Same location since 1949
1 / 10

Gunther's Ice Cream

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Same location since 1949

Gunther's Ice Cream

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place is great. It's small but you will find a number of different flavors of ice cream, shakes, Hawaiian ice & much more."

TIP

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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Ice Cream

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(916) 457-6646

Address

2801 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nostalgic Ice Cream Parlor

Nostalgic Ice Cream Parlor

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

Best Dessert in SacramentoIce cream shops in Sacramento, CA10+1 Dog-Friendly Things to do in Sacramento, CA+3
Unique and Classic Flavors

Unique and Classic Flavors

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

Best Dessert in Sacramento10+1 Dog-Friendly Things to do in Sacramento, CAGoogle Review
Generous Portions & Great Value

Generous Portions & Great Value

Enjoy ample servings of creamy, homemade ice cream at affordable prices, making it a sweet deal for everyone.

Google Review
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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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Creamy, flavorful ice cream
Generous portions and good value
Nostalgic, retro atmosphere

What People Dislike

Long lines, especially during peak times
Limited parking

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.

10+1 Dog-Friendly Things to do in Sacramento, CAGoogle Review

Gunther's offers fruit freezes and sorbets which are typically dairy-free, alongside their ice cream options.

Google Review

Parking can be limited, especially during busy times. It's recommended to be patient or consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Google Review

The 50/50 is a unique treat that combines two fruit freeze flavors with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center.

Google Review

Yes, Gunther's is a family-friendly spot with a nostalgic atmosphere and classic treats that appeal to all ages.

Google Review

Yes, Gunther's offers takeout options for their ice cream and other treats.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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