In Tampa Bay’s sweltering summers, it’s essential to keep your cool. Beat the heat and try one of these purveyors of frozen delights.
BEACH SNOBALLS 10927 Gulf Blvd., 727-415-8326, beachsno.com. The Tangerine Dream at Beach Snoballs won a CL Best of the Bay award in 2009 for “Best Treat on the Beach,” and deservedly so. As we said in 2009, “a SnoBall is a New Orleans delicacy made of shaved ice doused in tasty fruit syrups and, if you’re smart, sweetened condensed milk… The combination will chill you to the bone in the most pleasant way imaginable.”
BO’S ICE CREAM 7101 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-234-3870. A landmark in south Seminole Heights, Bo’s has served dip-top cones, mile-high soft serve and upside-down banana splits since the 1950s.
BRITAIN’S YOGURT 3861 Northdale Blvd., Tampa, 813-968-5373, britansyogurtmill.com. The main attractions are the “Only 8” Frozen Yogurts: 8 calories per ounce, fat-free, sugar-free and gluten-free. They also carry 10 flavors of Working Cow ice cream.
BRUSTER’S ICE CREAM 20303 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-907-7458, brusters.com. A hot spot in New Tampa, offering several catering options (on-site and off-site, sometimes with a charming ice cream cart in tow). Help make a batch of ice cream during an in-store tour.
CALI YOGURT 2303 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-254-2362; 218 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-3377; 519 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-442-2254, caliyogurt.biz. Trendy, contemporary yogurt spot, perhaps mimicking the cool California vibe for which it is named. Green tea is a popular flavor.
CAMPBELL’S DAIRY LAND 200 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon, 813-685-1189. A Brandon institution for over 20 years with a nostalgic 1950s vibe. The ice cream and specialty shakes are the most popular items. Also serving classic American fare, such as chilidogs.
CANDY KITCHEN 13711 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, 727-392-6803. A favorite on the beach for over 60 years, featuring homemade ice cream and over 500 varieties of candy.
GELATERIA DEL DUOMO 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-877-7771, gelateriadelduomo.com. Located in Bay Street at International Plaza, this upscale gelateria features such interesting flavors as berry-speckled Fruit of the Forest and Sesame and Chocolate.
LARRY’S ICE CREAM AND GELATOS 6595 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-4259. Across the street from beautiful St. Pete Beach, it’s a fine spot to cool off after a day in the sun. Gelato is a recent addition to the menu, but the dozens of flavors of homemade ice cream are the main attraction.
OLD FARMER’S CREAMERY 2531 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-896-2827. Winner of the 2010 Best of the Bay critic’s pick for Best Homemade Ice Cream, Old Farmer’s serves locally produced ice cream made specifically for the shop. Flavors run from standard to outrageous (try the “Superman”) and the counter staff is always friendly, no matter how ravenous the crowd.
PACIUGO 300 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, 727-209-0298, paciugo.com. Downtown St. Petersburg’s premier gelateria. The German chocolate and hazelnut flavors are a particularly decadent, Nutella-esque combination.
PARADISE SWEETS 709 Gulf Way, Pass-A-Grille, 727-360-5830. Pass-A-Grille’s favorite ice cream shop, featuring Working Cow ice cream. Enjoy the gulf view and maybe a sunset from one of the brightly-painted, funky chairs.
PINKBERRY 173 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-636-5019, pinkberry.com. Nestled in a corner of Westshore Mall, this yogurt spot is fairly new to Tampa Bay. The salted caramel yogurt recalls caramel popcorn.
RITA’S ICE 1010 Court St., Clearwater, 727-446-3023; 13149 U.S. 301, Riverview, 813-741-0423; 13147 86th Ave. N, Seminole, 727-393-6740; 11640 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-374-2419, ritasice.com. Features the interesting combination of Italian ice and frozen custard, available together or separately. The vanilla custard is so creamy and rich, it does not need a topping.
RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD 2655 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, 727-784-0220, ritters.com. In addition to custard and ice cream, there's an impressive selection of custard cakes, including Oreos, Reese’s, Snickers or Heath selections. Try a Glacier, their trademark blended treat.
STRACHAN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 105 Alt U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor, 727-781-0997; 310 Main Street, Dunedin, 727-733-3603, strachansdesserts.com. Old-fashioned ice cream parlor exudes charm. Your dog will love it, too, and may even receive a puppy cone. The Strachans offer an ice cream school for aspiring shop owners.
TANYA AND MATT’S 15742 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-963-2766, icecreamiest.com. Family-oriented ice cream parlor with an annual ice cream eating contest each July, in celebration of National Ice Cream Month. Matt makes ice sculptures to order.
YOGURT MOUNTAIN 2719 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, 727-797-4931; 12817 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-968-2459, yogurtmountain.com. A mountainous selection of toppings: over 50, to be exact, including Capt’ N Crunch, Lucky Charms and Apple Jacks. An impressive selection of yogurt flavors as well.
YOGURTOLOGY 3043 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-895-1393; 1202 S. Church St., Tampa, 813-251-2717, yogurtology.com. St. Petersburg’s premier frozen yogurt shop has become a prime famiy destination. With graham cracker, marshmallow and milk chocolate toppings, the Oatmeal Cookie yogurt is like frozen s’mores in a cup.
YOU SAY WHEN YOGURT SHOPPE 6901 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-345-0126; 300 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-286-4747; 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater, 727-725-0700; 2946 Providence Lakes Blvd., Brandon, 813-655-9129, yswyogurt.com. A refreshing retreat from a busy day of shopping. Try the cake batter flavor, a nice alternative to vanilla.
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2011.