There's Always Room For Ice Cream

There's Always Room For Ice Cream

Not only do I never get tired of eating ice cream, but apparently I don't get sick of writing about it either. I have ice cream on the brain constantly, sometimes even literally (Brain Freeze!). So when it comes to this delicious dessert, I'm always looking to try new places both in and out of New York.

Over the years we've have gotten to taste some very unique flavors. While visiting Portland, we tried Beecher's Cheese with Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls at Salt & Straw. In Kansas City, they were scooping ice cream with burnt ends and BBQ sauce in it at Betty Rae's - they really do love their BBQ down there. And we could never forget the best milkshakes we've ever had at Ghirardelli in San Francisco.

However, I don't want you to think that you need to travel all the way out of state to get good or interesting ice cream. Obviously we've all tried the typical Carvel, Baskin Robbins and Friendly's of the world - so don't expect them to be on my list of places to visit. They hit the spot when you are looking for a quick ice cream fix, but aren't really anything special - at least not when you have so many other amazing places at your fingertips.

Below you'll find a list of Ice Cream joints I would suggest you should experience at least once in your life. All the venues are in New York City or Long Island and they are all spots that I have been to and tried, sometimes on multiple occasions.

New York City

Serendipity3

Location: New York, NY (60th St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave)

What They Are Known For: Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

Serendipity3 serves different types of ice cream sundaes, but what they are known for are their various flavors of frozen hot chocolates. These are a little pricey, but the portion is enormous and they are delicious. Craig's hot fudge sundae admittedly could not compare to my peanut butter frozen hot chocolate and he said if he ever went back, he would make sure he ordered differently.

Surreal Creamery

Location: New York, NY (2nd Avenue & 30th Street)

What They Are Known For: Signature Mason Jars and Floteas

Floteas are basically bubble tea ice cream floats. However, neither Craig nor I are big fans of bubble tea so we went with the Mason Jars. I ordered the Chocolate Blackout (Chocolate Ice Cream, Chocolate Crunch, Chocolate Syrup , Cocoa Puffs and Oreos) and Craig got the Nom Nom Cookie (Monster Cookie Ice Cream, Chocolate Crunch, Chocolate Syrup, Cookie Crisps, Marshmellows and Oreos). It's a small place that has limited seating, so expect to eat your ice cream on the go. Oh and you get to keep the mason jars.

Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain

Location: Brooklyn, NY (Carroll Gardens)

What They Are Known For: Old school soda shop charm; being housed in a 1920s apothecary; egg creams

The hunt for a delicious egg cream is what first led us to try Brooklyn Farmacy; egg creams are one of Craig's favorite desserts, but it's hard to find a good one these days. I will say though, that although Craig did enjoy the one he ordered, the peanut butter sauce, milkshakes and hot chocolates served here are really what stole the show. The peanut butter sauce has bits of peanuts in it, which is not something you traditionally get. The salted caramel hot cocoa might have been one of the best hot chocolates we've had in years. And they sure did know how to toast the perfect marshmallow for our Fluffernutter milkshake.

Taiyaki NYC

Location: New York, NY (Chinatown)

What They Are Known For: Fish-shaped Ice Cream Cones and Souffle Pancakes (bonus weekend item)

Craig and I shared a Chocolate and Vanilla Unicorn corn, which had a bit of red bean inside the fish cone. It was tasty and made for a very cute photo. We also went on a weekend to try the souffle pancakes that you see all over Instagram and they did not disappoint either. I know they aren't technically ice cream, but they deserved a shout out here. If you are planning on enjoying your ice cream or pancakes at the store, space is limited but turn over fast, so you may just have to act quickly to grab your seat.

Bonus: Souffle Pancakes

Mister Dips

Location: Brooklyn, NY and New York, NY (South Street Seaport)

What They Are Known For: Specialty Dipped Ice Cream Cones

As tasty as these are, I will admit that both times I went they did not live up to my expectations. I am a peanut butter lover and tried the Chocolate P.B.D. twice. I enjoyed it both times, but to be honest once you get past the shell, you're really just left with a cone of soft-serve chocolate ice cream. The peanut butter and chocolate fudge taste does not permeate throughout the dessert. It also melted quickly and was very messy to eat. All that said, I would order it again if I was ever in the neighborhood.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Location: New York, NY (Multiple Locations)

What They Are Known For: Unique Ice Cream Flavors, including a large selection of vegan options

We have tried some of the most interesting flavors of ice cream here, some of which have been amazing and others that we've have thrown in the trash after a few bites. It is definitely a hit-of-miss chain for us, with some high-highs and some low-lows.

