Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Bethesda: Your Local Guide

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Introduce

Welcome to the vibrant and bustling neighborhood of Bethesda, Maryland, where a delightful local gem awaits: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, Jeni's stands out as a destination for anyone seeking more than just a typical scoop. This article is your local guide to everything you need to know about Jeni's, from their unique approach to ice cream to the convenient services they offer the community. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, get ready to discover why this ice cream shop has earned a special place in the hearts of so many.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams isn't just about dessert; it's about a unique culinary experience. Founded by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton, the company has built a reputation on creating unforgettable flavors from scratch. Their ice creams have a famously smooth, buttercream-like texture and a clean finish, a result of using a unique recipe honed over two decades. They build their flavors from the ground up, sourcing high-quality, Fair and Direct Trade ingredients and working in partnership with family-run dairies and farmers. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bite, transforming simple ingredients into a complex and satisfying treat. While some fan favorites may occasionally be off the menu, like the Brambleberry Crisp mentioned by a loyal customer, their seasonal and creative offerings ensure there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Location and Accessibility

Finding Jeni's is easy, as it's perfectly situated in the heart of Bethesda's vibrant downtown district. The shop is located at 4918 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA, a popular area known for its lively mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This prime location makes Jeni's an ideal stop after dinner at a nearby restaurant, like the Matchbox mentioned by a satisfied customer, or as a treat during an afternoon stroll. The area is highly accessible, with various parking options available nearby. For those who prefer public transportation, the shop is a short walk from the Bethesda Metro station on the Red Line, making it a convenient destination for anyone in the greater D.C. metropolitan area. The location is known for its cheerful, inviting atmosphere and is a welcoming space for families, friends, and solo visitors alike.

Services Offered

Jeni's is dedicated to making it easy for you to enjoy their splendid ice creams, whether you’re visiting the shop or staying home.

In-Store Scooping: Enjoy a scoop (or two!) of your favorite flavor in a cup or one of their unique Buttercrisp Waffle Cones, which have a distinctive buttery, nutty, and slightly salty flavor that perfectly complements the ice cream.
Pints to Go: Take home a pint (or a few) of your favorite flavor to enjoy later. You can also find Jeni's pints at many local grocery stores.
Samples: Jeni's is known for its friendly and inviting staff who are happy to offer samples. As one customer noted, this is a great way to try their creative and seasonal offerings before making a decision, especially when the selection feels a bit overwhelming.
Delivery: For days when you want to enjoy a treat without leaving the house, Jeni's offers local delivery through services like Grubhub and DoorDash.
Nationwide Shipping: For those special occasions or to send a gift to a loved one, Jeni's offers nationwide shipping. Pints are guaranteed to arrive perfectly frozen, packed in an insulated box with dry ice.

Features and Highlights

Jeni’s has many distinguishing features that set it apart from other ice cream shops, making it a truly special place for the community.

Unique, Rotating Flavors: Jeni's is celebrated for its creative and unexpected flavor combinations. In addition to classic offerings like Salty Caramel and Darkest Chocolate, they consistently introduce seasonal and limited-edition flavors. Past customers have raved about unique combinations like Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline and Bay Leaf Cheesecake, which are inspired by everything from pop culture to history and art.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: The company is a Certified B Corporation, which means it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. They use super-fresh milk from family dairy farms and prioritize working with growers and producers who share their commitment to quality. The result is an incredibly smooth, flavorful ice cream free of synthetic flavorings, dyes, and other additives.
Friendly and Professional Staff: The customer experience is a key part of the Jeni's mission. The staff is consistently described as welcoming, friendly, and patient, always ready to help customers navigate the exciting array of flavors. This dedication to service creates a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere that enhances every visit.
Accommodating Options: Jeni's is mindful of various dietary needs, offering a selection of dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options made with the same high-quality ingredients and creative flair as their traditional ice creams. While the specific options may vary, this dedication ensures that more people can enjoy their treats.

Contact Information

For more information or to place an order, you can contact Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams directly.

