Always a favorite stop in Asheville, this place is next door to Pho Real. It's the perfect symbiosis. We had four different flavors: my favorite was the honey Hokey Pokey. Relaxed casual atmosphere with couches and tables. read more

The Hop - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Absolutely love the variety of options here from ice cream to boba tea. I really appreciated the variety of vegan ice creams they had as this was the main reason I stopped by. I was not disappointed by coconut matcha vegan ice cream, so gooooood! The staff was really friendly and I was able to sample some of the flavors I wanted. The float was also such a great option to pick if you're stuck between flavors to get. Super cute spot, with tons of seating to enjoy whatever sweet treat you get here! read more

The Hop - Coconut matcha (vegan) - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

After having dinner at Daddy Mac's down the road, my family and I wanted a little post dinner sweet treat. I found the Hop from other Yelpers. The ice cream is 100% homemade. I had the matcha madness flavor which is made from locally sourced ingredients and really enjoyed it! The ice cream shop had some vegan flavors too which is nice to see. There is a bubble tea shop connected to the ice cream shop and both businesses share a common seating area. Plenty of parking in the strip mall parking lot. read more

The Hop - Menu board - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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I had apple cider sorbet and pumpkin ice cream which were both excellent. The person that was serving was wearing a mask and he was very strange and had no personality. That was a huge turn off It's in a food hall in Asheville on the side street. read more

The vegan ice cream was so gooooood. The boba drink was a nice combo! Highly recommend!!

Service and ambiance, as usual, worked out well. I got a banana split with blackberry sweet corn ice cream, chocolate syrup, pecans, maple walnuts, vegan whip, and a cherry. The whole thing was delicious with flavors that worked well together. Even the ice cream itself tasted better than expected. read more

The Hop - Banana split w/ blackberry sweet corn flavor, pecans, maple walnuts, choc syrup, vegan whip, and a cherry - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

The server was friendly and helpful explaining about the ice cream. They make it all in-house :) There wasn't a large selection of flavors, but I assume this was because it was not tourist season when I visited. Despite not having a ton of flavors, there were still dairy free, sugar free as well as vegan options. I opted for the blueberry and cinnamon. The blueberry had nice whole blueberries in it and the cinnamon had a good cinnamon spice, not hot cinnamon, flavor. There wasn't much seating inside and it was nice out, so I took my ice cream to go and ate it on a nearby bench. read more

The Hop - Blueberry and dairy free cinnamon - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Excellent ice cream and waffle cones. My wife had butter pecan and I had chocolate. Great choices. We both enjoyed them very much. The waffle cones were very fresh and crunchy. To me they reminded me of homemade oatmeal cookies. read more

The Hop - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Absolutely awesome independent ice cream shop! This place has wonderful, unique flavors. Today I had Blueberry Crisp ice cream, which was made with blueberry and vanilla ice cream, blueberry preserves and cinnamon streusel. Wow! Really, really good! My wife had Choco-Chistachio, which was made with Chocolate ice cream, cherry preserves, pistachios and cardamom. Also really, really good! The staff is usually very helpful and tonight LaLa did a wonderful job behind the counter! read more

Did I have this twice in one three-day trip to Asheville? Yes, I did. Let me tell you why they not only blew me away with their product but also their consideration. As someone with dietary restrictions (DF), my options at ice cream shops are usually 1-2 sorbet flavors. That might work for some people, but I am someone who always longs for something creamier. It's always exciting when there is a non-fruit/ice option. The Hop goes above and beyond that. Not only did they have six vegan flavors, most of those were not fruity. And not only that, one of the flavors was one they also sold in dairy milk variety. It is so seldom I get to try the same flavor as non-DF folks, and I know it sounds stupid bc it's just ice cream, but the inclusivity really touched me. Their dirty chai flavor is the best non-dairy ice cream I've had at an ice cream shop. Had it both visits. Non-dairy ice creams can often taste watery or thin or the milk flavor is super noticeable (super coconut-y or almond-y). This one was thick, and I personally felt like you could not tell it was DF/vegan! Thank you to The Hop for being inclusive. I hope to be back next visit! read more

Chocolate oat milk ice cream. My wildest dream has come true. And they started serving bubble tea as well. Goodbye for now Hop! I wish I lived next door. read more

The Hop - Wall art at the entrance - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I scream, you scream, we all love ice cream! This was a great experience to try out some new flavors! It's extremely kid friendly but I saw about 90% of adults enjoy themselves some good ice cream, lol! If I'm ever in the Asheville area, I'll be back. read more

