Scoop up fresh flavors and friendly service at Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Luscious flavors freshly made onsite catapulted Bonnie Brae Ice Cream into iconic status in Denver. So when a power outage meant that the store’s entire inventory would melt in short order, owners didn’t call out the National Guard…they called the local media. Ice-cream lovers heard that Bonnie Brae was giving out free ice cream, and hundreds of people descended on the store. A near-riot might have ensued, but genial customers turned their dream-come-true moment into a virtual block party.

The store is no stranger to crowds. With an extensive menu of destination-worthy homemade flavors and frozen treats, Bonnie Brae Ice Cream has been a favorite diet-buster since 1986. Most-ordered scoops show Denver’s love affair with chocolate: Cappuccino Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip and decadent Triple Death Chocolate. (If you're on a strict eating regime, fruit-flavored sherbets and sorbets are also available.) A friendly staff only adds to the tiny, ice-cream parlor atmosphere, and there are tables with umbrellas and benches outside. To walk off calories or just complement the experience, head for nearby picturesque Washington Park.

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream was created by Ken and Judy Simon with Cindy and Bob Pailet, married couples who take great pride in their venue. Judy Simon says, “We love what we’re doing. We’re two families…and friends. We plan to be here forever.” The store holds an annual spring fundraiser for Alpha-1 Foundation, donating 50 percent of that day's sales to the cause. The organization promotes research to find treatments and a cure for the hereditary condition that can result in lung and/or liver disease in infants, children and adults. Simon says the owners also care about their customers and their community, and give back to neighborhood schools and churches on a continual basis.

HelloDenver tip: Expect a line on weekends and warm-weather days. Shortest waits are from 5-5:30 most evenings—declare a dessert-first dinner, and enjoy.

ice cream Bonnie Brae neighborhood homemade