
Gunther's Ice Cream
A historic Sacramento landmark since 1940, serving over 40 flavors of homemade, slow-churned ice cream and fruit freezes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Gunther's Ice Cream

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Sacramento landmark since 1940, serving over 40 flavors of homemade, slow-churned ice cream and fruit freezes.
"This place is great. It's small but you will find a number of different flavors of ice cream, shakes, Hawaiian ice & much more."
Beat the Crowd
Visit on weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid long lines, though the wait is often worth it.
Bring Your Own Container
Consider bringing your own dish to minimize single-use plastic waste.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Ice Cream
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nostalgic Ice Cream Parlor
Step back in time at this historic ice cream shop, a Sacramento landmark since 1940, serving classic homemade ice cream.

Unique and Classic Flavors
Indulge in over 40 slow-churned flavors, from unique Taro and Espresso Chip to beloved classics like Rocky Road.

Generous Portions & Great Value
Enjoy ample servings of creamy, homemade ice cream at affordable prices, making it a sweet deal for everyone.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Crowd
Visit on weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid long lines, though the wait is often worth it.
Bring Your Own Container
Consider bringing your own dish to minimize single-use plastic waste.
Seasonal Specials
Don't miss out on seasonal flavors like fresh eggnog during holidays or the flavor of the month.
Try the 50/50
Experience the popular 50/50 fruit freeze, a refreshing blend with a creamy ice cream center.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Crowd
Visit on weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid long lines, though the wait is often worth it.
Bring Your Own Container
Consider bringing your own dish to minimize single-use plastic waste.
Seasonal Specials
Don't miss out on seasonal flavors like fresh eggnog during holidays or the flavor of the month.
Try the 50/50
Experience the popular 50/50 fruit freeze, a refreshing blend with a creamy ice cream center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gunther's Ice Cream is a beloved Sacramento institution, praised for its incredibly creamy, flavorful ice cream and generous portions at fair prices. Diners appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and the wide variety of unique and classic flavors, with many noting it's worth the wait. While the shop is small and parking can be limited, the friendly service and delicious treats make it a must-visit spot.
"This place is great. It's small but you will find a number of different flavors of ice cream, shakes, Hawaiian ice & much more. Yesterday 5/14/25 we went during the day & got lucky, it was not that busy. Usually the line is always out the door, but the wait is worth it 😊
We ordered 50-50 Hawaiian Ice with Vanilla Ice Cream in the center 😋"
Lynda Lira
"It’s a solid scoop for a great price.
This place is always packed but the line really moves, so A+ on the customer service end. It is also only $5 for a decent sized kiddy scoop.
The ice cream is thick, creamy, rich in chocolate flavor, and I liked the bits of melted fudge mixed into it. However, I was not a fan of the walnuts and would have preferred brownie pieces for added texture.
Gunther’s Ice Cream is good but didn’t knock my socks off."
Gavin “GJM_reviews” Meichelbock
"What a great ice cream shop. Stopped here after dinner across the street. Prices are decent, service is great and serving sizes are generous!"
C Varty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular flavors include Taro, Espresso Chip, Bubble Gum, Rocky Road, Butter Pecan, and Lemon Custard. They also offer unique options and a rotating flavor of the month.
Gunther's offers fruit freezes and sorbets which are typically dairy-free, alongside their ice cream options.
Parking can be limited, especially during busy times. It's recommended to be patient or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
The 50/50 is a unique treat that combines two fruit freeze flavors with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center.
Yes, Gunther's is a family-friendly spot with a nostalgic atmosphere and classic treats that appeal to all ages.
Yes, Gunther's offers takeout options for their ice cream and other treats.
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Best Dessert in Sacramento
Since 1940, Gunther’s has scooped domes of its high butterfat ice cream and fruit freezes to hot and hungry patrons who line up out the door pretty much year-round beneath the landmark neon ice cream man. With a rotation of monthly special flavors that includes strawberry Nutella, caramel crackle crunch, Irish cream, watermelon sorbet and pumpkin, Gunther’s also has a strong lineup of always-availables. It’s a Sacramento tradition.
Chill Out: Sacramento's 5 Favorite Frozen-Dessert Shops
