When it gets hot in the city, and the summer months roll in alongside humidity and hot days, there’s nothing better than being able to treat yourself to a delicious scoop of ice cream for a sweet reprieve. New York City boasts a few of the best ice cream spots, known for their incredible flavors, inventive creations, and commitment to making the perfect scoop. Here is an enumeration of the best ice cream shops and what they have to offer.
Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw is a nationally known, beloved shop located in NYC’s Chelsea Market with an array of flavors. From nduja-bacon and cheddar habanero to mini donut or conserving with homemade spiced graham crackers, there is a flavor for everyone. The shop specializes in providing a wide selection of creative flavors and consistently excellent service.
Emack & Bolio’s
This family-owned and independent small business, established in 1975, offers up a range of ice cream treats that are truly unique. Emack & Bolio’s shines with its incredible flavors, from peanut butter cookie dough to caramel mocha crunch or Pirate’s Booty. Combining a variety of components, this spot has something for everyone, and vegans and those with dietary restrictions will find something definitely worth trying.
Sundaes and Cones
Sundaes and Cones is an essential stop for anyone seeking the perfect scoop. Although they don’t have a wide variety of flavors, their ice cream is still the real deal. Focusing on quality over quantity, this spot offers up traditional flavors like chocolate, mint chip, and vanilla as well as flavors like salted caramel pretzel, banana cream pie, and horchata.
Grom
When it comes to good ice cream, you can’t go wrong with Grom. Founded in Turin in 2003, Grom’s mission is to “promote a relationship between the consumer and his or her place of origin, encouraging a share fair and sustainable agriculture.” Specializing in high-end gelato and sorbet, Grom distinguishes itself for its “high integrity gelato that is all natural, organic, and seasonal,” making it a tremendous treat as well as a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Big Gay Ice Cream
Big Gay Ice Cream is a downtown NYC favorite and is the brain child of Doug Quint and Bryan Petroff, who opened their first shop in the East Village in 2009. Its unique menu features soft-serve ice cream and includes special creations like the Salty Pimp (vanilla soft-serve with a dulce de leche swirl, finished with coarse sea salt and dipped in a chocolate shell) and the Bea Arthur (vanilla soft-serve topped with dulce de leche and crushed Nilla wafers).
Mile High Ice Cream
Mile High Ice Cream is a shop devoted to perfecting the art of the classic scoops. Founded by Abigail Deirdre Gullen, Jessica Lasker, and Michelle Polzine, Mile High offers whimsical flavors like olive oil and sea salt and chipotle Mexican chocolate. Along with their regular flavors, you can also find specialty vegan and dairy-free flavors. Whether it’s ice cream for a sweet treat after dinner or a pick-me-up mid-afternoon, Mile High Ice Cream has something for everyone.
Ample Hills Creamery
Ample Hills Creamery was founded in 2011 in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, and it swiftly earned a reputation for being one of the best ice cream spots in the city. Offering a variety of unique flavors, including an inventive mix of pastry crust, Salty crack caramel core, and marshmallow topping, the shop is well known for its inventive creations. Ample Hills Creamery also offers an indulgent coffee flavor with coffee buttercream and a coffee-chip cookie dough.
The Perfect Scoop
If you’re looking for the perfect scoop of ice cream, The Perfect Scoop is the place to go. Located in the East Village, this spot is known for its incredible flavors, large selection of classics, and commitment to perfection. Their menu has something for everyone, from traditional flavors like chocolate and strawberry to fun flavors like Pistachio Butter Pecan, Cookies and Cream, and Coconut Pandan.
Ice and Vice
Not all ice cream is made the same and Ice and Vice comes to the table with a unique approach to ice cream. Founded by Paul Kim and Ken Lo, Ice and Vice’s mission is to use the finest ingredients, sourced within 100 miles from their shop in the Lower East Side. The flavors are inspiring creations and range from things like Dusse French Vanilla — a rum soaked custard ice cream with olive oil and graham crackers — to the Cuban Cigar, made with guava-infused banana ice cream and hazelnut praline.
New York City boasts one of the most vibrant ice cream scenes. With unique flavors, daring creations, and commitment to the perfect scoop, the city’s ice cream shops should never be overlooked. Whether you’re craving something on the classic side or searching for an inventive treat, there is a NYC ice cream shop for you. From Salt and Straw to Ice and Vice and all the spots in between, these ice cream hubs have something for a sweet escape for you.
