When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Blank Slate Creamery
Why Blank Slate Creamery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Blank Slate Creamery is a celebrated locally owned ice cream parlor that has become a quintessential destination for friends and families looking to enjoy a delightful treat, especially on warm summer days, in Brighton and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Renowned for crafting their ice cream in-house, the Creamery uses fresh, pure milk and cream sourced from Guernsey Dairy Farms, ensuring a rich and natural base free from additives, preservatives, artificial colors, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. This commitment to purity extends to all their ingredients, making their ice creams some of the purest you can find. Blank Slate Creamery is not your typical ice cream shop; instead of offering only traditional vanilla and chocolate, they feature an adventurous rotating menu of over 25 unique and bold flavors such as Creme de Menthe Chip, Balsamic Strawberry, Madagascar Vanilla, Sesame Shoyu Caramel, and Fluffernutter. Customers are encouraged to sample flavors before choosing, supported by a friendly staff eager to help tailor choices to individual tastes. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, Blank Slate offers an appealing selection of several sorbets and six vegan non-dairy ice cream options made from coconut and oat milk, providing sweet indulgences for vegans and lactose-intolerant patrons alike. The Creamery’s inviting atmosphere with vintage elements like chalkboard menus and chrome fixtures complements its artisanal approach, making it an excellent and inclusive gathering place for friends to meet, share, and create sweet memories.
Here's what people think of Blank Slate Creamery
As of recent, Blank Slate Creamery holds a 4.7-star rating based on 2321 reviews.
User reviews of Blank Slate Creamery overwhelmingly express enthusiasm for the quality and creativity of the ice cream offerings. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional taste of flavors like the non-dairy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and the Lavender Lemon Honey, praising the Creamery for providing multiple non-dairy and vegan options that are clearly labeled, which caters excellently to those with dietary restrictions. Customers appreciate the opportunity to sample flavors before committing, noting that the staff are friendly and helpful. The variety and distinctiveness of flavors are repeatedly commended, setting Blank Slate apart from typical ice cream shops with their standard fare. On the positive side, reviews emphasize the Creamery’s commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients and the freshness of their homemade products, including waffle cones and toppings. The pricing is generally regarded as reasonable, especially considering the artisanal quality of the products and generous portions such as large sundaes that offer substantial value. However, some negative reviews point out that portions can sometimes seem small relative to price, particularly in Brighton, and a few customers note occasional disappointment when their preferred non-dairy flavors are unavailable. The outdoor seating, while appreciated, can be somewhat noisy due to street traffic. In conclusion, the reviews portray Blank Slate Creamery as a beloved local gem with outstanding, innovative ice cream that appeals to a broad audience — from traditional ice cream lovers to vegans — while maintaining a welcoming and friendly environment. Minor criticisms are far outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vivian Salsitz
Seasonal selections and great service make Blank Slate Creamery a prime location for everyone in town. While there may be a line, it generally moves fast and is worth the wait. I got a scoop of basil ice cream and blackberry riesling sorbet and WOW! They were amazing.
Zoe :3
Pretty good ice cream. They have typical flavors but also unique ones. Very popular spot. Not too much seating but that’s okay because people are always cycling through the seats. The ice cream tasted nice. I got the toasted coconut and the salty caramel coffee flavors. Two scoops was a lot of ice cream for one person. But yeah overall a really good ice cream spot.
Hannah Madaus
I ordered the brown butter cookie dough, not only because it looked good but I was told that it’s one of their more popular flavors. I did enjoy it, definitely rich in flavor. Could use more cookie dough chunks and less chocolate chips in terms of ratios however, I understand that’s probably the appeal to most consumers or younger crowd. They are open late in comparison to other sweets shops so I really appreciate that and they had generally polite and easygoing staff. Will be back to try more flavors soon.
Ken Sih
I've been a customer since they first opened. Everything is made in-house and I've enjoyed every flavor that I've tried! If there is a line, it moves fairly quickly. The flavor advisors are courteous, helpful, and professional. For those that are indecisive like myself, they offer flights so you can choose 4 flavors. They also have non-dairy sorbets available as well.
Vijay J
The basil with lemon olive drizzle was interesting. Never had ice cream taste like that before. Hard to find parking nearby, can try street parking or garage parking. Expect small queues
How to reach Blank Slate Creamery
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Why Blank Slate Creamery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Blank Slate Creamery with your friends? Because it offers the perfect blend of delightful treats, a welcoming atmosphere, and inclusivity for all dietary preferences, making it an exceptional gathering spot. Whether you’re planning a casual meet-up or a cheerful celebration, Blank Slate Creamery provides a vibrant and friendly environment where everyone can indulge in handcrafted ice cream creations. Its extensive menu includes both classic dairy-based flavors and several vegan and non-dairy options, ensuring no one in your group feels left out. The creamery’s charming downtown Ann Arbor location with outdoor seating encourages relaxed conversations and laid-back socializing under the open sky. Moreover, Blank Slate Creamery is renowned for its consistent quality and has earned a stellar reputation—boasting a 4.7-star rating from over 2,300 reviews—which speaks volumes about the satisfaction of its patrons. With late hours that stretch into the night, this spot becomes an inviting place for groups looking to enjoy dessert after dinner or simply catch up on a warm evening. The friendly staff, inclusive menu, and lively yet comfortable vibe all combine to make Blank Slate Creamery a top choice when gathering with friends or family.
