On a warm day, nothing is more satisfying than a cone of soft serve ice cream. It tastes even better when enjoyed at an old fashioned creamy whip, complete with walk-up windows and shaded picnic tables. If you grew up in Louisville or live there now, hopefully, you've had the chance to experience Dairy Del Ice Cream. This local favorite is a hot spot for a cold treat and serves up some of the best soft serve ice cream in Kentucky. They also have delicious snacks and hot food to round out your visit to Dairy Del.

Address: 1516 S. Shelby Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40217, USA

The sight of a classic ice cream shop on a hot day may seem like a mirage, but thankfully Dairy Del in Louisville is very much real.

In fact, this nostalgic walk-up window and eatery has been around for decades and generations have enjoyed some of the best soft serve ice cream in Kentucky on these picnic tables.

Dairy Del is a favorite part of summertime for locals in the area, and it's a great stop if you're in the neighborhood and have a craving for ice cream.

It has a vintage vibe and when you stand out front, waiting to order, it's hard to tell what year it is - and that is one of its best features.

Along with the classic atmosphere, Dairy Del also serves up the classics, swirled high on a cone or in any other way you like.

The soft serve here is creamy and bursting with flavor. Choose from a more unique option or go with a classic twist.

The treats don't stop with a simple ice cream cone and many visit just for a bite of their favorite sundae.

Pineapple shortcake, shown above, is deliciously sweet and they also have a strawberry variety. The sundae combinations may just be the best thing on the menu at Dairy Del.

A parfait may be what you're in the mood for, and they have that, too.

Milkshakes are also popular and they have everything from vanilla to blueberry to peanut butter and banana. Dairy Del literally has something for everyone with non-dairy options, as well.

If you're really hungry when you visit, check out the hot food menu, which is just as popular as the ice cream.

Supreme nachos, chili cheese dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and many other items are available and are surprisingly good. You can easily enjoy an entire meal at this little ice cream stand.

As the sun sets on a summer day, you'll often find a line at Dairy Del in Louisville.

But don't let that deter you, as that just means the people know they're waiting for some of the best soft serve ice cream in Kentucky and an experience that transcends generations.

Dairy Del is a local legend and a summertime tradition for many in Louisville. Try a chili dog and nachos and then finish it off with some of the best soft serve ice cream in Kentucky. Is a visit to Dairy Del a weekly occurrence for you? Is it now on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments! And if your town has a favorite local ice cream shop, let us know about it with our Nominations Page.

And for more information on Dairy Del Ice Cream in Louisville, follow along with them on Facebook.

If you want to track down more of the best ice cream in Kentucky, check out the sweetest food trail in the state.