Address: 4918 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA

Phone: (301) 312-6785

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the residents of Maryland, particularly those in and around the Bethesda area, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is more than just a place to get dessert; it's a neighborhood hub and a destination for quality treats. Its convenient location in Bethesda Row makes it a perfect stop for families, couples on a date night, or friends looking for a sweet escape. The commitment to crafting unique, from-scratch flavors and providing a truly welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with the community's appreciation for quality, local-first businesses. While some may miss their favorite flavors from time to time, the constantly rotating menu ensures that there's always a reason to return and a new flavor adventure to embark on. With its combination of premium ingredients, creative spirit, and top-notch customer service, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams has solidified its place as a cherished part of the Bethesda community, offering a sweet experience that locals can be proud to call their own.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Menu

Opaque
Opaque Ice Cream Pint $14.00
An exploration of color and flavor with artist Cj Hendry. Black cocoa, espresso fudge, balsamic cherry. Contains: Milk
Opaque Bundle $39.65
Features 2 pints of Opaque and pack of black Waffle Cones

Pints
Brambleberry Crisp Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Oven-toasted oat streusel and a sweet-tart “brambleberry” jam of blackberries and blackcurrants layered throughout vanilla ice cream. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Contains: milk, wheat
Brown Butter Almond Brittle Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Brown-butter-almond candy crushed into buttercream ice cream. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk, tree nut (almonds)
Buttercream Birthday Cake Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Buttercream frosting, golden cake, and a rainbow of sprinkles. What every birthday cake should taste like. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk, egg
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert Pint $14.00
Rich coconut cream loaded with sticky bun pieces, dark caramel, and roasted pecans. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Vegan Contains: tree nut (pecans, coconut), peanut, wheat
Cream Puff Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Bright, candy-like vanilla custard with a pinch of sea salt. Toasted pastry flakes nod to the distinct texture of an Old World cream puff. Contains Wheat, Milk.
Darkest Chocolate Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Mouth-filling and palate-gripping with a pleasingly dry finish. The most amount of Fair Trade cocoa and the least amount of anything else. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk
Dark Chocolate Truffle Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert Pint $14.00
Complex and ethereal flavor from the best cocoa the world has to offer. Finishes with an ultralight hint of coconut cream. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Vegan Contains: Tree Nuts (coconut)
Double Dough Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Chocolate chip cookie dough swirled into a buttery brown sugar custard. Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy, Eggs
Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Cream cheese ice cream layered with crumbles of soft vanilla cake and swirls of made-from-scratch caramel-butterscotch sauce. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk, egg
Green Mint Chip Ice Cream Pint $14.00
A chocolate ice cream quadruple threat with cake, extra-bitter fudge, and chocolate pieces. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Contains: milk, soy, wheat
Lemon Bar Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert Pint $14.00
Punchy lemon curd, shortbread crust, and rich coconut cream. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Contains: Tree Nuts (Coconut), Wheat
Milkiest Chocolate Ice Cream Pint $14.00
An ultra-lush milky chocolate, like a fine Swiss bar. Evaporated milk imparts concentrated milkiness and delightful chewiness. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk
Opaque Ice Cream Pint $14.00
An exploration of color and flavor with artist Cj Hendry. Black cocoa, espresso fudge, balsamic cherry. Contains: Milk
Salted Peanut Butter With Chocolate Flecks Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Salted and roasted ground peanuts with grass-grazed milk and crunchy, dark chocolate flecks. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Gluten-Free Contains: milk, soy, peanut
Savannah Buttermint Ice Cream Pint $14.00
A buttery after dinner mint ice cream with white chocolate flecks. Contains: Milk, Soy, Gluten-free
Texas Sheet Cake Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert Pint $14.00
Decadent chocolate cake crumbles, bittersweet fudge, and palate-gripping cocoa. Big, bold, beautiful. (Pints may come hand-packed if pre-packed pints are sold out.) Vegan Contains: wheat, tree nut (coconut)
Watermelon Taffy Ice Cream Pint $14.00
Tastes like the perfect puckery watermelon sour candy

