Gridskipper

It's practically a cliche to include Larry's on this list because most Washingtonians already know it offers some of the city's best ice cream But ... it does. So here it is. Some complain the staff is rude and… the ice cream is overpriced, but I've never had a problem, and you'd pay more for a beer in most DC bars. Try the lychee, you won't be disappointed. (yonas1/flickr) [link]

Full disclosure. I grew up in Wisconsin. I know frozen custard. So does Liz Davis, the owner of the Dairy Godmother, probably because she hails from the best state in the union as well. Word on the street is, she… got her machines from my favorite frozen custard shop in the world, Milwaukee's Kopp's. For the uninitiated, frozen custard is, in fact, neither ice cream nor gelato. It's better. Go forth and try it. The shop always offers vanilla, chocolate and a rotating flavor of the day. (callender/flickr) [link]

Gelato may not be the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of the National Gallery of Art. That would probably be the portrait of Stephen Colbert by the bathroom. But if you're looking for an excellent… scoop of gelato near the Mall, there's no better place. However, be warned: the guards won't let you carry it out of the cafe area. Last time my coworker and I visited, we were forced to hide our scoops in her purse and make a quick escape. (maresydoats/flickr) [link]

Max's Best Ice Cream lives up to its name. The cones on offer at this mom and pop in Glover Park are fantastic. Flavors like Mexican chocolate and pumpkin (available in the fall) will keep you coming back even when… the days grow cold again. (samthegirl/flickr) [link]

Georgetown's Dolcezza has fantastic gelato. The shop owners look to local farmers for ingredients first, providing you with the freshest, most environmentally friendly gelato possible. Traditional flavors are on… offer, as is a rotating menu of more unique blends. (debby1) [link]

Right by E Street Cinema, Giffords is in a very handy location. It serves a variety of unique ice cream flavors. Bourbon vanilla anyone? I think… yes. Giffords also powers its store with renewable energy. (afagen/flickr) [link]

This crowded Georgetown shop makes the list for its bittersweet chocolate ice cream. Don't miss it. (thalling/flickr) [link]