When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Novel Ice Cream
Why Novel Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Novel Ice Cream has established itself as a beloved Arizona staple since opening its doors in 2017, known for its handcrafted, small-batch ice cream and community-driven ethos. What makes Novel Ice Cream a perfect spot to meet up with friends is its artisanal approach to ice cream, focusing on texture-driven, carefully crafted flavors made two pans at a time, ensuring quality and freshness in every scoop. Their inventive and unique flavors range from classic favorites to novelty creations like Honey Lavender and Bourbon Caramel Toffee Crunch, offering something for every palate. A standout offering is their signature Dough Melt™, a glazed donut stuffed with your choice of ice cream that has become a fan favorite, along with the Lesley Knope, a chunky waffle ice cream sandwich designed to complement any ice cream flavor. Novel operates three locations across Arizona — Downtown Phoenix, Downtown Mesa, and Old Town Peoria — each serving as a welcoming, clean, and vibrant space where friends and families can gather. The company also features an ice cream truck available for events and catering, expanding their reach and community engagement. Beyond delicious treats, Novel prides itself on its warm, friendly staff and community involvement, consistently organizing giveaways and supporting local organizations. With nearly 30 team members, the business fosters a positive environment for both customers and staff, making each visit a social and enjoyable experience. Their commitment to Arizona and plans to expand reflect their dedication to being an integral part of local culture and community life.
Here's what people think of Novel Ice Cream
As of recent, Novel Ice Cream holds a 4.9-star rating based on 2232 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise Novel Ice Cream for its delicious, fresh, and high-quality ice cream, with a remarkable 4.9 rating based on over 2,200 reviews. Customers consistently highlight the exceptional texture and innovative flavors that differ from typical ice cream shops, appreciating both classic and adventurous flavor options. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly, welcoming staff and the inviting, clean atmosphere at all locations, enhancing the overall customer experience. The staff's personal attention and community-focused attitude stand out as major positives, with many returning customers recognizing the team from previous visits, creating a sense of familiarity and community. Additionally, the signature items like the Dough Melt™ and the Lesley Knope waffle ice cream sandwich receive enthusiastic commendations as unique, delightful treats that elevate the typical ice cream outing. On the other hand, negative reviews are scarce but occasionally mention limited seating or long wait times during peak hours, reflecting the high popularity of the stores rather than service quality deficits. Some customers note that certain novelty flavors rotate off the menu, occasionally making it difficult to try every favorite flavor. Overall, the reviews depict Novel Ice Cream as a consistently excellent destination for quality ice cream and social interaction, with an active commitment to community involvement and team growth, solidifying its reputation as an outstanding local brand and favorite gathering spot.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vanessa Horie
This spot wasn’t named number one nationally for no reason! What a treat to have Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix. We visited tonight around 7:30 pm. Novel is nestled besides a charming courtyard with tables to eat at after you’re done ordering. There are a few other shops around as well including a tattoo/piercing shop, coffee shop and wedding planner. Novel offers a menu full of your standard flavors (think Madagascar vanilla and strawberry) and several rotating flavors (matcha and Thai tea were offered today). My partner and I both opted for a Dough Melt — a glazed donut sandwiches your choice of ice cream. He ordered bourbon toffee and I ordered Thai tea. My daughter ordered strawberry in a cone. Service was quick. The ice creams were creamy and tasted so good! Bourbon toffee was EXCELLENT in a dough melt — the flavors went so well together and it ended up tasting similar to a maple bar. Thai Tea unfortunately wasn’t the best choice for a dough melt but alone is excellent (the donut highlighted the bitterness in the ice cream). The strawberry was very good as well. Prices were fair. We will definitely be back on our own accord but this spot is also being added to the list to take friends and family from out of town.
Robert Goolsby
Deserves Best Ice Cream ranking, really good Ice cream. Interesting location, small little building that shares patio with coffee place, tattoo shop, barber and wedding planner. Bourbon Ice Cream deserves the praise it receives, exceptional! Vanilla Ice Cream is also delicious and the waffle cones are spot on. Little bit of a drive but worth it!
Iliana Eggert
Okay so this might be the best ice cream place in Phoenix! It was so flavorful and had great consistency. The dough melt was just WOW. So soft and warm, truly melted in our mouths. The service was friendly and quick — even with the line being long, it went by fast. Will definitely be coming back!
