Happy Ice Cream

Ice cream shop · Dupont Circle

Happy Ice Cream

Ice cream shop · Dupont Circle

1

1509 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null
Happy Ice Cream by null

Highlights

Happy Ice Cream, nestled outside Gemini, serves up handmade ice cream in unique flavors like olive oil cocoa crumble and basque cheesecake, perfect for savoring on sunny days.  

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1509 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 Get directions

happyicecreamdc.com
@happyicecreamdc

$$ · Menu

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1509 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 Get directions

happyicecreamdc.com
@happyicecreamdc

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"Happy Ice Cream serves a solid selection of frozen pints inside the shop, plus scoops outside from their ice cream cart when weather permits. Offerings include freshly spun olive oil gelato with cocoa crumble, strawberry-buttermilk ice cream with polenta crumble, or popcorn with corn cake and caramel with handmade sourdough cones. The pint shop is open Tuesday-Saturday 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — with scoops from the cart 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (and starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday)." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

Cool Off at D.C.’s 16 Essential Ice Cream Shops
View Postcard for Happy Ice Cream

Felicia Murrell

Google
A neighborhood ice cream cart with a vibe! Loved the flavor selection. Love the sense of community and happy that emanates from conversations and gatherings as people wait on cones or sit at tables enjoying cones.

Najib Nassani

Google
Got the caramelized chocolate and Chocobanana icecream. Both tasted great without an overwhelming sweet taste so the chocolate flavor could stand out. Would definitely try out other flavors at this place!

Janvika Shah

Google
I’ve been eating Icecream all over the nation, and loved how Happy makes their Icecream. The flavors weren’t overly sweet but unique : umami and tart. Worth it for the price and wait, IMO.

Thomas L

Google
Definitely a happy place for ice cream. Ordered a two scoop for $8. A buttered toast with strawberry jam and chocolate on a waffle cone (no extra charge for cone). It was decadent and delicious. Loved the cart option outside, and for pints, you can purchase in the Gemini wine bar up a few steps.

Jason Pitts

Google
It was pretty good ice cream. This is an outside ice cream cart primarily. The line wasn't too bad, about a 30min wait, but I found the ice cream mixed with the experience of chatting with people around me worth it on a summer day. I didn't go into the store, but it's possible to buy a pint with much less of a wait. I purchased fig leaf and the vanilla & oat two scoop in a cup combination. The ice cream was made fresh and with great quality ingredients; it was delicious. They sold out of the waffle cones which was what I really wanted, so a pro tip is to look at the menu before standing in line to ensure they have what you want as not to waste time. They'll put a sign on the board that says sold out. Due to the long line, parking (street parking was a hassle), nowhere to sit, and the unavailability of items, I would not make a plan to come back, however if I'm ever just walking in the area with time on my hands wanting ice cream I would patron again. I do want to try the waffle cone one day, and if that moves the needle I'll update this review.

Anushka M

Google
Small ice cream cart that rotates 4 flavors regularly. Super friendly staff and they allow samples!! They have very interesting and unique flavors. The day I went I was debating between the oatmeal cookie and vanilla fudge flavors. The employee was very friendly and offered samples of each. I went with the vanilla fudge. It sounds basic but they managed to really elevate it! So delicious and came very ice cold which I love, I’m not a fan of partially melted ice cream. It is on the pricier side but definitely worth trying since the flavors aren’t common and change often.

Alexander Sharabaroff

Google
I think this is the best ice cream/sorbet in DC. Their chocolate and coconut sorbets were out-of-this-worldly! Creamy texture, not too much sugar. Worth waiting in a 30 min line…

Paul Lamison

Google
What a pleasant surprise walking through Logan Circle neighborhood in DC. It’s a cute little ice cream cart with the most delicious homemade local ice cream. A to go … 1 scoop or two in a cone and you’re eating such a sweet treat. Friendly people and great service… there’s usually a line but it’s moves pretty fast. Do take a break and grab a creamy delicious treat and enjoy the hustle and bustle of DC on a picturesque summer evening.

Cindy N.

Yelp
This place was located next to Gemini under a little tent for ice cream. The line moves by really quickly so don't be alarmed by the little line! The music was great, the worker was so kind, and it was a great experience. They have rotating flavors but we chose Ricotta with Blueberry, as well as the Olive Oil with mocha crumble. AMAZING!! The olive oil is topped with a little salt and olive oil. It's the right amount of richness without being overpoweringly sweet. It's a little expensive ($7 for single, $9 double) but so worth it! The portion sizes may be small for some people but for me it's perfect. I'll be back!

