I have the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know, so when the team at Always Ice Cream Company invited my mom and me to come hang, I was there in a heartbeat! This bright, trendy little parlor sits in West Annapolis, and if the name rings a bell, that’s because they’re run by the same family behind the beloved Annapolis Ice Cream Company downtown. Basically, these folks know their ice cream.
We worked our way through a double scoop and a Nutty Buddy that my mom STILL brings up, and walked out full and very happy. If you’re spending any time in Annapolis and you love ice cream even half as much as I do, this spot’s a must. Quick note, the Always team kindly hosted our visit, but every opinion here is 100% my own, as always.
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What Makes Always Ice Cream Stand Out?
What makes Always special starts with the family behind it. The Cohens run both Always and the original Annapolis Ice Cream Company, and they make their ice cream in house using fresh, wholesome ingredients (their strawberry uses actual blended strawberries, not some flavoring).
They rotate through a huge lineup, well over 200 flavors across the business, so there’s always something new to try. The West Annapolis shop itself is bright, minimalist and trendy in the best way, the kind of place that’s as fun to hang out in as it is to grab a scoop. They’ve racked up plenty of best-ice-cream honors too, and after one visit I totally get the hype.
What to Order at Always Ice Cream Company
Honestly the hardest part is choosing, since the flavor list is massive and rotates all the time. Here’s what my mom and I got, and what I’d tell you to grab.
The Double Scoop ($5.85)
We went with a double scoop of peach and apple pie, and both flavors were AMAZING. Scoops run $4.85 for one, $5.85 for two and $6.85 for three, so getting two or three to mix and match is the move. Since the flavors rotate, you might not catch these exact two, but that’s half the fun of coming back.
The Nutty Buddy ($6)
Okay, THIS was the showstopper! The Nutty Buddy was so ridiculously good, and I’m not just saying that, my mom raved about it for literal days afterward. The first thing she said when they handed it over was, “wow, the peanuts smell SO delicious,” and she was not wrong. It comes in a wrapper, so it’s easy to grab and take with you, and yes, it really is as good as my mom made it sound. Do not leave without one!
Treats and Pints to Go
Beyond scoops, they’ve got a handful of fun treats like brownie sandwiches and more, plus specialty ice cream cakes if you’re celebrating something. Want to take the party home? Pints run $7.30 and quarts are $10.45, which is a solid deal for ice cream this good. I’d grab a pint of whatever flavor you fall for on the spot, because you’ll be thinking about it later.
Is Always Ice Cream the Same as Annapolis Ice Cream Company?
I would say yes? They’re run by the same family, the Cohens, who own the original Annapolis Ice Cream Company on Main Street downtown and built Always Ice Cream as an expansion of it. So it’s the same people and the same made-in-house quality, just a different (and newer) spot and name over in West Annapolis. Both are worth a visit, but if you’re on the west side of town, Always is your move. Either way, you’re getting the good stuff.
The Vibe and Experience
The West Annapolis shop is small, bright and super cute, very minimalist and trendy, the kind of place that photographs well and feels welcoming the second you walk in. It’s perfect for a family outing (my mom and I had the best time), an after-dinner treat, or a little solo pick-me-up.
The Always team took great care of us, which made the visit even sweeter. West Annapolis is a charming area to wander too, and if you’re making a full Annapolis food day of it, the iconic Chick & Ruth’s diner downtown is a classic stop. It’s an easy, feel-good treat whether you’re with family or flying solo.
Good to Know
- Location. 📍 116 Annapolis St, Annapolis, MD, in the West Annapolis neighborhood.
- Hours. Sunday through Thursday 12 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12 to 10pm.
- Prices. Scoops $4.85 (one), $5.85 (two), $6.85 (three). Nutty Buddy $6. Pints $7.30, quarts $10.45.
- Flavors. They rotate through 200-plus, so ask what’s in the case that day.
- Dietary. Vegan flavors are available on rotation, and some gluten-free options too.
- Parking. Mostly metered street parking in West Annapolis (pay via app), with a time limit on most streets, so keep an eye on the clock.
- Website. Flavors, cakes and more at alwaysicecreamcompany.com.
Would I Go Back to Always Ice Cream Company?
Absolutely. My mom raved about that Nutty Buddy for days, and I’d happily go back for more of those rotating flavors. Between the made-in-house ice cream and the adorable shop, it’s an easy yes and one of my favorite sweet stops in the Annapolis area. It’s great for families, dates, or any excuse to treat yourself. If you’re making a dessert crawl of it, Froyo House in nearby Arnold is another fun frozen stop. Save room, you’ll want it.
Have you guys been to Always yet?! If West Annapolis is on your radar, make a little detour for a scoop, you won’t regret it. And if you’ve got a go-to flavor there, drop it in the comments, Nomsters, I’m always building my list for next time. Save this one and send it to your favorite ice cream buddy.