In Las Vegas, where summer temperatures can soar to 115°F, ice cream doesn’t just melt—it surrenders in seconds, demanding swift indulgence under the desert sun. Summers in Las Vegas are notoriously hot, with July and August averaging highs above 100°F, making a creamy, cold treat not just a luxury but a survival strategy. Fremont Street, the vibrant heart of Downtown Las Vegas, pulses with neon lights, live music, and a gritty charm that contrasts the polished Strip. Amid its casinos, street performers, and the dazzling Viva Vision canopy, Fremont Street offers a handful of standout ice cream spots that promise respite from the heat. This article explores the top three places to savor ice cream on Fremont Street, each offering unique flavors, atmospheres, and experiences. From artisanal scoops to tropical-inspired gelato, these destinations cater to locals and tourists seeking a sweet escape. Let’s dive into the best spots to cool off and satisfy your cravings in 2025.
1. Sorry Not Sorry Creamery – DTLV Fremont
Nestled at 517 Fremont St STE 150, Sorry Not Sorry Creamery is a beacon for ice cream aficionados, earning its place as the top spot on Fremont Street for its inventive flavors and commitment to quality. Founded by Drew Belcher, Kevin Whelan, and Timothy Dang, this creamery, located within the We All Scream nightlife venue, has become a must-visit since opening its Downtown Las Vegas outpost. Its proximity to the Fremont Street Experience—steps from the iconic canopy—makes it an ideal stop after a night of ziplining or people-watching. Sorry Not Sorry’s appeal lies in its small-batch, hand-crafted approach, using premium dairy from Scott Brothers Dairy and house-made ingredients like cookies, caramels, and swirls.
The menu boasts 16 classic flavors and four rotating seasonal options, ensuring variety for every palate. Standouts include Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Boba, a nod to Vegas’ love for bubble tea, and Campfire S’mores, blending graham cracker crunch with toasted marshmallow swirls. Vegan options, like Rocky Road and Strawberry Shortcake, are crafted with equal care, earning praise from reviewers like Cheryl I., who called the vegan Rocky Road “better than dairy versions” on Google. The tasting flight, featuring four flavors such as ube, pistachio, blackberry, and butter cake, is a crowd favorite, with Kristy R. raving about the “creamy, dreamy” Blackberry Basque. Prices range from $6 for a single scoop to $12 for a flight, making it accessible yet indulgent.
The atmosphere at Sorry Not Sorry is as vibrant as Fremont Street itself. The creamery’s counter, tucked inside We All Scream’s colorful, Instagram-worthy space, buzzes with energy. Friendly staff, often praised for their warmth, guide guests through flavor choices and offer samples. However, the lack of indoor seating can be a drawback in summer’s heat, as noted by reviewer Tomilynn C., who wished for a place to sit and savor. Outdoor tables offer prime people-watching under the Viva Vision canopy, but you’ll want to eat quickly to beat the melt. Open until 2 a.m., it’s perfect for late-night cravings after Fremont’s free concerts or SlotZilla zipline adventures. For a summer escape, pair your scoop with a house-baked waffle cone and enjoy the contrast of creamy cold against the desert’s relentless heat.
2. Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop
Located inside The California Hotel & Casino (The Cal) at 12 E Ogden Ave, Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop is a Fremont Street staple, celebrated for its Hawaiian-inspired flavors and nostalgic charm. Just a short walk from the Fremont Street Experience, this cozy shop offers a tropical respite from Las Vegas’ scorching summers. Lappert’s, a Hawaii-based brand, brings island flair to the desert with its creamy ice cream, sorbets, and famous shaved ice. Its location within The Cal, a Boyd Gaming property known for catering to Hawaiian visitors, adds to its laid-back, aloha vibe, making it a go-to for families and dessert lovers.
Lappert’s menu is a love letter to the tropics, featuring flavors like Kauai Pie (Kona coffee ice cream with fudge, coconut, and macadamia nuts) and Mango Sorbet, a refreshing non-dairy option. The Coconut Pineapple, blending sweet coconut with tangy pineapple swirls, is a summer favorite, praised by Yelp reviewers for its “smooth texture” and “authentic island taste.” Beyond ice cream, Lappert’s offers pastries, donuts, candies, and coffee, but the shaved ice—piled high with tropical syrups like passion fruit and guava—steals the show in summer’s heat. Prices are reasonable, with single scoops starting at $4.50 and shaved ice around $5, offering budget-friendly indulgence.
The shop’s ambiance is casual and welcoming, with a small counter and limited seating inside The Cal’s airy atrium. It’s a perfect spot to cool off after exploring Fremont Street’s casinos or catching a Viva Vision light show, which runs nightly from 6 p.m. The staff’s friendly service, often highlighted in Tripadvisor reviews, adds to the experience, though the shop can get busy during peak hours. In summer, the shaved ice is a lifesaver, offering a lighter alternative to ice cream that won’t melt as quickly under the sun. Lappert’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it a versatile stop for breakfast treats or evening desserts. For a quintessential Fremont Street experience, grab a scoop and stroll to the nearby 3rd Street Stage to enjoy live music under the canopy.