Surprisingly, one of the flavors we've loved the most was their specialty Kraft Mac & Cheese ice cream. We couldn't find it being scooped in a store, so we bit the bullet and bought full pints - and went back immediately for more to stock our freezer. We also brought the pints to a family gathering just so everyone could have a chance to taste it. Looking at the website right now, I am tempted to go tomorrow just to try the "Malted Milkshake & Fries" flavor they have advertised.

Eddie's Sweet Shop

Location: Forest Hills, NY (Queens)

What They Are Known For: Old-school parlor feel; sweets and candies in additional to ice cream

One night Craig and I went to dinner with our friends Matt and Alanna in Forest Hills. Afterwards, they suggested we take a walk to Eddie's for dessert - and Craig seemed to begrudgingly agree. We were all very confused because who doesn't love ice cream? And of course when we got there, Craig clearly enjoyed his ice cream sundae. When asked about it though, to this day, Craig has no idea why we all thought he wasn't excited and we constantly joke that we have to "force" Craig to go to Eddie's to get delicious milkshakes.

To set expectations, Eddie's is definitely a no-frills old school ice cream parlor. The menu items are very basic - a dish of ice cream or a sundae, milkshakes, and ice cream sodas. There is actually also a "float" on the menu, which just says that it's "a milkshake poured over your choice of ice cream". Our friends Matt and Alanna tried to get a better description from a waiter of what it was and they told us he looked at them straight face and said, it's a milkshake, poured over a scoop of ice cream. For some reason we couldn't really comprehend what this really could look like, so I had to order it just to see - and it was literally a milkshake with an extra scoop of ice cream floating in it. I guess that was their idea of a "unique" option.

*Photo Credit: Eddie's Sweet Shop Instagram

Big Gay Ice Cream

Location: New York, NY (Multiple Locations)

What They Are Known For: Started off as a food truck before expanding into retail spaces. Funky and unique flavors and cones

My friend Ben and I stopped in here after a night of ice skating at Pier 17. Although they looked very interesting and fun, we did not try any of their signature flavors and cones. We both decided on milkshakes instead and were very happy with our selections.

Max & Mina's

Location: Flushing, NY (Queens)

What They Are Known For: Rotating menu of very unique flavors, including ones that highlight candy and cereals as ingredients

My sister-in-law Megan first recommended this place to me - it's close by her house and she is constantly getting pints of new and interesting flavors. Craig and I decided to make the trip to check it out and were amazed at all the unique options they provided. The owner was extremely nice and encouraged us to try as many flavors as we wanted while we were there.

Some of the flavors we've had include ice cream made from Fruity Pebbles, Cotton Candy, Rice Krispies Treats, and Captain Crunch. If you google them and look at the images, you can check out some of the more crazy options they have offered in the past - Corn on the Cob, for instance.

We aren't very close to Flushing, but we've made the drive on more than one occasion with a cooler full of ice to pick up pints to take home.

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream

Location: New York, NY (LaGuardia Place and W. Houston St.)

What They Are Known For: Volume of Flavors, including savory and sweet options

They currently have over 50 Flavors on their menu, which they break down into categories such as Cookies, Caramels, Nuts and Citrus. They offer some of the more unique flavors I have seen including Olive Oil Chunk Strawberry and Sour Cream Canned Peaches.

The two times I've been there, I was not brave enough to order some of the more adventurous options and stuck with my go-to chocolate and caramel flavors. I definitely know that I need to go back and test some of the other categories. For Christmas, we picked up some of the special Rick and Morty themed pints they were offering for our niece and nephew and they got a kick out of the Mr. Poopy Butthole flavor that was made with pizza jam, tomato marshmallow and pizza cookies.

In general, Craig's favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chip and he commented that he noticed they seem to use more natural ingredients at Morgenstern's - actual mint for instance, as opposed to artificial mint extract.

*Photo Credit: Morgenstern's Instagram

Stuffed Ice Cream NYC

Location: New York, NY (1st Avenue between St. Marks Place and 9th St.)

What They Are Known For: Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches, known as Cruffs

Craig and I ordered their glazed donut ice cream sandwich, which we got stuffed with Fruity Pebbles ice cream and additional fruity pebbles on top. It was not the best donut we've had, but it fit the concept pretty well and did not overpower the flavor of the ice cream. It was definitely a lot to eat and we were fine just sharing the one cruff between us.

