Leopold’s Ice Cream in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Expect, and How It Compares to Savannah’s Icon

If you’ve heard people rave about Leopold’s Ice Cream, you’re probably wondering how it fits into Atlanta’s dessert scene. Leopold’s is a historic ice cream brand best known for its original shop in Savannah, Georgia, but Atlanta residents and visitors have several ways to experience similar old-fashioned ice cream, plus practical options for getting Leopold’s itself without driving four hours.

This guide focuses on what Atlantans need to know: where you can find Leopold’s (or Leopold’s-style experiences), how to plan a day trip if you want the “real thing,” and which local Atlanta dessert spots feel closest in spirit.

Is There a Leopold’s Ice Cream Shop in Atlanta?

Right now, there is no full Leopold’s Ice Cream parlor operating in Atlanta.
The iconic soda fountain and parlor with its black-and-white tile, marble counters, and movie memorabilia is located in downtown Savannah, not in metro Atlanta.

However, if you live in Atlanta, you still have a few realistic ways to enjoy Leopold’s or get a similar nostalgic ice cream experience:

• Plan a day trip or weekend to Savannah for the original shop
• Look for Leopold’s pints at select retailers or specialty markets (availability can vary)
• Visit Atlanta ice cream parlors that mimic the classic, hand-crafted style that Leopold’s is known for

Making the Trip from Atlanta to Leopold’s in Savannah

If you’re serious about trying Leopold’s Ice Cream as it’s meant to be served, many Atlantans turn it into a Savannah outing.

Travel Basics from Atlanta to Leopold’s

• Distance: Roughly 250–260 miles
• Drive Time: About 3.5–4.5 hours each way, depending on traffic
• Typical Route:
  • Take I-75 S from Atlanta
  • Connect to I-16 E toward Savannah
  • Follow local directions into downtown Savannah

Where the Original Leopold’s Is Located

As of the latest widely known information, Leopold’s flagship shop operates at:

• Leopold’s Ice Cream
  212 E Broughton St
  Savannah, GA 31401
  Phone: (912) 234-4442

Because hours and operations can change, especially around holidays and special events, it’s wise to call ahead or check current details before making the trip.

What Atlantans Should Know Before Going

• Expect lines: On weekends, holidays, and evenings, it’s common to see a line out the door.
• Heat factor: In warmer months, mid-afternoon can be very hot and humid in Savannah. Many Atlanta visitors prefer late morning or evening visits.
• Parking: Downtown Savannah uses a mix of street parking and garages; meter rules and garage fees may differ from what you’re used to in downtown Atlanta or Midtown.

If you’re used to dessert spots in Ponce City Market, Inman Park, or Midtown, Leopold’s will feel more like a historic destination experience than a quick stop.

How to Get Leopold’s Ice Cream in Atlanta (Without the Road Trip)

Because Leopold’s is a Savannah-based brand, your options in Atlanta can shift over time. Common approaches Atlantans use include:

1. Check for Retail Pints and Specialty Shops

Leopold’s has historically offered pre-packed pints in select markets, but availability in Atlanta is not guaranteed or always consistent. When searching around metro Atlanta, your best bets are:

• High-end or specialty grocers that focus on regional or small-batch brands
• Gourmet markets in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or Decatur

If you call or visit a store, ask specifically for Leopold’s pre-packed ice cream and be prepared for the answer to vary by location.

2. Keep an Eye on Events and Collaborations

Occasionally, ice cream brands or restaurants collaborate for pop-up events or limited runs. In Atlanta, these sometimes happen in:

• Food halls such as Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market
• Local festivals and neighborhood events
• Hotel or restaurant specials that feature guest desserts

If Leopold’s partners with any Atlanta-based group, those announcements are typically shared through event listings, social channels, or local media. These collaborations are irregular, so they’re a bonus, not something to count on regularly.