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A major let down based on the reviews... very small selection. Staff kind of mopes around, very blah vibe given off. The establishment was clean and big inside. Gotta be a better ice cream parlor in town. Won't be back read more

One of our favorite spots for ice cream and milkshakes. My favorite is the Oreo milkshake, and my friend orders the mint with gummy bears on top. High quality always. read more

The Hop - Milkshakes - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Great product but I feel guilty patronizing them whenever I get their racist emails. Please just make ice cream and stay out of our personal lives. read more

Awesome ice cream place with dairy and vegan options. Also have gluten free cone options. All of the ice cream is gluten free unless otherwise stated on the menu. The flavors change which is really neat. We vacationed in Asheville for a week and got to see menu changes. They make their own ice cream and specify the type of milk or "mylk" used. The first time we went I ordered the vegan banana creme crunch sundae with pecans, vegan chocolate sauce and vegan whip cream. The hubby ordered vegan almond crunch and chocolate scoops on gluten free cone. Second time we went I ordered the vegan chocolate banana creme in a cone and hubby got the vegan apple cinnamon in a cone. So good! read more

The Hop - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

There are enough reviews talking about how good the ice cream is and the unique flavors. I'm just stopping in to say - try the salted caramel. It's not usually one of my top choices but my sister convinced me to taste it and am I glad that I did. Very different from a typical salted caramel with a super satisfying crunch! read more

Always interesting flavors! This is a Honey Mint Rose and Lavender variety, and it was DIVINE! I wish their cones were more meaty? Toothsome? Flavorful? (Like, don't shoot me, Baskin Robbins.) Never disappoints read more

The Hop - Honey Mint Rose Lavender Ice Cream - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Nice quality ice-cream is something I always seek out in any city I'm a visitor. So on my last visit to Asheville The Hop was put on my list in early Summer of 2019. Parking is limited up front, especially during peak times. The lot and walk up tidy. Be cautious of steep stairs. The store is good size and on a weekday afternoon visit had traffic. The staff was great and said hello upon walking in. The cases display the flavors and there was two staff assisting customers. My wife and I got sampled their butter pecan ice-cream, it was delicious. Cold, creamy and plenty of pecans. Ultimately we shared a brownie sundae with peanut butter ice-cream which was fantastic. I later decided to get a blueberry shake for the road that was tasty. The eating area is spacious with tables, booths, and chairs. Even large couches. Also there is a kids area to enjoy themselves after getting a treat. Restrooms were not used but in rear. I would love to stop back in on my next visit. read more

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Cute local chain with fun flavors with many options that are locally sourced when able! read more

The Hop - Sundae with tamarind ginger and salted caramel chocolate - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

VERY tasty ice cream. If you are in the area, it's definitely worth a stop. They have interesting flavors and a variety of local selections. This is a must-visit locale when I visit my family in Asheville. It's clean, tasty, and they give student discounts to the nearby college kids. Definitely give it a try - and be a bit adventurous! read more

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My wife and I stopped in for ice cream after dinner. The guy behind the counter was awesome - very friendly. Lots of choices for ice cream - I had the salted licorice and my wife had the chocolate chip and the chocolate mint chip. All were very good! read more

First place we stopped in Asheville and it did not disappoint. The ice cream shop had a few patrons and a short line around 3pm on a Thursday. The person serving ice cream was average. She did let us sample a few flavors. I ended up with Salted Caramel which was good. My mom had the special of the day which had brownies and vanilla ice cream which was also good. read more

Great selection of ice cream!! Even for those of us who can't eat dairy & gluten! I tried hemp milk in a gluten free cone and it was really good. My kiddo had regular ice cream in a waffle cone and loved it. read more

The Hop - Mocha and Salted Caramel in a waffle cone. - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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After a long hike, my friends were very excited to try this local ice cream shop. I visited during the peak of the pandemic, so they took orders and served the ice cream from the front door. They have a decent variety of flavors, but some of the names were confusing, and the employee happily helped us. However, when taking our orders, there were several miscommunications with the employee; we were just asking for a cup of two scoops of different flavored ice creams, but he gave us four. Thus, a couple of us were overcharged, but he tried to make it up to us by offering a discount to the next order. As for the ice cream, it is definitely better than any chain or packages. I was nervous to try their matcha flavor (it's usually hit or miss), but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. My friends shared a variety of other flavors, including some vegan options, and we were all happy. They give relatively large portions; I was struggling to finish my cone with two scoops, so the price isn't too steep! I would love to visit again, and hopefully, with less confusion next time. read more

