The Must-Try Ice Cream Spots in Manhattan
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Suppose you’ve recently traded your old home for the bustling urban life of the Big Apple, or you plan to get matched with professional movers NYC and relocate. In that case, you’re probably wondering where to find the best ice cream spots in Manhattan. As diverse as the city itself, Manhattan’s ice cream scene offers countless compelling options from the Upper East Side to Lower Manhattan, boasting unique flavors that cater to all taste buds. Whether you’re a long-time local or a newcomer eager to explore, this guide will take you on a delightful journey through Manhattan’s must-try ice cream places.
Where to find the best ice cream spots in Manhattan?
Moving to Manhattan presents an irresistible blend of career opportunities, cultural richness, and endless entertainment. It’s a city of iconic landmarks, an unrivaled arts scene, and diverse culinary delights. Despite its fast-paced nature, there’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle, each exuding a unique charm. If we add perfect ice cream spots to the list, there is no reason not to move to Manhattan. The neighborhoods to explore are:
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Harlem
- East Village
- Chelsea
- SoHo
- Little Italy
- Chinatown
- Lower East Side
- Gramercy
- NoHo
Whether you prefer the artsy vibe of the East Village, the luxurious aura of the Upper East Side, or the historic streets of Harlem, Manhattan welcomes you with open arms and offers some of the most delicious ice creams to try.
Upper East Side – Emack & Bolio’s and Van Leeuwen
Our first stop is the Upper East Side, a neighborhood that seamlessly combines historic charm with modern elegance. If you moved with Upper East Side movers, one visit to Emack & Bolio’s, and you’ll understand why it has become a local favorite. Its rock-and-roll-inspired decor and iconic ice cream flavors make it the perfect place to satiate your sweet cravings. Their innovative flavors, like the Marshmallow Swirl and Grasshopper Pie, around $5.50 for a single scoop, never fail to impress.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find Van Leeuwen. Their ice creams testify to the transformative power of simple, all-natural ingredients. Both dairy and vegan options, around $5.95 per scoop, boast an impressive texture and depth of flavor. The Honeycomb is a crowd-pleaser, and the Earl Grey Tea is a wonderful blend of classic and unexpected.
Upper West Side – Morgenstern’s and Grom
As you cross Central Park to the Upper West Side, go to Morgenstern’s. Renowned for their exceptional scoops, a single serving starting at $5.50, each flavor showcases the owner’s meticulous focus on technique and ingredient quality. The Burnt Sage offers a compelling blend of smoky and sweet, while the Cardamom Lemon Jam provides a delightful punch of citrus and spice. Then, within walking distance, you’ll find Grom, a taste of Italian craftsmanship right in the heart of Manhattan. Stracciatella offers a masterful blend of creamy gelato and rich chocolate shards, while Gianduja features the heavenly pairing of hazelnut and chocolate.
Harlem – Sugar Hill Creamery and Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
In Harlem, a neighborhood that thrives on community spirit and cultural fusion lies the family-owned Sugar Hill Creamery. Every flavor tells a story about the vibrant local culture. For around $4.50 per scoop, try their ‘Sunday Best,’ a delectable medley of chocolate, pecans, and caramel swirls; it’s like a soulful Sunday gathering in a cone. Not far away, Mikey Likes It Ice Cream offers a contemporary take on ice cream. For about $4.99 per scoop, their flavors like ‘Fo’ Cheezy,’ a bold vanilla base paired with a rich cheesecake core, provide a unique flavor profile that’ll leave you yearning for more.
East Village – Davey’s Ice Cream and Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
The East Village, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse community, is home to Davey’s Ice Cream. When East Village movers relocate you, you should visit these places immediately. With single scoops starting at $4.50, they craft their ice cream entirely from scratch, creating flavors that deliver both texture and taste. The Speculoos Chocolate Chip is a cookie-infused delight, while the Strong Coffee flavor packs a caffeine punch that coffee lovers will appreciate. Also nestled in East Village, another branch of Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream offers its extensive selection of quirky flavors. Here, the Black Coconut Ash flavor, a striking balance of sweet and savory, steals the show.
Chelsea – L’Arte del Gelato and Milk & Cream Cereal Bar
Chelsea’s charm lies in its vibrant art, culture, and food mix. And when it comes to ice cream, L’Arte del Gelato and Milk & Cream Cereal Bar take center stage. L’Arte del Gelato serves gelato the way it’s done in Italy. Each scoop (a medium cup is $6.50) is a harmonious blend of texture and flavor, from the fragrant Basil and Lemon to the comfortingly sweet Stracciatella. The shop’s setting is quaint and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring Chelsea’s many art galleries.
Milk & Cream Cereal Bar takes your childhood breakfast favorites and skillfully incorporates them into their soft serve, creating a playful yet delicious treat. This is why it’s one of the best ice cream spots in Manhattan. Their signature blend – a vanilla ice cream base with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, topped with a drizzle of honey ($7) – is a customer favorite. The cinnamon and hint of honey perfectly complement the creamy ice cream, making it an irresistible dessert.
SoHo – Dominique Ansel Bakery and Gelato at Sant Ambroeus
SoHo, known for its chic boutiques and trendy eateries, houses Dominique Ansel Bakery and Sant Ambroeus. Dominique Ansel Bakery, a place where culinary innovation thrives, brings elegance to its soft-serve ice cream ($7.25 per serving). Their seasonal flavors can range from the refreshing Watermelon Rosemary in summer to the warmly spiced Cinnamon Apple in fall; each served in a crisp, honey tuile cone that adds a delightful crunch.
Sant Ambroeus, with its sophisticated Milanese charm, offers a wide selection of gelato. Made using traditional Italian methods, their gelato ($6.75 for a small cup) has a silky texture and a depth of flavor that will transport you to Italy with each bite. Whether you choose the delicate Fior di Latte or the robust Caffè, each scoop is a testament to the café’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Don’t hesitate to visit these places as soon as you arrive and settle down with the help of movers in Soho. You’ll enjoy every moment.
Little Italy – Ferrara Bakery & Cafe and Gelso & Grand
Little Italy, Manhattan’s slice of the Italian peninsula, is home to Ferrara Bakery & Cafe and Gelso & Grand. At Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, tradition meets indulgence in their gelato ($5.95 per scoop). The Tiramisu flavor, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, is transformed into a creamy, frozen delight. It’s the perfect sweet ending to an Italian meal.
On the other hand, Gelso & Grand brings a contemporary touch to gelato. Their Lemon Ricotta gelato is a prime example, providing a surprising twist of tanginess and creaminess in each scoop. The Brown Sugar Caramel is another crowd-pleaser, where the sweetness of caramel is perfectly balanced with a hint of smokiness from the brown sugar.
Chinatown – The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and Taiyaki NYC
In the bustling neighborhood of Chinatown, Asian flavors dominate the ice cream scene. If you are a fan, Chinatown movers will be glad to relocate you so that you can start exploring right away. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, one of the oldest ice cream spots in Manhattan, is famous for its exotic, Asian-inspired flavors. The Durian flavor, known as the ‘King of Fruits,’ is a must-try for adventurous eaters, delivering a creamy yet slightly pungent taste that’s incredibly unique.
Just a few streets away, Taiyaki NYC offers a delightful fusion of aesthetics and taste. Their matcha and black sesame soft serve ($7 per serving) provides a subtle balance of bitterness and nuttiness; all served in an Instagram-worthy, fish-shaped waffle cone. Every visit here is a treat not only for your palate but also for your social media feed!
Lower East Side – Il Laboratorio Del Gelato and Soft Swerve
The Lower East Side, with its gritty charm and innovative food scene, houses Il Laboratorio Del Gelato and Soft Swerve, some of the most popular ice cream spots in Manhattan. At Il Laboratorio Del Gelato, the creation of flavors is an art form. With over 200 flavors on rotation, including adventurous options like Olive Oil and Beet, every visit is a new gustatory adventure. A single scoop is priced at $4.50, and a taste of their unusual flavors is worth every penny and worth relocating with Lower East Side movers as soon as you can so that you don’t miss out on these flavors.
Finally, at Soft Swerve, their purple Ube soft serve has taken the ice cream world by storm. This Filipino-inspired sweet yam flavor offers an exotic, subtly sweet, and creamy experience. Pair it with their charcoal cone for a visually striking and delicious treat that truly embodies the diversity and innovation of Manhattan’s ice cream scene.
Gramercy – Big Gay Ice Cream Shop and Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Gramercy, known for its beautiful private park and elegant brownstones, also houses two unforgettable ice cream shops – Big Gay Ice Cream Shop and Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop started as an ice cream truck and has now become one of the most popular ice cream spots in Manhattan. The shop has a fun, lively atmosphere that mirrors its playful spins on traditional soft-serve. Their signature cone, the Salty Pimp ($6), is a mix of sweet vanilla ice cream, salty dulce de leche, and a crisp chocolate shell, which make for a perfectly balanced treat. The whimsical names of the menu items, like “American Globs” and “Bea Arthur,” add an extra dash of joy to every order.
On the other hand, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is where tradition meets innovation. With flavors like the adventurous Burnt Honey Vanilla or the robust Black Coconut Ash, Morgenstern’s promises a unique experience with every scoop. But what truly sets them apart is the texture of their ice cream, painstakingly churned for optimal creaminess and lightness. While prices vary by scoop (starting at $5.50), the rich, inventive flavors make every penny well-spent. Gramercy has a lot to offer, so contact movers in Gramercy and start the process of your relocation.
NoHo – OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
NoHo, a trendy, artistic neighborhood, is home to OddFellows Ice Cream Co. OddFellows Ice Cream Co. is known for its incredibly innovative flavors. Think Miso Cherry and Butter Popcorn; these daring combinations offer a new way to enjoy ice cream. The shop maintains a rotation of 12 unique flavors that cater to both the adventurous eater and the classic ice cream lover. What’s more, OddFellows takes pride in their house-made, small-batch process, ensuring a fresh and high-quality product in every scoop. Prices start at $4.50 for a single scoop, and it’s worth it to taste their inventive combinations. There are also reliable Noho movers that will make your relocation quick and efficient. You will enjoy exploring different ice cream spots in no time.
Enjoy exploring Manhattan’s ice cream scene
Manhattan’s ice cream scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, with each neighborhood offering unique, must-try ice cream spots in Manhattan. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or you lean more toward innovative concoctions, these establishments offer something for everyone. So, grab a spoon, and let your sweet tooth guide your exploration of your new home. Your delicious journey through Manhattan’s ice cream world awaits!
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