New York City is known for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to dessert, ice cream is a classic favorite among locals and tourists alike. With countless ice cream shops and parlors scattered throughout the city, finding the best scoop can be a daunting task.
In this article, we will explore the best ice cream shops in NYC, highlighting their unique flavors, atmosphere, and customer favorites. Whether you’re a die-hard ice cream enthusiast or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this guide will help you discover the best ice cream spots in the city that never sleeps.
Must Try NYC Ice Cream Shops
Here are some of the most notable ice cream shops located in NYC that are worth the visit.
Marvel Frozen Dairy
Marvel Frozen Dairy is a beloved family-owned ice cream shop located in the heart of Flushing, Queens. Since its opening in 1947, the shop has been serving up classic ice cream flavors made with high-quality ingredients and no preservatives.
Marvel Frozen Dairy is known for its generous portions and reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for families and ice cream lovers of all ages. Their extensive flavor selection includes classics like Mint Chocolate Chip and Butter Pecan, as well as unique flavors like Red Bean and Taro.
Amai Ba
Amai Ba is a small-batch, artisanal ice cream shop located in Brooklyn, New York. The name “Amai Ba” translates to “sweet place” in Japanese, and the shop certainly lives up to its name with its wide range of inventive, delicious flavors.
The ice cream at Amai Ba is made in-house, using locally-sourced, all-natural ingredients whenever possible. They also offer vegan and dairy-free options, making it a great spot for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Amai Ba’s top favorites are Monkey Business and Matcha Chip. Monkey Business, a combination of banana and chocolate swirl with crushed macadamia nuts, is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Matcha Chip, on the other hand, offers a unique twist with its green tea base and added chocolate chips.
It’s no wonder you have been hooked on these flavors since the first time you tried them. Amai Ba is known for its high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, making it a must-visit ice cream shop in NYC.
Eddie’s Sweet Shop
Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, Eddie’s Sweet Shop is a nostalgic ice cream parlor with a rich history dating back to 1909. Their ice cream flavors are all made in-house using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with popular options such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Butter Pecan.
Eddie’s Sweet Shop’s commitment to quality and tradition has made it a beloved fixture of the Queens community for over a century. Their ice cream is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and flavorful taste, with new and classic flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a family-owned and operated ice cream shop located in the heart of New York City’s Chinatown. Since opening its doors in 1978, the shop has become a local institution, known for its unique and adventurous ice cream flavors that blend traditional Asian ingredients with classic American favorites.
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory offers an impressive range of flavors, from classic Vanilla and Chocolate to more exotic options like Durian and Black Sesame. They also offer dairy-free and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
In addition to its delicious ice cream, The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is also known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The shop uses all-natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging [1] and is actively involved in supporting local communities and charities.
Caffè Panna
Situated in the East Village of New York City, Caffè Panna is a quaint artisanal ice cream parlor renowned for its distinct method of preparing ice cream. The shop combines Italian gelato and American-style ice cream to produce an opulent and velvety dessert.
Caffè Panna offers a variety of flavors, including classics like Vanilla and Chocolate, as well as more inventive flavors like Honey Lavender and Cornbread. Their signature item, the “Panna,” is a swirl of whipped cream and gelato that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
In addition to their delicious ice cream, Caffè Panna also offers a selection of baked goods, including cakes and pastries. The shop has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat with friends or family.
Mister Dips
Mister Dips is a popular ice cream stand located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, known for its inventive soft serve creations and nostalgic atmosphere. The stand is housed in a retrofitted 1974 Airstream trailer, and its outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Mister Dips’ menu features a range of creative soft serve flavors, such as Honeycomb, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel. They also offer a variety of toppings and dipping sauces, allowing customers to customize their desserts to their liking.
The stand has a fun, laid-back vibe and is the perfect spot for a casual, outdoor meal with friends or family. Mister Dips is a must-visit for anyone in the Williamsburg area looking for a fun and unique ice cream experience, with innovative flavors and a retro-inspired setting.
