This guide will highlight NYC’s top ice cream shops, from Morgenstern’s inventive scoops to classic soft serve trucks, paired with food tours like a Chinatown and Little Italy walk to satisfy your culinary cravings. You’ll get detailed insights into each location’s offerings, history, and vibe, plus practical tips for visiting, including hours, transit options, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or a foodie seeking variety, NYC Ice Cream spots and food tours create a perfect day out. Plan your visit with this guide to make every bite memorable.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream: Bold Flavors in NoHo
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, located at 2 Rivington Street in NoHo, is a must-visit for NYC Ice Cream lovers. Known for its creative flavors and some of the best frozen treats in New York, this shop offers over 50 options, including Black Sesame Honey, Burnt Sage, and Salted Caramel Pretzel. Each scoop is made with high-quality ingredients, and the texture is dense yet creamy, thanks to their unique custard base. The minimalist shop has a retro-modern vibe with black-and-white tiles and a small counter for ordering. You can choose cups, cones, or pints to go, and they offer vegan options like Coconut Espresso.
To visit, take the F train to 2nd Avenue or the 6 train to Bleecker Street, then walk 5 minutes. Morgenstern’s is open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, with extended hours to midnight on weekends. Arrive early to avoid lines, especially in summer. The shop is small, so expect to eat outside—grab a bench at nearby Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Pair your visit with a stroll through SoHo’s boutiques, a 10-minute walk away, or catch a Broadway show like Hamilton in the evening. Bring cash for quicker service, as card payments can slow down the line.
Ample Hills Creamery: Brooklyn’s Family-Friendly Favorite
Ample Hills Creamery, at 623 Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, is a beloved NYC Ice Cream destination. Famous for playful flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and The Munchies (pretzel-infused ice cream with chips and crackers), this shop uses local dairy and house-made mix-ins. The bright, colorful space welcomes families with kid-friendly seating and a rooftop deck for warm days. You can order scoops, sundaes, or milkshakes, and they sell pints for home enjoyment. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.
Reach Ample Hills via the 2/3 train to Grand Army Plaza, a 5-minute walk away. They’re open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, with lines peaking in the late afternoon. Visit early or on weekdays to beat the crowd. The shop is near Prospect Park, so you can walk off your dessert with a 10-minute stroll to the park’s meadows. Alternatively, head to the Brooklyn Museum, 15 minutes away, for art exhibits. Bring a light jacket for the air-conditioned interior, and check their website for seasonal flavors before you go.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Artisanal Scoops Across Manhattan
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, with multiple locations like 172 Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side, is a NYC Ice Cream staple. Their signature offerings include Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, and Vegan Chocolate Fudge Brownie, made with minimal ingredients for pure flavor. The Ludlow shop has a sunny yellow exterior and a cozy interior with wooden benches. You can get scoops, shakes, or sundaes, and their house-made waffle cones are a fan favorite. They prioritize sustainability, using compostable cups and local dairy.
Take the F train to Delancey Street or the J/M/Z to Essex Street, then walk 3 minutes. Van Leeuwen is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Lines form in the evening, so visit mid-morning for a quieter experience. The Lower East Side location is near Katz’s Delicatessen, a 5-minute walk, where you can grab a pastrami sandwich. For evening plans, book Wicked on Broadway, a 20-minute subway ride away. Bring sunglasses for outdoor seating, as the area gets bright.
ister Softee: Classic Soft Serve on the Go
Mister Softee trucks, a NYC Ice Cream icon, are parked across Manhattan and Brooklyn, often near Central Park or Times Square. Their soft serve comes in vanilla, chocolate, or swirl, served in cones or cups with toppings like sprinkles or chocolate dip. The trucks’ jingle is unmistakable, drawing crowds for nostalgic treats. You can also order milkshakes or sundaes, perfect for a quick dessert while sightseeing. The menu is simple, but the creamy texture and affordability make it a classic.
Find a truck near Central Park by taking the A/B/C or 1/2/3 train to 59th Street-Columbus Circle. Trucks operate from 10 AM to 9 PM, weather permitting, with peak hours in the afternoon. Check social media for real-time locations, as trucks move daily. After your treat, visit the Central Park Zoo, a 10-minute walk, or relax by the Bethesda Fountain. For evening fun, catch MJ The Musical on Broadway, a 15-minute subway ride away. Bring cash, as some trucks don’t accept cards, and wear comfortable shoes for standing in line.
Big Gay Ice Cream: Quirky Cones in the West Village
Big Gay Ice Cream, at 61 Grove Street in the West Village, is a NYC Ice Cream hotspot for its fun, quirky offerings. Signature items include the Salty Pimp (vanilla soft serve with dulce de leche and sea salt) and the Bea Arthur (vanilla with crushed wafers). The shop’s rainbow decor and playful vibe make it a welcoming spot for all. You can order soft serve, hard ice cream, or shakes, with vegan options available. Their sundaes come with creative toppings like key lime curd or toasted marshmallows.
Take the 1 train to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square or the A/C/E to 14th Street, then walk 5 minutes. Big Gay is open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, with crowds peaking after 6 PM. Visit in the early afternoon to avoid lines. The West Village is perfect for a post-ice cream walk—head to Washington Square Park, 10 minutes away, or browse Bleecker Street’s shops. For evening plans, book Hadestown on Broadway, a 15-minute subway ride. Bring a camera for Instagram-worthy cones, and check their menu online for daily specials.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory: Unique Asian-Inspired Flavors
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, at 65 Bayard Street, offers a unique NYC Ice Cream experience with Asian-inspired flavors like Lychee, Black Sesame, and Pandan. This family-run shop, open since 1978, uses traditional recipes and fresh ingredients for creamy, bold scoops. The cozy space has a red-and-gold decor, reflecting Chinatown’s vibe, and you can order cups, cones, or pints. Their Durian flavor is a daring choice for adventurous eaters, while Mango Sorbet is a crowd-pleaser.
