Whenever we go out to eat downtown, whether we are bringing the kids along or enjoying a rare adults only night out, we always make sure to include a stop at Off Track Ice Cream. There have even been times when friends or family are visiting, we intentionally grab ice cream before dinner just to impress our guests and make sure our sweet tooth is satisfied. It has become one of those places that feels like part of the Charleston experience for us, not just dessert.
Off Track Ice Cream is known for pairing really excellent ice cream with surprisingly great coffee, all inside a cozy and modern space that feels upscale without being overwhelming. One of the reasons this spot has a permanent place in our rotation is how allergy friendly it is. When I was on a very strict diet while breastfeeding due to my baby having multiple allergies, this was one of the few places where I could actually enjoy ice cream thanks to their vegan and nut free options. If you have kids with allergies, you know how heartbreaking it can be to say no to ice cream. This is one of those rare places where everyone can say yes.
Flavor wise, it is hard to go wrong. Some of our family favorites include chocolate fudgy brownie, salted pretzel toffee, peanut butter pie, dirty chai cake, bourbon eggnog and gingerbread. Their vegan lineup is just as fun with options like Fluffer Nutter, Cookie Monster, and more that never feel like a compromise. All of their ingredients are locally sourced, and there is plenty of seating inside along with clean bathrooms that make it an easy and comfortable stop with kids. There is also a window where you can watch the ice cream being made by hand, which always completely captivates our kids. The building itself has a really cool history too, with plaques inside that share what it used to be and add a little extra charm to the visit.
Off Track Ice Cream is located at 6 Beaufain Street, and they are open Sunday through Thursday from 12pm to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 11pm. Don't wait for the heat of summer to try some ice cream!