentic Mexican paleterias serving elote, aguas frescas, and mangonadas. The city's growing Hispanic population sustains demand for traditional street treats alongside homemade artisan batches. Review patterns show customers prioritize in-house production and generous portions over rock-bottom pricing, with several shops building loyal followings through creative flavor combinations. Weekend traffic concentrates around family outings and post-dinner treats, and the 265 sunny days keep foot traffic steady even outside peak summer.

What to Know Before You Choose

Look for shops making ice cream in-house rather than scooping from commercial tubs, since the texture and flavor depth justify any premium.
Ask how long batches take to produce; multi-day processes usually signal better quality and creamier results.
Sample before committing if the shop allows it, especially for unconventional flavors like blueberry with cheese or Mexican street-treat combinations.
Check whether dairy-free options are made fresh daily or kept in rotation, and ask which flavors are currently available rather than assuming the menu is static.
Consider format trade-offs: bubble waffles and loaded waffles add textural contrast but cost more than cups or cones, while paletas and aguas frescas offer authentic Mexican flavors at budget-friendly prices.
Watch portion sizes, since some shops serve scoops large enough to share while others stick to standard servings.
Verify current hours before making a late-night run, as most shops close by evening except on weekends.
Prioritize shops with visible owners and consistent crews, since familiar faces often signal steadier quality and warmer service.

Questions Amarillo Locals Ask

Who has the best homemade ice cream in Amarillo?

Cream Over Waffles makes ice cream in-house over a two-day process, producing exceptionally creamy batches with creative flavors. Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream also makes everything fresh daily, with unique options like blueberry with cheese and traditional Mexican paletas. Both shops let the homemade quality speak through texture and flavor depth that sets them apart from commercial brands.

Where can I find authentic Mexican ice cream and paletas in Amarillo?

Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream specializes in authentic Mexican frozen treats including homemade paletas, fresas con crema, and aguas frescas. El Tropico and El Paleton both offer traditional paletas, elote, and specialty beverages like horchata. All three shops use fresh fruit and authentic preparations that honor the street-treat traditions.

What's the best ice cream shop for families in Amarillo?

Scoops with Smiles offers a welcoming, intimate atmosphere with friendly service and Blue Bell ice cream at accessible prices, making it easy for families with kids. El Tropico provides a family-friendly environment with a wide variety of treats including fruit cups and paletas that appeal to all ages. Cream Over Waffles serves portions large enough to share, with loaded baked potatoes that can feed a family.

Are there dairy-free ice cream options in Amarillo?

Cream Over Waffles keeps dairy-free ice cream flavors available daily, including a strawberry option that earns consistent praise. Customers note the dairy-free selections taste just as creamy as the regular batches. It's worth calling ahead to confirm which dairy-free flavors are ready on any given day, since the homemade production schedule rotates.

Where can I get a good mangonada in Amarillo?

El Tropico specializes in mangonadas that arrive as layered works of art, made with fresh fruit and chamoy that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy. The presentation photographs well and the flavor delivers on the promise. El Paleton also serves a signature Mango Loco that brings similar flavor combinations with quality ingredients.

What ice cream shops in Amarillo are open late?

Most Amarillo ice cream shops close by the evening, though El Tropico and El Paleton extend hours on weekends. Parad-ice Artisan Ice Cream stays open later during the week but closes on Sundays. Cream Over Waffles and Scoops with Smiles keep consistent daily schedules. It's smart to check current hours before planning a late-night run, especially during off-season months.

Which Amarillo ice cream shop has the best value?

Scoops with Smiles delivers strong value with affordable prices, generous toppings, and a rewards app for online ordering. El Paleton and El Tropico both price treats accessibly, making them budget-friendly options for families. Parad-ice lets customers sample flavors before committing, which helps avoid wasted orders. The value calculation depends on whether you prioritize homemade quality or lower ticket prices.

What are bubble waffles and where can I get them in Amarillo?

Bubble waffles are Hong Kong-style waffles with a distinctive pattern of crispy, hollow bubbles that hold ice cream and toppings. Cream Over Waffles serves them loaded with ice cream nachos and creative combinations. The shop also offers Liege waffles studded with caramelized sugar pieces. Both formats provide a textural contrast to the creamy ice cream that a standard cone or cup cannot match.

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Still deciding? You can't miss with Cream Over Waffles, our top pick. Call Cream Over Waffles

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