16 Best Ice Cream Shops in Des Moines

“Fun gathering place with great summer treats!“

“Great customer service! Extremely kind people and have a great attitude while taking orders!“

“Best ice cream in the Des Moines area.“

“This place is the best i honestly can’t believe ive never heard of this place before, my car broke down on the side of the road due to a popped tire, this girl with glasses waiting outside to clock in walked out of her own car to lend me a hand and completely changed my tire on her own in return i offered her 80 bucks but she said no and it was just a kind gesture i went inside got a couple of snacks for my nicks and the food is just so amazing they can’t stop eating it.“

“Had an awesome first visit!! I had the Dole Whip & my son had a Pina Colada shake. Both were delicious!!! 🍍 What a great spot!!“

“We submitted a large order for a 500+ person annual event--very impressed with the communication, professionalism, and high-quality of the chocolate, personalized with our logo and packaged as gifts, for our guests. Chocolaterie Stam will definitely top of our list for future gifts as a special treat!“

“SO good I got the pecan hot chocolate + the chicken tamales with the salsa verde. 11/10 seriously! I can’t wait to come back and try the ice cream!🥰🖤“

“Hubby and I decided to take a getaway weekend to Des Moines, Iowa. We stumbled upon Mollys frozen!! The cookie ice cream sandwich was outstanding!!! Hubby has the lemon cheesecake ice cream! He said 5 stars!!! Thanks for having us Iowa!! The root beer was so refreshing !!“

“Bullseye because this place doesn’t miss! Had a craving for fried chicken and decided to grab some fried fish as well. Not a lot of talking over dinner tonight, just lip-smacking and humming some negro spirituals! There was a little glitch with the phone ordering and had to wait a little longer than expected due to the dinner rush, but hey, it was so worth it in the end. Price was right, portions were sufficient and the food was hot n ready. Wings, fish, greens, mac n cheese, and sweet potatoes!!“

“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!“

“SO good I got the pecan hot chocolate + the chicken tamales with the salsa verde. 11/10 seriously! I can’t wait to come back and try the ice cream!🥰🖤“

“They have the best coffee and yummy food!!“

“As Senator Grassley says, it's a good place for u kno what. I agree.“

“The lady that works there is very nice and I like the Facebook deals they offer.“

“8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is a trendy and casual bubble tea café that offers a fun, relaxed spot for drinks, light snacks, and social hangouts, especially for students, young adults, and anyone who enjoys boba culture. The café has a modern, laid-back vibe that makes it a comfortable place to sit, chat, or grab a quick drink while spending time in the area.
One of the strongest aspects of 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is its drink variety. The menu includes a wide selection of bubble tea flavors, fruit teas, milk teas, slushes, and specialty drinks, giving customers plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer classic milk tea with tapioca pearls, fruit-based refreshing drinks, or more creative specialty combinations, there is usually something that fits different taste preferences. The customization options for sweetness levels and ice levels also add flexibility, which is a big plus for boba lovers.
The taste of the drinks is generally enjoyable and refreshing. Many of the milk teas are smooth and flavorful, and the fruit teas have a light, refreshing quality that works well for casual drinking. The boba pearls are typically soft and chewy, providing the right texture that fans of bubble tea expect. While not necessarily the most premium or high-end boba experience available, it delivers a satisfying and consistent quality that works well for everyday visits.
Another positive feature is the atmosphere of the café. The space feels modern, clean, and designed for casual social visits. It is the kind of place where people can sit with friends, study, or relax with a drink without feeling rushed. The environment is generally calm and welcoming, making it appealing for both quick takeout orders and longer stays.
Customer service is usually friendly and approachable. Staff members are generally helpful when explaining menu items or assisting first-time boba customers. Orders are prepared in a reasonable amount of time, and the overall service experience is smooth and efficient during normal hours.
However, there are a few areas where the café could improve. During busy times, wait times can increase, and the service flow may feel slightly slower than expected. Some drinks may also feel inconsistent in flavor strength depending on preparation, which is common in many bubble tea shops but still noticeable here.
Pricing is fair for the type of drinks offered, though some specialty items may feel slightly higher compared to basic options. Overall, the value is reasonable considering the portion sizes and customization options.
Overall, 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba is a solid and enjoyable bubble tea shop that offers a wide drink selection, a relaxed atmosphere, and generally good-quality boba drinks. While there are occasional inconsistencies in speed and flavor balance, it remains a popular and comfortable spot for bubble tea lovers looking for a casual and social café experience.“

“Vegan menu! Tortas were soft and delicious and the nachos were the best I ever had!“