I have lots of fond memories of going to Baskin-Robbins for a special treat after a good report card or a winning soccer game.
(I’m betting that’s true for lots of folks.)
For a long time, Baskin-Robbins was practically the only game in town.
Sure, there was Dairy Queen, but we all know Baskin-Robbins is far better!
But let’s face it – times have changed.
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There are lots of great ice cream shops out there now.
Including many whose fans would argue they’re better than Baskin-Robbins!
Whether they’re correct is up to you to decide…starting with…
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Where you’ll find them: 30 states and DC – and growing!
What makes the ice cream great: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream base is good, but the toppings are what really make it. Chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and more – it’s an indulgent treat, every time!
Best flavor: Tonight Dough, hands-down. (Although PB S’more is a close second.)
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Where you’ll find them: In about two dozen states plus DC – primarily on the East Coast.
What makes the ice cream great: Traditional flavors, done well. Kilwins isn’t where you go for weird, new stuff – it’s going to be the classics.
Best flavor: Marsh-mallow s’more (yes, that’s how they do it, with the dash). There’s just something about that combination of fudge, graham cracker, marshmallows and marshmallow ice cream…
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Where you’ll find them: Jeni’s is in 14 states plus DC – they were founded in Ohio and have been gradually expanding out from there, so most of their stores are in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
What makes the ice cream great: The base is fantastic, the ingredients are high-quality, and every bite is indulgent. This is the best ice cream base in my opinion.
Best flavor: Gooey butter cake, no question. Easily the sweetest ice cream I eat.
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Where you’ll find them: Cold Stone is everywhere! Over 1,000 stores across every state and Puerto Rico, too.
What makes the ice cream great: I love the base (not quite as good as Jeni’s, but cheaper and still one of the best out there) – but the fresh mix-ins really make the difference. The fact that you can easily customize with dozens of flavor combinations is just a total winner for me.
Best flavor: Mud pie mojo (and I say that as someone who doesn’t usually like coffee ice cream). The crunch, the chocolate, the caramel, the coffee – it’s perfect.
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Where you’ll find them: Bruster’s is mostly an East Coast chain, but it’s also in the Southwest – Texas, California, Arizona, and Nevada (plus Utah and Wisconsin).
What makes the ice cream great: It’s all about the combos! Getting two different flavors and mixing them together is one of life’s simple joys, and Bruster’s excels at it.
Best flavor: It’s a combo – peanut butter cup with Reese’s + chocolate raspberry truffle. You get kind of a peanut butter & jelly thing going, but with chocolate added…and it’s all ice cream! Delicious.
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Where you’ll find them: Salt & Straw is Portland-based (I have family out there, so I had the chance to try them recently), and they’re only in seven states – all on or near the West Coast, aside from Florida.
What makes the ice cream great: Unique flavors and combinations. Every scoop of ice cream has a twist to it.
Best flavor: I’m not sure it’s their “best” flavor, but I adore their pear and blue cheese. I know that sounds weird, but let me explain – you get sweetness from the pear and the ice cream itself, shot through with salty and umami notes from the blue cheese. It works!
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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Where you’ll find them: Graeter’s is based in Ohio and has kept close to home ever since its founding in 1870. You’ll find it in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and northern Kentucky.
What makes the ice cream great: It’s French pot ice cream, so you’ve got eggs added to the mixture, which makes for a richer and denser ice cream all on its own. Plus, Graeter’s only makes its ice cream in 2.5-gallon batches, so there’s a care and attention to quality that’s hard to duplicate.
Best flavor: Boldly Bearcat (trust me), or if you want something more chocolatey, go for the Buckeye Blitz.
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I couldn’t leave without giving Baskin-Robbins its due. After all – they’re everywhere for a reason!
Where you’ll find them: In every state and tons of small towns.
What makes the ice cream great: Lots of delicious flavors, nothing too heavy or indulgent – make sure to get their fudge sauce too!
Best flavor: Cookie Monster. Just get it.
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So there you have it – seven ice cream shops that could lay claim to Baskin-Robbins’ crown.
Each has a good argument to make.
But really, the big question is…
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Have they proven themselves?
Or does Baskin-Robbins still reign supreme?
Or is it another ice cream shop I haven’t even mentioned?
Let us know in the comments!
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