Looking to beat the heat this summer in the Big Apple? There’s nothing better than cooling off with a delicious ice cream cone or sundae. Luckily, NYC has plenty of incredible ice cream shops to choose from, each with their own unique twist on the classic frozen treat. Here are our top picks for the best ice cream stores in the city that never sleeps.
- Ample Hills Creamery: With locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Ample Hills is known for its over-the-top flavors and mix-ins, like The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with potato chips, pretzels, Ritz crackers, and mini M&Ms) and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (vanilla ice cream with chunks of St. Louis-style gooey butter cake). You can even create your own flavor at their flagship Gowanus location.
- Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream: Started as a food truck in 2008, Van Leeuwen has since opened multiple storefronts around NYC. Their ice cream is made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and they have a variety of classic and unique flavors, like Honeycomb and Vegan Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
- Milk Bar: While Milk Bar is best known for its unique cakes and baked goods, they also serve some of the city’s most inventive soft serve flavors. The Cereal Milk soft serve tastes exactly like the milk at the bottom of your cereal bowl, and they also offer flavors like Cornflake and Fruity Pebbles.
- Big Gay Ice Cream: Founded in 2009, Big Gay Ice Cream has become a staple in the NYC ice cream scene with its colorful and whimsical creations. The Salty Pimp (vanilla soft serve with dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip) and the Bea Arthur (vanilla soft serve with crushed Nilla Wafers and dulce de leche) are must-try favorites.
- Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream: This Lower East Side shop has a vintage vibe and serves up some seriously creative flavors. They have everything from traditional chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like Burnt Honey Vanilla and Black Licorice. Don’t miss their signature Black and White sundae with both chocolate and vanilla ice cream and hot fudge.
- Il Laboratorio Del Gelato: If you’re looking for classic, old-school gelato, Il Laboratorio Del Gelato is the spot for you. They have a rotating selection of over 200 flavors, all made in-house using traditional Italian techniques. Some standout flavors include Salted Caramel, Mascarpone, and Sicilian Pistachio.
No matter which ice cream shop you choose to visit in NYC, you’re sure to find something sweet and refreshing to help beat the heat. From creative flavors to classic favorites, these top ice cream stores are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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