Tipping Cow Ice Cream

Ice cream shop · Somerville

Tipping Cow Ice Cream

Ice cream shop · Somerville

3

415 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145

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Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by Joel Ang
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null
Tipping Cow Ice Cream by null

Highlights

Tipping Cow serves inventive, homemade ice cream flavors—think Earl Grey Lemon and Sweet Corn—in a cozy spot, perfect for a sweet neighborhood treat.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

415 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145 Get directions

tippingcowicecream.com

$ · Menu

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415 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145 Get directions

+1 617 718 0558
tippingcowicecream.com
tippingcow

$ · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 7, 2025

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@eater

"Tipping Cow’s motto is anything can become ice cream, and they mean it. The shop has served up scoops of Brandy Alexander (a spin on the creamy dessert cocktail), peach cobbler, and a standout fig and goat cheese rendition alongside the more usual suspects like birthday cake and cookie dough. All of the flavors are peanut, tree nut, and sesame-free." - Erika Adams

10 Delightful Ice Cream Shops Around Boston
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@infatuation

"Tipping Cow is a Black-owned ice cream shop that serves fully nut-free scoops. We don’t recommend the rather icy sorbets, and while some flavors are misses, there are also some real winners here. The earl grey & lemon and the cannoli are particular standouts. They also serve vegan ice cream, if you’re looking for that." - Joel Ang

Tipping Cow - Review - East Somerville - Boston - The Infatuation
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@eater

"For Tipping Cow, it’s the second, following the nearly three-year-old original in Somerville." - Tim Forster

Monumental Market Will Bring Pastry, Coffee, and Ice Cream to Jamaica Plain - Eater Boston
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Kristy Johnson

Google
Really low key place with creative ice cream flavors made in-house. I ended up with a Oreo and birthday cake, but I tried rose, passionfruit, and peach first. I would have done the earl grey if that was here. They change the menu every week :-). Only one step and fully accessible otherwise. Free parking on Sundays. Affordable. The ice cream had a bit of a…grainy (?) texture. It was good, not my fav, but I love the creativity and the cozy atmosphere. Two tables inside.

Simon Zhang

Google
Everyone should check this place out just to experience what it is: Homemade ice cream with homemade flavors. I'll contextualize this by saying that this is not my preferred style of ice cream. Most of the popular ice cream shops in the area make super rich and creamy ice cream that's closer to butter than milk - and usually I prefer that richness. The thing about Tipping Cow that I find surprisingly unique is that it tastes like homemade ice cream. The flavors tend to have a really fresh taste to them - less like an ice cream flavor and more like what the flavor is supposed to be. For example, their coffee ice cream doesn't taste like a bit of espresso powder in sweet cream ice cream. It tastes like a dark black cup of coffee that is frozen. Beyond that, the store is allergy friendly: nut free, sesame free, and gluten friendly. I often ask for a clean scooper to reduce cross contamination which they are perfectly happy to do. The staff has always been super friendly. There's not much for frills or trendy photography backgrounds. It's just a straight up neighborhood corner store, the kind of store that makes a neighborhood cool. Everyone should go visit it every once in a while and get some ice cream.

Rachael Norris

Google
If I could give them 6 stars, I definitely would! This is by far the best ice cream I’ve had (and I’m a big ice cream eater!) The staff is always so friendly, they make the ice cream fresh and in store, their portions are great for the price, their unique flavors are all delicious, and they offer scrumptious options for vegan, dairy free, and gluten free customers! I’m from Arkansas and couldn’t wait to go back to Boston just to get Tipping Cow another time! The neighborhoods around are quaint and quiet, with a little playground across the street for kids to play at!

Eileen Burchfiel

Google
I had seen this place on Instagram and was so excited to go, but the ice cream was super disappointing. I was in a group and each tried a few flavors before settling on sharing one. Primarily because nothing we sampled was that good enough for us to each want our own full ice cream. Of the 4-5 flavors we sampled, every one was pretty gritty in texture, wasn't cold enough (already melty coming out of the freezer), and some had underwhelming flavors (lemon earl gray, red velvet, birthday cake). I will say their ice cream ingredients seem high quality (lots of house made stuff) but the actual ice cream base/flavor/texture weren't up to snuff.

ryan polson

Google
Awful ice cream. Tasted like it had been freezer burnt for years. Place did not look clean. Staff was not very friendly. Place is run down. Will not be returning back. Don’t see how this can have 4.5 stars and be considered “homemade”.

