What started as a sweet venture in the jungles of Nicaragua, now draws lines around Austin.
Words Codi Chen | Photos Parker Thornton
Bésame Ice Cream turns nostalgia into an art form, blending childhood comfort with bold creativity in every handcrafted flavor. And thanks to their milkshake offerings, that joy is now easier to sip. This beloved ice cream spot transforms all of its inventive flavors into decadent treats served from its charming windows at Meanwhile Brewing and Littlefield’s locations.
Bésame is the dream child of Sheena and Ben George, who spent seven years living in Nicaragua with their five children while working at a nonprofit for at-risk youth. Along the way, they opened a small chain of ice cream shops as a lighthearted way to bring delight and connection to their community.
“At our core, we’re hospitality people,” Sheena explains. “Ice cream became a way for us to share joy.”
When the family returned to the U.S. during the pandemic, they settled in Austin, craving space for creativity and a city with soul. From their tiny trailer kitchen to, now, two bustling locations, they’ve built something special: a flavor playground with heart.
Their classic scoop menu is stacked with fan favorites like Painted Black with Horlicks malt ice cream, Oreos, and brownie chunks, and Over the Rainbow with vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, and snickerdoodle cookies. Mango Sticky Rice, once a cult-favorite pre-sale pint, now has a permanent spot behind the scoop window.
Sheena calls herself a wanderer, dreaming up flavors by drawing inspiration from everything: films, textures, and childhood cravings. “If I bring in something new, I want it to still feel familiar,” she emphasizes.
That magic shines in creations like Killing Me Smalls, a s’mores-inspired masterpiece with torched vanilla bean marshmallows, graham cracker ice cream, bitter fudge ripple, and a dark chocolate-dipped crust.
When every scoop tells a story, a milkshake or cone at Bésame becomes a kiss of nostalgia and the kind of treat that keeps Austinites coming back for more
Preorder Limited Edition Pints: Bésame drops limited-edition pints online every Thursday night, and they often sell out in seconds. These presale pints are available exclusively on Hotplate and can be picked up at the window from Friday to Sunday at both locations. Alongside these creative exclusive pint-sized flavors, ice cream cakes and sandwiches take Bésame’s signature menu to the next level.
Contact:
3901 Promontory Point Dr.
2401 Winsted Ln.
hotplate.com/besame
@besameatx
