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5 local ice cream shops in San Jose, CA

We scream, you scream, we all scream for local ice cream.

Cauldron Horizontal

Grab a puffle + make it double. | Photo via @foodswithnina

Table of Contents

This article was written by Jessica Te, SJtoday’s editorial intern.

Trying to beat the summer heat? Here’s the scoop.

It’s no secret that San Jose has some pretty amazing dessert parlors + creameries. From traditional frozen yogurt to Mexican paletas, here are a few can’t-miss local spots.

Somi Somi

We smell something fishy... | Photo via @somefoodthing

Instagram-worthy

Cauldron Ice Cream has perfected its gorgeous, rose-cut ice cream scoops. Top it off with its signature puffle cone, then call it day. Pro tip: Can’t decide on a flavor? You can’t miss with “The Cauldron” — vanilla + cinnamon topped with Oreo crumbs.

SomiSomi serves the famous Korean “ah-boong” — ice cream served in a fish-shaped waffle cone. Fun fact: The store offers soft-serve swirls that mix two flavors, but the flavors change every week to keep you on your toes.

Keeping it fresh

Sweet Fix Creamery’s ice cream is known for being locally made + all natural — no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives. It also carries some fun flavors like black sesame, sugar + spice, and Mexican hot chocolate. Try this: Go bananas for their signature flavor, Banana Brownie.

Mangonada Cropped

The mangonada from La Original Paletería has mango sorbet + chunks, spicy tajin, and chamoy. | Photo via @thebaywithcj

A taste of Mexico

Switch it up with a refreshing paleta (popsicle) or other speciality frozen treats from La Original Paletería y Neveria with flavors including chongo zamoranos (seasoned milk with a cheese-like consistency), cajeta (caramel), and gansito (a chocolate, strawberry cake snack).

Finding new forms

Chop, chop… Get a rolled ice cream experience at Icicles, where you can watch your ice cream be made and rolled on a cold plate. And, did we mention the unlimited toppings? Fun fact: The Willow Glen location was the chain’s very first store.

Did we miss one of your favorite local ice cream spots? Let us know.

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