Soft Swerve

Location: New York, NY

What They Are Known For: Soft-serve ice cream; Asian-inspired flavors

We've stopped here twice now and have loved it both times. It is perfect for a nice warm day or late night snack. I love the frozen hot chocolate ice cream and have gotten it topped with crunchies and chocolate sauce. Craig has been more adventurous with his selections, ordering the Ube Purple Yam and Black Sesame. You can choose from their "suggested" combinations or pick your own toppings - either way, you can't go wrong!

Emack and Bolios

Location: New York, NY and Brooklyn, NY (Multiple Locations)

What They Are Known For: "Outrageous" Flavors, Specialty Waffle Cones and a Rock 'N Roll theme

We stopped at this ice cream shop with our friend Billy one night after dinner in the city. They had some unique flavors, but provided more straight-forward and traditional options as well. The various choices of waffle cones was what stood out to us the most - they had ones dipped in chocolate, some with chocolate and sprinkles and others covered in Rice Krispies Treats.

You can read about how the company was born from a connection to Rock 'N Roll here.

Long Island

Smusht

Location: Port Washington, NY

What They Are Known For: Ice Cream Sandwiches

What could be better than an ice cream sandwich? How about an ice cream sandwich made from any two cookies of your choosing, filled with a very generous scoop of ice cream in any flavor you want? This is the exact concept behind Smusht in Port Washington. They had 5+ types of freshly baked cookies when Craig and I went there, plus over 20 flavors of ice cream and more than 10 different toppings to finish off our sandwiches. I chose peanut butter ice cream "Smusht" between one double chocolate chip and one M&M cookie, "topped" with oreo cookie pieces. Craig went with caramel pretzel ice cream "Smusht" between an M&M and a health bar cookie, "topped" with health bar pieces. We both absolutely loved our sandwiches - they were delicious, substantial and held up very well. The mess of eating them was well worth it and the price was very reasonable.

Alkemy

Location: Huntington, NY

What They Are Known For: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Experience

You know your ice cream is fresh if you come here, because you get to watch them make it in front of your eyes with liquid nitrogen. Specifically, the store is set up with multiple stations where they combine ingredients and freeze your order as you wait. My dark chocolate ice cream with peanut butter was delicious and served with a bubble waffle. Craig's mint ice cream was good (albeit nothing special). Since the ice cream is made on demand here, the wait to get your order is a little longer than normal. You are also paying more for the novelty, so be prepared to shell out $11 for a sundae. For us it was worth the price to experience at least once.

Creme Allure

Location: Commack, NY

What They Are Known For: Ice Cream Truffles

We ran into this place one year as we were driving to an event in Commack and were looking for a dessert to bring with us. It's not a traditional ice cream shop, but rather they focus on creating ice cream truffles - available in both full-size and bite-size. We have ordered platters of assorted truffles as gifts for multiple people in the past, kids and adults alike. Everyone has raved about them and our niece still hopes that every gift we get her are the truffles. They offer delivery to select locations in Long Island for an extra charge.

*Photo Credit: Creme Allure Instagram

Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor

Location: Massapequa, NY

What They Are Known For: Homemade Ice Cream

Krisch's has one location and all the ice cream they offer is homemade. This is our go-to ice cream parlor and definitely the spot on the list we've frequented the most. We've brought quarts of ice cream from here to family events, friend's houses and even just to have in the house for ourselves. Anytime we are having dinner in the area with friends, we always suggest grabbing Krisch's afterwards. Even though it's simple, they have my favorite chocolate ice cream and peanut butter sauce and that's usually what I get every time I go. Craig says they have the best mint chip ice cream, which has huge chunks of chocolate throughout.

When our cousins were in town visiting a few years ago, they went to Krisch's and ordered the Kitchen Sink which was featured on the show Man-vs-Food. This is a sundae made of 10 scoops of ice cream, any three toppings, two bananas, waffle wedges, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry. They struggled to finish it even with their large group.

*Photo Credit: Krisch's Instagram

Frozen Cow Ices & Cream

Location: Lido Beach, NY

What They Are Known For: Cookie Monster Ice Cream, Flying Saucers and Ice Cream Cakes

This is actually my favorite place for ice cream, it's just a little far for us to go very often. We usually save this for a special occasion or when we are visiting my mother in Long Beach and are passing by. I absolutely love their Cookie Monster and Salted Caramel ice cream - both which they offer as ice cream cakes and flying saucers, in addition to scoops.

What I love most about them is that you can get flying saucers made from any flavors of ice cream they have and you have the choice to have them made on oreo or chocolate chip cookie "ends". We've picked these up for many summer nights and have gotten cakes from there for as many birthday celebrations as we could. Word of advice, if you custom order the flying saucers make sure to have a cooler with you because they can be a little melty.

