When the August humidity hits New York City, there’s only one truly effective remedy: frozen treats. NYC is a paradise for ice cream lovers, offering everything from artisanal scoops and innovative flavors to classic Italian ices and over-the-top creations. The city’s frozen landscape is constantly evolving, blending tradition with culinary innovation.
Here is your guide to the best ice cream and frozen treats in NYC to help you cool down on a hot summer day in 2025.
The Artisanal Scoop Shops: Innovation and Quality
NYC’s ice cream scene is defined by shops that prioritize high-quality ingredients, unique flavors, and perfect texture.
1. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Why it’s great: Started as a humble food truck, Van Leeuwen is now a nationwide sensation known for its incredibly creamy texture (using extra egg yolks) and its extensive, high-quality vegan offerings. They strike the perfect balance between classic flavors and innovative creations.
Must-Try Flavors: Honeycomb (a textural masterpiece), Earl Grey Tea, and any of their seasonal vegan specialties.
Locations: Numerous locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
2. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Why it’s great: Morgenstern’s takes a chef-driven approach to ice cream, focusing on unique flavor profiles and meticulous technique. The vibe is retro ice cream parlor meets modern culinary lab.
Must-Try Flavors: Burnt Honey Vanilla, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and their famous array of distinct vanilla variations (like Madagascar Vanilla and French Vanilla).
Locations: Lower East Side and Greenwich Village.
3. Ample Hills Creamery
Why it’s great: Known for its whimsical, mix-in-heavy flavors and commitment to high-quality dairy. Ample Hills creates ice cream that is fun, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. (Note: While the original company faced financial reorganization, its iconic flavors and spirit live on in several locations).
Must-Try Flavors: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (a legend), The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with Ritz crackers, potato chips, and M&Ms).
Locations: Prospect Heights, Gowanus, and others.
The NYC Icons: Tradition and Fun
4. Big Gay Ice Cream
Why it’s great: What started as a playful food truck has become an NYC institution. Big Gay Ice Cream specializes in elevated soft-serve with creative toppings, combining nostalgia with a modern twist.
Must-Try Creations: The Salty Pimp (vanilla soft-serve injected with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt, and dipped in chocolate), and the American Globs.
Locations: East Village, West Village, and South Street Seaport.
5. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Why it’s great: A Chinatown staple for decades, this family-run shop is known for its vibrant Asian flavors alongside traditional American classics. It’s a cultural institution.
Must-Try Flavors: Lychee, Black Sesame, Pandan, and Almond Cookie.
Location: Bayard Street, Chinatown.
The Best Gelato and Sorbetto
For those who prefer the denser texture and intense flavors of Italian gelato.
6. Il Laboratorio del Gelato
Why it’s great: Located in the Lower East Side, this minimalist shop lives up to its name—it truly is a laboratory. They offer an astonishing array of flavors (over 300 rotating options), from the classic to the downright bizarre (like Cheddar Cheese or Wasabi).
Must-Try Flavors: The experience here is about experimentation. Try the Tarragon Pink Pepper, Olive Oil, or any of their vibrant fruit sorbettos.
Location: Ludlow Street, Lower East Side.
7. L’Arte del Gelato
Why it’s great: Offering authentic Sicilian-style gelato, L’Arte del Gelato focuses on traditional techniques and pristine ingredients. Their gelato is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Must-Try Flavors: Pistacchio, Stracciatella, and Nocciola.
Locations: Chelsea Market, Lincoln Center, and others.
Classic Frozen Treats: Italian Ices and More
Sometimes, nothing beats a classic New York frozen treat.
8. The Lemon Ice King of Corona
Why it’s great: A Queens institution for over 75 years. This iconic stand serves the definitive NYC Italian ice. The texture is smooth, and the flavors are intense, made with real fruit.
Must-Try Flavors: Lemon (the classic), Watermelon, and Peanut Butter (surprisingly good). Remember the rule: no mixing flavors!
Location: 108th Street, Corona, Queens.
9. Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
Why it’s great: A Staten Island original that has spread across the boroughs. Ralph’s offers a huge variety of classic water ices and cream ices (a richer, smoother alternative).
Must-Try Flavors: Cherry (water ice), and any of the cream ice specialties like Cannoli or S’mores.
Locations: Numerous locations in all five boroughs.
Over-the-Top Indulgence
10. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Why it’s great: Famous for their viral “CrazyShakes”—monstrous milkshakes topped with slices of cake, cookies, candy, and whipped cream. It’s an experience (and a sugar rush).
Must-Try Shakes: The CakeShake (topped with a slice of funfetti cake) or the Cookie Shake.
Locations: SoHo and Midtown.
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated scoop or a nostalgic treat, NYC’s frozen landscape has something to satisfy every craving and help you beat the August heat.