Justin N.

Yelp
My favorite ice cream spot in dc. They have different flavors every day the cart is out. The cart is usually only out when it's warm outside, and until 8:30 pm so make sure to arrive before then. The line to get ice cream can get long but it is worth the wait. The Basque Cheesecake flavor is my favorite flavor-- so so good. Other flavors I like are the Chocobanana with Chococookie, Coffee Stracciatella (I prefer their coffee with the dark chocolate shavings instead of the fudge swirl), and Figleaf and Black Raspberry Streusel (reminds me of my favorite Jeni's flavor Brambleberry Crisp but fresher). The Olive Oil with Cocoa Crumble is also popular and good here.

Gabriella C.

Yelp
Quick moving line! Daily unique rotating flavors! The cones are SO delicious (not sure what they're made of but had a cinnamon flavor)! Both my flavors I also thoroughly enjoyed! I loved the Buttermilk & Fig Leaf! Scoops aren't super large but worth the price due to unique flavors!

Isabella C.

Yelp
Love that they have unique flavors that change daily!The brown butter flavor was the perfect mix of brown sugary vibes & the tartness of passionfruit! Also loved the tangelo flavor (tangerine x pomelo) which was so nostalgic and tasted like a dreamsicle‍really want to come back and taste some more chocolate-based flavors

Hannah H.

Yelp
Happy Ice Cream in Washington DC offers a delightful experience with its dark chocolate sorbet and buttermilk lemon shortbread ice cream. The dark chocolate sorbet is rich and intensely flavorful, perfectly balancing sweetness and cocoa bitterness. Meanwhile, the buttermilk lemon shortbread ice cream impresses with its tangy, creamy base complemented by buttery shortbread chunks. Both flavors showcase exceptional quality and creativity, making Happy Ice Cream a must-visit for dessert lovers.

Suzie Z.

Yelp
Long line but so worth it! Good for a balmy summer evening. It was an impromptu decision to join the line after exiting CVS adjacent to Gemini. We got sheep ricotta and buttery toast and I'm a fan of the former. I also got to try the dark chocolate which tastes absolutely delicious. I heard that they serve different flavors in pints in the shop vs outside in the nice cream cart. Would love to try other flavors in the future!

Ailun H.

Yelp
Happy Ice Cream is a cart outside of the restaurant Gemini. This evening, the line was quite long, so my friend and I waited for about 20-25 minutes before we were served our ice cream. The cart is super minimal and cute. The flavors here are on the more unique side and they rotate/change on the daily (there's only 4 per day, I think). The scooper told me to look out for the dark chocolate & orange flavor because it's one of her favorites. I don't know about you, but chocolate x orange combo slaps. SINGLE SCOOP - 6 Today, our options were mint chip, fig leaf (blackberry & streusel), basque cheesecake (passion fruit swirl), and olive oil (cocoa crumble). You can choose a cup or cone (and no up charge for it). The scooper did such a nice job scooping the most perfect spheres of ice cream and it was neatly tucked inside the opening of the cone. Like it was so aesthetically pleasing. I was able to try the fig leaf and olive oil flavors. While I enjoyed the olive oil more (with its deep cocoa flavors), I found it too sweet for my liking. The fig leaf was nice and tart with some crunchy streusel crumbles. With the cone, I found it to be too sweet after I was halfway done and couldn't finish all of it. Sample a couple flavors that sound interesting to you and get a scoop (or two)! My friend got the basque cheesecake and she really enjoyed it. We were silently walking while we focused on eating our ice cream.

Fifi Y.

Yelp
my favorite ice cream place in dc :) way better than Jeni's or Jubilee! The flavors rotate daily and are special/seasonal - some of my favs throughout the year are olive oil cocoa crumble (this one is a staple), grape & labneh, popcorn & polenta!

Eva A.

Yelp
Whenever I walk along 17th street I'm always so so excited to come across Happy Cart! They are so wholesome and their vibes make me feel like a giddy kid again. They're expensive, yes, and their scoops are smaller than a typical ice cream shop, but I find their serving size is perfect. They also always have unique creative flavors that rotate every few weeks and allow samples. Tried out their grapefruit pie- incredible. The olive oil- how did they think of such a thing and make it delicious. The poppy seed lemon- unlike any other ice cream I've had before. The oatmeal cookie- one of the best in the game. Anyway, if you ever find yourself on 17th street, give them a try!