Cones, Sprinkles & Sauces
Buttercrisp Waffle Cones $11.70
For a limited time, we’re naturally coloring all our Buttercrisp Waffle Cones black as part of OPAQUE, our collaboration with artist Cj Hendry. Jeni’s unique recipe! Buttery and nutty with a hint of salt— the perfect flavor pairing for all of our ice creams. (Comes in a set of 5.) Contains: milk, soy, egg, wheat
Buttercrisp Waffle Wedges $2.35
For a limited time, we’re naturally coloring all our Buttercrisp Waffle Wedges black as part of OPAQUE, our collaboration with artist Cj Hendry. Jeni’s unique recipe! Buttery and nutty with a hint of salt— the perfect flavor pairing for all of our ice creams. (Comes in a set of 8.) Contains: milk, soy, egg, wheat
Cake Cones $5.85
Classic, slightly salty cake cones. Made on vintage cast-iron equipment by our friends at Jagger Cone. Includes 12 cones carefully packaged in our shops. Please note, cones could chip and crumble a bit during delivery transport. Vegan Contains: soy, wheat
Sugar Cones $5.85
Flaky cones with great caramelized flavor. Made on vintage cast-iron equipment by our friends at Jagger Cone. Includes 12 cones carefully packaged in our shops. Please note, cones could chip and crumble a bit during delivery transport. Vegan Contains: soy, wheat

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Photos

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Location

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Maryland Montgomery County Bethesda Elm Street

4918 Elm St, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 265 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Jeni’s Ice Cream always delivers great quality, but I was a little disappointed with the flavor selection during my recent visit. I’ve always loved their unique options, but this time the choices felt a bit limited—and sadly, my favorite flavor, Brambleberry Crisp, is no longer available, which was a letdown.That said, the service was excellent! The staff was friendly, patient, and helpful as we made our choices. The shop had a clean and cheerful atmosphere, which made for a pleasant visit overall.I still recommend Jeni’s for its creamy texture and creative flavors—but I do hope they rotate back some of the classics (especially Brambleberry Crisp!).
June 07 · Keonna G
My second visit to a Jeni's ice cream shop!! Their signature signage caught my attention while I was at happy hour...at the nearby Matchbox.I rarely come to this area, so I had to stop even though I already tried it before. Of course I was sold the first time I came to a Jeni's....., but clearly two times is a charm!! You can't go wrong with this place. The ice cream flavors are to die for and the combinations made here are some of the most unique flavors and seasonal offerings one can find at an ice cream shop The staff was super inviting and friendly as soon as we walked in. They let us try a couple samples. I was a little overwhelmed due to zero capacity and didn't bother to read the flavors/descriptions. I went with whatever appealed and caught my eye....which were plenty.I asked the employee for samples of the 2 seasonal flavors (Bay Leaf Cheesecake and Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline). While they both were amazing, I chose the Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline. I ordered the smallest size, which was a scoop in a waffle cone. Totally satisfying and the combination of flavors are truly unique....as if I was eating a sweet potato casserole fresh out of my Grandma's kitchen.This place can never get old with me and definitely can become an addiction. A big fan here and will be back....to explore some of the other intriguing flavors!
February 03 · Don C
First time at Jeni’s Ice Cream and it was great! The staff were super friendly and made me feel welcomed. They make the waffle cones in the shop which taste amazing!
May 17 · Kristina
I looked at this ice cream shop before hand and it looked like they had a large selection of delicious ice creams. When we got there they had 16 flavors and they all generally consisted of too many ingredients. Splendid means magnificent or impressive but frankly I was not impressed. I sampled two. First, the honey vanilla bean which was disgusting and then the wild berry lavender which was pretty good. Overall, a lot of the other flavors just didn’t look appealing. What also upset me was the fact that they had two huge cases but they both had the same 16 flavors instead of 32 different ones to provide more variety. That would be magnificent and splendid. The customer service was great and the staff was really friendly! The shop itself was too small for the volume of people which made me uncomfortable. It’s not their fault they are busy though. Overall this place is good for someone who likes crazy extra flavors but limited choices.
August 03 · Mariah Vessel
My 3-year old and I have been to 10 different ice cream shops in the past 3 months, and this is definitely top 3. She has egg/milk allergies and I think the Texas Sheet Cake ice cream was her favorite ice cream she’s ever had (which you can probably tell from the pic). I got the Milkiest Chocolate which was AMAZING — way better than your average chocolate ice cream. Staff were friendly. Price was a bit higher than I would have expected for the serving size, but worth it for the taste — and it is Bethesda, after all. They have a rewards program which I did not join, but I would join and be a regular customer if I lived closer.
September 22 · Emily Mora