Black Cat Ice Cream

There is no dairy free ice cream here. It's sherbert. That is not the same. When we went they had no dairy free and weren't very friendly or busy.

One of the top five ice cream places in Des Moines!

Decided to visit the new location in Valley Junction and found a filthy place (the sticky door! 🤮), miniscule servings, high prices, and unfriendly staff. Was excited to see the curry granola, but was underwhelmed. The first time I tried to visit, friends and I got in line only to be told they were closed. Go to Southside Frozen Custard, buy some Ben and Jerry's, or make your own. Sorry to say I won't be back to this one and probably not the Drake one because it's not accessible. Meh.

Delicious ice cream but scoop size is quite small.

Both flavors of ice cream were too soft so they did not keep a scoop or round shape. As a result, the portion size was smaller because ice cream was about to run over the side of the bowl. Also, one of the flavors had ice pieces in it. Overall, not a good first impression.

I got the caramel apple flavor and it was absolutely delicious! There was a bit of line, but it didn't take too long, and the staff were awesome.

Cute spot! Has a few vegan options…2 or 3 at a time. I had the horchata sorbet. I was initially hesitant ordering it because I’m used to oat milk or other vegan alternatives but the sorbet was great!

Very unique find! Great ice cream, reasonable prices. The ice cream nuggets are a delicious and fun treat. Bring in a framed photo of a black cat for a surprise! 🐈‍⬛

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We stumbled across BCI at their original location downtown by the sculpture park. It only took one bite of the Red Velvet Oreo and we were hooked!

In our countless visits since, we’ve always been impressed by their innovative and delicious flavors, service, and cleanliness. The patio is the perfect place to sit and enjoy your treat while mingling with other patrons. They even host adoption “Caturdays” for the benefit of local animal rescue organizations.

I live an hour away from their shop and they have always been incredibly responsive to my messages about preordering pints to go. (Oatmeal Crème Pie and Biscuits & Jam, IYKYK!)

Other reviewers have mentioned rude staff. I’ve never experienced that in dozens of visits. If anything, they’ve always been super excited to talk about the flavors regardless of how long the line is.

Five stars!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cream Cheese Lemon Cake, Ice Cream Names Listed in Review, Red Velvet Oreo

The ice cream was amazing great place 😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Cookie, Ice Cream Names Listed in Review, Red Velvet Oreo

My Littles come every Friday. This week I was in town to go with them. Black Cat never disappoints!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Raspberry Cheesecake, Brown Sugar Cookie Dough & Caramel Cone, Red Velvet Oreo, Lemon Cheesecake, Gelato

I had the homemade pumpkin spice ice cream with chucks of some baked goodness and it was the creamiest ice cream ever. The pumpkin spice flavor was strong but not overpowering. The serve was great and the seating area was nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A friend and I went here Tuesday, October 29, 2024 and there had just been a Trunk or Treat event nearby, so it was packed but the person working did a GREAT job getting everyone through and being friendly to all. I got a chocolate/ spicy marshmallow flavor that was really different but super good. My friend got a brown butter cookie dough- delicious! We got a cute spot in the back of the outdoor area and sat and talked for two hours. It was 80 degrees that day- gotta love climate change.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Cookie

Their ice cream is soooo good. I love the Red Velvet Oreo soo much. It's a great place and for handmade ice cream, it's a very reasonable price!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Honey Cornbread, Red Velvet Oreo

A friend took me here over the weekend, and there was already a line before opening, so expectations were HIGH—and their ice cream did not disappoint! I tried the Chumpkin and Dulce De Los Muertos flavors, and they were sooo good! I also loved the location and the shop’s design; it has a cute vibe, perfect for a quick hangout with a friend while strolling through downtown!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5