Grace Kelmer

Google
Delicious, and consciously free of peanuts and tree nuts! As someone with a peanut allergy, this is a huge treat. I got a flight of three flavors, and all were great. Portions were generous, too. We'll be back the next time we're in Boston.

Abby McCabe

Google
Yum, Yum, & Yummy. A perfect ice cream snack on a warm fall day. The ice cream was delicious and the staff friendly. Masks were required of customers and staff was wearing masks so this is a great ice cream take out place even during COVID.

Tristan Cunha

Google
Incredibly disappointed. Don't believe all their hype. I got a cup of crustiest, iciest, least flavorful ice cream I've had in years. I think the "hot fudge" was warmed up Hershey's syrup? It was thin like water and had zero flavor. I can't believe any self respecting business would let people eat that slop, nevermind charge a premium price for it.

Steven L.

Yelp
Flavors are flawless; customer service is beyond reproach. Staff are always accommodating and friendly. I have only one concern that can easily be remedied. There is an inconsistency as to how you package your pints. They are rarely filled to capacity (16oz). And some have gaping air holes in the pint containers. This one issue will not deter me from The Tipping Cow being my go to.

Lauren S.

Yelp
We showed up right before closing, our bad, we thought it was open later. And the guy working was happy to let us order. We got the coffee chip and earl grey lemon. The earl grey flavor was nice, and the coffee chip was good as well. But the texture of both of them was not as creamy as we like our ice cream! Overall cute lil shop, nothing spectacular, but satisfied the evening sweet tooth.

Helena Q.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this place, and perhaps the heat wave caused supply chain issues, but the ice cream was texturally not great, with tiny ice crystals. Also, their spoons and cup are structurally unsound so it's kind of difficult to eat without spilling everywhere. The good is the flavors were pretty interesting; the triple chocolate cookie was nicely chocolatey and the fig and goat cheese had a nice fig sweetness (no goat cheese detected though). Their large was also pretty generously sized. Maybe I'd give them one more shot during normal temps to see if it was a supply chain blip, but this first try was unpromising.

catherine h.

Yelp
Ice cream had a gritty texture as well as tasted freezer burnt. Not friendly service either.

Angela D.

Yelp
David and his wife have opened such a sweet space - not only because of their ice cream but their charm. Instantly greeted with warm smiles upon entry, the diversity and creativity of flavors and options continue the treat of visit Tipping Cow. Amongst the chalk board of variety are many vegan, gluten free, and unique flavors such as vegan mint chocolate chip (which I tried and is wonderful) all the way to fig and goat cheese or triple chocolate fudge (which my date devoured and I tasted, absolutely decadent). Everything was so tasty we forgot to take pictures but no fear we shall return!

Ellen K.

Yelp
Here are the flavors I tried: Rum Raisin - 2 out of 5, bought at Dave's Fresh Pasta. Def not my favorite given how I dont like rum or raisin. I only bought it because it was the only flavor available :p The ice cream had that sparkling taste of something akin to root beer to my tastebuds. It wasn't bad as it still had the sweet creaminess of homemade ice cream. They reminded me of champagne flavored cup cakes-- and you're either going to like it or youre not. It would definitely be an interesting one for rum or alcohol-lovers to try. Vanilla Buttermilk - Tastes like the most vanilla-y ice cream you've ever had. It was on the sweeter side but very good. I could see it being well paired with a brownie or for ice cream sandwiches. Earl Grey & lemon - reminded me of a lemony, milky candy with the slight herbal taste of earl grey.Reminds me of frozen yogurt. You would think the herbiness might add a bit of a bitter taste but it did not. It was very good & most definitely a flavor I'd try again. Cookies and cream - A classic that no one can go wrong with, but also one of the best C&C ice cream flavor I tasted. It had HUGE chunks of oreos in it, which made it very authentic. I think kids would love this one. Total cost: $7.50 per tub

Joe H.

Yelp
The ice cream tasted like old freezer burnt ice cream, with some cheap imitation chocolate syrup. I am leaving one star because it has no place to put a negative 5 star. The shop was also very dirty.

Alex G.

Yelp
The non dairy flavors are amazing. They use coconut milk, which gives it a creamy texture. Come oftern as the flavors change. The prices are super affordable with interesting flavors.

Hannah A.

