8 places for cool vegan treats around Pittsburgh that you need to try

It’s the dog days of summer, the sun is high, the thermostat needle is on the rise and a cool sweet treat is just what’s in order. While there seem to be endless varieties of ice cream shops in the city, finding a truly delicious dairy-free alternative has just become a little easier. Here are a few of our favorites for vegan ice cream and other delicious desserts that rival any milk-based options.  

Page Dairy Mart

To know of Page Dairy Mart is to know of Pittsburgh ice cream royalty. Page Dairy Mart is a slice of the city’s history starting out as a store selling to mill workers in the early 1900s, then as a gas station until the 1950s, and now a present-day ice cream stand. While the location at 4112 E Carson St. has evolved, Page has been selling ice cream for more than 100 years. In addition to the usual offerings, Page’s now has vegan, oat-based soft serve on the menu. It’s the classic style you’ve grown up with using elevated ingredients.

Sugar Spell Scoops

In Sharpsburg sits the city’s first vegan ice cream shop. Sugar Spell Scoops serves up exclusively vegan ingredients, with cashew, hemp and other nut-based ice creams. The concoctions are true sorcery, consistently coming up with new flavor profiles. If just a scoop doesn’t satiate your sweet tooth, you can order a vegan ice cream cake or preorder pints for your next celebration.  

Happy Day Dessert Factory

The Happy Day Dessert Factory supplies the most refreshing water ice on a warm summer day. The mango or lemon water ice is exactly what you’re looking for in a late summer dessert. If you want to try something unique, order the granny’s green apple ice for a tart treat. Located at 906A Western Ave., the North Side ice cream parlor regularly has more than 50 flavors of traditional homemade hard ice creams in addition to their vegan variety of water ice or almond soft serve.

Gus & Yiayia’s

A sweet city staple that is sure to trigger your “summer in the park” nostalgia is Gus & Yiayia’s. Found sitting happily under an umbrella next to his bright orange sno-ball cart, Gus took over his small but busy business from his father in 1951 and has been serving refreshing treats ever since. Everything is heartwarmingly hometown — from the ice sourced from DiMartino Ice Company in Jeannette, to the house-made syrup flavors and the peanuts and popcorn that have long been on the cart’s menu. On any sunny day, you’ll find satisfied customers both old and young enjoying their ice balls over in Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side. They even have their own model in Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village.        

Millie’s

With seven locations and three campus spots, you’re never very far from having a scoop of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream in your hands. While the traditional scratch-made ice cream is first-rate, don’t forget about the delicious dairy-less options. The fruit sorbets are wonderful, but a decadent dessert is the dairy-free brownie batter, made with sustainably sourced coconut milk. It’s a sumptuous swap for a more traditional scoop. If you somehow can’t get your fix here in the ‘Burgh, Millie’s ships nationally. 

NatuRoll Creamery

With locations in Lawrenceville and Cranberry, NatuRoll Creamery pays tribute to that unique Thai-style rolled ice cream technique. The vegan ice cream is flattened and hand rolled with ingredients of your choosing, and the concentric circles neatly rest in the bowl. Mix and match any three toppings to customize your experience, making new creations each visit. The dairy-free options are truly endless.  

The Milkshake Factory

These silky smooth shakes at The Milkshake Factory are made with soy and coconut, then finally spun with almond milk for velvety, chilled joy in a glass. A chocolate shop and soda fountain that began in Lawrenceville, this fourth-generation family business has been serving up sweets since 1914. There are 10 different locations in the Pittsburgh area that offer shakes and chocolates.            

Pittsburgh VegFest

Getting more curious about a plant-based diet? Head to Pittsburgh VegFest this summer on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at Allegheny Commons East in the Northside. The 9th annual outdoor festival is a great way to support local businesses who are striving to offer more alternative and diverse food options in the city. With food, shopping, live music and an itinerary of events, this free festival offers up a myriad of entertainment in the name of advocacy for animal welfare.