Your Top Picks for Ice Cream and Frozen Custard in Milwaukee!

Milwaukee’s Best Frozen Custard and Ice Cream Shops

Recently, we conducted a survey among local residents to discover their favorite frozen custard and ice cream shops in the Milwaukee area. With over 150 responses, one shop emerged as the clear favorite: Kopp’s Frozen Custard.

1. Kopp’s Frozen Custard

Established in 1950, Kopp’s Frozen Custard is a beloved local institution, garnering nearly half of all votes. Known for its rich and creamy custard, Kopp’s offers a variety of flavors, including butter pecan, tiramisu, and caramel cashew. In addition to frozen custard, they serve sundaes, shakes, malts, and even burgers and sandwiches, earning accolades as one of the best places for cheeseburgers according to Yelp Elite.

Customer Praise:
– Zach Karthauser describes Kopp’s as “a Milwaukee classic with the best frozen custard in town,” highlighting the rotating flavors that keep each visit exciting.
– Greta Schassler appreciates the authentic taste: “It’s creamy and tastes like authentic custard,” she notes about the extensive daily flavor options.
– Jim Carrig adds, “The richness and consistency of the custard are second to none,” praising the creativity of their flavors.

Locations and Hours:
– Brookfield: 18880 W. Bluemound Road
– Glendale: 5373 N. Port Washington Road
– Greenfield: 7631 W. Layton Ave
– All locations are open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

2. Leon’s Frozen Custard

Founded in 1942, Leon’s Frozen Custard is one of the oldest stands in the area. They offer four classic flavors daily: vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, and a rotating flavor of the day. Their pints and half-gallons are also popular among patrons.

Customer Praise:
– Jeff Tiedke claims, “It’s still the creamiest frozen custard available,” reinforcing Leon’s reputation as a top choice in the community.
– Kevin Fischer values its long-standing quality and great reputation.

Location and Hours:
– 3131 S. 27th St.
– Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

3. Joy Ice Cream Social

Joy Ice Cream Social has transformed from an abandoned gas station into a vibrant Wauwatosa favorite. Known for its exciting daily rotating flavors, including unique options like Munchie Madness, Joy has quickly become a community staple.

Customer Praise:
– Kate Kelley admires the owner Liz for her creativity and community spirit, stating, “The amazing owner… is always thinking up creative features.”
– Katelin Watson echoes this sentiment, praising the love that goes into each scoop.

Location and Hours:
– 8334 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
– Open daily from noon to 9 p.m.

4. Gilles Frozen Custard

As Wisconsin’s oldest frozen custard stand, established in 1938, Gilles Frozen Custard is known for its traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate. They serve custard in various forms, including sundaes available in pints and larger quantities.

Customer Praise:
– Kathy Clarey cherishes the sentimental value, saying, “Best turtle sundaes in town,” reminiscing about family traditions.
– Jennifer Immler appreciates the quality, calling it “the creamiest and it’s Wisconsin’s oldest.”

Location and Hours:
– 7515 W. Bluemound Road
– Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

5. LeDuc’s Frozen Custard

Since opening in the 1980s, LeDuc’s has become a favorite in Waukesha County. Known for its rotating flavors and sundaes, the stand provides a nostalgic experience for many visitors.

Customer Praise:
– Bill Strom highlights the variety and nostalgia, particularly mentioning the popular amaretto cherry chocolate flavor.
– Mary Kuemmel raves about the “absolutely scrumptious flavors!”

Location and Hours:
– 240 W. Summit Ave., Wales
– Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

6. Oscar’s Frozen Custard

Oscar’s Frozen Custard features rotating flavors and a diverse menu that includes sandwiches and specialty items. Their custard is known for being especially creamy.

Customer Praise:
– Jen Chamblee appreciates the unique flavor profile, stating, “Their custard is a bit creamier, with a smooth, stronger flavor than others.”
– Lori Pjevach notes the family-owned atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Locations and Hours:
– Waukesha (currently closed due to fire): 21165 E. Moreland Blvd.
– West Allis: 2362 S. 108th St.
– Franklin: 7041 S. 27th St.
– Open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

7. Culver’s

A well-known chain that started in Sauk City, Wisconsin, Culver’s offers a wide variety of flavors and consistently good custard. Vanilla remains a crowd favorite.

Customer Praise:
– Steve Schmidt appreciates the “wide assortment of flavors.”

Location and Hours:
– Multiple locations throughout Wisconsin
– Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Other Notable Mentions

In addition to the top-rated shops, several others received votes from the community for their delicious offerings:

• Adrian’s Frozen Custard: 572 Bridge St, Burlington, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Babe’s Ice Cream: 2264 S Kinnickinnic Ave, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.
• Baskin-Robbins: Various locations with varying hours.
• Big Deal Burgers & Custard: 1440 S. 84th St, open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Bubba’s: 1276 Capitol Drive, Pewaukee, hours vary by day.

This roundup highlights the vibrant frozen custard and ice cream scene in the Milwaukee area, showcasing beloved local favorites and new contenders alike. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, these shops offer something delicious for everyone.