I’ve witnessed the Crimson Tide give my Mississippi State Bulldogs many consecutive defeats on the football field. I’ve watched Gordon Ramsay tell a hopeful chef that “I've never, ever, ever, ever, ever met someone I believe in as little as you.” But I’ve never seen anything humble someone as quickly as a hot and humid Alabama summer. The relentless sun is joined by a blanket of warm humidity that you almost have to swim through to get to your next air conditioned or water-based location. The daily storms this year bring brief protection, but it’s the ice cream, snow cones, and other treat shops around the city that let Birminghamians truly find a break from the heat and enter a world of chill. We share a few of our favorites here.
Neighbors
If you’re looking for a family-friendly old school ice cream shop experience, it’s hard to beat the wonderful experience provided by this fantastic West Homewood sweets shop. The store is co-owned by 17 families who live in the area, and it’s easy to tell how much pride they take in their community. It also helps that they have a delicious assortment of ice cream, with everything from banana pudding to cotton candy explosion gracing the menu.
Ono Ice
Ono Ice, a Hawaiin shaved ice truck, quickly became a Birmingham favorite when they started appearing at pop-ups around the city. Their delicious take on Vietnamese iced coffee and fun flavors like blueberry basil and orange creamsicle won the hearts of many throughout the city and who showed this love when the company started a fundraiser to get an actual truck. They can now be found driving around the city and parking at Birmingham favorites like Little London and Avondale Brewing.
La Sabrosita Ice Cream Shop
La Sabrosita may have the most diverse selection of refreshing treats that you can find in the greater Birmingham metro. This fun shop can be found off Lorna Road close to Highway 31, and contains everything from banana splits and bubble teas to the more traditional spicy Latino desserts and candies. Fun toys are also sold at this unique dessert experience, so go in with an adventurous spirit and see what you end up leaving with!
The Rougaroux
While the other restaurants on this list offer great cool treats for the whole family, The Rougaroux in Forest Park tends to focus a little more on the adults. They take great joy in coming up with new slushie and cocktail favors that will send your taste buds all the way to paradise and back. Hurricanes, White Claw slushies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch slush, frosé, and frozen red sangria are just a few of the recent highlights. While the kids can’t enjoy those drinks, there is an incredible food menu featuring po’boys and other New Orleans classics that is sure to bring joy to the whole family.
Yummy’s Ice Cream Station
This Birmingham restaurant and sweet shop recently reopened with a twist–ice cream and other sweets are still served in the front, but now there’s also a bar serving margaritas, daiquiris, and other chilled beverages in the back! The decor of the Roebuck-based shop is upbeat and colorful, and they have a regular menu as well to ensure customers get the complete dining experience. We’d be sure to check them out!
Whether it’s ice cream, bubble teas, or an ice cold daiquiri, Birmingham has the destinations to help those who call it home and brave these sun-scorched summers. And the people behind them are just as crucial to the vibrancy of the city! Keep on supporting local and keep on staying cool, Birmingham.