Shannon
Novel Ice Cream & Roosevelt Row Vibes – A Perfect Weekend Spot We absolutely love this area! On weekends, The Wayward and Snapback Pizza were my go-tos, but discovering Novel Ice Cream was the cherry on top. This cozy little spot is tucked into a strip full of charm—art galleries, plant shops, unique local restaurants, and even a quirky print shop. There’s something cool around every corner. Novel Ice Cream serves up creative, delicious flavors—and I highly recommend trying the Fat Elvis. It’s rich, fun, and totally lives up to the name. The whole strip has a quiet, chill vibe that's perfect for a weekend stroll. Bonus points: if you linger long enough, you might spot a few friendly neighborhood cats. And if you're really observant, you just might find Where's Waldo hiding somewhere nearby—let me know if you do! Definitely worth a visit if you're into good eats, great ice cream, and local character.
Jeannette Greene
Novel Ice Cream is my go-to spot for late-night dessert cravings in Phoenix! Their small-batch ice cream is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with fun options that change regularly. The highlight for me is the famous Dough Melt, a warm glazed donut stuffed with ice cream and pressed just right so it’s crispy outside and perfectly cold inside. The vibe is super chill, with a colorful outdoor patio that makes it a great hangout spot even late at night. The staff is friendly and fast, keeping things moving even when there’s a line. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious ice cream experience after hours, this place is a must-visit!
How to reach Novel Ice Cream
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Why Novel Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Novel Ice Cream with your friends?
Novel Ice Cream is an unbeatable spot to gather with friends or family for a fun and memorable outing. The vibrant, artisan ice cream shop, renowned locally and nationally, offers not just delicious desserts but a warm, welcoming atmosphere that naturally encourages socializing. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, winding down after a busy day, or just looking for a sweet treat to share, Novel Ice Cream provides the perfect backdrop. The combination of unique, small-batch ice cream flavors and innovative creations like their famous Dough Melt ice cream sandwich, where creamy ice cream is served inside a warm, glazed donut, makes it a must-visit. With a remarkable rating of 4.9 from over two thousand reviews, it’s clear that visitors consistently enjoy both the product and the experience. The friendly staff, quick service, and walk-up format make it easy to grab your favorites and find a cozy spot nearby to sit, chat, and indulge together. Novel Ice Cream isn’t just about eating ice cream; it’s about creating moments with loved ones in a lively and delightful setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Novel Ice Cream that make it great for groups?
Novel Ice Cream’s main activity is obviously indulging in their extraordinary ice cream selections, but that’s just the start of what makes it so great for group meetups. The shop specializes in artisan, handcrafted ice cream made in small batches, allowing you and your friends to explore an array of creative and seasonal flavors. Group members can each try something different, making it a fun tasting adventure. Their signature Dough Melt sandwiches provide a unique and shareable dessert option that’s perfect for passing around or spoiling yourself with a decadent treat. The walk-up service structure encourages mingling as your group places orders and samples each other’s picks. While the shop itself is compact, it’s located in bustling parts of Mesa and Phoenix where groups can take their ice cream outside to nearby seating areas or local parks to create a relaxed outdoor hangout. Some patrons bring dogs and enjoy their pup cups, adding another layer of community-friendly activity. These combination of delicious treats, casual ordering, and the opportunity to enjoy your dessert in a social environment makes Novel Ice Cream a standout venue for connecting with friends over something sweet.
Why is Novel Ice Cream the perfect place for a group meetup?
Novel Ice Cream strikes a rare balance between an artisan experience and casual accessibility, making it ideal for groups of friends or family to gather. Unlike large chain ice cream stores, Novel’s small-batch, locally crafted flavors offer a unique experience that turns an ordinary outing into something special. The variety of highly-rated and inventive ice cream options means there’s something to delight every palate, from classic creamy vanilla to adventurous flavors like Bourbon Caramel Toffee Crunch or Cheesecake Lemon Bar. The shop’s compact, inviting setting makes it easy for groups to order quickly and then move outside or find nearby seating without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Since each guest can customize orders, adding toppings or trying the innovative ice cream-filled donut sandwiches, it becomes a personalized event where everyone has fun deciding what to enjoy. Moreover, with its outstanding reputation and consistently excellent reviews, guests feel confident they’re heading to a top-tier dessert destination. The friendly and efficient staff also help make group visits seamless, accommodating orders with a smile. This mix of excellent ice cream, customization, and community vibe ensures Novel Ice Cream is not just a place to eat dessert but a top choice for bonding time with others.
