Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Introduce
Washington, D.C., is a city defined by its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and local gems. In the vibrant community of Mt. Pleasant, one such gem is Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, a shop that has quickly become a beloved destination for those seeking a premium and unique frozen treat. Unlike many larger chains, this establishment prides itself on its small-batch, artisanal approach, crafting creative and thoughtfully sourced flavors that stand out from the crowd. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes this ice cream shop a special part of the D.C. landscape, examining its offerings, its location, and its place in the hearts of local residents.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is not just about serving traditional flavors; it's about culinary innovation and a dedication to quality ingredients. The shop's ethos is to create high-quality ice cream from scratch, using real ingredients to produce clear, distinct flavors. This commitment is evident in its diverse and often surprising menu, which features both classic staples and adventurous, forward-thinking concoctions. The texture of the ice cream itself is a point of pride, with a chewier consistency that many customers appreciate. The shop's focus on creating an experience that is both delicious and interesting is a key factor in its appeal, making it a place where you can discover new favorite flavors with every visit.
The shop’s origin story, stemming from a love for the original Maine-based brand, adds to its charm and local flavor. It was brought to D.C. by two long-time employees of a local punk label, who were inspired by the brand's creative spirit and community-focused mission. This background lends a unique, unpretentious vibe to the store, making it a comfortable and welcoming space for people from all walks of life. The shop's interior is nicely air-conditioned, providing a perfect respite from the D.C. heat, and there is a good amount of seating for customers to relax and enjoy their treats.
The Washington, D.C. location of Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is conveniently situated at 3110 Mt Pleasant St NW, 1st floor, Washington, DC 20010. This puts it squarely in the heart of the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, a community known for its a local businesses and friendly atmosphere. The shop's presence on Mt. Pleasant Street makes it a natural gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Its street-level location is easily identifiable and welcoming.
Accessibility is a major benefit of this location. The Mt. Pleasant neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including several bus lines that stop within a short walking distance of the shop. For those who prefer to drive, street parking can be found in the area, though it is always recommended to be mindful of local parking restrictions. The neighborhood's walkability also makes Mount Desert Island Ice Cream an excellent choice for a leisurely stroll with a cone. Its position within this vibrant community ensures that it is not just a destination for a treat, but an integral part of the local experience. The shop is a place for a little break from the heat, and a great place to stop whenever you are in this part of D.C.
Services Offered:
- A regularly rotating menu of artisanal, small-batch ice cream and sorbet flavors.
- Scoops served in cones or cups, with the option for a small extra scoop for a unique tasting experience.
- Packaged pints and take-home containers for enjoying your favorite flavors at home.
- Delivery and online ordering services available through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
- Vegan and dairy-free options, including sorbets and ice creams made with alternative milk bases like oat and cashew.
- Ice cream sandwiches and truffles for a convenient and delicious treat.
- Customizable ice cream cakes and other special-order desserts for celebrations.
- A focus on using premium, high-quality, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Features / Highlights:
- Known for its unique and creative flavor combinations that go beyond the ordinary.
- Artisanal, small-batch production ensures a high level of quality and craftsmanship.
- A welcoming and air-conditioned space with ample seating, perfect for a break from the weather.
- A strong sense of community, with a focus on being a neighborhood gathering spot.
- Friendly and pleasant staff who contribute to a positive customer experience.
- The shop is locally-owned and operated, giving it a strong connection to the D.C. community.
- The menu includes options for various dietary needs, including an impressive selection of vegan flavors.
- The ice cream has a notably "chewier" texture that is a distinct and enjoyable feature.
For specific inquiries about flavors, orders, or hours, you can reach out to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream directly.
Address: 3110 Mt Pleasant St NW 1st floor, Washington, DC 20010, USA
Phone: (240) 804-7038
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is a standout choice for D.C. residents for several reasons. Its location in the walkable, community-oriented Mt. Pleasant neighborhood makes it an accessible and enjoyable destination. The shop's commitment to producing high-quality, unique flavors with real ingredients means that it offers a premium product that is well worth the visit. While some customers have noted occasional quality control issues, particularly with to-go products and the temporary absence of samples, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the staff and the quality of the ice cream itself speaks to the store's overall value. The shop's status as a local business, its inviting atmosphere, and its innovative menu all contribute to its suitability for the community. For anyone in Washington, D.C., looking for an ice cream experience that is both unique and deeply connected to the city's local culture, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream is an excellent place to visit and enjoy a truly special treat.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Menu
Pints of Ice Cream
- Fresh Peach Ice Cream $11.99
Made with fresh southern peaches from McLeod Farms in McBee, SC, courtesy of The Peach Truck. Summertime in a cup.
- Callebaut Chocolate Ice Cream $11.99
Made with dark Belgian chocolate from Callebaut, and extra brut cocoa powder from Cocoa Barry.
- Real Strawberry Ice Cream $11.99
A lot of strawberry ice cream is not actually made with strawberries. This is made with lots of real strawberries.
- Cookies And Cream Ice Cream $11.99
We strive to create everything ourselves… but when it comes to Oreos, we’re not even trying. Sometimes the original is just better.
- Chocolate Mint Chocolate Mint Ice Cream $11.99
Our Callebaut chocolate base, with peppermint and hand-made chocolate mint cookies.
- Blueberry Basil Sorbet $11.99
- Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream $11.99
No vanilla extract used - we scrape the beans ourselves! Made with Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, purchased from Singing Dog Vanilla.
- Blueberry Sour Cream Crumble Ice Cream $11.99
We juice blueberries by hand, add sour cream and a hand-made butter crumble
- 7 Layer Bar Ice Cream $11.99
We make a dulce de leche base and put inclusions of hand-made graham, coconut, chocolate & butterscotch chips and pecans.
- Maine Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream $11.99
Salt Caramel ice cream made with salt from The Maine Sea Salt Company in Marshfield, Maine
- Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Ice Cream $11.75
Peanut butter base. (Contains Nuts)
- Sweet Cream Ice Cream $10.99
Also called Danish Cream by some people - this is like eating whip cream in ice cream form!
- Coffee Ice Cream $11.99
Vegetarian, dairy.
- Fresh Basil Ice Cream $11.99
- The Dude Ice Cream $11.75
Our take on the classic cocktail, the White Russian. Allen’s Coffee Brandy and Irish cream. The Dude abides.
- Sugar Pill Ice Cream (METZ Flavor) $11.99
Official flavor of the band METZ, named for the song on their latest Sub-Pop album Atlas Vending. Riffing on a S'mores bar, this flavor is made from a base of torched vegan marshmallows, with Callebaut chocolate chips & graham crumble, and a hot fudge & honey butterscotch ripple (Allergens: Gluten)
- Vegan Four Oranges Of The Apocalypse Ice Cream $11.75
Vanilla oat milk base, with 4 x different flavors of Aftelier orange essences
- Vegan Brambleberry $11.99
Cashew-based ice cream with swirls of brambleberry puree. Contains cashew.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- In-store shopping
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Photos










Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Location
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
3110 Mt Pleasant St NW 1st floor, Washington, DC 20010, USA
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream Reviews
blueberryveganscoopcookies and creamcrumblesour creamkulfiportion sizescorianderbrigadeiro
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Fantastic ice cream, I really like the chewier texture of their ice cream. I wish they resumed samples but to be fair I've never gotten anything that wasn't good. Service is always friendly and there is a good amount of seating in a nicely air conditioned space. Great place for a little break from the heat. I like to come here any time I'm in this part of DC.
May 30 · Dawson JungSolid ice cream brand with, unfortunately, major quality control issues. Ordered a scoop of the peach and a pint of their Brigadeiro to go; the peach was grainy and badly frozen, while the Brigadeiro was half melted right there in the shop (luckily I only had to walk a bit to get it to a freezer). I love some of their flavors, but with no samples and bad quality control, you pay a premium price with no clue whether you'll get a premium product.
July 19 · Joe McReynoldsthe thai tea ice cream is SOOOOOOOO GOOD. it tastes just like the best thai tea you’ve ever had, except in ice cream form. also the cardamom in it is so perfectly spiced & it just makes you feel so luxurious….the kulfi flavor is less phenomenal in my personal opinion, but then again they also have a sign saying that that flavor’s not for everyone.
May 29 · eating breadI love that they don’t do samples here.At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about no samples, but honestly—it’s kind of refreshing. The line moves so much faster, and the staff isn’t distracted handing out a million tiny spoons. Plus, it makes you commit to a flavor and be a little adventurous, which is part of the fun.The flavors are so good, you really can’t go wrong anyway.I actually wish more places did this!
July 20 · TimThe ice cream is good. The portion sizes are nice, they do not skimp.The prices are reasonable. They also have interesting, fun flavors. They do not allow tasting, so I played it safe. Not being able to pre-taste took away from the experience.
July 10 · Mir lo
More Ice Cream Shops Near Me

2421 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

2824 Georgia Ave NW LL, Washington, DC 20001, USA

2824 Georgia Ave NW LL, Washington, DC 20001, USA

1925 14th St NW B, Washington, DC 20009, USA

1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

Inside the Rendezvous, 2020 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

847 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA

3501 Connecticut Ave NW Unit 12A Unit 12A, Washington, DC 20008, USA

1704 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

1633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

1509 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

1415 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top Searches
Trending Sweet Scoops Posts