The location is just a strip mall stop with some tables outdoors, but the ice cream is worthy of a drive. This place offers a wide variety, including numerous vegan flavors with different bases. I ended up sampling a mint flavor based on hemp milk, as well as a regular dairy mint with oreos. The two weren't equal in flavor; I can't recall having a hemp milk frozen dessert (though this seems like the town to try it in), but this one was a tad dry and the mint flavor didn't really seem to stick. The dairy mint was full-flavored by comparison. They had plenty of other options, and I'd be happy to try some other non-dairy flavor, as well as some of their numerous toppings. read more

The Hop - Vegan mint swirl and grasshopper - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

One star removed due to Saturday birthdays. Last summer, we went to the Hop. The door situation is a bit odd. There are two doors not far off from each other. My husband and kids went through the standard door, and I, being a child of a man who loved The Doors, went through the other one. I just like strange stuff. (The doors completely match. I just like to think that it is special because it is less used.) So I went into a door that went straight to Hell. It was the "Toddler Birthday Tier", in which, well, a toddler is having a birthday. As my mother had died recently, I could not think straight. People were blocking my access to freedom, and despite recognizing my dilemma, would not move. And some of these people were adults, mind you. A sign stating that this was an area reserved for a birthday party and not a competition in which adults try to casually show off the best tattoos, dreads, or boho clothing further blocked my progress. I confusedly caught the eye of the nearest, seated adult, who did nothing to ease my discomfort. She just stared at me. I did not turn around and go back through the door. I forged on, repeating "Excuse me", until people begrudgingly moved. (Once, at Rocky's, my breasts and buttocks accidentally moved objects in search of clear passage; society has no idea what I am capable of.) It happened again when I had to use the bathroom. No passage. You better let the pre-diabetic that just had ten grams of sugar pass in order to pass. It even happened when I left the bathroom! I smiled brightly with five more "excuse me"s that were somewhat accepted and processed. One gentleman stared at me, as he knew what I thought. I infiltrated enemy territory to the degree that the mom decided to sing "Happy Birthday" while the dad was in line trying to get a scoop of vegan surprise sprout ice cream. Mission successful. There was another birthday party recently. I had gone through the main entrance this time, so there were no uncomfortable moments. This party was different, though. There were no kids named "Genesis" or "Plum". The vibe was more positive. The mom was polite. There was happiness. Still, I think that the Hop should nix the parties. The reserved area for parties includes the bathrooms, which makes things difficult and a little awkward. I feel like I am walking into someone's living quarters when I have to use the ladies' room. In other establishments, you notice the action, pass it, and it is out of your bubble- and you are out of their's. I got dirty looks for crashing the former party. Maybe I should make it a profession. I will tell people that my daughter Blake is going against the grain, take the biggest piece of ice cream cake, and scamper off through the door that makes me feel special. read more

Great vegan ice cream selection (not just sorbet)! Pupper got one too! He earned it from doing the black mountain hike with us! read more

The Hop - Doggie Ice-cream - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

This is the best ice cream in Asheville by far. They offer a wide range of flavors. They even have dairy free and vegan options available.

Came here for ice cream after dinner, and was excited by all the different flavors. They are a couple of seasonal ones, and they offer tastings up front, so I would highly recommend that before making your final decision. The ice cream is creamy, rich, and smooth. We came on a rainy night while visiting Asheville, and the place was still bumping, so that certainly is a great sign! Lots of good seating, as well as a kids' play area. PSA for students in the area: you get a discount! Free parking also in the lot right in front of the store. read more

The Hop - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Loved the salted caramel and the chocolate. The ice cream is pretty dense and very creamy. We ended up going to their other location the next day too. read more

Got the Hot Toddy kiddie scoop and the guy working was super nice. It's just like the drink and was delicious! Love the unique flavors they have available! Would definitely recommend! read more