What are some of the unique flavors and menu highlights that make Novel Ice Cream special?
Novel Ice Cream is celebrated for its creative, thoughtfully crafted flavors that change seasonally, keeping every visit fresh and exciting. Aside from classic staples like rich vanilla and chocolate, the shop features inventive options such as Winter Spice, Bourbon Caramel Toffee Crunch, and Cheesecake Lemon Bar, each offering a unique balance of tastes and textures. The Dough Melt stands out as the signature menu item, consisting of any selected ice cream sandwiched between two halves of a homemade glazed donut, pressed into a perfect warm-cold treat that has gained national acclaim. This innovative dessert is often praised for its amazing contrast of temperatures and flavors, turning a simple ice cream sandwich into an extraordinary experience. Customers can also customize their orders by adding toppings like Cap’n Crunch cereal, Oreos, or seasonal fruit, enabling you and your friends to craft your ideal desserts. The small-batch approach ensures that each flavor is made with care and high-quality ingredients, delivering a rich and creamy texture that keeps people coming back. This diverse and distinctive menu is what sets Novel Ice Cream apart from ordinary ice cream shops and makes it a destination in its own right.
How does the ambiance and location contribute to the group experience at Novel Ice Cream?
The atmosphere at Novel Ice Cream is casual, lively, and community-focused, which perfectly suits a group meetup. While the space inside the shop is cozy and set up primarily for walk-up service, this encourages patrons to socialize outside where there is often seating available on sidewalks or nearby parks. Located in the heart of Mesa’s downtown area and Phoenix’s vibrant neighborhoods, Novel Ice Cream benefits from a bustling environment filled with foot traffic and local art, making it a natural meeting point. The neighborhood offers other nearby attractions, so groups can easily combine an ice cream treat with a walk or visit to museums and cultural centers, turning a simple ice cream run into a full outing. The friendly staff contributes to the welcoming vibe, greeting guests and even offering special treats for dogs, which makes groups with pets feel included. The open-air experience, combined with a popular and fun eatery, gives meetups an energetic and cheerful feel, perfect for celebrations, casual hangouts, or just cooling off on a warm Arizona day.
What makes the customer service at Novel Ice Cream ideal for group visits?
Customer service at Novel Ice Cream is highly praised for being friendly, efficient, and accommodating, essential qualities that enhance the group meetup experience. Visitors consistently mention the welcoming attitude of the staff and their ability to handle multiple orders quickly without compromising quality. For groups, this means less waiting time and more opportunity to enjoy the ice cream together. The team’s knowledge of their menu and enthusiasm for the product help guests feel comfortable asking questions or requesting recommendations, making everyone’s choice easier and more personalized. Additionally, the shop’s walk-up model streamlines ordering for groups, preventing bottlenecks and allowing people to come and go naturally without crowding. The thoughtful touches, like offering pup cups for dogs and balancing quick service with a warm approach, build repeat visits and customer loyalty. This level of service transforms Novel Ice Cream from just another ice cream shop into a community hub where groups feel welcomed and valued with every visit.
How can Novel Ice Cream fit into a larger outing or celebration with friends and family?
Novel Ice Cream serves as a versatile destination that can perfectly complement larger social gatherings or celebrations. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual weekend meet-up, or a post-event dessert stop, Novel offers something for everyone to enjoy. Because of its highly customizable menu and unique signature items, it doubles as both a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser. Groups can plan their meetup around enjoying the ice cream while also exploring the vibrant surrounding areas in Mesa or Phoenix, visiting local shops, parks, or attractions before or after the treat. The manageable size and walk-up format of the shop allow groups to come and go flexibly, so it’s ideal for adding on to any itinerary without a long sit-down commitment. Its reputation as the best ice cream spot in the U.S. by Yelp in 2025 further positions it as a must-see highlight when gathering with friends or family, adding an element of foodie excitement to the event. This perfect blend of unique offerings, convenient service, and location ensures Novel Ice Cream elevates any meetup into an unforgettable experience.