Yum Creamery in Charleston: Handmade Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

What Yum Creamery Offers

Yum Creamery is a small-batch ice cream shop in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that makes its ice cream fresh daily in-house. The shop specializes in creative, rotating flavors that change seasonally and sometimes weekly, alongside a steady lineup of classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Every batch is made without artificial flavors or colors, using a base recipe that emphasizes cream and eggs.

Beyond ice cream, Yum Creamery serves frozen yogurt, Italian gelato, and sorbet options for those avoiding dairy. The shop also offers ice cream sandwiches built to order—you choose the ice cream flavor and the cookie or waffle cone base. Milkshakes, floats, and sundaes round out the menu, all built from the same house-made ice cream.

Key Takeaways

• Yum Creamery makes all ice cream in-house daily, so flavors change frequently and reflect what's in season.
• The shop sits on Upper King Street in Charleston's walkable downtown area, with street parking and nearby restaurants and shops.
• Rotating seasonal flavors often feature local ingredients or unexpected combinations—past offerings have included bourbon pecan, lavender honey, and sweet tea.
• The shop is small and can have a wait during peak evening hours and weekends, especially in warm months.

Location and Hours

Yum Creamery is located at 428 King Street in Charleston, in the heart of the Upper King Street dining and retail district. The neighborhood is walkable, with street parking available along King Street and in nearby lots. The shop sits within a few blocks of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, making it easy to combine a visit with other activities downtown.

Hours vary by season. During warmer months (roughly April through October), the shop typically stays open until 10 or 11 p.m. on weekends and until 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays. Winter hours are shorter, often closing by 8 or 9 p.m. It's worth checking their social media or calling ahead before a visit, since hours can shift with the season or for special events.

Signature and Seasonal Flavors

Yum Creamery rotates flavors constantly, but a few appear regularly enough to be considered house standards: salted caramel, dark chocolate, and a vanilla bean made with real vanilla pods. The rotating menu is where the shop's personality shows. Past seasonal offerings have included bourbon pecan (fall), sweet tea (summer), lavender honey (spring), and peppermint bark (winter). The shop also experiments with unexpected combinations—think brown butter sage or brown sugar cinnamon—and sometimes features flavors inspired by local Charleston ingredients or partnerships with nearby bakeries and restaurants.

The best way to discover what's available is to visit in person or follow Yum Creamery's social media accounts, where new flavors are usually announced. The shop also posts photos of daily specials and limited batches that sell out quickly.

Dietary Options and Ingredients

Yum Creamery offers non-dairy options for those who avoid milk or eggs. Sorbet is available year-round in rotating flavors—typically fruit-based, like raspberry, lemon, or mango. Frozen yogurt is also offered, though availability and flavors vary. The shop can discuss ingredients and preparation with customers, which is helpful if you have allergies or dietary restrictions beyond dairy.

All ice cream is made without artificial flavors or food coloring. The shop uses real ingredients—fresh fruit, real vanilla, real chocolate—which means flavors taste closer to their source and the ingredient list is shorter than mass-produced ice cream. Prices reflect this: a single scoop costs more than a chain ice cream shop, but the quality and freshness justify the difference for many customers.

What to Expect When You Visit

Yum Creamery is a small shop with limited seating—a few stools at the counter and sometimes a small bench outside. Most customers order to-go. The line moves fairly quickly during off-peak hours, but expect a wait of 15 to 30 minutes on weekend evenings or hot summer days. The staff is knowledgeable about flavors and happy to let you taste before you order, which is useful given how often the menu changes.

Payment is accepted in cash and card. Prices run about $6 to $8 for a single scoop, $8 to $10 for two scoops, and $10 to $14 for ice cream sandwiches, depending on what you choose. Sundaes and milkshakes cost more. The shop does not take reservations, and there is no online ordering—you order in person at the counter.

Why Yum Creamery Fits Charleston's Food Scene

Charleston has built a reputation for restaurants and food shops that prioritize fresh, local, and house-made ingredients. Yum Creamery fits that pattern. The shop's commitment to daily production, seasonal flavors, and real ingredients aligns with how many Charleston restaurants and bakeries approach their work. It's the kind of place that reflects the neighborhood's character—small, independent, and focused on quality over volume.

The Upper King Street location also puts Yum Creamery in the middle of Charleston's walkable downtown, where visitors and locals often spend an evening moving between restaurants, bars, and shops. A stop for ice cream fits naturally into that rhythm, especially after dinner or as a break between activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ice cream online or for pickup later?

No. Yum Creamery does not take online orders or reservations. You order in person at the counter when you visit. This model keeps the shop focused on making fresh ice cream daily rather than managing advance orders.

What if I don't like any of the flavors on the day I visit?

The shop always has vanilla and chocolate available, plus a rotating selection of 8 to 12 other flavors. If you're unsure, ask the staff—they can describe what's available and often let you taste before you order. If nothing appeals, the sorbet and frozen yogurt options are worth considering.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. Street parking is available along King Street, though it can be tight during peak evening hours. There are also paid parking lots within a block or two. The shop is walkable from many downtown hotels and restaurants, so parking may not be necessary if you're already in the neighborhood.

Does Yum Creamery have a kids' menu or smaller portions?

The shop does not have a formal kids' menu, but staff can serve smaller portions or let children taste flavors before ordering. Prices are per scoop, so you can order one scoop instead of two if you prefer a smaller amount.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid a long wait?

Weekday afternoons (roughly 2 to 5 p.m.) are typically quieter than evenings or weekends. Summer evenings and warm weekend days draw the longest lines. If you visit during off-peak hours, you'll usually be in and out in under 10 minutes.