Topping the list is local favorite Gunther's Quality Ice Cream. Located at 2801 Franklin Blvd. in Curtis Park, the longtime fixture for ice cream and sandwiches is the most popular parlor in Sacramento, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,971 reviews on Yelp. Yelpers recommend its signature ice creams in flavors like butter pecan, lemon custard, and Thai tea, as well as fruit freezes, with choices like mango, raspberry and guava.
Ice cream shops in Sacramento, CA
Since 1940, this Curtis Park parlor has built an inimitable reputation in our community — in fact, its building is even recognized as a Sacramento historical landmark. Cool yourself off with a 50/50, which combines two fruity sherbet flavors of your choice with a vanilla scoop in the middle, or choose from the 40+ flavors of slow-churned, high butterfat ice cream at hand, like banana rocky road or thai tea.
10+1 Dog-Friendly Things to do in Sacramento, CA
To combat the crazy Sac heat, I like to lick my chops to some legendary Gunther’s ice cream (well, once the sun goes down). Founded in 1940 (yes, in the 40s!!!), this old school, mom-n-pop ice cream shop in Tudor-centric Curtis Park is one sniff-worthy landmark in the State Capitol. Their famous ice cream is homemade and comes in a myriad of mouthwatering flavors – Taro or Thai tea, anyone?
Best Dessert places in Sacramento [2024]
Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream in Sacramento is a dessert paradise that lives up to its reputation. From the moment you step foot into the vibrant shop, you’ll be captivated by the warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff goes above and beyond to make every visit a memorable one, taking necessary precautions to ensure a safe experience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best Ice Cream and Donut Shops in Sacramento
Established in 1940, Gunther’s Ice Cream is a classic family creamery located in the trendy neighborhood of Curtis Park. I’ve been to Gunther’s several times and there’s always a line out the door, they have very loyal customers!. During the holidays Gunther’s makes fresh eggnog - yum! See more holidays happenings in Sacramento.
29 Best Things to Do in Sacramento, California!
If you love ice cream, a stop at Gunther’s is a must when you visit Sacramento. The historic store has been in operation since 1940 and its ice cream was ranked best in California by Food & Wine Magazine in 2021. Located in Curtis Park, Gunther’s offers several dozen flavors of ice cream, ice ream sandwiches, and fruit freezes.
Ice Cream in Sacramento | Classic Flavors & Modern Twists
When it comes to the classic ice cream parlors, two in Sacramento stand out – Gunther’s and Vic’s. Both located just south of the central city, they’ve long split locals into two camps, and if you ask around, you’re likely to hear some pretty compelling arguments as to why each one of them is best.
The BEST Dessert In Sacramento: 13 Places Need To Try! 2025)
No list of the best desserts in Sacramento would be complete without Gunther’s Ice Cream. This family-owned spot has been serving up classic ice cream flavors like mint chip and rocky road since 1940. They also offer seasonal flavors like pumpkin and eggnog during the holidays.
15 Landmarks That Tell the Story of Sacramento
Gunther’s Ice Cream has been serving scoops in Sacramento for more than 80 years. Enjoy classic, nostalgic flavors in a shop that still looks much as it did in the ‘40s. Savor a sweet treat beneath the iconic neon sign that has graced the roof of the establishment for 70 years.
Experience The Best Taste of Sacramento’s Best Ice Cream Scoops, Gelato’s, and Sundaes
2801 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818 gunthersicecream.com. Homemade ice cream with unique flavors served in a long-standing landmark with retro décor!. Established in 1940, Gunther's Ice Cream is a classic ice cream parlor located in the trendy neighborhood of Curtis Park.
Best ice cream in Sacramento, California: Bee poll results
Gunther’s Ice Cream has been serving scoops in Sacramento since 1940 with “high quality ingredients and a slow-churn process,” according to its website. It’s been named the “best” in California by Food and Wine magazine and the “best” in Sacramento by PBS Food.
Top Picks: Sacramento Ice Creameries
Visiting the 67-year-old parlor on Franklin is like going back in time. Gunther's still makes rich handmade ice cream at the Midtown store and Jugglin Joe still hasn’t missed a scoop. There are plenty of ice cream, sherbet, sorbet and yogurt flavors.
Highest-rated Dessert Shops in Sacramento, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (545 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Dessert, American- Price: $- Address: 2801 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818-2719- Read more on Tripadvisor
Best ice cream in Sacramento? Bee readers say these 5 shops are top notch
Gunther’s Ice Cream has been a Curtis Ark staple since the 40s. The ice cream shop ranks on The Bee’s Top 5 list of best ice cream in the city of Sacramento for the second year in a row. 227 votes | Location: 2801 Franklin Blvd.
The Best 20 Restaurants in Sacramento, California (2024)
Gunther’s has been here for years and I love their fruit freezes. We can walk here from the house, which proves to be problematic. You can order ahead of time online which I strongly suggest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit