Novel Ice Cream: Arizona’s Artisanal Ice Cream Experience That Brings Community Together
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 23 Dec 2025 19:37
TL;DR: Novel Ice Cream Grab Dessert is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Phoenix
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.
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What people think of Novel Ice Cream, based on reviews
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.
How to reach Novel Ice Cream
1028 Grand Ave #6, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
FAQ about Novel Ice Cream, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Phoenix, Arizona
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.