What activities can you enjoy at Blank Slate Creamery that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, the core activity is savoring a wide selection of high-quality, homemade ice creams. The creamery features a diverse range of flavors, including dairy and six distinct vegan options, which allows companions with different tastes or dietary requirements to all find something delightful. Their rotating menu keeps the experience fresh and exciting, making repeat visits enticing. Alongside tasting ice cream, the creamery offers a warm, community-oriented setting ideal for chatting and social interaction. Outdoor seating provides a scenic, open-air venue, perfect for enjoying pleasant weather while engaging with your group. The location on West Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor ensures convenience with available parking, making it accessible for everyone arriving together. Additionally, the establishment accepts takeout, so groups who prefer to bring their gathering home can do so with ease. With hours extending until 11 PM on weekends, it suits both early evening and late-night meetups. All these features contribute to a flexible, accommodating environment where groups can relish good food, good company, and great ambiance.
Why is Blank Slate Creamery the ideal spot for friends with diverse dietary needs? Inclusivity is a standout quality of this creamery. Unlike many ice cream shops that offer limited options for those avoiding dairy, Blank Slate Creamery proudly provides several non-dairy, vegan-friendly flavors to cater to diverse diets. This inclusiveness makes the venue a natural meet-up spot for mixed groups where some may be vegan, vegetarian, or lactose-intolerant. The creamery clearly labels each flavor, helping customers easily identify choices that meet their dietary restrictions, which enhances the customer experience and minimizes confusion. Reviews frequently praise the shop for having some of the best non-dairy and vegan ice cream flavors available locally, notably flavors like Peanut Butter Cookie Dough that appeal broadly to many taste buds. This dedication to variety ensures that everyone can enjoy a high-quality dessert, making it a thoughtful and inclusive choice for any social occasion involving friends or family. The combination of taste, clarity, and care in menu presentation invites relaxed, worry-free enjoyment.
What makes the atmosphere and location of Blank Slate Creamery conducive to fun and engaging get-togethers? The creamery’s ambiance strikes a balance between lively and cozy, creating a space where groups can feel both energized and comfortable. Its downtown Ann Arbor setting on 300 W Liberty Street places it right within a bustling, charming neighborhood filled with shops and activities, often making the visit to Blank Slate Creamery part of a broader outing experience. The outdoor seating area enhances the ambiance, especially during warmer months, by providing fresh air and natural light, perfect for easygoing conversations and laughter. The interior is casual and inviting, ensuring that friends and families of all ages can feel at ease spending quality time together. Accessibility features, including wheelchair access, demonstrate the creamery’s commitment to making the experience welcoming for all guests. Staff friendliness and attentiveness further add to the warm, community feel, ensuring groups are well cared for and can simply focus on enjoying the moment.
How does Blank Slate Creamery accommodate different group sizes and event types? From small, intimate friend circles to larger family gatherings, the creamery is suited to hosting groups of many sizes comfortably. Its ample seating, including both indoor and outdoor options, provides flexibility depending on the group's preference or weather conditions. The creamery’s openness to takeout orders and carry-outs means that if a larger group prefers to convene in a private home or another venue, they can still enjoy Blank Slate’s popular ice cream offerings. The reasonable pricing ensures affordability for group visits without compromising on quality, making it an accessible treat for everyone. Moreover, the creamery’s extended evening hours particularly on Fridays and Saturdays allow for post-dinner celebrations or casual late-night meetups, giving groups plenty of options for timing. Many reviewers mention the accommodating nature of the staff, who are experienced in managing multiple customers efficiently and making group visits smooth and enjoyable.
Why should you consider Blank Slate Creamery for your next special occasion or casual outing? Its combination of premium ice cream, inclusive menu options, excellent customer service, and warm, lively atmosphere creates a uniquely satisfying setting. Whether you want to celebrate a birthday, reunion, or simply enjoy a spontaneous meetup, the creamery offers a dependable, crowd-pleasing destination. The quality of the food—homemade with natural ingredients—and the consistent positive reviews affirm that Blank Slate Creamery is more than just an average ice cream shop. Visitors often highlight the creative flavors and the extra effort put into vegan and non-dairy options, showing that the business is attuned to modern preferences and trends. The easy parking availability and central location also reduce the logistical complexities that can sometimes hamper group outings. In sum, choosing Blank Slate Creamery brings together delicious food, community spirit, and convenience in a welcoming space that meets the needs of any friend or family group looking for a great place to connect.