About
Since 1919, Leopold's Ice Cream has served handcrafted flavors, malts, shakes, and memories for over a century.
Located in the Savannah Historic District, it's next door to the landmark Trustee's Theater and other nearby attractions. For instance, only a few blocks away is Chippewa Square, along with restaurants like Treylor Park and The Pirate's House. Such proximity makes it easy to grab a scoop of ice cream while sightseeing.
Leopold's Ice Cream was started by three Greek brothers, George, Peter, and Basil Leopold. They opened the first location at the intersection of Gwinnett and Habersham streets, a bustling intersection of streetcars and travelers.
Johnny Mercer, Savannah's own Oscar-winning lyricist, was one of Leopold's most notable fans. Growing up just a block away, he even worked there as a boy. Mercer's affection for its Tutti Frutti ice cream is as much a part of the shop's legacy as its handcrafted flavors.
Sadly, the original location closed in 1969, but in true Savannah fashion, our story has a plot twist. Stratton Leopold, Peter's youngest son, revived Leopold's in 2004. So what's the twist? Stratton is a successful Hollywood producer and director with film credits on The Sum of All Fears, Mission: Impossible III, and Captain America: The First Avenger, among others.
Instead of keeping the shop at the same location, he moved it to the current Broughton Street address. While it is new, Stratton kept the original black marble soda fountain, back bar, and, of course, the time-honored ice creams.
The parlor's historical charm and delicious ice cream make it the perfect dessert stop after a meal at iconic restaurants like The Olde Pink House.
Vibe
What Savannahians and vacationers appreciate is that, instead of resembling a modern ice cream shop, it has the characteristics of a vintage parlor.
Like a movie theater, it has a marquee with blazing red and pink neon signage along the top. Large picture windows offer unobstructed views of the parlor, while the hand-painted moniker on the pane adds a 1950s touch.
Inside, Hollywood posters and props from Stratton's illustrious film career line the walls. It's the perfect touch in a creative town like Savannah, home to institutions like SCAD and songwriters like Johnny Mercer.
The cheerful atmosphere is accentuated by staff in traditional soda-jerk uniforms. The bar stools along the soda fountain evoke a sense of nostalgia, while tables offer space for larger groups to relax.
The welcoming ambiance, vintage decor, and memorabilia make Leopold's Ice Cream a quintessential stop on your getaway.
Leopold's Ice Cream: Menu & Drinks
As you can imagine from our Mercer tidbit, a must-try is the Tutti Frutti. This timeless classic blends sweet candied fruits, crunchy pecans, and a hint of rum. With one bite, you'll understand how Johnny found inspiration to write "Moon River!"
After shopping at the Savannah City Market, let the Chocolate Chewies & Cream be your crowning achievement. It features velvety-smooth vanilla ice cream with chunks of pecan brownie cookies made from Savannah's own Gottlieb's Bakery recipe.
For a more traditional experience, the Banana Split hits all the marks with three scoops of premium ice cream topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and layers of rich chocolate drizzle. It's the perfect treat after touring the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
Before dashing off to a performance at Lucas Theatre for the Arts, have a specialty drink at Leopold's. Handspun milkshakes made with your choice of flavor are as creamy as they are satisfying. Also popular are classic malts and ice cream sodas that transport you back to the golden age of soda fountains.
Adding Leopold's Ice Cream to your Savannah itinerary is a no-brainer. You'll taste creamy ice cream in a nostalgic setting that legends and locals frequent.
Local Tips
- Your favorite flavors can be shipped nationwide!
- Yes, free samples are available.
- Sign up for email alerts on specials and updates.
- The merchandise makes great gifts and souvenirs.
