Scoops of the City: NYC’s Best Ice Cream Spots Right Now

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NYC’s Best Ice Cream Spots

In a city that rarely sleeps and always snacks, ice cream isn’t just a seasonal treat—it’s a cultural staple. The summers in NYC can get notoriously hot and humid making ice cream a must have on those especially hot days.

Ice cream is one of those rare treats that’s universally loved, and not just because it’s sweet and cold. What makes it so good runs deeper—it’s emotional, sensory, even nostalgic. It’s one of the few desserts that invites people to share, sample, argue over flavors, and go on quests to find “the best” scoop in the city. It brings people together, even if only for ten minutes.

From old-school shops on the Upper East Side to artisanal chains with vegan flair, New York offers a dizzying range of frozen indulgences. In this article we dive into five standout spots define the city’s eclectic ice cream personality: Sedutto, Serendipity 3, Emack & Bolio’s, Van Leeuwen, and Martha’s Country Bakery. Here’s what makes each of them unforgettable.

Sedutto

Sedutto, tucked into Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a neighborhood gem that’s been serving scoops since the early 1900’s. The shop feels like a relic of simpler times, glowing with retro signage and stacked with more than thirty flavors, from banana fudge to coconut and butter pecan. What sets Sedutto apart is its texture—ultra-rich, luxuriously creamy—and its no-nonsense charm. Customers rave about the friendly service and generous sample policy, and unlike many high-end shops in the city, Sedutto remains budget-friendly, making it the kind of place you can visit weekly without regret.

Serendipity

Just a few blocks south near the Queensboro Bridge, Serendipity 3 offers a completely different experience. This whimsical dessert palace gained fame thanks to its theatrical Frozen Hot Chocolate, and to this day it remains a hotspot for tourists and sweet-toothed New Yorkers alike. The atmosphere is campy and flamboyant, with decadent sundaes and towering confections crowding every table. While some locals scoff at the long lines and inflated prices, others view a visit here as a rite of passage. It’s not the kind of place you’d frequent on a random Tuesday night—but for a birthday or out-of-town guest, it still delivers the wow factor.

Emack & Bolio’s

Then there’s Emack & Bolio’s, a colorful chain with several locations across the city. Born in Boston but embraced by New Yorkers, Emack leans into its rock-and-roll heritage with wild flavor names and indulgent combinations. Favorites include S’moreo, Beantown Buzz, and vegan options like Mango Sorbet and Cookies & Cream. Their cones—often rolled in crushed Rice Krispies or Fruit Loops—are as photogenic as they are fun to eat. It’s a sugar rush in every sense, drawing kids, nostalgic adults, and anyone who wants their dessert with a dose of chaotic joy.

Van Leeuwen

For those who prefer their treats less flashy but more refined, Van Leeuwen is the city’s artisanal darling. What started as a humble ice cream truck has grown into a citywide staple thanks to its meticulous recipes, high-quality ingredients, and impressive dairy-free menu. With bases made from coconut, oat, and cashew milk, Van Leeuwen’s vegan options rival its traditional flavors in richness and depth. Scoops aren’t cheap, but the luxurious texture and thoughtfully sourced ingredients make it a favorite for quality-conscious foodies. Even better, their staff is known for offering generous tastings so you can explore before you commit.

Martha’s Country Bakery

Finally, there’s Martha’s Country Bakery, an outer-borough institution that may not be an ice cream shop first, but still earns a place on this list. Known primarily for its pies, cakes, and cheesecakes, Martha’s also serves up scoops and gelato that pair perfectly with their bakery offerings. It’s the ideal place to go when ice cream is the start, not the end, of your dessert experience. Locals line up for peanut butter cheesecake bars or a slice of red velvet alongside a scoop of classic vanilla or pistachio, making Martha’s less about a singular frozen thrill and more about the full dessert fantasy.

Wrap Up

Each of these spots captures a different side of New York. Sedutto is your dependable neighborhood classic. Serendipity 3 is a maximalist fever dream. Emack & Bolio’s is a local NYC staple. Van Leeuwen brings sophistication and intentionality to every scoop, while Martha’s invites you to stay for the pie and grab a scoop on the way out. Together, they prove that in a city of millions, there’s no one way to do ice cream right—only your way.