The Hop - Hot Toddy! - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

What a fun little ice cream shop. This wasn't our original choice but after circling for parking in bad weather we wandered to the outskirts of town and gave The Hop a try. It did not disappoint as we were happily surprised by the fun selections of usual and unusual flavors. The options to choose from were so interesting I almost had a hard time deciding on one as I wanted to try them all. The atmosphere of the store was bright and fun. There was an area for the kids to play in with a few toys and books. The night we were there they were catering to the locals by having a meet and greet with soccer players from the local team. The bathrooms were both Gender Neutral which was proudly displayed on the outside and even had nice changing tables located inside for the little ones. My only disappointment and word of caution was the plaza in which they are located. It looks a little weathered and in desperate need of a cleaning. When asking for recommendations for a late dinner one of the girls recommended we grab dinner from a place located upstairs. We jumped on the elevator to the overpowering smell of urine and cigarette smoke. When we walked into the recommended restaurant we arrived to find a the place looking dirty, hot and with the entrance door propped open and flies around the food prep area. Needless to say we didn't get dinner there and the Yelp review wouldn't have been great. Now I know this is out of the control of the ice cream shop but it's a shame that they can't fine a nicer location or stand alone brick and mortar on their own. The Hop was still a very good find and I would recommend anyone visiting Asheville to give it a try. read more

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It was awesome I loved the ice cream so much and it was super good and yeah and lol!!!!!!!

My daughter loves the hop and I love that there's a vegan ice cream. Also gluten-free cones!

I went in with high expectations after seeing some of the crazy flavors they offer. I was very excited! But I feel like almost all of the flavors I sampled lacked a real punch - Toasted Miso Butterscotch, Snickerdoodle Cheesecake, Mocha Oreo. The Key Lime Pie was pretty strong, though. So if you're a fan of tart, give that a try. I enjoyed the Salted Caramel and White Chocolate Raspberry. But at the end of the day, their plain old chocolate was what I found to be the most satisfying. I will also note that they were out of hot fudge and whipped cream. Sad times. However, the girl at the counter was super sweet and helpful. And my 17 month old loved the play area. It has a magnet wall full of magnets and lot of little chairs. I got to eat my ice cream in relative peace! read more

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The ice cream selection is always so interesting and everything I've had has been delicious. The service was quick and pleasant. I like to stop here every time I'm in Asheville! read more

Lots of good vegan options. My husband and I stopped in wanting to support something more local for vegan ice cream. The staff was fun and helpful. He let us sample a couple of flavors before we decided on an order. He also was following all Covid precautions and turned away someone who refused to mask. Absolutely would recommend. read more

Things really "pop" at the Hop, a family-friendly Ice Cream Café with silky smooth, delectably decadent flavors of ice cream and other frozen treats. Really reasonable prices too...considering that The Hop has been named to multiple "top rated" ice cream shops in the nation! Their fame hasn't gone to their heads either....like a brain freeze might (if you scarf down these yumm-a-licious dairy delights too quickly). They keep the quality of their products high and the prices family-friendly-fair and low. Dairy-based and Vegan options for their ice cream and/or sorbets and sundaes. Good good good. Cool murals and a gaming-room to boot. This really is a place to bring everybody for cool treats and special eats. Three locations...we got our ice cream fix at the Merrimon Ave shop. read more

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Throughout our trip, I was OBSESSED with trying the vegan ice cream from here. Finally, the night before we were set to leave, I had my chance. Alas, as with so many endless build-ups, I wound up feeling let down in the end: Anyway, am going to preface this by saying that I have had great vegan ice cream. (RIP Lula's Sweet Apothecary in NYC's East Village, especially the Root Beer flavor.) So yeah, I know not to expect the same rich, creamy decadence that characterizes traditional ice cream. But if you don't have that whole luscious mouth feel thing going on, shouldn't you go balls to the wall with taste? Amirite? At any rate, sampled a bunch of flavors, both vegan and 'regular' and have to say, the counter person was very patient with me. When, finally, I began to feel a serious case of Jewish guilt creeping up on me, I impulsively settled on vegan Chocolate Raspberry made with Cashew Milk, just to put the counter person out of her misery. Given the lack of dairy, the texture was fine, but the flavor, or lack thereof, made me sad. I wanted some berry tang, or maybe some big 'ole chunks of bittersweet chocolate. I got none of that. Honestly, as far as comparable fruit 'n chocolate vegan ice creams go, I think I would have enjoyed a container of Trader Joe's Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip more. In fact, I know I would have. And fwiw, I sampled the Blueberry Kale Ice Cream which I believe was a dairy-based flavor. Meh. If ever an ice cream experience was created for this overused Yelp word, it's this one.:( read more

The Hop - She stole the Spotlight and I've been searching for it ever since. Looks like I finally found it! - Desserts Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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