When Mister Softee Won't Do, Check Out These Stellar Artisanal Ice Cream Spots in NYC
Cool off this summer with a scoop from one of these quintessentially New York ice cream shops.
These hot summer days call for a heaping scoop (or three) of your favorite ice cream and luckily, NYC is not exactly short on mouthwatering dessert spots. Unique flavors like caramel cashew and black coconut ash, adorable storefronts, and high-quality ingredients have people lining up for a taste at these nine artisanal ice cream shops.
1. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
If you’re feeling adventurous, Morgenstern’s is the place for you. Home of the much-buzzed-about coconut ash ice cream, they also serve up unique flavors like blueberry milk chocolate, strawberry-rhubarb crisp, and Vietnamese coffee.
Morgenstern’s is located at 2 Rivington Street.
2. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
What started in a tiny Brooklyn apartment has exploded across multiple storefronts (and food trucks!) in New York and LA. All of Van Leeuwen’s ice cream is made from scratch, and they offer a large variety of vegan flavors to boot. With a menu of classic flavors like earl grey tea and honeycomb, as well as a rotating specialty list, Van Leeuwen’s is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Van Leeuwen is located at 152 W 10th Street (for other locations, check here).
3. Ample Hills Creamery
Founded in 2011, Ample Hills Creamery now serves up ice cream in numerous locations, including Gotham West Market and the Jacob Riis Beach Bazaar. Flavors like Snap, Mallow Pop!, Cookie au Lait, and Chocolate Milk & Cookies dominate the menu. Out-of-staters, never fear you can order their ice cream by the pint and have it delivered straight to your door!
Ample Hills is located at 600 11th Avenue (for other locations, check here).
4. Oddfellows
Oddfellows ice cream is made daily in small batches it’s so fresh, in fact, that they often run out of certain flavors by the evening! Luckily, their website is kept up-to-date with available flavors at each location. These usually include scoops like Caramel Cashew, Coconut Kaffir Lime Leaf, and Thai Iced Tea.
Oddfellows is located at 75 E 4th Street.
5. Momofuku Milk Bar
A bakery from Christina Tosi of the Momofuku Restaurants, Milk Bar lives up to its hype. Order their famous cereal milk soft serve with corn flakes that tastes just like the milk that’s leftover at the bottom of the bowl. They also have birthday cake soft serve, topped with totally Instagrammable sprinkles.
Momofuku Milk Bar is located at 110 Wall Street.
6. Sundaes and Cones
Founded in 1991, Sundaes and Cones is still going strong after over two decades in the homemade ice cream biz. Originally based in Brooklyn, the shop relocated to the East Village in 2006 to bring their distinct flavors to Manhattan. In addition to unusual flavors like Wasabi, Ginger, and Corn, Sundaes and Cones is known for an added bonus: its generous serving sizes.
Sundaes and Cones is located at 95 E 10th Street.
7. Davey’s Ice Cream
You might recognize Davey’s Ice Cream by its bright storefront, which is the work of owner (and former graphic designer) David Yoo. His creativity and innovation shows through in unique flavors like Nutella Chocolate Chunk and Speculoos Chocolate Chip, as well as classics like French Vanilla and Fresh Strawberry.
Davey’s Ice Cream is located at 137 E 1st Avenue.
8. Tipsy Scoop
If you need a little something extra to get you through the day (and you’re of age), Tipsy Scoop is the place for you. Their liquor-infused ice cream draws inspiration from classic cocktails, with flavors like Strawberry White Sangria Sorbet, Red Velvet Martini, and Maple Bacon Bourbon. Ice cream and alcohol? Count us in.
Tipsy Scoop is located at 217 E 26th Street.
9. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
A family-run business that’s been operating for over 30 years, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory serves up Asian-inspired flavors in the heart of Chinatown. They offer homemade ice cream in flavors like Taro/Ube (purple sweet potato), Pandan (a Malaysian leaf often used in Asian desserts), and Don Tot (light creamy egg custard).
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is located at 65 Bayard Street.
Stave off the city heat like a true New Yorker: with a scoop of artisanal ice cream. Affinia is offering four nights for the price of three, or three nights for the price of two, so you can live out your ice cream fantasies in NYC all summer long (and into the fall). Enjoy!