3. Waffelato
At 707 Fremont St, Ste 1300, Waffelato brings a playful, innovative twist to the ice cream scene, combining Hong Kong-style egg waffles with Italian gelato for a dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious. Opened in 2017, this dessert shop has carved out a niche on Fremont Street with its customizable creations, earning raves for its fresh approach and Instagram-worthy presentation. Just steps from the Fremont Street Experience’s bustling energy, Waffelato is a haven for those craving a sweet escape from summer’s oppressive heat. Its unique waffle-gelato combos make it a standout, offering a textural contrast that elevates the ice cream experience.
Waffelato’s menu centers on made-to-order egg waffles—soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet—paired with premium gelato flavors like vanilla bean, mint chip, and blood orange sorbet. The Elvis, featuring vanilla gelato with bananas and Nutella sauce, is a fan favorite, while the chocolate waffelato with crushed Oreos and whipped cream is a decadent treat, as noted by MapQuest reviewers. Prices range from $7 for a basic waffle-gelato combo to $10 for loaded creations, striking a balance between affordability and indulgence. Vegan and dairy-free options, like the blood orange sorbet, cater to diverse diets, earning praise from Benedict A. for their “refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness.”
The shop’s vibrant, open-air setup, located near the Fremont East entertainment district, immerses you in the street’s lively atmosphere. The counter staff’s patience and enthusiasm, highlighted in reviews, make customizing your dessert a breeze. Outdoor seating lets you soak in Fremont’s sights—think street performers and the fiery praying mantis sculpture—though summer’s heat demands quick eating. Waffelato’s late hours (open until midnight, later on weekends) align with Fremont’s nightlife, making it ideal for post-party treats. In summer, the gelato’s dense, slow-melting texture is a godsend, offering a few extra moments to savor your dessert before it succumbs to the desert sun. Pair your waffelato with a stroll past the Fremont Street Parking Garage to catch the SlotZilla zipline in action.
Why Fremont Street Shines for Ice Cream
Fremont Street’s ice cream scene thrives in Las Vegas’ summer heat because it blends accessibility with creativity. Unlike the Strip’s sprawling resorts, Fremont’s compact, pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to hop between dessert spots, all within a five-block radius. The area’s vintage Vegas charm, amplified by the Viva Vision canopy and free nightly concerts, creates a festive backdrop for enjoying a scoop. Each of these top three spots—Sorry Not Sorry, Lappert’s, and Waffelato—caters to summer’s demands with cold, high-quality treats that combat the heat. Sorry Not Sorry’s artisanal scoops appeal to flavor adventurers, Lappert’s tropical shaved ice offers a quick-melting solution, and Waffelato’s waffle-gelato combos deliver a fun, portable option. Recent Eater Vegas articles note a growing demand for unique dessert experiences in Downtown Las Vegas, with Fremont Street leading the charge.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream on Fremont Street
- Beat the Heat: Summers in Las Vegas are brutal, so visit early (before noon) or after 6 p.m. when the canopy provides shade. Opt for cups over cones to minimize melting, and consider shaved ice or gelato for slower-melting alternatives.
- Timing: Sorry Not Sorry and Waffelato stay open late, perfect for post-show treats. Lappert’s earlier hours suit daytime visits. Avoid peak hours (8-10 p.m.) to dodge crowds, especially during Downtown Rocks concerts.
- Budget: Expect to spend $5-$12 per person. Lappert’s is the most budget-friendly, while Sorry Not Sorry’s flights are pricier but shareable. Waffelato’s customizable options let you control costs.
- Ambiance: Embrace Fremont’s energy by eating at outdoor tables, but bring a hat or sunglasses for daytime visits. Sorry Not Sorry and Waffelato offer prime people-watching, while Lappert’s indoor setting is cooler but less lively.
- Pairings: Complement your ice cream with Fremont’s attractions. Catch the Viva Vision light show (hourly from 6 p.m.) or explore nearby casinos like Binion’s or the Golden Nugget after your treat.
Conclusion
Las Vegas’ scorching summers make ice cream a necessity, and Fremont Street delivers with three exceptional destinations. Sorry Not Sorry Creamery wows with artisanal flavors and vegan options, perfect for adventurous foodies. Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop channels Hawaiian aloha with tropical scoops and shaved ice, ideal for families and budget-conscious travelers. Waffelato redefines dessert with its waffle-gelato creations, blending fun and flavor for Instagram-worthy moments. Each spot, steps from Fremont’s neon-lit energy, offers a unique way to cool off and savor the moment. Whether you’re dodging the midday sun or capping off a night under the Viva Vision canopy, these ice cream havens promise sweet relief and memories as vibrant as Downtown Las Vegas itself. Grab a scoop, embrace the heat, and let Fremont Street’s charm melt your cares away.
