The Best Ice Cream Shops in New Jersey – 2023 Edition is written by Molly Gregor.
There’s no better way to enjoy a warm summer’s day than with a scoop or two of ice cream! (Who are we kidding, ice cream is great all year round.) Luckily NJ has no shortage of ice cream shops to choose from; but these are our picks for The Best Ice Cream Shops in New Jersey.
Everyone has their own local favorite, however, we believe these ice cream shops are simply too good to be missed. This statewide list celebrates the local businesses from throughout NJ who serve the tastiest frozen treats in their area; from handmade, exotic small batch flavors and seasonal specials to “supreme sundaes” and so much more. For this year, our list of The Best Ice Cream Shops in New Jersey includes more than 70 entries.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Ice Cream Shops near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Das’ Creamery
Where: 100 US-46, Budd Lake
Details: The Das family can tie an ice cream memory to any previous vacation. From Hong Kong to Peru to Thailand, their menu combines their memories and creativity. They serve small-batch gourmet ice cream as well as custom or Grab-N-Go ice cream cakes. Unique ice cream flavors include Banana Oreo, Passion Fruit, Icoa Ruby Dust, and Ube. Their signature flavors include the Grahamsterdam and Downton Abbey. The latter is dark chocolate ice cream with caramel swirls and English Toffee bits. Mr. Das holds Masters degrees in both Social Work and Public Administration. Meanwhile, Co-owner Komal Das graduated from the French Culinary Institute and completed the Penn State Ice Cream Short Course.
Why I Like it: Their custom ice cream cakes let patrons pick the colors, flavors, and design of the cake.
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Diane’s Dairy
Where: 446 Main Rd, Suite #8, Towaco
Details: A hometown favorite, Diane’s Dairy has a concise menu of frozen delights. They offer cups and cones, as well as sundaes, brownie sundaes, shakes, banana splits, ice cream sandwiches, sliders, and ice cream cakes. Their selection of ice cream sandwiches includes Oreo, Chipwich, and Wafers. As for their homemade small batch ice cream, they offer over 60 flavors. Favorites include Island Coconut, Dirty Dogs, Cookie Dough, Nutella Cheesecake, and Oreo Coffee. Their custom cakes can be decorated with just about any design; from screen-printing popular characters like Pokemon or Sonic the Hedgehog to handmade decorations like The Grinch. Patrons can even invent their own flavor combinations for cakes!
Why I Like it: Diane’s Dairy comes up with some of the most creative/delicious limited time and seasonal flavors.
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Guerriero Gelato
Where: Caldwell | Montclair | Morristown | Pinebrook | West Orange
Details: The Guerriero Gelato brand continues to grow in North Jersey. This popular place for gelato and ice cream cakes currently has five locations throughout Bergen, Essex, and Morris County. Owner Mike Guerriero has a penchant for saving struggling ice cream parlors and folding them into the Guerriero’s family. This includes taking over for Gelotti Caldwell in 2013 and Gelotti of Essex in 2019; as well as the fan favorite Mark and Julie’s Ice Cream of West Orange in 2022. Now, each Guerriero Gelato location offers a variety of hard ice cream. The list of flavors includes Banana Pudding, Maple Walnut, Triple Chocolate, and Coffee Oreo Crunch Meanwhile, Gelato options include Blueberry Basil, Tiramisu, and Cannoli Cream.
Why I Like it: Their Italian Ice menu offers unique options such as Blood Orange, Chocolate Oat, and Pina Colada.
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Alpine Creamery
Where: Sparta
Details: Alpine Creamery is a favorite for residents around Sparta. The cash-only shop offers seasonal hours, typically from spring through October, but most recently extended service into January. As far as frozen treats, they are popular for their homemade hard ice cream flavors, vegan flavors, and milkshakes. Fan favorite flavors include Bailey’s Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pie, Cheesecake Graham Cracker, Maple Walnut, Mud Pie, and Milk ‘N Cookies.
Applegate Farm
Where: Montclair
Details: Applegate Farm makes more than ice cream, they also serve signature shakes, ice cream cakes, and ice cream pies. Everything is homemade at this spot, including tasty ice cream flavors like their signature Graham Central Station; graham-flavored ice cream with graham crackers and chocolate candies. Another popular choice is their Frozen Hot Chocolate, with Swiss chocolate ice cream, flakes of dark chocolate, and mini marshmallows.
Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream
Where: Ledgewood
Details: Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream has a vast menu. They offer 11 types of soft ice cream flavors and more than 60 flavors of hand-dipped hard ice cream. They are open year-round, serving flavors like Cappuccino Caramel Crunch, Dutch Apple Crumble, Cinnamon, Soft Pumpkin, and Pear Sorbet. Cliff’s even makes their own homemade ice cream cake. In classic fashion, most patrons eat their ice cream either at the available picnic tables or in their car.
Curly’s Ice Cream
Where: Riverdale
Details: Custom cakes and handmade ice cream are Curly’s claim to fame. Their extensive list of frozen treats includes soft serve, hard ice cream, banana splits, floats, milkshakes, and much more. They even do old-fashioned ice cream soda floats and egg creams. They offer over 40 flavors of hard ice cream daily in fun flavors such as Almond Joy and Banana Oreo. Other favorites include Caramel Pretzel, Moosetracks, S’mores, and the Graham Slam.
The Dairy at Lake Hiawatha
Where: Lake Hiawatha
Details: The Dairy, as it’s known by locals, has a wide selection of ice cream, Italian ice, and Dole Whip. In fact, they offer more Dole Whip options than any other ice cream shop on this list. The six choices are Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Pineapple, and Raspberry. Meanwhile, they have traditional (Vanilla Bean), seasonal (Lemon Blueberry Wafer), and exclusive (Ice Cream Sandwich) ice cream flavors. Plus, they are always rolling out new, original flavors.
Dairy Swirl
Where: Vernon
Details: Dairy Swirl offers so many types of frozen delights it can make a person’s head spin. They have classic hard ice cream flavors, plus specialties like ice cream cakes, ice cream cannolis, and ice cream sandwiches. Locals adore this ice cream shop for the friendly service, creamy ice cream texture, and rapid-response custom cake options. Customers say even the Rum Raisin is delicious, so there’s no question Dairy Swirl knows how to make ice cream.
Daniela’s Ice Cream
Where: Closter
Details: Daniela’s makes small-batch ice cream using local ingredients. This means using seasonal fruit and other fresh produce to create unique flavors such as Apricot Pistachio and Lemon Poppyseed. Daniela’s offers kiddie scoops, up to three regular scoops per cone, pints, ice cream cakes, and even doggie ice cream. Their cone selection includes sugar cones, cake cones, or waffle cones in either Chocolate Dipped, Rainbow Sprinkles, or Chocolate Sprinkles.
Denville Dairy
Where: Denville
Details: Denville Dairy has been in business for more than 50 years, and there’s a simple reason why. They continue to serve premium handmade ice cream, sherbet, and Italian ice in a variety of flavors. There are always 28 flavors available on the menu at any one time. But they offer more than 100 specialty flavors throughout the year when factoring in seasonal options and signature flavors. They also have Dixie cups, ice cream sandwiches, and more.
Dover Dairy Maid
Where: Dover
Details: This family-owned spot has been in business for over 35 years. Folks love Dover Dairy Maid for their creative and premium quality flavors of hard and soft ice cream. In addition to seasonal and limited time ice cream flavors, they also sell Italian ice and frozen yogurt. Unique flavors include Coffee Twist, Key Lime Cherry, Milky Way Crunch, Espresso Chip, and Blueberry Cheesecake. The shop is open seasonally from March through October.
Ernie’s Ice Cream
Where: Mahwah
Details: This seasonal stand with outdoor picnic-bench seating, open from March to December, offers traditional hard and soft serve. In addition, they serve Italian ices, sundaes, banana splits, edible cookie dough, ice cream floats, and ice cream pies/cakes. “Ernielicious” specialties include Nutella Crunch, Campfire S’mores, and Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Dough. Plus, they have seasonal choices like Pumpkin soft serve and Apple Crisp sundaes.
Francy’s Artisanal Ice Cream
Where: Bergenfield
Details: Francy’s boasts “creatively creamy premium ice creams” and uses fresh produce from local suppliers. Their flavors are a fusion of American classics and authentic Filipino desserts. For instance, the menu includes options like “Passion Fruit, Yuzu, and White Chocolate,” Kiwi Sorbet, and Sampaguita & Elderflower. Other standouts include Matcha Cookies and Cream, Mango Graham, Ube & Queso, and Bukomansi (coconut and lime).
Gelato Envy
Where: Rockaway
Details: Gelato Envy sells ice cream and other frozen treats, but their specialty is (*gasp*) gelato. They make everything in small batches to ensure the highest possible quality, and the end result is proof enough. In fact, many locals proclaim the quality of the gelato here nearly matches that found in Italy. Beyond the standard flavors, they create innovative and unusual options like Blueberry Basil, Ferrero Rocher, Rice with Cinnamon, and Guava Cheese Pastry.
