One of the best ways to enjoy an American summer is with an ice-cold milkshake. The blend of ice cream, milk, and delicious toppings make it a tasty treat that will satisfy any sweet — or savory — tooth. If you find yourself strolling the streets of Austin, you’re in luck, because this town has some of the best milkshakes on the planet. From boozy milkshakes at Alamo Drafthouse to classics like vanilla and chocolate shakes, the flavor options are endless. Whatever your flavor preferences, you’ll find one you love on this list of the best milkshakes in Austin.
The Best Milkshakes in Austin: 10 Stops To Hit
Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, but it’s also a foodie’s dream. Here, you’ll find incredible blends of Tex-Mex treats — including the world-famous queso — as well as Asian and American influences on culinary delights. Better known for meaty dishes, Austin, Texas also serves up an incredible dessert. Here, you’ll find the best milkshakes in Austin when you want a creamy, cool treat.
Looking for other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth? Don’t miss our guides to the best donuts in Austin, the best pie in Austin, and the best cakes in town.
1. Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Hopdoddy Burger Bar offers unique takes on classic shake flavors. The Nutella Chocolate Pretzel is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It features the bar’s signature custard mixed with dark chocolate sauce, Nutella, pretzels, and sea salt – plus a heaping helping of whipped cream. We also love the Bananas Foster shake which features roasted bananas covered in cinnamon and brown sugar as well as the Vanilla Birthday Cake shake.
2. Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is one of the best movie theaters in town and it’s also a great place to snag one of the best milkshakes in Austin. These shakes are made with Amy’s ice cream and fit right in with the fun atmosphere of the theater. Choose from normal or boozy shakes spiked with beer and liquor, to make a night out at the cinema even more fun. Try the Whiskey Banana Split Shake or the Pecan Porter option for a booze-topped treat or opt for our favorite non-boozy milkshake: the Mexican Vanilla Shake.
3. Sweet Ritual
Over at 4631 Airport Blvd, you’ll find Sweet Ritual, a vegan ice cream shop serving up classic flavors and fancy takes on the traditional milkshake. Plus, it’s one of the most Instagrammable shops on this list. The walls feature colorful depictions of ice cream cones and the red chairs and bench lend a retro feel.
All the shakes are made with vanilla soft serve and organic soy milk. Choose from basic shake flavors like salted caramel and mint or go for a fancy shake like the Rainbow Chaser which features strawberry, lavender, and rainbow sprinkles.
4. Prohibition Creamery
At Prohibition Creamery, you can get your milkshake with a boozy addition. From flavors like CBD-infused ice cream to the triple bourbon milkshake, these milkshakes are perfect for starting or ending a night out. If alcohol isn’t your thing, the shop serves non-alcoholic options that are just as tasty.
5. Nau’s Enfield Drug
Nau’s Enfield Drug is a soda fountain and diner serving classic American fare including some of the best milkshakes in Austin. Their shakes come in traditional flavors including chocolate, strawberry, and banana as well as fruity options like cherry and pineapple.
6. P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Any burger stand worth its salt should have a delicious milkshake and P. Terry’s is no exception. Here, you’ll find hand-spun shakes in classic flavors like root beer, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, caramel, and Oreo.
7. Amy’s Ice Creams
Amy’s ice cream shop has locations in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. In Austin, you’ll find 13 different locations serving up incredible milkshakes including on Burnet Road. So you’re always close to a tasty milkshake whether you’re in downtown Austin or the farther reaches of the suburbs. Try the Cold Press Vanilla Ice Cream Shake or their Sweet Cream shake flavors. Add toppings like pecan praline, chocolate sprinkles, or Fruity Pebbles to complete the treat. They also serve ice cream by the scoop and sundaes that are to die for.
8. The Yard Milkshake Bar
Located in The Domain at 3400 Esperanza Crossing, the Yard Milkshake Bar goes big when it comes to shakes. Some of our favorite flavors are the Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss which comes with a whole brownie on top and the Unicorn, complete with a rainbow-colored unicorn horn. There are even glucose, lactose, and gluten-free options as well as vegan options for those who need them.
9. Milky Way Shakes
Milky Way Shakes is a vegan-friendly food truck for those looking to grab a milkshake without the dairy. Choose from chocolate or vanilla ice cream shakes — all of which are made from a blend of almond milk and coconut milk. Plus, everything from the ice cream to the sauces and syrups is made in-house. Try the Oreo Borealis which has mint, Oreo cookies, fudge swirl, and glitter stars on top. For something a little darker, try the Grackle Massacre — featuring fudge, caramel, cinnamon, chipotle, and a dark chocolate pentagram topper.
10. Cow Tipping Creamery
Cow Tipping Creamery started as a cute little food truck in Austin back in 2012 before moving to its brick-and-mortar location at 4715 S Lamar Blvd. The shop offered delicious shakes and some of the best ice cream in Austin. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused the owners to close the Austin location, but you can still get the tasty milkshakes and other sweet goods at the Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth locations.
11. 24 Diner
24 Diner, located at 600 N Lamar Blvd, is a great place for breakfast, lunch, and milkshakes. Their shakes are made with premium vanilla ice cream, homemade syrups, and ingredients that are always fresh and locally sourced. Choose from traditional flavors like coconut cream, espresso, and peanut butter.
Satisfy a Sweet Tooth in Austin
Milkshakes are a classic dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a new spin on things. Whether you like traditional flavors like cookie dough and chocolate or boozy options and unique flavors like taro, Austin has what you’re looking for. No matter your flavor preferences, you’re sure to find a tasty treat you’ll savor on this list of the best milkshakes in Austin.
Want other sweet treats? We’ve got you covered at ATX Guides. Check out these places with the best dessert in Austin and don’t miss our breakdowns of the best bakery in Austin and the best cupcakes in town.
