Humans have a fascination with ice cream. No one is quite certain of its origins—it’s rumored that even Emperor Nero made sorbet. Whatever those origins, on hot August days here in Arizona, we seek out unique ways to savor ice cream, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, sorbet and gelato. If you check out spots throughout the West Valley, you’ll discover some fun takes on frozen treats. Here are a few of our favorites.
Fired Pie
Deer Valley Towne Center, Tanger Outlets and Arrowhead Towne Center. FiredPie.com
Fired Pie serves up fast, casual customizable pizzas and salads, but you shouldn't miss the signature dessert, the Fired Pookie. Experience the gooey-goodness of a fired chocolate chip or macadamia nut cookie topped with fresh house-made vanilla-bean ice cream. You can get your own Pookie or order the Party Pookie to share—or not.
Twisted Sugar
24737 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy, #105, Peoria. TwistedSugar.com
North Peoria locals, Russ and Katie Forsberg, opened Twisted Sugar in 2021. Stop by the shop in the Sunrise Promenade, on the southeast corner of Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road, for one of the Twisters. This is ice cream with a definite twist. These ice cream smoothies come in an assortment of flavors—including this Pineapple Dole Whip. Check out the over-the-top cookies while you're there—there's a featured flavor each month.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
17115 N. 51st Avenue, Arrowhead. Brusters.com
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features 150 flavors of premium, handcrafted ice cream, yogurt, Italian ice and sorbet. Starting with a proprietary, home-style mix delivered fresh from its dairy, Certified Ice Cream Makers craft at least 24 flavors every day—including this summer favorite, the Southern Banana Puddin'. You can get your favorite flavors in a waffle cone or a cup. They also offer several non-dairy and vegan options, made with oat milk or non-dairy sorbet.
Lakeside Bar & Grill
9980 W. Happy Valley Pkwy, #1101, Peoria. LakesideBarAndGrillAZ.com
Lakeside Bar & Grill has been a major anchor in North Peoria for more than 14 years, and this summer you can check out a new menu item: The Cookie Monster. This warm chocolate chip cookie is served under a mound of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar and whipped crème. The large dessert—ideal for sharing—is available daily all summer for $7.99.
Maya Ice Cream Rolls
Arrowhead Mall and 3870 W. Happy Valley Rd, Glendale. Facebook.com/MayaIceCreamRolls
Maya Ice Cream Rolls has two Glendale locations—Arrowhead Mall and Stetson Village on Happy Valley Road and 39th Avenue. This unique rolled ice cream dessert starts with a homemade, secret base of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Favorites include the Choco Loco (with chocolate chip cookie and hot fudge brownie) and the Berry Extraordinary with fresh fruit. They mix it, freeze it and then roll it into a cup before adding toppings. Signature Crazy Milkshakes in six flavors are new to the Happy Valley location.
