3. La Paletera 5720 Bellaire 713-667-8311 and 1811 Wirt Rd. 713-467-0005
This franchise is headquartered in Houston, but it started out as a simple fruit cup and popsicle stand in Corpus Christi. The mango and coconut ice creams are both excellent, but the dulce de leche paleta is stunning. The caramel ice cream bar tastes like the middle of a Milk Dud, only richer and creamier.
2. Gelato Blu 5710 Memorial Dr. 713-880-5900
Sophisticates get their gelato affogato here, which means the ice cream is served in a bowl with a shot of espresso. Try the famous-artists combo, one scoop of Raffaello (apricots stewed in Pinot Grigio with pistachios) and one scoop of Michelangelo (ricotta cheese and figs) side by side in the same dish.
1. Hank's Ice Cream Parlor 9291 S. Main 713-665-5103
A Houston favorite since 1985, Hank's is located in the shadow of Reliant Stadium and has become the unofficial ice cream of the Houston Texans cheerleaders. Get a waffle cone with one scoop of Butter Pecan and one scoop of Banana Pudding.
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