The 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in NYC: A Scoop of Sweet Heaven

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New York City is an ever-bustling hub of culinary delights and no dessert is more cherished than ice cream. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Manhattan or the hidden corners of Brooklyn, you’re bound to find ice cream shops serving up scoops of happiness. From classic vanilla cones to adventurous flavors like Black Sesame, the city offers something for every kind of ice cream lover.

In this article, we’ll take you through the 10 best ice cream shops in NYC, perfect for anyone looking to indulge in frozen goodness while navigating the city that never sleeps.

Table of Contents

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

Location: 88 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Signature Flavor: Black Coconut Ash

Why You Should Visit: Known for its minimalistic, retro-style interior, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is where innovation meets nostalgia. Their ice cream is hand-churned, small-batch, and they’re always pushing boundaries with their complex flavor combinations. Morgenstern’s has something for everyone, whether you prefer a traditional vanilla bean or something more daring like their Black Coconut Ash, a smoky, sweet indulgence that’s become iconic on Instagram.

What to Try: Black Coconut Ash for its rich, intense flavor or Burnt Honey Vanilla if you prefer something a little lighter.

Ambience: With its 1950s diner feel, it’s a perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of SoHo. Their small serving sizes might seem unassuming, but every scoop is packed with flavor and texture.

Follow them: Instagram @morgensternsnyc

OddFellows Ice Cream Co.

Location: 75 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Signature Flavor: Miso Cherry

Why You Should Visit: If you like your ice cream with a side of creativity, OddFellows is the place for you. With a rotating menu of flavors that range from the whimsical to the outright bizarre, OddFellows prides itself on creating ice cream that defies the norms. They often incorporate savory elements, such as their famous Miso Cherry, blending sweet and salty in ways you’ve never imagined.

What to Try: Their cornbread ice cream is a must, or get adventurous with some of their one-of-a-kind savory blends.

Ambience: OddFellows strikes a balance between quirky and cozy, with its small, brightly colored seating areas that invite you to linger while enjoying their one-of-a-kind flavors.

Follow them: Instagram @oddfellowsnyc

Milk Bar

Location: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
Signature Flavor: Cereal Milk™ Soft Serve

Why You Should Visit: Milk Bar’s Cereal Milk™ Soft Serve is iconic for a reason. Created by celebrity chef Christina Tosi, the soft serve is made from milk that’s been steeped in cornflakes, sugar, and a hint of salt, creating a dessert that’s sweet, slightly salty, and nostalgically reminiscent of that last sip of cereal milk.

What to Try: Definitely go for the Cereal Milk™ Soft Serve, and don’t forget to add their famous cornflake crunch on top for that perfect bite.

Ambience: Milk Bar keeps things casual, with an emphasis on the experience of eating their treats rather than sitting in. Many people grab their soft serve to-go, making it the perfect pitstop during a busy day in the East Village.

Follow them: Instagram @milkbarstore

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Location: 48 1/2 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Signature Flavor: Honeycomb

Why You Should Visit: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream stands out with its commitment to using all-natural, simple ingredients to craft rich, decadent ice creams. With a focus on quality, they offer both dairy and vegan options that are equally creamy and delicious. Their ice cream is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, always leaving you wanting more.

What to Try: The Honeycomb flavor is a classic, but their vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is also a favorite, even among non-vegans.

Ambience: This shop feels warm and inviting, with a rustic yet modern interior that makes it the ideal spot for a casual meet-up or a date. You’ll often find regulars here, either enjoying their cones at the window or chatting with the friendly staff.

Follow them: Instagram @vanleeuwenicecream

Ample Hills Creamery

Location: 623 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Signature Flavor: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Why You Should Visit: Born in Brooklyn, Ample Hills Creamery has a cult-like following, thanks to its inventive flavors and fun atmosphere. Each batch of ice cream is made with organic, hormone-free milk and cream, making it some of the freshest ice cream you’ll taste in NYC.

What to Try: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a fan favorite, featuring chunks of buttery, gooey cake in every bite.

Ambience: Bright and whimsical, Ample Hills feels like a modern take on an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Their bright murals and friendly staff make this the perfect spot to bring kids—or to embrace your inner child.

