Birmingham’s Big Spoon Creamery joins list of top US ice cream destinations

If your travel itinerary is dictated by the best frozen treats in the country, you aren't alone. Big Spoon Creamery, a local favorite with spots in Birmingham and Huntsville, has officially been named one of the seven most travel-worthy ice cream destinations in the United States by The Washington Post.

A Fine-Dining Approach to Scoops

Founded by Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara in 2017, Big Spoon Creamery began as a humble cart and truck operation before establishing its brick-and-mortar footprint. Today, the team applies a fine-dining philosophy to their craft, emphasizing high-end, local ingredients and a rapidly evolving menu that keeps regulars coming back for more.

"I think now guests are trained to be excited for what’s next," Ryan O’Hara said. "That’s kind of the fun of Big Spoon: You can come every month, and there’s always going to be something new to try."

The shop's commitment to quality is clear. Zoe Denenberg, who previously worked in the Big Spoon pastry kitchen, remains a superfan, noting that the experience of eating ice cream straight from the machine is life-changing. Whether you are craving seasonal hits like peach buttermilk in the summer or the spring-ready goat cheese, strawberry, and hibiscus, there is always something fresh on the menu.

Pro Tips for Big Spoon Visitors

Planning a trip to see why Big Spoon is making national headlines? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Lactose Intolerance? Don't let that stop you. The counter has Lactaid pills available for those who need a little help to indulge.
• Explore the Neighborhood: Ryan O’Hara, a former employee of James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Stitt, recommends checking out Bothega and Chez Fonfon to experience why he considers Birmingham an incredible, underrated food city.

Beyond Alabama: Other National Gems

The Washington Post feature highlighted seven shops across the country that deserve a dedicated road trip, focusing on spots that represent their local landscape rather than national chains. Joining Big Spoon Creamery on the list are:

• Wild Scoops (Anchorage, Alaska): Known for forest-inspired flavors like spruce tips and a torched Baked Alaska cone.
• Screamin’ Mimi’s (Sebastopol, California): A 30-year-old staple famous for its signature "Mimi’s Mud" flavor.
• Moomers Homemade Ice Cream (Traverse City, Michigan): A family-owned farm parlor that offers ice cream flights to sample their 100+ flavor catalog.
• Betty Rae’s (Kansas City, Missouri): A creative shop that recently honored local World Cup matches with special, international-inspired flavors.
• Tizzy K’s (Providence, Rhode Island): A cereal-lover's paradise that steeps its base with popular breakfast classics.
• Happy Ice Cream (Washington, D.C.): A small-batch shop that creates its own sourdough-starter cones in-house.

For the full list of these must-visit ice cream destinations, you can read the original report from The Washington Post.