Ice cream is by far my biggest summer guilty pleasure. I could literally probably eat my weight in it... ha. This summer in particular, I made it my mission to try as many different ice cream shops in my area (NJ / NY) as possible. For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you are probably already aware of my ice cream obsession. I keep an ongoing "Ice Cream Bucket List" on my phone's notes app, and am constantly adding new places to try! I was able to uncover some of the best ice cream I've ever eaten this summer, and now I'm here to share the SCOOP with you! ;)
(in no particular order)
NEW YORK
Van Leeuwen
I first heard about this place via Instagram, when someone posted this exact flavor combo. Obviously, I had to go out and try it for myself. They have multiple locations in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan (I stopped in at the Greenpoint location after seeing a gallery show nearby). It was a super hot day, so my experience here was pure euphoria to say the least.. haha!
Pictured Flavor(s): Earl Grey + Pistachio
Morgenstern's
I found out about this place via Refinery29's "Best Ice Cream in NYC" article. I had also walked by their LES location before, and witnessed the line being out the door many times. The entire place smelled like honey, and I had a very difficult time choosing what flavor to get! I will definitely have to return to try the burnt honey vanilla.. Also, their waffle cone here was killer.
Pictured Flavor: Pistachio Green Tea
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
This place is a must any time I'm near Dumbo / Brooklyn Bridge Park. The building itself is reminiscent of a lighthouse, and it is located right along the water. It wasn't a new discovery for me this summer, but I figured it was definitely worthy of including on this list! One of my other favorite flavors from here (not pictured) is peaches and cream.
Pictured Flavor: Strawberry
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Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
I've been coming to Chinatown since I was little, but not once have I ever been to this ice cream place until this summer! I was surprised to learn that they had been in business for 30+ years, and I had no idea that they existed, haha. They have a TON of flavors to choose from - a great variety of both Asian and non-Asian flavors.
Pictured Flavor(s): Egg Custard + Taro
Play J! Scream
I discovered this Korean ice cream truck on @hiddengemofNYC and was so intrigued by their J-shaped cones! The truck can usually be found parked somewhere in SOHO on Broadway. Right now the only flavors they have available are vanilla / chocolate - so I got one that was half and half! It was not the most convenient way to eat ice cream, but it was fun! ;)
Pictured Flavor: Half Vanilla / Half Chocolate
Melt Bakery
I stumbled upon Melt's epic ice cream sandwiches at the Hester Street Fair, and could not resist! I ate it while I was walking, and a total stranger even stopped to say "damn, that looks really good" at a crosswalk, haha.. it was really good!
Pictured Flavor: "Morticia" (malted chocolate rum ice cream sandwiched b/w two crackly chocolate cookies)
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Coney's Cones
I totally chose my flavor here based merely on the color... which is probably terrible because this blue was totally not natural haha. I had never seen ice cream so blue before! The downside about this Coney Island Boardwalk shop is that they didn't have any toppings... not even sprinkles..
Pictured Flavor: Birthday Cake
Mister Softee
You know it's summer when you start seeing the Mister Softee trucks out and about! It definitely doesn't compare to the artisan quality of some of the other shops I've listed here, but it's my go-to for a simple soft serve cone in NYC!
Pictured Flavor: Vanilla Soft Serve
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NEW JERSEY
Alstede Farms
If you're not a new reader to my blog, you probably already know my obsession with this farm because I've blogged about it before. They offer seasonal flavors year-round, and I am already anxiously awaiting their pumpkin ice cream in the fall!
Pictured Flavor: "Smurf" (Blue Raspberry + Marshmallows)
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Taylor's Ice Cream Parlor
This little place is located in Chester on Main Street, and gives the nearby Dairy Queen a run for its money. When I saw how perfectly swirled together the colors were in this flavor, I couldn't resist!
Pictured Flavor: "Superman" (basically tasted like cotton candy + bubblegum)
Day's Ice Cream
Stopped into this boardwalk ice cream shop while I was down in Asbury Park, and I think it was definitely my favorite Jersey Shore cone this summer!
Pictured Flavor(s): Toasted Coconut + Birthday Cake
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Scoops on Sunset
I stumbled across this place while on my recent trip down to Cape May. I was totally drawn in by it's pink walls and neon ice cream sign - and it was the perfect way to end a hot summer night!
Pictured Flavor(s): Peppermint + Toasted Coconut
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Ideally, I would have brought you this post at the beginning of summer... but hopefully you are like me and eat ice cream no matter what time of year it is, haha. ;)
What are you favorite ice cream places and flavors? I'm always looking to add to my list!