Tahlia M.

Yelp
This was definitely one of the best ice cream places I've been to. We ended up getting three pints of ice cream (mint chip, strawberry buttermilk, olive oil cocoa crumble) and finishing it within a couple days. The mint chip is probably the best I've ever tried. The mint was present, but the flavor was also really complex with a bit of saltiness and the depth of the chocolate. The strawberry buttermilk actually had the buttermilk flavour, and the polenta crumble provided a nice textural contrast. The olive oil pint was also on point. The ice cream was really rich and creamy, and the crumble wasn't too sweet. I really liked the cacao nibs and the crunch they gave. The person who gave us ice cream was also super chill! The pints were pricey, but I think it's definitely worth a try.

Madison B.

Yelp
Best ice cream in DC. The nearby Jeni's, Milk Bar, and Van Leeuwen don't even compare. When fresh olive oil and sea salt are drizzled on top of your scoop, how can you?

Ahiliya N.

Yelp
Literally the best ice cream I've ever had. Super cool flavors & amazing and kind staff!

Graysen V.

Yelp
Finally got here at a time where the line wasn't absolutely insane. The ice cream was delicious (got olive oil with cocoa crumble). It was thick and creamy, and the olive oil paired so well with the ice cream. They also added on flaky sea salt which gave an extra layer of flavor dimension, and the cocoa crumble was perfectly crunchy without being soggy/losing texture. It was somewhere in between cookie pieces and sprinkles. All that being said, the size was pretty small for the price, and the line is slow because only one person is there to handle the scooping, payment, presentation, etc. I would stop by again if I was in the area during an off hour, but I don't think I would wait in the massive line for the ice cream now that I've had it once.

Milin P.

Yelp
Maybe it's cause it was a really hot day but this might be some if best ice cream I've had in D.C. Small cart on 17th st. Small selection of pretty unique flavors (only 4) which might not be what you want if you're looking for a plain vanilla or chocolate. I tied the "Fig Leaf" which was blackberry and strudel and it was amazing, highly recommend. The two girls running the cart were super friendly and sparked up a good convo with us while they prepped our order.

Iris P.

Yelp
glad we stumbled upon this because it was a much-needed dessert after some killer spicy food. super friendly & personable (albeit slow) service. just 4 flavors, rotating menu. very unique. we got to try all the flavors and then decided on what we wanted. pricy ($6 per scoop) -- so if you want an actual bang for your buck, go with the cone. the scoops are really just a single scoop, no more. whereas the cone is more like 2 scoops. yet it's the same price. pretty good ice cream, just taking down a star for the price & slower service

Stefanie Y.

Yelp
This is maybe the best ice cream I've had. We walked past the cart on our way up to dinner and the Basque cheesecake flavor caught my eye. People looked really happy with their choices, so I actually skipped dessert at the restaurant we went to (!) so that I could come back to sample Happy Ice Cream's choices. When I took my first bite, I said "wow" out loud. The Basque cheesecake flavor was as incredible as promised: wonderfully creamy, with a rich burnt, caramelized flavor, tempered by pops of crunchy, tangy passionfruit bits. It was $6 + tax and tip for a single scoop of ice cream, but it was totally worth it. I do like that there are more conventional flavor options as well, like vanilla & fudge, which the kid in front of me ordered and seemed to love.

Austin G.

Yelp
One of Washington, D.C.'s best ice cream shops is a cart in Dupont Circle along popular 17th Street N.W. Check Happy Ice Cream's Instagram Story Tuesday-Saturday for their daily flavors and get there a few minutes before they open to snag a scoop. My five-year-old daughter and I went on a Tuesday right at 4:30 p.m. Here's our experience: 1) Ice Cream: They usually have four different flavors each day they are open. When we went, they had Popcorn, Olive Oil, Buttermilk and Lemon, and Uber Banana. My daughter got a scoop of the Popcorn with coffee caramel and corn cake mixed in. My Olive Oil ice cream came with cocoa crumble. Wow. Both were really good and we both devoured our scoops, complete with fresh waffle cones. They sell pints of certain flavors inside Happy Gyro, the restaurant the cart is in front of and connected to. 2) Price: It's very pricey, even for D.C. A small (and it's small compared to Ice Cream Jubilee and Jeni's) scoop is $6 and a large is $8. Over a dollar extra for a small waffle cone. 3) Service: It's friendly. The man behind the cart was very kind and asked us about our days/summers while he scooped our order. 4) Neighborhood: It's along Dupont Circle's 17th Street NW with street parking, Stead Park, murals, bars, and restaurants nearby. Rainbows decorate the crosswalks.