Follow them: Instagram @amplehills

Big Gay Ice Cream

Location: 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Signature Flavor: The Salty Pimp

Why You Should Visit: What started as a food truck has turned into one of the most beloved ice cream spots in NYC. Big Gay Ice Cream’s soft-serve concoctions are a blend of classic flavors with an inventive twist, like The Salty Pimp, which combines vanilla soft serve, dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip.

What to Try: The Salty Pimp is a must-try, but if you’re looking for something different, give their Bea Arthur (vanilla soft serve with crushed Nilla wafers) a try.

Ambience: The vibe here is as fun and playful as the name suggests. With rainbow decor and quirky art, it’s a celebration of diversity and flavor all in one bite.

Follow them: Instagram @biggayicecream

Davey’s Ice Cream

Location: 137 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Signature Flavor: Strong Coffee

Why You Should Visit: Davey’s Ice Cream takes pride in making ice cream from scratch daily. With high-quality ingredients, every scoop is a labor of love. Their Strong Coffee flavor has been especially popular with locals who appreciate a bold taste.

What to Try: Besides Strong Coffee, their Chocolate Chunk ice cream is another standout that you can’t go wrong with.

Ambience: Small and cozy, Davey’s feels like a neighborhood gem where you can enjoy some peace and quiet while indulging in top-notch ice cream.

Follow them: Instagram @daveysicecream

Ice & Vice

Location: 221 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Signature Flavor: Milk Money (Toasted Milk with Sea Salt)

Why You Should Visit: Ice & Vice is for the adventurous ice cream enthusiast. Known for their small-batch, experimental flavors, this shop embraces the unusual. If you’re the kind of person who likes to try bold, unconventional combinations, Ice & Vice won’t disappoint.

What to Try: The Milk Money (toasted milk with sea salt) is one of their signature flavors, but you should also check out their limited-edition seasonal options.

Ambience: With an edgy and minimalist decor, Ice & Vice feels more like an art gallery than an ice cream shop—perfect for those who appreciate both high-quality ice cream and innovative design.

Follow them: Instagram @iceandvice

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Location: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Signature Flavor: Black Sesame

Why You Should Visit: Serving New York City for over 40 years, the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has become a beloved institution in the community. Family-owned and operated, this shop is famous for its unique Asian-inspired flavors like Black Sesame, Red Bean, and Lychee. It’s the perfect place for someone looking to experience the cultural diversity of Chinatown through the lens of ice cream.

What to Try: The Black Sesame flavor is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet. Also, don’t miss out on their exotic flavors like Lychee, Mango, and Matcha.

Ambience: The shop itself is small and unassuming, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. The cozy, no-frills atmosphere allows you to focus on the ice cream, which speaks for itself. There’s something truly special about eating an ice cream cone while wandering through the vibrant streets of Chinatown.

Follow them: Instagram @chinatownicecreamfactory

Taiyaki NYC

Location: 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
Signature Flavor: Matcha & Black Sesame Swirl

Why You Should Visit: If you’ve ever seen the viral photos of fish-shaped ice cream cones on Instagram, chances are they came from Taiyaki NYC. This Japanese-inspired dessert shop serves soft-serve ice cream in taiyaki cones—crispy, fish-shaped pastries traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. The result is a delicious and picture-perfect dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to photograph.

What to Try: Their Matcha & Black Sesame Swirl is an ideal choice if you’re looking for something unique yet satisfying. Pair it with a taiyaki cone filled with sweet red bean or Nutella for an indulgent treat.

Ambience: Taiyaki NYC’s vibe is playful and inviting, with a menu that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. Expect a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours, but rest assured that it’s worth it.

Follow them: Instagram @taiyakinyc

Conclusion:

New York City is a dessert lover’s paradise, and when it comes to ice cream shops in NYC, the options are as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Whether you’re craving a classic scoop of vanilla or looking to expand your palate with unique flavors like Miso Cherry or Black Sesame, there’s a spot for every kind of ice cream enthusiast.

These 10 best ice cream shops in NYC are perfect destinations for tourists and locals alike, offering not just frozen treats but also memorable experiences, Instagrammable moments, and flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Be sure to follow each shop on their social media channels to stay updated on new flavors and promotions. And don’t forget to follow us at The City Stuff for more guides on NYC’s best food spots, hidden gems, and exciting events.