This might be a hot take, but for me, it's hard to beat a McDonald’s vanilla soft serve on a summer day. But if you’re looking to take it up a notch, these local spots deliver the nostalgic soft serve form factor with new flavors. Even I have to admit they’re an upgrade.
Little Sesame (Downtown)
This soft serve is 100% vegan but you’d never know (aka hot girl tummy trouble friendly). The two flavors are vanilla tahini and yuzu preserved lemon with toppings like sesame cookie, halva dust, and blueberry compote.
Spot of Tea (Georgetown)
This boba shop just brought back their ceremonial grade matcha soft serve, at the Georgetown location only. Swirl it with the strawberry lychee sherbet for a refreshing twist.
Koma Cafe (Takoma Park)
A cute cafe in Takoma Park with weekly rotating homemade soft serve on tap. Tragically it’s down for repairs at the moment, but you can still take home a pint.
Yellow (Georgetown/Union Market)
It’s a good thing I don’t live near a Yellow or I would be here every day for the labne soft serve with pomegranate molasses. They also have a tahini oat flavor with candied walnuts. Unreal.
Chocolate or vanilla? (Nico De Pasquale/Getty Images)
Love, Makoto (Downtown)
Love, Makoto’s fast casual concept “Love on the Run” serves rotating soft serve flavors, but there is almost always matcha coconut and vanilla. I have had less luck with the sorbet flavors, however.
Joia Burger (Mt. Pleasant)
They only have one flavor — ube — but they do it right. A dark purple swirl of creamy ice cream with coconut flake sprinkles? Yes please.
Carmen's (Rockville)
A classic New Jersey-style soft serve joint that feels just like the place you went as a kid. Get one of their many frozen custard flavors or layer it with Italian ice to make a gelati.
Surfside (Tenleytown)
This Surfside location keeps it simple — vanilla, chocolate, or swirl — but the toppings go crazy. You can even get them blended in à la Dairy Queen Blizzard.
Southwest Soda Pop Shop (The Wharf)
Can’t decide between soft serve, dirty soda, or donuts? This family run sweets shop has it all. The flavors are simple but the portions are massive and it always hits the spot.
Malai (14th St NW)
A Southeast Asian inspired scoop shop that always has a line out the door, but the soft serve is not to be overlooked. Right now the flavors are mango and cardamom yogurt. Make it a swirl to get a mango lassi.