Yelp
Oh my gosh, this was hands-down THE BEST ice cream my husband and I have ever had--just tried it for the first time tonight. The owner, David, was incredibly nice and talked to us about the seasonal flavors (which are constantly changing). He makes all the ice cream homemade with flavors you won't find anywhere else. We tried the triple chocolate, snickerdoodle, and chai. All SO GOOD and FRESH!! They are even open in the winter and have other treats like cookies, hot cocoa, and floats. Do yourself a favor and head on over, I promise you won't regret it. We will be back ASAP!

Clare G.

Yelp
I posted a review in 2022 about the ice cream being grainy and the place being dirty. The business owner responded saying that my review was fake, and came from a competitor, which is egregiously false. Beware these purveyors of fake news.

William M.

Yelp
Great ice cream, best in the Somerville area. Friendly service too! They are super creative with the flavors and all are delicious! Our favs are coffee, saffron and maple.

Greg W.

Yelp
Skip Toscanini's and visit this place if you want the BEST Ice Cream in the Greater Boston area. While it's a quick Uber or drive away, you'll be rewarded with some of the best hand/home/craft made ice cream I've ever had. Full disclaimer - I'm not bashing Toscanini's quality or array of experimental or interesting flavors. My wife and I are about 3 blocks away and frequently visit when the weather is warm. But when I compare the best flavor or experience I have had at both places, Tipping Cow wins easily. Even take my best 3 experiences... same story; it's just better... hands down. Nestled off the main drag of Somerville, this place boasts an owner and staff that are truly dedicated to making flavors that will make you forget what you've known ice cream to be. The flavors offered here turn your favorite foods, drinks, and flavor combinations into a smooth, cold, creamy cloud of euphoria that can be enjoyed atop a waffle cone or in a cute little cup. Sizes and prices vary, but we typically spend ~$8 for a regular/med size cone (for me) and a small cup (for her). If you're lucky enough to grab the Yelp! deal they offer occasionally (think old Groupon-style pay $10, get $20), we got that plus two pints to take home for ~$11.23; not too shabby. The owner is happy to chat with you about his past and upcoming ideas and flavors if the place isn't busy or full, which we've had the pleasure of multiple conversations about the upcoming winter menu as well as what may grace the freezers come spring. He also is looking to spread the word as not as many people are sharing the love about this place since it's not as accessible as the Cambridge establishment mentioned earlier in the area. There are a variety of allergen-free and diet friendly options as well as there are vegan and gluten-free options. I also read a review that they are the only nut and sesame free shop in the Boston area (well done!), so there is that to consider as well if you are allergic to those things. You don't have to take my word to go and try this place out - go look at the various reviews that rave about the chai, coffee, and other various flavors. Those who visit will undoubted be back as it is a kind of experience akin to finding that hole-in-the-wall restaurant that only locals go to. I went in just after Christmas and told the owner I was torn, to which I was mused "what do you like to eat or drink this time of the year?" I thought about it for a bit and said "I haven't had an eggnog latte yet this year..." so I got a smile and question back "would you like to try a frozen one?" Upon receiving the frozen orb atop a waffle cone, I realized that I don't need to pay for the hot, overpriced version at Starbucks... this one will do just fine; just find indeed!

Hannah M.

Yelp
I have loved this place since it's opening. Who wouldn't want yummy ice cream, served by nice people, right around the corner? That said, I'm starting to feel disillusioned with the enormous inconsistency in hours. It's confusing and frustrating that the shop is frequently closed during it's "open" times.

Zan D.

Yelp
Yummy ice cream. Reasonable pricing for Cambridge area. Nothing insane but solid place.

Christine H.

Yelp
1. The inside smells like sour milk. 2. The people working there talked about how they wanted to get out of there because it was close to closing time. Clearly poor service. 3. The ice cream tasted like freezer burned store-bought ice cream. We used to love this place when it first opened and the quality as series declined since the ownership has changed. Very disappointed.

Danny S.

Yelp
We went to Tipping Cow based on Yelp reviews and because there were no other choices in walking distance to where we were in Somerville. We were disappointed. The ice creams were just not great. The vanilla base of the chocolate chip was not rich or tasty and did not even have a good mouth feel. Brighams from the grocery store would have been infinitely better. And while we're on it, the chocolate chips in that flavor also weren't good, but this was balanced by their sparseness. Other flavors were equally lackluster. One of our ice cream scoops had obvious freezer burn. Given what I now now I would have stopped at a store to pick up some pints of pre-packaged ice cream.

Kristina I.

Yelp
A bit icy for my liking. Didn't get the triple chocolate though, should have read the reviews beforehand. Super great staff, will have to come back and try more popular flavors to get a better sense of the deliciousness (;

Angela G.

Yelp
Oreo Mint ice cream was amazing! We went on a Friday night and the line was long so we decided to skip it by grabbing some pints. Best choice! Such a good treat for the summer, would recommend to anyone looking for a great scoop!

Zachary G.

Yelp
Tasty ice cream, portions were great for the price. Friendly service in a convenient location.

Anna F.

Yelp
I had the cherry ice cream, with big fresh cherries in it, and white chocolate chips. It was delicious! I also tasted the peach cobbler and key lime pie. The server's favorite was the mint. The ice cream is homemade, which makes it special :).

L L.

Yelp
The modest setting is comfortable, and the owners and staff are really friendly. The ice cream is outstanding! We've tried cookies and cream, creamsicle, banana pudding, and key lime pie. The flavors are so fresh, and the texture is really creamy without being heavy. You can tell they use no artificial ingredients. The banana pudding ice cream is fabulous! Rich with the taste of banana, the vanilla cookies are a great addition! The key lime pie is nicely tart with great texture from the graham cracker crust that is just the right amount. My husband loves the creamsicle flavor. We are excited to have found this place. Bring on the summer! I know where I'm getting my ice cream from now on!

Luke-Sherri D.

Yelp
This is our second trip as we live about 7 hours away but it was just as amazing as our first trip! The owners are super friendly and make the best ice cream. We cannot thank them enough for being here!

Anxhela A.

Yelp
Best Homemade Ice Cream in the area. You have to try the Sweet Corn and also triple chocolate. Customer service was also great, this place is a mom and pop shop so it's good to support during this time. Stop by soon!

John G.

Yelp
The young Woman working there is so unhappy, doesn't smile, or make customers feel welcome, or appreciated! I just wish the ownership would get somebody in there who who might love working at Tipping Cow and be friendly to those of us who walk through the door! For the cost of 8.00 for a pint of ice cream I don't think that is asking too much....

Deborah C.

Yelp
Was in the area and knew I had to try their ice cream so I picked up a pint of Earl Grey + Lemon and it was everything I hoped it'd be! The right amount of creaminess without feeling heavy, and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely come back to try more flavors!

Andrea H.

Yelp
Came here a few minutes before closing time. The worker was super friendly and did not rush us at all. Many different ice cream flavors but mostly classic options. Ice cream was very creamy and smooth but the flavors did not blow me away. Portions were generous though.

Hannah B.

Yelp
You really can't go wrong with any flavor here- the fact it's all nut free is amazing. Everything is awesome!'! Took home an earl grey & lemon- delicious and doesn't get hard in the freezer. (I thought that part was pretty exciting) The staff is also amazing, just a really wonderful establishment all in all :) Definitely plan to come again!

Jackie S.

Yelp
I think I said "this is the best chocolate ice cream I ever had" about 5 times while I was still eating it. Silky smooth and super rich!

Stephanie B.

Yelp
Delicious local ice cream, MULTIPLE vegan options. Amazing variety of flavors. The triple chocolate is out of this world. This place is a gem.

J P.

Yelp
Delicious ice cream made right there in the shop! We tried the sweet corn ice cream- delicious!! They had a few gluten free and vegan options as well!

Simon L.

Yelp
Great spot with great flavors. Homemade ice cream that is unique in flavor and casual in presentations. Sizes range from mini to xtra large. Flavors from vanilla to strawberry shortcake, chocolate to rum raisin. Customize your cream and make it a sundae or frappe, add toppings.

Elizabeth M.

Yelp
The best Boston-area ice cream we've tried. Tipping Cow excels at the foundational flavors (and riffs of them, like with their amazing Vanilla Buttermilk), though their seasonal specialties are my personal favorite. The texture of their ice cream really makes them stand out, and none of their flavors are overly sweet. Some personal favorites include the summertime Strawberry Basil, Goat Cheese and Fig, and Irish Stout. Everything we've tried has been absolutely delicious, and it's hard to beat their flavor variety and rotation. Can't wait to return!

Karina L.

Yelp
[] BOTTOM LINE Not sure if this is the store owner's part time gig, but this place is never open! Their hours are all over the place and they never update said hours on their website, which still lists they're closing early on a day in June). Twitter link is broken, FB hasn't been updated since August. I also wish their website had their flavors available for the week. [] ICE CREAM Their ice cream, as other reviewers have noted, is a little too sweet. The flavors are interesting though. I wish they had a dairy free option that was creamy -- when I asked, she pointed me to their freezer to buy a pint of blueberry sorbet. Meh.

