Interested in trying some new spots for ice cream in Washington? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for some ice cream or gelato.
Milk Bar Flagship at Logan Circle
1525 15th St. NW, Logan Circle
A new bakery called Milk Bar Flagship at Logan Circle has opened. Established in New York by a North Virginia native, this is Milk Bar's third Washington location (it's also in CityCenterDC and at the Wharf), which it's calling a flagship store.
Like the other branches, the menu here showcases pastries, cookies and cakes, and many customers are talking about the soft-serve ice cream and other dairy-based treats. Try flavors like cereal milk and chocolate-covered pretzel. Shakes are also available.
What makes the nearly 2,400-square-foot Milk Bar Flagship different is its roomy cafe space, ability to host events and classes, and an innovation lab where you can try new experimental recipes.
Milk Bar Flagship at Logan Circle has gotten off to a solid start thus far, with a four-star rating from 13 reviews on Yelp.
Tonia W., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 2, said, "This location is huge! I've been to a couple in New York and they are all so tiny with minimal seating. Here, there are a bunch of long tables and stools in the shop, and really cute outdoor patio area."
Yelper Lhynette C. A. added, “My go-to is the cereal milk soft serve. I am also glad they are offering slices of their delicious and unique cakes!"
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Milk Bar Flagship at Logan Circle is open from 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Sugar Lab
3279 M St. NW, Georgetown
Gelato, sorbet and milkshakes play starring roles at Sugar Lab, the latest dessert destination in Georgetown. Flavors include Nutella Oreo, lychee sorbet and salted caramel.
Visitors are invited to combine the ice cream with toppings like coconut flakes or sprinkles. Options include a gelato sandwich and fluffy Hong Kong-style bubble waffles.
Owned by siblings, the shop's website says the two were inspired by their mother's cooking, which led them to seek out new textures and flavor combinations.
Sugar Lab's current Yelp rating of five stars out of 17 reviews indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Kimberly S., who reviewed the shop on June 6, wrote, "The great minds at Sugar Lab are spreading sunshine and sweetness to M Street. ... This is a shop that is serious about making homemade gelato and they proudly want to show off all their creations."
Cassie P. noted, "All freshly made flavors, some sorbet and others milk based. The avocado honey was really tasty, but I would rather have it as more of a smoothie/shake as opposed to ice cream. I tried the pistachio and Nutella and that was super yummy."
Sugar Lab is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Insomnia Cookies
1309 H St. NE, Atlas District
Insomnia Cookies is a new spot to score cookies and ice cream on H Street. This is the third D.C. location for the nationwide chain (the others are in Adams Morgan and Georgetown).
As the name suggests, the emphasis is on cookies — late-night delivery of cookies, to be exact — but they will serve you in person and even take your dessert to the next level by sandwiching some ice cream between those cookies.
With a 3.5-star Yelp rating out of 15 reviews on Yelp, Insomnia Cookies is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Kim C., who was one of the first users to visit the cookie store on May 11, wrote, "Cookies with ice cream always a plus. Nice new spot with really late hours. The idea of the spot is great and we will definitely be going back."
A different Kim C. wrote, "They have cookies cakes, cookie and ice cream sandwich, brownies à la mode. I can't wait to come back and try them all."
Insomnia Cookies is open from 9 a.m.–3 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–3 a.m. on weekends.
