It doesn’t matter how old you are—eight, fifty or eighty-five—ice cream makes people happy. And when it comes to ice cream, everyone knows that homemade is best. Cool off this summer with our picks for classic and new flavors from Central Oregon’s best local purveyors.
Ten years ago, Juli and Jeff Labhart took a trip around the world and came back with a good taste in their mouth.
“We’d had gelato before but this was knock-your-socks-off gelato,” said Juli. “As we were traveling, the word ‘goodness’ just kept coming to me—what’s good, what’s real and wholesome. That’s how we should eat.”
The couple came home, took creamery courses and in 2011, Bontà was born. Meaning “goodness” in Italian, the company sold out on their first day at the Bite of Bend. Now they keep plenty in stock, serving eighteen flavors at their downtown scoop shop—as well as custom flavors for restaurants around town.
According to Juli, Bontà’s flavors are inspired by everything, from smells to things she ate or customer suggestions. This summer, she recommends anything with fresh fruit. Get a little taste of Americana on the Fourth of July with strawberry rhubarb or try the strawberry lemon basil that “tastes like summertime.”
Originally known for its fine chocolates, Goody’s started churning its own ice cream in Sunriver in 1984 and now scoops out of three shops in Bend, with additional branches in Eugene and Idaho. Made in-store until 2007, Goody’s ice cream now comes from the company’s local factory to keep up with popular demand.
“Our ice cream is made with sixteen percent buttercream, so it’s very rich,” said co-owner Jvon Danforth. “The quality chocolate and ice cream—made right here in Bend—and the nostalgic setting keep people coming back.”
This summer, Bendites can try one of sixteen flavors at the downtown store. Flavors include best-seller Oreo cookie and new flavors, such as butter brickle and “Oh No You Didn’t,” a caramel-based combo with coconut, chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, all drizzled with hot fudge.
ROCKHARD
When visiting Smith Rock State Park this summer, don’t forget to bring ice cream money. For many climbers and families, the promise of huckleberry ice cream on the way out of the park has become part of the Smith Rock ritual.
Owners Pam and David Potter purchased the store from Collin Day in 2023. Day said that the store has been scooping huckleberry ice cream since his parents started it in 1966, back when it was still known as Juniper Junction.
In the 1980s, the store had a full soda fountain, but was most famous for its milkshakes. Rockhard now offers six ice cream flavors, including the best-selling huckleberry, as well as two rotating dairy-free flavors.
A Sisters staple since 1952, SnoCap owner Lacey Weeks said that the three secrets to the drive-in’s success are tradition, curiosity and homemade ice cream.
“People who came as kids are now bringing their families,” said Weeks, whose grandfather bought the SnoCap in 1978 and who grew up helping at the restaurant. She worked the counter throughout her high school years and recalls staying up late on summer nights to make ice cream with her grandfather.
“Newcomers see the long lines out the door when driving by and stop to check it out. It’s simply iconic,” Weeks said.
To accommodate long lines, the SnoCap churns out ice cream in three-gallon batches, using two vintage Taylor machines. The thirty-seven flavors include: Cascade blackberry, mint chocolate chip, German chocolate brownie and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.
ELLY’S ICE CREAM
Tucked in Northwest Crossing’s The Grove Market Hall, Elly’s is a modern ice cream shop with a nostalgic twist, serving ultra-premium scoops made from Pacific Northwest ingredients. Each batch is rich, velvety, and made with organic milk, cream, and eggs, plus local berries and small-batch toppings like house-spiced nuts and graham crumble. Many baked goods and sauces come from Bend’s local bakery, Two Sweet Cakes. With flavors that rotate often and a focus on quality over quantity, Elly’s invites guests to explore bold combinations in a bright, creative space.
HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
With roots dating back to 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio, Handel’s brings its time-tested traditions to Bend. Each batch is made fresh on-site, following original methods started by Handel’s founder Alice Handel—who first scooped with fruit from her own garden. With rich textures and classic flavors, it’s no surprise National Geographic once named Handel’s the #1 ice cream on the planet. Known for generous portions and old-school charm, this scoop shop is all about sharing quality.
GLORY GOURMET POPSICLES
Glory Popsicles is a Central Oregon treat on wheels. Launched in 2024 by husband-and-wife duo Steven and Shanna, the company was born out of a love for ice cream and faith. After running a rolled ice cream shop together, they returned to their original dream: handcrafted popsicles. The ice cream and fruit bars are servee from their signature Icicle Tricycles. Glory Pops are made with fresh ingredients and an extra dose of joy. Find them at local events or book them for private parties.
BIRDSONG ICE CREAM
Part of The Podski crew, Birdsong scoops up New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream blended fresh to order. Each cone starts with creamy local ice cream (or a vegan base) and mixes in organic Oregon berries—the likes of marionberry, strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry—picked at peak ripeness. The result is a soft-serve swirl that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing. Free of agrochemicals and hormones, Birdsong is a summertime hit for both fruit lovers and clean eaters. Keep an eye on their Instagram for opening updates and daily scoop drops!
