Austin’s humid subtropical climate means the Texas capital enjoys short, mild winters. It also means that summers are long and warm, with unpleasant heat waves shocking residents’ systems from time to time. One of the most effective, not to mention enjoyable, ways to find relief during a heat wave is with a cooling dessert. Here are some well-known cool treats to enjoy the next time you’re melting under triple-digit temperatures.
Adventurous Sno Cone from 512 SNO
512 SNO may operate out of a bright blue trailer in a gas station parking lot, but don’t underestimate the magic touch of its icy treats. At 512, you can get adventurous with sno cone flavors like sour patch kids, guava, and apple pie a la mode.
Banana Split from Sway Thai
This popular Bouldin Creek neighborhood restaurant serves authentic, delicious Thai cuisine. And Sway’s Thai-style banana split is the perfect elixir following a meal spiced by red chilies. The dessert features condensed milk, coconut milk jam, five spice milk chocolate, and sesame brownie. Sway is within ten minutes’ drive of AMLI South Shore, AMLI on 2nd, and AMLI Downtown.
Billie’s Sundae at Bribery Bakery
Bribery Bakery is a sweet tooth’s paradise. Owner Jodi Elliott decorates the display counters with cookies, macaroons, cakes, and pastries. Push-pops and an ice cream bar are also on offer, for days when the heat has you craving something sweet and cool. The sundae, named after Jodi Elliott’s daughter, is especially popular. The Wells Branch dessert bar is spacious and welcoming, but as of last year there’s also a Bribery Bakery outpost in the same building as AMLI at Mueller. The sophisticated design of the Mueller outpost is ideal for enjoying boozy cocktails. If you live in the building, it’s also nice not having to worry about braving the heat or arranging transport home after you indulge.
Dolce Vita‘s Sorberita
Dolce Vita is another Austin original that does boozy treats well. Their sorberitas are punchy, sorbet-based cocktails. Think of fresh sorbet and a margarita mixed together. One will cool you down, and two will light you up for the evening.
Jim Jim’s Water Ice
There are plenty of places once can find Italian ice in Austin, but Jim Jim’s Water Ice is the most celebrated, and for good reason. Real-fruit flavors, affordable prices, and the physically chilling effects of consuming a water ice makes Jim-Jim’s a great option for uncomfortable warm days. Jim Jim’s 6th Street location is a 10-minute walk from AMLI Eastside. Jim Jim’s also sets up shop at the Saturday SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown, two blocks from AMLI on 2nd.
Rice Krispie Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich
Known for its seasonal, locally-inspired menus, Cafe No Se is a popular destination for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dessert. The cooling treats here that are all the rage are chef Amanda Rockman’s inventive twists on ice cream treats. The Rice Krispie birthday cake ice cream sandwich is a major crowd pleaser. This South Congress Ave. cafe is a five-minute drive from AMLI on 2nd and AMLI South Shore.
Uchiko Fried Milk
Uchiko’s impressive dining doesn’t stop with savory Japanese cuisine. Uchiko’s fried milk treats are 512-famous. Choose between chocolate fried milk, roasted milk, or iced sherbet. These cooling treats can be enjoyed at Uchiko in Hyde Park and Uchi in Bouldin, a five-minute drive from AMLI 300.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst