Top 8 Ice Cream Shops in Manhattan🍦

May 31, 2020

The sun is staying out longer, the air is regaining that sticky city humidity, and air conditioners are being pulled out of New Yorker’s closets. What does this all mean? It’s time to plan your next trip to get ice cream.

While New York City moves closer towards re-opening more shops that have been temporarily closed in response to COVID-19, here are the top 8 places in Manhattan to visit right now!

1. Milk & Cream Cereal Bar

The cereal trend has taken social media by storm during quarantine but Milk & Cream has been ahead of the pack for years. This shop will let you choose your favorite cereal to blend into an ice cream base, pick from a huge array of toppings, and voilà! Nostalgia served in every bite. Order ahead online for takeout.

Location: 159 Mott St
📸: @milkandcreambar

2. Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen knocks their homemade ice cream options out of the park, while offering something for vegans and non-vegans alike. Come taste what all the rage is about! Many of their locations are open for walk-up service but call ahead to be sure.

Locations: Multiple Locations
📸: @vanleeuwenicecream

3. Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream

If you like the feel of a classic American ice cream shop but want the option to select exotic flavors, Morgenstern’s is your spot. Their Greenwich Village location is currently open for takeout and delivery.

Location: 88 W Houston St
📸: @yp1988_

4. Taiyaki NYC

If you want a delicious and Instagrammable dessert, Taiyaki NYC will check both boxes! Try their famous fish-shaped waffle cone filled with your favorite flavor of soft serve. The unicorn cone is adorable + they are now serving a delicious matcha hojicha swirl flavor.

Location: 119 Baxter St
📸: @feedyourgirlfriend

5. Ray's Candy Store

Ray’s is the place to go if you want a no-fuss cone, egg cream, or milkshake.They also offer an intangible taste of old New York, as they haven’t changed much about their shop since opening in 1974. While they are normally open 24/7, they are operating under revised hours in response to COVID-19. Call ahead before heading over to their takeout window or opt for delivery!

Location: 113 Avenue A
📸: @theshayspence

6. Caffe Panna

If sundaes sent from heaven are your thing, head to Caffe Panna and choose from their ever-rotating menu of flavors. Whatever you do, make sure you get your treat topped with panna, an imported whipped cream. Right now, you can enjoy their treats by pre-ordering pick-up or delivery Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off their website.

Location: 77 Irving Pl
📸: @talkdessertytov

7. Sundaes and Cones

Offering both traditional and Asian-inspired ice cream flavors, Sundaes and Cones has remained a fan favorite since they opened in 2006. Whether you want to stick with a scoop of plain vanilla or prefer something with a Far East flavor such as taro, black sesame, or wasabi, you won’t be short on choices. They are currently open for takeout or contactless delivery from doordash.com.

Location: 95 E 10th St
📸: @newyorkscoops

8. Soft Swerve

Consider this the home of all the coveted Asian-inspired ice cream flavors you could dream of. Come here for black sesame, ube, macapuno coconut, matcha, and many more flavors! Right now they are open for curbside pick-up at both their Kips Bay and Lower East Side locations + they are on delivery.com.

Location: Multiple Locations
📸: @ceci_eats