David H.

Yelp
Favorite ice cream in DC - flavors change regularly, have high quality ingredients and unique combinations you won't find elsewhere. On nice days they're out with the cart, offering 4 flavors for scoops (you can sample them as well). Otherwise you can place orders or walk in and grab pints in stock. Favorites have been the poppy seed/lemon/polenta, oatmeal cookie/shaved chocolate, basque cheesecake/passionfruit, olive oil/cocoa crumble. the only flavor I wouldn't order again is the guanciale/black pepper/pistachio - interesting, but just couldn't do more than a few bites at a time, glad that one only came in a half-size. Anyway, excited to continue trying more flavors. Keep it up team!

Anushka M.

Yelp
Small ice cream cart that rotates 4 flavors regularly. Super friendly staff and they allow samples!! They have very interesting and unique flavors. The day I went I was debating between the oatmeal cookie and vanilla fudge flavors. The employee was very friendly and offered samples of each. I went with the vanilla fudge. It sounds basic but they managed to really elevate it! So delicious and came very ice cold which I love, I'm not a fan of partially melted ice cream. It is on the pricier side but definitely worth trying since the flavors aren't common and change often.

Christopher L.

Yelp
CUTE ICE CREAM STALL THAT SERVES DELICIOUS ICE CREAM! We were walking around Dupont Circle, when we found this hidden gem! The flavor selection is small, but mighty, and quite different from traditional flavors. We tried the chocolate sorbet, which I had never heard of chocolate being a sorbet before. It was just as creamy as a chocolate ice cream, and even more delicious with the salt and dark chocolate classic mixture. Also tried their Olive Oil flavor, and it was sort of savory? I like savory flavors, so I thought it was really enticing. Cute ice cream stand, and I'm a stan for their aesthetic. Check it out if you are in the area!

Joyce N.

Yelp
I was in DC for a work trip and I was in my hotel room a little bit bored and I wanted to have some ice cream. The streets in DC are a little bit confusing to me still so I wanted to find something that was close. I looked on Yelp and Google and I found this place. I went there got a little turned around again but it's my nature. And the line was deep from the beginning. I waited about 20-25 minutes maybe 30 minutes and it was my turn I got mint chip and it was really really good. Nice and light and not meant typically meant but meant like mint julep mint you can tell it was handmade you can tell it was homemade and it was delicious. When I got up to the cart and it was my turn there were two staffers there. One was scooping and one was taking payments. The one taking payments firstly said thank you so much for waiting. And I thought that was really nice. It was cool that she acknowledged that the wait was deep and that we didn't have to wait that long we could have gone somewhere else. the service was great. The vibe in the area is really nice too it's by Dupont circle I think. That Georgetown area I think. It's not my town so I don't really know. But I'd go there again it'll be fun. I recommend everybody go out and check it out. Take a walk around the town

Priscilla T.

Yelp
Very unique flavors! They switch it up literally every day lol so I would recommend checking what flavors they're serving on the Instagram. Or surprise yourself LMAO it's usually 4 different flavors. I LOVED the Beesmax and Buttermilk & Lemon that I had that day. Also really enjoyed Fig Leaf. I can't wait to keep coming back to try a different flavor each time!!!

Ameera B.

Yelp
Delicious ice creams, rotating flavors, friendly staff- what more could I ask for! I sampled all 4 flavors and went with their mint chip. The mint tasted fresh, as if it was from a garden, nothing like your typical grocery store mint ice cream! I was also a big fan of their chocolate sorbet, which was so rich that I'd never have pegged it as a sorbet. The other 2 flavors were creative, interesting, and tasty too. There were no wrong choices here and I'd come back for sure to try whatever's new as well as their waffle cones.

Chad H.

Yelp
I come from a long line of ice cream fanatics. With that being said, I'm a purist whom rarely stumbles into the average "elevated ice cream parlor". I tend to stick to the classics. But happy ice cream changed my cravings. I don't just crave creamy sugar, now Jy taste buds crave the experience! My favorite hands down is the olive oil... followed by the cheesecake ice cream with pie crumble and tangy passion fruit folded in. I love their ice cream. Its crazy good. Lol

P R.

Yelp
Ice cream is great, get the pint size - definitely worth it. A little pricey, but the quality is great.

宇田

Yelp
great! the service is good!you can have a try before purchase!ice cream made my niceee day!