Leopold’s ice cream melts just enough to truly taste the flavors. The secret could be the cream they use. Leopold’s is very picky about their cream.
It’s likely the premium local ingredients, like honey from the Savannah Bee Company that they mix into the ice cream. Or perhaps, it’s the small batches…Leopold’s Ice Cream is made five gallons at a time, all by hand.
Whatever it is, no trip to Savannah is complete without a visit here. It’s good enough to wait in a line that snakes around the block. You won’t want to miss a trip to one of Georgia’s favorite ice cream shops!
We’re not the only ones who love Leopold’s Ice Cream. The Toronto Sun rated Leopold’s among the Top 10 Ice Cream Parlors in the World! You’ll also find it on plenty of “best of” lists of ice cream shops in the United States. Here’s everything you need to know about this Savannah staple.
LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM PARLOR
We arrived early, about 11:15 am, but the line was already cascading out the door. By the time we came back at 11:30 am, it was down the street. We glanced down at the shop during our ghost tour around 10 pm, and it was the same thing. You want to get the timing just right for your visit to Leopold’s Ice Cream, Savannah’s iconic ice cream parlor. Perhaps mid-day during the week is best?
But here’s the thing — even if you have to wait, it’s worth waiting for.
If ice cream is not your favorite treat, Leopold’s also has an old-fashioned soda fountain. Try an authentic old-fashioned favorite! Create your own, or try a classic like Cherry Smash, Cream Soda, Cherry Coke, or Vanilla Coke.
Read More: 19+ Things To Do in Savannah Ga With Kids: Your Brilliant Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation
EVEN HOLLYWOOD STARS LOVE LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM
I’m an ice cream fanatic, so even among the many wonderful restaurants in Savannah, Leopold’s Ice Cream store was a highlight. Meeting Stratton Leopold, the owner and son of one of the founders, made the afternoon even more exciting.
Leopold left the business for a while to make his way in Hollywood. You’ll see photos of some movie stars he’s worked with on the wall. I asked him if any of them were ice cream lovers — he said Tom Cruise. He once had to ship ice cream to New York so they could put it on his jet headed for London!
WHERE THE LOCALS GO
Leopold’s isn’t just a tourist destination. If you’ve spent any time in Savannah, chances are you have a story about Leopold’s and probably a favorite flavor too. Old timer’s don’t wait in the line. Stratton lets his regulars in the back door. I hear musician Johnny Mercer loved the Tutti Frutti flavor. Tutti Frutti, Rum Bisque and Lemon Custard are Leopold’s Signature flavors.
Leopold’s also does seasonal and special flavors that are available for a short time. We just missed the Thin Mints and Cream season, but the Honey Almond & Cream was a fabulous choice. Jackie, the ice cream chef, experiments with new flavors all the time, and Stratton tastes every one before it goes into the store.
LEOPOLD’S MAKES ICE CREAM A LOCAL AFFAIR
Savoring a cone from Leopold’s often means enjoying other Savannah delicacies. Chewies & Cream uses chocolate chewies from Gottlieb’s Bakery. When the bakery went out of business, the owners taught Leopold’s how to make the treats so they could continue making the ice cream.
In addition to Gottlieb’s chocolate chewies, Leopold’s also uses Savannah Bee Company honey, and Georgia pecans.
Leopold’s now also offers vegan flavors and sorbets as well.
Even local pooches aren’t left out, they get a free dog sundae when their owner buys a cone. The dog sundae is made with Ollie B. Biscuits. The biscuits come from premium pet treat maker and Savannah shop Oliver Bentleys. There was a dog outside waiting in line as I passed with my ice cream cone. He obviously knew the drill. As soon as his saw the cone, he obediently sat, never taking his eyes off the prize.
WHERE TO FIND LEOPOLD’S WITHOUT WAITING IN LINE
If you don’t want to wait in line at Leopold’s Ice Cream parlor, you can still enjoy some delicious Leopold’s ice cream on your next visit to Savannah. They often work with local establishments to create a signature flavor just for them. Here are a few places you can get Leopold’s Ice Cream beyond the shop
- Five Oaks Taproom at the Hotel Indigo
- Kiosk at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
- The Westin Savannah Harbor
- The Crab Shack
- 700 Drayton @ The Mansion on Forsyth Park
- The Grey
- 39 Rue De Jean
- Cohen’s Retreat
And so many more! We found some Leopold’s on our spring trip to Fort McAllister State Park at their Visitor Center in 2024! It was great! You can find a complete list of retailers HERE.
And as luck would have it, Leopold’s now delivers nationwide!
A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS
Leopold’s Ice Cream was started in 1919 by three immigrant brothers from Greece: George, Peter and Basil Leopold. Stratton Leopold is Peter’s youngest child. He grew up in the business, living over the store as a child and taking it over as an adult. Even the lure of Hollywood couldn’t keep him away for long.
For a man who has worked among stars and is a bonafied star himself in Savannah, Stratton Leopold is remarkably humble. After serving a few customers behind the counter, he showed me how to make a proper ice cream float. We retreated to a table where he had a full view of the store.
As I enjoyed his creation, he sat back and shook his head at the line still snaking around the building after almost two hours. “I often wonder what my father would think about all this,” he said. I think he’d be proud.
LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM FAQ
Does Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah ship their ice cream?
Yes, Leopold’s Ice Cream now offers shipping! They ship their ice cream in Styrofoam coolers with blocks of dry ice. They require a minimum of four pints, but can ship as many as you would like. Click here for shipping info.
Where is Leopold’s Ice Cream located in Savannah?
The flagship shop is located in the heart of downtown Savannah, just steps from the River and next door to the large vertical SCAD sign on East Broughton near Abercorn Street. You can’t miss it!
Is Leopold’s open year round?
Yes they are! Though their hours of operation may vary, Leopold’s, like Savannah, never has an “off season” and proudly serves up tasty memories year round.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR SAVANNAH VISIT
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- SAVANNAH TOURS: 21+ Savannah Tours Actually Worth Your Time and Money
- BEACHES: Beaches In Savannah: 7+ Spots Near Savannah Perfect For Fun In The Sun
- BED AND BREAKFASTS: Bed And Breakfast Savannah: 17+ Elegant Spots To Lay Your Head
- GULLAH GEECHEE: Gullah Geechee Savannah Ga: Understanding the True History of Savannah
WHERE TO STAY IN SAVANNAH
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