The Ultimate New York Ice Cream Guide: 25+ Must-Visit Shops for the Sweetest Summer Treats

As the summer sun rises over New York City and its surrounding boroughs, there’s no better way to cool down and satisfy your sweet cravings than with a generous scoop of ice cream. From timeless classics to inventive new flavors, the region offers a dazzling variety of shops ready to serve the perfect frozen treat. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a simple vanilla cone or an adventurous foodie seeking unique taste experiences, this guide spotlights more than 25 essential ice cream destinations that promise to add a sweet touch to your summer.

Ice cream is more than just dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey, a refreshing escape on a hot day, and the perfect finale to a warm summer evening. Its creamy texture, endless customization options, and global flavor inspirations make it the ultimate seasonal indulgence. Step into the vibrant world of frozen desserts, where each shop offers a distinctive flavor journey — from self-serve frozen yogurt to handmade artisanal gelato and everything in between.

Creamy Flavors of New York City

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens are home to a lively collection of ice cream spots. Self-serve frozen yogurt shops invite you to create your own masterpiece with seasonal flavors and endless toppings. Some parlors feature tasting “flights” of multiple flavors, DIY floats, or menus boasting over 150 flavors — including vegan and sugar-free options.

Italian cafés double as ice cream laboratories, offering rotating daily flavors alongside staples like affogato. Long-standing factories, some dating back to the 1970s, blend tradition with multicultural influence, serving exotic flavors like lychee, black sesame, and red bean.

Award-winning shops offer inventive ice cream sandwiches, espresso pairings, and customizable cakes. Frozen dessert “paradises” serve edible cookie dough, warm brownie creations, and candy-coated cones for adventurous eaters. Brooklyn also boasts a number of flavor “labs,” balancing nostalgic tastes like fresh mint chip with bold blends like mango rice caramel — all crafted from premium local ingredients.

Sweet Escapes on Long Island

Long Island ice cream destinations mix creativity with tradition. From Mickey-shaped waffle cones with fried chicken to authentic Italian gelato, these shops offer an array of both playful and refined experiences. Family-owned institutions dating back to the 1950s continue to delight with sugar-free and vegan selections, milkshakes, and frozen drinks.

Beloved Westchester Parlors

Since the early 1990s, Westchester ice cream parlors have focused on fresh, simple, and familiar flavors. Many began as small neighborhood spots and grew into well-loved community staples, offering both retail and wholesale ice cream.

Unique Flavors of Staten Island

Staten Island is home to some of the most distinctive ice cream experiences in New York. From century-old parlors blending tradition with modern creativity to authentic Italian gelato shops using natural, dairy-free ingredients, there’s a treat for every palate. Some offer dog-friendly cups, while others specialize in kosher desserts, cereal-infused milkshakes, or small-batch artisan creations inspired by Harlem, Caribbean, and Midwestern traditions.

Wherever you are in New York City and its surrounding areas, one thing is certain — your perfect scoop is waiting to make your summer sweeter.