Colt V.

Yelp
Local ice cream, family made, interesting seasonal flavors. Half the price per pint of hip brands like jenni's. What is better? I stock up once everything other week.

Dana B.

Yelp
If this is the best ice cream in Boston I need to move. Ice cream is weird texture, icy and not creamy and super hard. I'd rather have Ben and Jerry's and I hate Ben and Jerry's

Ekat H.

Yelp
LOVEEEE tipping cow. The ice cream is very high quality and the staff is very efficient and attentive. Come to Tipping Cow if you want a variety of ice cream flavors, all COMPLETELY nut free.

Colin W.

Yelp
So tasty! One of my favorite local ice cream shops. Unique and tasty flavors, quiet neighborhood.

Emily F.

Yelp
First time trying. Good flavor but was half melted already when it was scooped. Maybe their freezer wasn't working right that day? So it definitely wasn't anything outstanding. Will have to try again.

Colleen M.

Yelp
Yum yum yum! Highly recommend the bourbon caramel ! Great service great ice cream, amazing flavored, so rich, perfect portions. To go containers too !

James O.

Yelp
This place was amazing. We pulled up and it looked like a little hole in the wall but once he got inside the service was great and the ice cream was even better. I had sweet corn which is a strange flavor but absolutely delicious. My wife hadA double chocolate flavor which was also amazing. Definitely worth a detour to get there.

Vanessa O.

Yelp
The mint chocolate chip ice cream is really delicious. The mint flavor was nice and strong, and it wasn't overly green looking. They also had a seasonal apple cider sorbet flavor which really tasted true to its flavor. It was a little sweet for my liking and the texture was a bit hard to scoop. But it still tasted great. I bought a pint of sweet corn ice cream to bring home and it really tasted like buttery corn.

Chris S.

Yelp
Delicious refreshing ice cream, generous portions, and good prices. I tried the sweet cream and cannoli - will return for sweet corn!

Mitch D.

Yelp
I love this place! I especially like their boozy ice cream. I drive from Medford to go there. There is good ice cream in Medford but not as good as this. I only wish that they had home delivery during the pandemic (only partially joking).

Joy Y.

Yelp
It is with a heavy heart that I'm giving Tipping Cow one less star. This decline in star-age has nothing to do with their product, although truthfully, I would have no idea if the product had declined because my complaint is that they are never open! I guess my cravings for ice cream usually come after 8pm and by then it's too late... which is very sad for me, but probably not for my waistline.

Janet B.

Yelp
Finally! I found a place that will make any flavor ice cream you want!! Then they ship it to you or in my case the owner of the company hand delivers it on Thanksgiving day!!! Something got mixed up and when he realized it and knew I needed for Thanksgiving dinner he literally got in his car and drove to my house which was 2 hours away!! They made the best lavender ice cream and everyone loved it! Can't wait to try Rosemary ice cream for the next holiday!

Andrew H.

Yelp
Happiness. When you're getting ice cream, you're looking for refreshment, someone to reciprocate joy, and flavors. Tipping cow has all 3 in spades. Ended up getting a flight, enabling me to try 3 unique flavors: Earl Grey Lemon, Strawberry Basil, and Fior di Latte -- a refreshing favorite. You can see they make the ice cream right there, behind the counter. Hand crafted, superb flavor, without exorbitant price

Kathryn P.

Yelp
This place really surprised me in the best possible way. I've lived in the area for almost 5 years and I'm actually kicking myself for not know about Tipping Cow sooner! I've gone to Toscanini's, Gracie's, and Christina's for years now and Tipping Cow has quickly become my new favorite. Their flavors are unique, fun, and super delicious. The Triple Chocolate was heavenly, the Strawberry had fresh strawberries (which is the only way to have strawberry ice cream!) and the Coffee flavor was the best I've ever had. The location is the only reason I can think of that is stopping people from coming here more.

Mackenzie F.

Yelp
They're absolutely fantastic. A friend and I split an ice cream flight and I wish I had gotten pints to go for later! The sweet corn and key lime were great, but the cookies and cream was standout amazing. 10/10 would come back.

Christina C.

Yelp
The triple chocolate is the best chocolate ice cream ever. Staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely would recommend.