A Houston institution for 20+ years, Hank’s has always produced ice cream the old-fashioned way: slowly, by hand, using fresh ingredients. The man himself even scoops the ice cream most nights, with a captivating smile. While the wondrous ice cream attracts diverse crowds from all walks of the city, Hank’s outgoing manner and quick wit also have a hand in customer retention; testimonials paper the walls in the forms of framed autographed photos. So numerous are these 8x10 accolades, that one assumes Hank must be the most well-loved man in Houston.

The brightly lit, humble parlor showcases 18 delicious flavors each day and night, rotating from a list of nearly 100. Devotees swear by the butter pecan—but really, you can’t go wrong with any flavor. Dulce de leche, cake batter, and chocolate chip…we can’t decide what we like best (so we get a triple scoop). Even the offbeat ones like sweet potato and creamed corn have garnered loyal followings. And rumor has it that Beyoncé always gets banana pudding when she’s in town.

Bluebell is good, yes, Amy’s is, first and foremost, Austin’s sweetheart. But Hank’s is and always has been Houston’s own ice cream man.