*Photo Credit: Frozen Cow Facebook

Marshall's Ice Cream Bar

Location: Massapequa, NY

What They Are Known For: Three flavor/layer ice cream cakes

Ok, so the three layer ice cream cakes might not be what they are known for to everyone, but it's the reason we love them so much. They are much more reasonably priced than Carvel cakes these days and are way better. If you have the time to order them in advance, you can get one custom made with the flavors you want. For us, we usually go with one of the cakes they have on hand which always have a layer of vanilla and chocolate, plus varying options for the third layer. We tend to favor the ones with Pistachio and Mint Chip that are also topped with a layer of fudge.

I also want to give a shout out to them for their chocolate shakes mixed with peanut butter sauce and their rotating flavors of soft-serve ice cream. We've gotten these on many occasions.

Marvel Frozen Dairy

Location: Lido Beach, NY

What They Are Known For: Soft-serve ice cream

If you like soft-serve ice cream, this is the place for you. Whether you are coming back from the a day at the beach or just looking for a treat on a hot day, grabbing a cone from here is the perfect option. They have about 7 or 8 different soft-serve flavors for you to choose from - plus toppings if you want them. There has been a line here every time we've driven by.

*Photo Credit: Marvel Instagram

Manny's Sweet Treats

Location: Mineola, NY and Rockville Centre, NY

What They Are Known For: A large menu of various desserts and ice cream inspired sweets, including alcoholic options

This is where you go if you are looking for a large menu with tons of unique dessert options. It's more of a place to sit down and enjoy your sweets in my opinion. I absolutely love their pancake ice cream sundaes, so its always hard for me to order anything else.

Some of the other intriguing options you can choose from are waffles with ice cream, crepes, and insane milkshakes topped with candy, donuts and other sweets. We've also tried some of the alcoholic options they offer - including push-pops, shots and wine infused ice cream. In general I don't love booze with my sweets, but Craig will pair alcohol with just about anything.

Spoons Ice Cream & Cereal Bar

Location: Seaford, NY

What They Are Known For: Ice cream mixed with cereal

The idea behind this venue is to pick cereal and either have it swirled into your soft-serve ice cream or as a topping. You are limited in ice cream flavors, but have a wide selection of cereals to choose from. They offer suggestions on the best combinations or you can customize your own.

The first time we went, we got shakes mixed with cereal. However, we also saw that they offered frozen hot chocolate and that intrigued us as well. We went back for that another time and, although delicious, I think it was basically just a chocolate milkshake.

Magic Fountain Homemade Ice Cream

Location: Mattituck, NY

What They Are Known For: A large selection of homemade ice cream flavors

We stopped here after spending the day in Riverhead visiting the cider houses. It was a warm day out, so the line was pretty long when we got there. They had a big selection of flavors, but not a ton of seating options. We ended up taking ours in the car with us for the drive home.

Crazy Shakes

Burgerology

Location: Long Island, NY (Multiple Locations)

This was one of the first crazy shakes we got and it was a long time ago, so I can't really speak to how good they are these days. I do recall scrapping as much of the sprinkles off the side of the cup as I could once the shake was finished.

Dang BBQ

Location: Islip, Seaford and Hauppauge, NY

Even though this is a BBQ place, we actually went for the first time just to try the milkshakes. They have a standing menu of specialty shakes, as well as themed holiday choices throughout the year. I ordered the peanut butter and chocolate, as you probably could have guessed by now. My brother-in-law Tyler ordered a shake that was supposed to look like Cookie Monster and, in the end, he got a very sad looking, but tasty cookie monster.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Location: New York, NY (Multiple Locations)

I went to Black Tap with my friend Ben for dinner (they had good burgers!), but we couldn't pass up the option to share a crazyshake while we were there. We chose the Sweet and Salty shake, which had M&Ms, Pretzel Rods and Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Peanut Butter Cups, Caramel and Chocolate Sauce and a Sugar Daddy. Unless you are going just for shakes, there is no need to order more than one - we could barely finish it between the two of us.

Diner By The Sea

Location: Long Beach, NY

They specialize in Rainbow Milkshakes at this diner. Although the milkshakes are fun to look at, it's still just a typical milkshake with some coloring added. It's on the list because they are unique, different and I could see them being a huge hit with kids. We took ours to go and drank them while walking the boardwalk in Long Beach.

*Photo Credit: Diner By The Sea Facebook

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