Other factors: Among the more expensive places in the valley, Maggie Moo's will be an occasional indulgence for many families, or an impressive end to a date. Devotees say the excessively fresh ice cream trumps all, even though the small, high-quality batches mean Maggie Moo's sometimes run out of certain flavors. Wheelchair accessible and often crowded. The products are all very rich, so small sizes will work for most people. Sugar-free varieties usually are available, as are smoothies.

Nielsen's Frozen Custard

Location: 3918 S. Highland Drive, Holladay (other locations in Bountiful, Layton, St. George)

Prices: $1.67-$5.67

The basics: This longtime favorite serves frozen treats made not with ice cream but with custard — perfectly smooth, silky, snow-white custard. The place's signature "concretes," sort of a very-thick shake that rises at least an inch above the cup, are available in a variety of flavors, from mint-chocolate chip to bumbleberry.

I think, however, that the unique deliciousness of the custard is best shown off in a dish like the cherry-cola float, a clear plastic cup with a big scoop of custard floating in sparkling red-brown soda (cherry flavoring added at the store), with a pile of maraschino cherries a sweet surprise in the bottom. The Holladay store, the original, offers just custard confections, but the other locations serve food.

Tasty tidbit: Nielsen's is a little spendy (in line with prices at Cold Stone), but concretes are more than big enough for two kids to share, or even three, if they're little.

Ambience: Your basic black-and-white tile counter, mixing equipment and matter-of-fact servers. No tables inside.

Other factors: Credit and debit cards are not accepted; cash and checks are. There are several long picnic-style tables outside, ample parking and a drive-through. Wheelchair accessible. No sugar-free varieties.

Cold Stone Creamery

Location: 7186 S. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale (other locations in American Fork, Draper, Orem, Park City, Price, Provo, South Jordan, Spanish Fork and West Jordan)

Prices: $1.50-about $5