Since Ben & Jerry’s, Haagen-Dazs, and even Dreyer’s introduced the grocery-store ice cream tub, the days of traveling across the city for the perfect cone are gone. Sure, parlors remain, but they’re mostly neighborhood spots. Denver developer Paul Tamburello aims to change that with Little Man Ice Cream.

Housed just behind Lola in Lower Highland, Little Man is both a drop-in neighborhood spot and a landmark destination. Neighbors wander over for the handmade ice cream, gelato, and sorbetto, but it’s Little Man’s building that’s worth the drive. Rounded and bent into the shape of a 1920s steel creamery can, it recalls the era of hot-dog-shaped concession stands and drive-in diners. There’s no indoor seating, so grab a cone (we recommend the soft creamy, almost-gelato-like coconut-almond fudge with real bits of almonds and coconut) and a seat on the patio. Or, better yet, take a stroll through the neighborhood.

Rumor has it that once winter hits, Little Man will pop its creamery top, drop in a ladle, and start serving soup, chili, and grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 2620 16th St., 303-455-3811