Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams — Restaurant in Atlanta

Jeni's is my #1 spot to treat myself in Atlanta. I've got my classic go-to's, I get excited to try new special edition flavors, and I love getting to explore new combinations. I tend to take the perspective of New Food = Adventure, and this is absolutely a place that takes the same approach!

Jeni's makes high quality ice cream with high quality ingredients. No high fructose corn syrup, no dyes, no preservatives, just the stuff that's actually supposed to be in your ice cream. They do, however, get really creative with flavors. I'm talking REALLY creative. You can always check out what's available on their website before you go, but I recommend visiting the shop and getting to taste all the wonder and excitement. Chances are you're not going to like everything you taste (I don't, at least), but I'm sure you'll find a new somethin' something' at least once a season. When Jeni's rolled out their spring and summer 2016 limited edition flavors, I found a new ultimate favorite ice cream every time I visited. The Savanna Buttermint tasted like after dinner mints and the Atlantic Beach Pie was the most unexpected bowl of magic I've ever had. Sadly, there's no telling when/if they'll make it into the shop again. Essentially: try everything when you can (even just a little taste).

If you're not the adventurous type, there are more classic flavors, but everything will have at least a little twist like Milkiest Chocolate or Darkest Chocolate flavors instead of just Chocolate. A small will get you two scoops of any two flavors. A trio will get you three scoops of any three flavors. There are a few different add-ons like sauces or crunchy things. You can have your ice cream in a few different cones, including fresh-made waffle cones, or in a bowl/cup (which is what I do so I can get both flavors in one bite). Jeni's also sells pints of their ice cream so you can take it home, and they can also make you sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and some hot drinks. I've only every gotten ice cream, so I can't speak to the rest.

Presentation is always beautiful. The scoops remind me of a cartoon nearly every time, and if you order your ice cream in a cup, they'll give you a small cone wedge with your ice cream. It's just so darn pretty! The staff is always friendly and often extra friendly, which is great. This location in Westside Provisions has a little seating indoors, not much, but there is plenty of seating outdoors around the District. There's also a public restroom nearby along the corridor of Westside Provisions. Parking is free (just don't do valet), but on the weekend evenings, things can get packed. The line for ice cream itself has a habit to wrapping pretty far around the building, so be prepared for a wait on Friday and Saturday evenings and in the summers.

The ice cream at Jeni's isn't cheap, but I honestly believe that this is the real price for real ice cream. Like I said, they don't put any fake stuff into their product, it's all wholesome ingredients, and wholesome ingredients cost more than filler food. What you're paying for is the time and energy and love it takes to make something wonderful, and to me, it's worth it. $5 a pop for a small cone isn't something I could afford every night, but if I had the extra cash for ice cream, this is where I'd want to spend it. No contest.

The vibe is fun and hip, the ice cream is my favorite ever, and this independent, small(ish) business is a great one to support. I'm glad to see Jeni's has 3 locations in Atlanta, and I'm just lucky none of them are too close to my house so I don't go...

Cool spot - no pun intended. I love the feel of this ice cream shop and the staff was so friendly, informative and accommodating. On my first visit to the shop, I planned to sample one, maybe two flavors before making a decision. When I got there, they encouraged me to try several based on what I usually like as well as some more adventurous options.

Intrigued by the Bangkok Peanut ice cream, it was the first one I tried. Though it was quite flavorful, it's not one that you can eat a lot of. That heat at the end will get you on every spoon. The Sweet Corn & Black Raspberry and Goat Cheese and Red Cherry flavors were interesting - not bad, just interesting. Maybe it's because it's fall but I loved the Sweet Potato with Toasted Marshmallows. I got that combined with the Salty Caramel for my cone and took a pint of the Almond Brittle with me to share. Sounds like a lot? Told you the staff encouraged me to get to know the flavors.

The "small" ice cream is more than enough for one person (I'd prefer half that size actually). You get two flavors and it comes in a cup. The waffle cone is extra. They also serve sorbet, ice cream sandwiches and coffee. While some flavors are there all of the time, the menu changes seasonally.

Usually, the line for Jeni's is out the door but I went in the middle of a Tuesday. There's plenty of space to enjoy your treats on the breezeway, walking around White Provisions or right inside the shop at one of the tables. I can't say enough about the staff. They were so helpful.

Jeni's has the feel of a local ice cream shop. The decor is cheerful and inviting. And according to the manager, they are opening two more locations in Atlanta this month - one in the Decatur Square and another at Krog St Market. Clearly, Atlanta...

I do not ever write reviews, but I literally woke up last night compelled to write this one. January has been hard on everyone, but the other day was particularly hard for my 8-year-old son who came home weepy from school. We had errands to run and ended up in the Howell mill area and I pulled over when I saw the Jeni’s sign. That is when the whole day changed. When we walked in, not only was it the cleanest shop/restaurant I have stepped foot in in a long time, but the atmosphere created by the employees was just refreshing and happy. Not to sound too woo-woo, but we walked in there just beaten up by the day and the energy and kindness and enthusiasm of the employees immediately put a smile on both of our faces. My son who was feeling particularly shy (and emotionally delicate) that day, was taken right under the wings of Sammy and Simone, and they made him feel totally seen and special. They helped him find the perfect flavor while completely engaging him (not easy to do with an 8-year-old) and making him feel comfortable. On top of that, their knowledge of the flavors is truly impressive. They're not just reciting a list; they're passionate about the ingredients and the unique stories behind each of them. Even as the shop became bustling, they took the time to engage with each customer, making the experience feel personal and special. It's a testament to the fact that a little bit of kindness and enthusiasm can make all the difference. If you're looking for a sweet treat and a truly delightful experience, go to Jeni’s on Howell Mill and ask for Sammy and Mia. In fact, I may...