Taiyaki NYC
Taiyaki NYC is an ice cream shop located in two neighborhoods of New York City – Chinatown and Williamsburg. The shop has gained popularity for its distinctive Japanese-style fish-shaped waffle cones, also known as taiyaki, which are stuffed with soft serve ice cream and come with various toppings.
Taiyaki NYC offers a variety of soft serve flavors that include Matcha, Black Sesame, and Unicorn, and an assortment of toppings such as mochi, fruits, and sprinkles. The shop also serves other delectable treats such as Japanese-style shaved ice and hot beverages in the winter.
Sugar Hill Creamery
Sugar Hill Creamery is a community-focused ice cream shop located in Harlem, New York City. The shop was founded in 2018 by a husband-and-wife team, Nick Larsen and Petrushka Bazin Larsen, who are committed to creating high-quality, small-batch ice cream using locally-sourced and organic ingredients.
Sugar Hill Creamery’s menu features a range of unique and delicious ice cream flavors, such as Sweet Corn, Lavender Honey, and Lemon Sorbet. The shop also offers vegan and dairy-free options, as well as a variety of toppings and mix-ins.
Beyond its delicious ice cream, Sugar Hill Creamery is deeply committed to its Harlem community, and works to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. The shop partners with local schools and organizations to provide job training and education opportunities, and hosts regular community events and fundraisers.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato
Founded in 2002 by Jon Snyder, Il Laboratorio del Gelato has become a favorite among New Yorkers and tourists alike, with its commitment to using only the finest ingredients and producing gelato in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato’s menu features over 200 flavors, ranging from classic options like Pistachio and Chocolate to more unconventional choices like Black Licorice and Cilantro Lime. The shop also offers sorbet, gelato cakes, and other frozen treats.
Lost Borough Ice Cream
Located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The shop is known for its unique and creative flavors, which are made with locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Lost Borough Ice Cream’s menu features a rotating selection of flavors, with options ranging from classic Vanilla Bean to more unconventional choices like Lemon Basil and Brown Butter Sage. The shop also offers vegan and dairy-free options, as well as toppings like hot fudge and homemade whipped cream.
Surreal Creamery
A unique ice cream shop located in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. The shop specializes in Thai-inspired rolled ice cream, which is made by pouring a liquid ice cream base onto a cold plate and rolling it into thin, cylindrical shapes. Surreal Creamery offers a variety of flavors, including classic options like Chocolate and Strawberry, as well as more unique options like Matcha and Mango Sticky Rice.
Xing Fu Tang
Xing Fu Tang is a Taiwanese bubble tea chain that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique approach to the popular beverage. In addition to bubble tea, Xing Fu Tang’s Flushing location in Queens, New York also offers soft serve ice cream, with flavors that are inspired by their signature drinks.
Xing Fu Tang’s ice cream menu features flavors such as Brown Sugar Boba and Strawberry Boba, which are made with fresh milk and high-quality ingredients. The ice cream is served in a cup or a warm bubble waffle cone for a delightful and Instagram-worthy dessert.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
A popular ice cream shop located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. The shop is known for its inventive and high-quality flavors, which are made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Morgenstern’s menu features classic flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla, as well as more unique options like Burnt Honey and Black Licorice. The shop also offers vegan and dairy-free options, as well as ice cream cakes and pints to-go.
Carvel Ice Cream
A classic ice cream shop chain that has been around for over 80 years, with locations throughout New York City and beyond. The shop is known for its soft-serve ice cream and signature Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss cakes. Carvel also offers a variety of other ice cream treats, including sundaes, shakes, and cones.
Ray’s Candy Store
A legendary late-night snack shop located in the East Village of Manhattan, New York City. The store has been open for over 45 years and is known for its iconic egg creams and homemade Belgian fries. In addition to these classic offerings, Ray’s Candy Store also serves up delicious soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes, making it a popular destination for those looking for a sweet treat.
Conclusion
There are so many great ice cream shops in New York City, each with their own unique atmosphere and menu offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for classic soft-serve ice cream, inventive and Instagram-worthy pastries, or something more unique. Do some research and explore the different neighborhoods to find the perfect spot for your sweet tooth.