5 of New York’s Hottest Ice Cream Spots

Where to Get Ice Cream in NYC

Ahhh spring is finally here in New York City! The sun is shining brighter, the birds are chirping louder, and the real estate scene is exploding but it’s okay because summer is near.

We’re giving you the scoop on five of the best ice cream spots to try in New York this summer. From a trusty classic cone to non-dairy options, we’ve got you covered!

Anita’s

You’ll be hard-pressed to find downtown New Yorkers hanging out uptown or vice versa…but Anita’s is worth the trek! We discovered this delectable gelato place serendipitously but have made multiple trips uptown just for this. 

Founded by Anita’s family in her small Mediterranean kitchen, the ice cream shop definitely delivers European summer vibes. They offer over 150 different flavors of frozen yogurt, sorbets, soy-based, and classic ice creams. 

The watermelon and mint gelato is a dream! And good news for downtown folks they’re opening a location in midtown this summer! 

Address: 1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028 (new location coming to Broadway & West 26th)

Van Leeuwen’s

A New York classic, Van Leeuwen’s has nearly 20 locations dotted throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s consistently, reliably delicious. I always get the earl grey ice cream but they have a variety of interesting flavors and great vegan options as well. 

And if you’re not in New York but are craving a bite of Van Leeuwen’s, many grocery stores sell containers of their ice cream (including the famous collaboration with Kraft for Mac & Cheese ice cream). 

Softside

Brand spanking new, Softside (the IG handle lol!) popped up in SoHo just a couple of weeks ago. Tucked into a teeny storefront with a few flavor and topping options, this unfussy ice cream spot is perfect for when you want to grab some ice cream for a SoHo stroll. 

Tip: Grab it and sit on the benches at DeSalvio Playground across the street for some great people watching.

Address: 51 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

(image via fork.and.spoon)

Whipped Urban Dessert Lab

All new things start in New York like Whipped, the world’s first oat milk ice cream shop. Located in the Lower East Side, this plant-based ice cream is dairy free, egg free, nut free, soy free and gluten free. They have three base flavors and a selection of sauces and toppings served in their iconic red paper-covered cones. 

Address: 95 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Oddfellows 

Eclectic, quirky, and slightly peculiar, Oddfellows has perhaps the most unique ice cream flavors in New York. Peanut Butter S’mores, Thai Tea & Lemongrass, Caramel Chocolate Toffee, and Buttermilk Honey Blueberry are all flavors you can find here. 

Visit their Williamsburg shop in Domino Park and enjoy the fun retro vibes. Or grab your scoops at Pier 5 along Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoy the view. 

Address: 

• Williamsburg: 40 River Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Brooklyn Bridge Park: 334 Furman Street, Pier 5, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Mochidoki

And a bonus option for those who aren’t so big on ice cream!

Mochidoki serves some of the best mochi in New York. Arranged perfectly under the counter, they offer traditional Asian flavors like red bean, ube, and black sesame as well as classic and fruity flavors and even an everything bagel flavor. They also offer beautifully packaged gift boxes making these a perfect treat to bring to a party! 

Address: 176 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

There you have it, the top spots for ice cream in New York this summer.

And to quote Van Leeuwen’s famous tagline, “A life without anything good is bad.”