Nothing beats the cooling sensation of a creamy dessert after a salty meal. Whether you are craving a thick milkshake, a decadent sundae, or a classic soft-serve cone, fast food restaurants have stepped up their game.
From legendary frozen treats like the Blizzard to regional gems offering fresh custard, the options are nearly endless.
In this guide, we explore the best fast food ice cream spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. We have ranked the heavy hitters and hidden favorites to help you find the perfect frosty indulgence for your next drive-thru visit.
1. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen remains the undisputed champion of frozen treats since its founding in 1940. This chain is world-renowned for its signature Blizzard, a thick soft-serve dessert blended with various mix-ins like Oreo or mint.
Because the company started specifically as an ice cream and treat destination, its expertise in dairy products is unmatched.
The soft-serve texture is iconic, and many fans argue it is the most delicious option available in the fast-food world.
Whether you want a simple cone or a complex cup filled with cookies and candy, DQ provides the biggest and best selection on the market.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s may be famous for its golden arches and hamburgers, but its dessert menu is a staple for many. The McFlurry is the star of the show here, specifically the classic Oreo or M&M varieties.
Beyond the blended treats, McDonald’s offers affordable and reliable soft-serve cones and sundaes that have remained fan favorites for decades.
While some people focus on their savory items, the ice cream-related options are a consistent highlight of their quick-service experience.
Even though they transitioned into a hamburger stand decades ago, their commitment to providing accessible, sweet treats like the McFlurry ensures they stay relevant.
3. Wendy’s
If you are looking for a unique texture, Wendy’s is the place to go. Known for the legendary Frosty, this chain offers a dessert that sits perfectly between a milkshake and soft-serve ice cream.
While Wendy’s has experimented with various Frosty-based desserts over the years, the classic chocolate Frosty remains a primary reason to visit.
It is thick enough to eat with a spoon but smooth enough to dip your fries in for a salty-sweet combo.
For many diners, the Frosty is such a compelling treat that it outperforms the frozen offerings at almost any other burger-focused fast food competitor.
4. Burger King
Burger King often surprises customers with the quality of its dessert menu. While they are a global leader in hamburgers, their milkshakes and sundaes have earned a dedicated following.
Many enthusiasts believe their ice cream quality actually surpasses other major non-DQ competitors. BK’s offerings are particularly praised for being satisfying and high-quality, even by those who primarily visit for the savory meals.
Whether you are grabbing a quick cone or a decadent sundae, the chain provides a reliable dairy fix that complements its flame-grilled menu. It is an excellent choice for a quick, sweet treat during a drive-thru run.
5. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is a summer paradise for ice cream lovers, particularly because of its extensive variety of shakes and blasts.
One of the best times to visit is during their promotional periods, where milkshakes are often 50% off, making it an affordable family tradition.
Their menu features a massive selection of flavors, with Oreo being a consistently popular choice among long-time fans.
The experience of ordering from your car adds a nostalgic touch to enjoying their thick, blended treats.
Whether you want a simple milkshake or a complex concoction with numerous mix-ins, Sonic’s diverse menu ensures there is something for everyone.
6. Culver’s
For those who prefer a richer, denser texture than traditional soft-serve, Culver’s is a top-tier destination. They specialize in frozen custard, which many fans believe is superior to the standard ice cream found at places like Dairy Queen.
The quality of their dairy products is a major draw, offering a delicious experience that stands out in the fast-food industry.
Because custard is made with egg yolks and less air, it provides a creamier mouthfeel that is incredibly satisfying.
If you are looking for high-quality frozen desserts that feel a step above typical fast food, Culver’s fresh frozen custard is a must-try option.
7. Shake Shack
Shake Shack has evolved from a humble hot dog cart in New York City to a global powerhouse known for its premium shakes.
Their dessert menu is highly regarded, with some fans describing their Cookies and Cream Milkshake as an absolute best experience that feels like heaven.
The chain prioritizes high-quality ingredients, which reflects in the rich flavor and smooth consistency of their milkshakes.
While they offer excellent burgers and hot dogs, their frozen treats are a primary attraction for many diners. If you want a gourmet-style milkshake from a quick-service establishment, Shake Shack is difficult to beat.
8. Braum’s
Braum’s is a regional gem primarily located in the Oklahoma area, but its ice cream is legendary enough to rival national chains.
They are famous for their affordable soft-serve, which is often served in generous portions in a waffle cone. Many families have a tradition of visiting Braum’s specifically for their chocolate and vanilla twists.
While the soft-serve is a major highlight, their general ice cream selection is also considered excellent.
If this chain were available across the entire country, many believe it would easily sit at the very top of any best ice cream list due to its quality and value.
9. Arby’s
Arby’s might be the second-largest sandwich chain in the U.S., but they also hold their own in the dessert department.
Their milkshakes are particularly noteworthy for their unique flavors and creamy consistency. For example, their orange and cream milkshake has been described as being on a whole other level by those who have tried it.
Unfortunately, some of these fan-favorite flavors are seasonal, making them a highly anticipated treat during the summer months.
Even when special flavors aren’t available, their standard shake lineup provides a thick and satisfying accompaniment to their famous roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
10. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is widely recognized for its chicken sandwiches, but it also offers a proprietary frozen treat known as Icedream.
This vanilla-flavored dairy dessert is a staple of their menu, serving as a perfect palate cleanser after a meal.
While the menu might be more specialized compared to some massive dessert-focused chains, Chick-fil-A ensures that customers can always find a high-quality ice cream treat to accompany their food.
The light, airy texture of their soft-serve is a favorite for those who want something sweet without it being overly heavy. It remains a reliable choice for families visiting their 3,000+ locations.
11. A&W
A&W offers a unique take on the fast-food dessert experience, especially through their iconic root beer floats. The Canadian chain, in particular, is noted for its high-quality root beer and the invention of the Great Root Bear mascot.
Their floats combine their signature soda with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a nostalgic treat that is hard to find elsewhere.
While the U.S. and Canadian branches are separate companies, the tradition of the root beer float remains a core part of the brand’s identity.
It is the perfect choice for someone who wants to combine a refreshing beverage with a classic dairy dessert.
12. KFC
KFC is globally famous for its fried chicken, but many customers are surprised to find that they offer a solid selection of desserts.
Their menu often includes sundaes and other sweet treats that provide a nice contrast to their salty, savory chicken.
While it might not be the first place people think of for ice cream, the quality of their sundaes is surprisingly high, making them a hidden gem in the fast-food world.
With nearly 20,000 locations worldwide, KFC makes it easy to grab a quick ice cream fix almost anywhere. It is a great option for a complete meal ending on a sweet note.
13. Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. offers a creative approach to fast-food ice cream by incorporating well-known snack brands into their menu. One of their most interesting offerings is the ice cream sandwich made with Hostess Ding Dongs.
This provides a unique texture and flavor profile that sets them apart from chains that only offer standard cones or shakes.
By combining classic snack cakes with cold ice cream, Carl’s Jr. appeals to those looking for a nostalgic and indulgent treat.
Their focus on innovative dessert options ensures that they remain a contender for those who want something more adventurous than a simple vanilla soft-serve swirl.
Declan Kelly