Five Best Ice-Cream Shops in Coral Gables and South Miami

Spring is in full bloom, and although we've been blessed with amazing weather, summer is right around the corner. That means you'll need to cool off with some ice cream. Before you heed the siren song of the ice-cream truck selling industrial frozen treats, head to one of these fine ice-cream shops in Coral Gables and South Miami, where you'll find five of Miami-Dade's most iconic places to grab a cone.

5. Dairy Queen
Chances are that not only have you been going to this Dairy Queen, but so have your parents. The oldest DQ in Miami (8545 S. Dixie Hwy., South Miami) has a walk-up window where you can place your. Childhood DQ favorites such as Blizzards and Dilly Bars are available, but you can never go wrong with a classic soft serve ($1.99 for a small cone). Bring cash, because this place is so old-school it doesn't take credit cards.

4. Swensen's
Located across South Dixie Highway from the University of Miami, Swensen’s is another tried-and-true Miami institution. Although the restaurant serves a full food menu, Swensen's is best known for its outrageous ice-cream sundaes. The banana split ($7.49) reigns supreme. A banana is topped with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice-cream scoops and then smothered with strawberry jam, pineapple jam, chocolate fudge, and almonds. A cherry tops it all off. Bring a friend and ask for another spoon, because this is a beast of a dessert worthy of a king (kong).

3. Atelier Monnier
A more modern take on ice cream can be found at Atelier Monnier in Dadeland Plaza. Boasting a European flair, the shop is known for its assortment of gelatos and sorbets, as well as macarons. With more than 25 flavors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A favorite among loyal customers is the dulce de leche for its rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness ($5.14 for two scoops).

2. Wall’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Wall’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is iconic Miami. A local institution that has been around for decades, Wall’s is reminiscent of a 1950s ice-cream parlor. The shop's homemade fudge and rotating flavors make it a favorite local hangout. If you're feeling brave, try the Great Wall of Ice Cream Challenge ($29.99). It’s made up of 12 scoops of ice cream, two wet toppings, two dry toppings, a banana, a brownie, plus several servings of whipped cream.

1. Whip’n Dip Ice Cream Shoppe
Whip'n Dip has been serving delicious scoops for more than 30 years. This family-owned establishment, around since 1955, creates delicious homemade ice cream that has families and college students flocking to the South Miami location.  If you can't decide between the shop's 14 flavors, try the birthday cake. A double scoop costs $3.97, but UM alumni receive a 10 percent discount with their Cane alumni card.