Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s new series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we will offer our opinions on the best that Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. (We’ll also let you in on some hidden gems). Find our previous
Denver’s ice cream scene offers something sweet for everyone. There’s ice cream as speakeasy front, ice cream inside giant cream can, ice cream from old fashioned soda shoppes, ice cream deliveries and ice cream pop-ups.
But for ice cream that I crave weekly — sometimes daily, letap be honest — there are fewer options to speak of. Here are the three on my personal shortlist, depending on the kind of treat I’m seeking out.
Sweet Cow
This is the spot for scoops and pints in constantly changing flavors that really get my particular brand of ice cream freak. I’m talking Snickers, Orange Creamsicle, Vermont Maple Walnut, Fluffernutter and so many more. I love that each location (six in all, between Denver, Louisville and Boulder) has a slightly different flavor lineup. I also love the cows everywhere, and I wish I was young enough to play on them. 1882 S. Pearl St., Denver, plus five more locations,
Knockabout Burgers
The Blenders here are to die for. Sometimes I think about them first thing in the morning and right before I go to sleep. And they’re straightforward: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; Salted Caramel and Toffee; and Scotcheroo with peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch and Rice Krispies on top. (They all start with a vanilla soft serve base.) Sometimes, you’ll come across crazy seasonal specials, too, like Matcha Lavender or Rainbow Unicorn Delight. 3200 Pecos St., Denver, inside Avanti F&B, starting for the season by May 25,
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Smith + Canon
Every time I eat ice cream with coffee, I think, I should be doing this more often. And the combination is best, I’m convinced, at Smith + Canon on East Colfax Avenue and inside the new Clayton hotel. At the latter, you’ll want to go for affogatos, scoops of ice cream with espresso poured over top. My order is the Foxy Brown (tastes like cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, combined!) with a shot of decaf. At the original parlor on Colfax, ask for a full coffee float. 233 Clayton St., inside Oak Market at the Clayton, and 2260 E. Colfax Ave., Denver,