Atlanta Ice Cream Shops That Feel Similar in Spirit

Since there isn’t a Leopold’s location in Atlanta, many locals look for parlors that deliver a similar feel: house-made ice cream, classic flavors, and a welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere.

Below is a general-style comparison to help you understand how Atlanta’s scene can match your Leopold’s cravings.

When you look for ice cream in Atlanta, pay attention to phrases like “small-batch,” “house-made,” “classic flavors,” and “soda fountain style.” These usually indicate a style closer to what you’d expect from a historically rooted parlor like Leopold’s.

Planning an Atlanta Day That Scratches the Leopold’s Itch

If you’re in Atlanta and craving that old-time ice cream outing, you can build a day that delivers a similar mood, even if you’re not in Savannah.

1. Choose a Walkable Area

Neighborhoods in Atlanta that pair well with an ice cream stop:

• Virginia-Highland – walkable, neighborhood feel, lots of local eateries
• Inman Park / BeltLine Eastside Trail – perfect for a stroll with a cone in hand
• Decatur Square – family-friendly, compact, and full of food options

2. Time Your Visit

Much like Leopold’s in Savannah, the best ice cream experience often comes when:

• The weather is mild enough to walk around
• You’re not rushing a meal or event
• You can sit and enjoy your dessert with friends or family

Many Atlantans find late afternoon or early evening ideal for dessert outings, especially on weekends.

3. Pair Ice Cream with Local Activities

To mirror the “destination dessert” feel of visiting Leopold’s:

• Grab ice cream after a trip to the Atlanta BeltLine
• Make it a reward after visiting a museum, such as the High Museum of Art or Fernbank Museum
• Stop for ice cream after Piedmont Park, Zoo Atlanta, or a movie at a neighborhood theater

The key is to treat ice cream as part of a bigger experience, much like people do when they travel to Leopold’s in Savannah.

Tips for Families and Groups from Atlanta

If you’re planning for kids, guests, or a group whose expectations are built on Leopold’s reputation, a bit of framing helps:

• Explain the difference: If you’re staying in Atlanta, let people know they’ll be getting a similar style of ice cream, not the exact Leopold’s location they may have seen in photos.
• Plan for lines and waits: Popular Atlanta ice cream shops near the BeltLine or busy shopping areas can also have lines during peak times, especially on warm evenings.
• Consider dietary needs: Some Atlanta ice cream parlors offer dairy-free, vegan, or nut-free options, which can be helpful if your group has mixed needs. Leopold’s-style shops may focus heavily on traditional dairy, so check menus ahead.

When Is It Worth Driving from Atlanta to Savannah Just for Leopold’s?

For many Atlantans, Leopold’s is something they add to an existing Savannah trip rather than the sole reason they go. It tends to be worth the drive if:

• You’re already planning a weekend getaway to the Georgia coast
• You want to combine Leopold’s with the Savannah Historic District, riverfront walks, or Tybee Island
• You’re interested in the history and atmosphere of a nearly century-old ice cream parlor

If you simply want good ice cream and live in metro Atlanta, you’ll likely be satisfied staying local and exploring Atlanta’s own dessert scene. If you’re drawn to the specific story, brand, and nostalgia of Leopold’s, then a Savannah trip becomes much more compelling.

Quick Recap for Atlanta Readers

• No Leopold’s shop currently operates in Atlanta. The flagship parlor is in downtown Savannah.
• Atlantans can experience Leopold’s by:
  • Driving to Savannah (about 3.5–4.5 hours from Atlanta), or
  • Occasionally finding pre-packed pints or special offerings through select retailers or events.
• If you want a similar vibe in Atlanta:
  • Look for small-batch, house-made ice cream parlors with classic flavors and a sit-down feel.
  • Build an outing around ice cream in walkable areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park/BeltLine, or Decatur.

With this in mind, you can decide whether to plan a Savannah road trip for the original Leopold’s experience or stay in Atlanta and explore the many dessert and sweet treat options that offer a comparable sense of comfort and nostalgia.