Take the J/Z train to Canal Street or the 6 train to Spring Street, then walk 5 minutes. The shop is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, with shorter lines in the morning. Pair your visit with a dim sum lunch at nearby Nom Wah Tea Parlor, a 3-minute walk. After, stroll to Little Italy for cannoli, 10 minutes away, or catch Aladdin on Broadway, a 20-minute subway ride. Bring cash for faster service, and wear a hat for outdoor eating in sunny weather. Check their website for seasonal flavors.
Milk Bar’s Cereal Milk Soft Serve: Nostalgic Treats in SoHo
Milk Bar, at 382 Lafayette Street in SoHo, is famous for its Cereal Milk Soft Serve, a NYC Ice Cream favorite that tastes like the sweet milk left after eating cereal. You can get it in a cup or cone, topped with cornflake crunch or sprinkles. Milk Bar also offers hard ice cream flavors like Coffee and Birthday Cake, plus shakes and sundaes. The shop’s pink-and-white decor and open counter create a lively atmosphere, perfect for a quick dessert stop.
Take the 6 train to Bleecker Street or the B/D/F/M to Broadway-Lafayette, then walk 3 minutes. Milk Bar is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, with lines forming in the late afternoon. Visit early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. SoHo’s shopping district is steps away, so you can browse stores like Uniqlo after your treat. For evening plans, book Chicago on Broadway, a 15-minute subway ride. Bring a reusable tote for carrying pints home, and check their Instagram for limited-time flavors.
Shake Shack’s Frozen Custard: A Classic NYC Treat
Shake Shack, with locations like 691 8th Avenue in Midtown, serves rich Frozen Custard, a creamy NYC Ice Cream alternative. Flavors rotate weekly, with staples like Vanilla, Chocolate, and seasonal picks like Pumpkin Pie. You can order cups, cones, or “concretes” (custard blended with mix-ins like brownies or fudge). The Midtown location is busy but spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating. Their custard is thicker than soft serve, making it a satisfying treat after a burger.
Take the A/C/E or 1/2/3 train to 42nd Street-Port Authority, then walk 2 minutes. Shake Shack is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM, with peak crowds at lunch and dinner. Visit mid-afternoon for shorter lines. The location is near Times Square, so you can see the bright lights after your dessert, a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, book Lion King on Broadway, a 10-minute walk. Bring a light sweater for the air-conditioned interior, and check their app for flavor updates.
Sundaes and Cones: East Village’s Hidden Gem
Sundaes and Cones, at 95 East 10th Street in the East Village, is a lesser-known NYC Ice Cream spot with a loyal following. Their flavors range from Green Tea and Taro to classic Chocolate Peanut Butter, all made in-house with smooth, creamy textures. The shop’s simple decor and glass counter let the ice cream shine. You can order scoops, sundaes, or banana splits, and their waffle cones are freshly baked. They also offer sorbets for dairy-free visitors.
Take the L train to 3rd Avenue or the 6 train to Astor Place, then walk 5 minutes. Sundaes and Cones is open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, with quieter times in the morning. The East Village is vibrant, so pair your visit with a meal at Veselka, a 7-minute walk, for Ukrainian comfort food. For evening plans, catch & Juliet on Broadway, a 15-minute subway ride. Bring a notebook to jot down favorite flavors, and check their website for daily specials.
Tips for Visiting NYC Ice Cream Spots
To make your NYC Ice Cream adventure seamless, plan ahead. Most shops open around noon and close between 10 PM and midnight—check their websites for exact hours. Buy tickets for food tours online to secure spots, especially for popular ones like Chinatown and Little Italy. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for tours to check in, and bring cash for ice cream trucks or smaller shops, as some don’t accept cards. Allow 2-3 hours for each ice cream outing, including travel and wait times.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking between shops and tours, and bring a light jacket for air-conditioned interiors. Lines are common in summer, so visit early or on weekdays for shorter waits. Pair your ice cream stops with nearby attractions, like Central Park after Mister Softee or SoHo shopping after Milk Bar. For evening plans, book Broadway shows like The Lion King or MJ The Musical, a short subway ride from most spots. Check the weather, as you’ll be outdoors, and bring a reusable tote for pints or leftovers.
Planning Your Ice Cream and Food Tour Day
Start your day at Morgenstern’s in NoHo at 12 PM to beat the lunch crowd, spending about an hour enjoying their bold scoops. Then, walk 10 minutes to Milk Bar in SoHo for Cereal Milk Soft Serve, pairing it with a quick browse of nearby shops. Next, head to the Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour, a 15-minute walk or short subway ride (F train to East Broadway), starting at 2 PM. The tour’s tastings will fill you up, so plan for a light dinner.
After the tour, take the 6 train to the East Village, a 10-minute ride, and visit Sundaes and Cones by 5 PM for a final scoop. End your evening with a Broadway show like Wicked, a 20-minute subway ride to Midtown. Use a MetroCard for subway travel, and carry cash for small vendors. May weather is mild, but summer can be humid, so dress in layers and bring a water bottle. If you’re staying late, catch a cab or rideshare to avoid late-night subway crowds.
Check Out Late Night Ice Cream Spots in NYC
NYC Ice Cream spots like Morgenstern’s, Ample Hills, and Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, paired with food tours, offer a delicious way to experience the city. Use a New York city travel guide to plan your day, adding Broadway theater shows like MJ The Musical tickets in NYC for a memorable evening. Seek out hidden gems in Manhattan like Sundaes and Cones for unique flavors. For more ideas, check out VisitNYC.com to make your trip unforgettable.
