NYC is a melting pot of cultures, and its ice cream scene is just as diverse. From classic, creamy scoops to outrageous and inventive flavors, these ice cream shops have become must-visit spots in the city. Let’s take a delicious tour through the best places to get your ice cream fix in NYC.
1. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – Multiple Locations
- Google Maps: Van Leeuwen – West Village Location
Address: 152 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012 (West Village location)
Best For: Vegan flavors, artisanal ingredients, classic & seasonal scoops
Van Leeuwen is an NYC staple known for its creamy, high-quality ice cream made with simple, natural ingredients. With a variety of both dairy and vegan options, they offer flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous scoops like Earl Grey Tea and Honeycomb. They also have seasonal specials that rotate frequently, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Their vegan flavors are some of the best you’ll find, made with cashew milk, coconut cream, and cocoa butter to create a silky smooth texture.
What to Order: For a classic experience, try the Honeycomb or Earl Grey Tea. For vegan lovers, the Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is a must!
2. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – Lower East Side
- Google Maps: Morgenstern’s Location
Address: 88 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Best For: Unique flavors, retro vibes, small-batch ice cream
If you’re looking for inventive flavors and small-batch goodness, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is the place to be. Their Lower East Side shop has a retro diner vibe that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The ice cream is churned daily and made in small batches, with an array of creative flavors like Burnt Honey Vanilla, Black Coconut Ash, and Salted Chocolate Almond Butter. The menu features a range of interesting toppings and sundaes as well, so you can build your ice cream exactly the way you like it.
What to Order: If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Black Coconut Ash or Vietnamese Coffee flavors—both are unique and absolutely delicious.
3. Ample Hills Creamery – Brooklyn
- Google Maps: Ample Hills – Gowanus Location
Address: 305 Nevins St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Best For: Creative mix-ins, family-friendly atmosphere, local charm
Ample Hills Creamery is a Brooklyn-born favorite that quickly made a name for itself as one of NYC’s best ice cream spots. Known for their creative flavors and mix-ins, like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with potato chips and M&Ms), Ample Hills focuses on small-batch production to ensure every scoop is creamy and fresh. The Gowanus location has a welcoming, family-friendly vibe, complete with a rooftop area and fun activities like storytelling events.
What to Order: The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a cult favorite, while PB Wins the Cup (a peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter cups and fudge) is a must for peanut butter lovers.
4. Soft Swerve – Lower East Side
- Google Maps: Soft Swerve Location
Address: 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Best For: Unique soft serve flavors, colorful cones, Asian-inspired ingredients
If you’re craving soft-serve ice cream with a twist, head over to Soft Swerve in the Lower East Side. This ice cream shop is known for its vibrant, Asian-inspired flavors like Ube (Purple Yam), Matcha, and Black Sesame. Soft Swerve’s creamy texture and striking colors make their cones highly Instagrammable, and they offer an array of toppings, from crushed Oreos to Fruity Pebbles. The ube ice cream, in particular, is a fan favorite and a treat you won’t find anywhere else.
What to Order: Try the Ube Soft Serve in a red velvet cone for a unique and colorful ice cream experience, or mix it with matcha for an unexpected flavor combo.
FAQs About Ice Cream in NYC
Q: Which NYC ice cream shop has the best vegan options?
A: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is known for its high-quality vegan flavors made with plant-based ingredients like cashew milk and coconut cream.
Q: Where can I find soft-serve ice cream in NYC?
A: Both Soft Swerve and Big Gay Ice Cream specialize in soft-serve, offering unique flavors and fun toppings.
Q: Are there any ice cream shops with family-friendly atmospheres?
A: Ample Hills Creamery is a fantastic spot for families, offering plenty of seating, fun events, and creative flavors that everyone will love.
Wrapping It Up
No matter what type of ice cream you’re craving, New York City’s diverse array of ice cream shops has something to satisfy every palate. From traditional flavors to creative combinations and vegan options, each of these five spots offers a unique twist on this classic dessert. Be sure to visit these places, explore the city, and enjoy every scoop!
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