Goffle Creamery
Where: Hawthorne
Details: This local favorite is still relatively unknown outside of its local community. But that doesn’t stop the seasonal Goffle Creamery from serving premium hard ice cream, soft serve, gelato, and Italian ice. They offer fun flavors like Oatmeal Cookie and Cappuccino Crunch, as well as Vanilla Peanut Butter and Cake Batter. Goffle even has sugar free and vegan options. Their massive toppings list includes sprinkles, candies, cake/cookie/brownie bits, and more.
Guernsey Crest Ice Cream Co
Where: Paterson
Details: Guernsey Crest Ice Cream doesn’t look like much from the outside. But like all things, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Inside this cash-only ice cream shop is a menu of classic cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and Italian ices. Despite the variety of flavors, most locals say that nothing is better than their classic scoop of Vanilla. But other popular picks include Banana Pudding, Black Raspberry, Chocolate Fudge Crunch, and Peanut Butter Twirl.
Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery
Where: Bloomfield
Details: Aside from their popular homemade ice cream and milk shakes, Holsten’s creates chocolates, candies, and fudge. Their old-fashioned atmosphere is matched by classic booth seating and a menu of both classic and specialty flavors. Of course, they serve traditional Egg Creams in Chocolate, Coffee, Strawberry, or Vanilla flavors. Meanwhile, their signature loaded Brownie Sundae comes with two scoops of ice cream, a brownie, plus hot fudge.
Hometown Creamery
Where: Wayne | North Haledon
Details: This ice cream shop sells small batch homemade scoops and handcrafted cakes. They offer over 30 flavors, with a menu that rotates weekly. Traditional flavors include Mint Chip, Chocolate Chunk, Birthday Cake, Nutella, and Cookie Dough. But they also have a number of unique flavors. Some of their creative options are Oatmeal Cookie, Fluffernutter, Creamsicle, Brownie ala Mode, Canolli, Cotton Candy, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry.
Kubo Coffee and Creamery
Where: Nutley
Details: Craving ube ice cream but don’t want to drive into NYC? Kubo Coffee and Creamery is an authentic Filipino café serving this purple yam soft-serve specialty. Other fun hard-scoop and soft-serve flavors include Cotton Candy Rainbow, Matcha, Earl Grey, and Cookie Monster. They also have boba teas, iced fruit drinks, and lattes to drink. Filipino icebox cake, ube cheese buns, ube cannolis, sylvannas, and taiyaki are just a few other specialty desserts.
Last Licks
Where: East Hanover
Details: This homemade ice cream shop is open all year. The name comes from the owner’s love of baseball and softball. The Saporito family works together to develop handmade ice cream and cakes in all sorts of fun flavors. Year-round ice cream options include Apple Dapple, Banana Fudge Chunk, Devil Dog, and Red Velvet Oreo. Likewise, seasonal options range from Peach to Maple Bacon. Plus, they have nearly 40 types of toppings as well.
Magic Fountain
Where: Summit
Details: There’s no shortage of magic at this much-loved iconic outdoor ice cream stand. Large crowds and long lines pack the parking lot most summer nights, but one look at the menu explains why. There’s something for everyone, including hot-fudge sundaes, banana splits, strawberry shortcake, blended milkshakes, twisted soft-serve, and more. Avoid the lines by ordering online, but keep in mind they only accept cash or Venmo at the window.
Milk Sugar Love
Where: Jersey City
Details: This shop’s name was chosen because the owners believe they are the key ingredients in ice cream. Milk Sugar Love crafts their ice cream using fresh, all-natural milk and cream, along with local NJ produce. Chef/Owner Emma Taylor is an ice cream lover and is constantly developing unique flavors for the menu. This includes innovative options such as Alfajores ‘n’ Cream, Earl Grey Fudge, and Guava Cream Cheese, as well as Honey Lavender.
South Street Creamery & Cafe
Where: Morristown
Details: South Street Creamery has one ice cream flavor in particular that stands out, the Grandma’s Kitchen. It’s “everything you’d love your Grandma to have in her kitchen…cookie dough, frosting and cake batter,” they say. The owners claim the secret to their success is the finest ingredients and a touch of love. They sell ice cream by the scoop, pint, and quart, along with sugar-free options; plus banana splits, lunch, milkshakes, smoothies, and sundaes.
Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor
Where: Chester
Details: Everything is homemade at Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor, from the ice cream to the milkshakes and custom cakes. They have more than 40 flavors of ice cream to choose from, including both sugar-free and vegan flavors. Unique flavors such as Chocolate Peanut Butter Dough, Oreo Mint Cream, and French Toast make Taylor’s stand out. But their commitment to making their variety of ice cream safe for those with nut allergies is also commendable.
Trina’s Treats Ice Cream Parlour
Where: Lyndhurst
Details: Trina’s Treats is actually a chocolate and sweets shop for custom treats. But a recent expansion has allowed owner Katrina Villani to fulfill her secondary dream of owning an ice cream shop. Trina’s Treats Ice Cream Parlour is right next door, offering 12 hard ice cream flavors in either cups or cones. Of course, Katrina blends a number of chocolates and treats from its sister business into the menu; like adding cake pops to her classic ice cream cones.
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream
Where: Ridgewood
Details: Van Dyk’s is a cash-only ice cream shop that serves by the scoop, pint, quart, or half-gallon. Their rotating menu often offers something new to try, but keeps plenty of classics on the menu as well. Signature flavors include Cappuccino Oreo, Cheesecake Brownie, Cotton Candy, Raspberry Truffle, and Salted Caramel Truffle. Patrons can enjoy their ice cream flavors in cones, waffle cones, sundaes, milkshakes and new vegan flavors as well.
Zita’s Homemade Ice Cream
Where: New Providence
Details: A mainstay in town for more than 20 years, Zita’s is an old-school family-owned shop. This ice cream shop is open year-round and offers homemade artisanal ice cream and Italian ices. Imaginative flavors include “91716” (chocolate-covered pretzels, caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in vanilla ice cream). The Mint Lightning and Chocolate Thunder (chocolate chips and brownie dough in chocolate ice cream) are also fan favorites.
Central Jersey
The Bent Spoon
Where: Princeton
Details: Every visit is a new adventure at The Bent Spoon. The farm-to-spoon parlor offers artisan ice cream and sorbets made from organic ingredients in all sorts of flavors. Strawberry Horseradish, Buttered Popcorn, Garam Masala, Blueberry Mascarpone, and vegan Coffee Coconut are just a few unique options. But there are actually hundreds of variations on rotation. Other items include cold-brew floats, mini cupcakes, and pet-friendly ice-cream.
Cream King
Where: Pennington
Details: A Pennington staple since 1956, this classic roadside stand seasonally sells some of the best soft-serve in NJ. They also offer premium hard-scoop flavors, milkshakes, floats, sundaes, banana splits, brownie sundaes, and all the classic toppings. There’s even a food menu with burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and fries. So in addition to visiting Cream King for dessert, it’s also a popular summer dinner hotspot.
Gabriel’s Fountain Kitchen & Creamery
Where: Martinsville
Details: Gabriel’s is a hot spot for ice-cold ice treats. They offer five signature ice cream cakes: Birthday Bash, Black & White, Chocoholic, Monster Mash, and Strawberry Shortcake. Each cake blends ice cream with fillings, frostings, toppings, and real cake crumble. As for ice cream, Gabriela’s crafts artisanal flavors like Roasted Banana, Sponge-Bob, Black Raspberry Truffle, and Martinsville Mudslide. They also have hand-mixed soda, floats, and milkshakes.
Halo Pub
Where: Hamilton | Princeton
Details: Nestled within the The Shoppes at Nottingham Point in Hamilton Square, Halo Pub curates a limited selection of specialty flavors. They source ingredients from their farm in Lawrenceville — Halo Farm — to create a half-dozen standout ice cream options. Their current flavors include Cookies & Cream, Cashew and Caramel, and Butter Pecan. They also put their own unique spin on classic Chocolate, Strawberry, and Tahiti Vanilla Bean flavors.
Magnifico’s Ice Cream
Where: East Brunswick
Details: Magnifico’s sets a high bar with its namesake, and aims to deliver through an assortment of frozen treats. They specialize in soft-serve ice cream, but also offer frozen yogurt, Italian ice, ice cream cakes, and more. This includes bars and pops, as well as ice cream–filled cannoli in vanilla or chocolate flavors. Meanwhile, their soft-serve menu is split into everyday flavors, seasonal options, rotating specials, and popular Pineapple Dole Whip.
Milltown Ice Cream Depot
Where: Milltown
Details: There’s a size for every appetite at Milltown Ice Cream Depot. They offer servings in Infant (free trial), Baby (1 scoop), Small (1.5 scoops), Medium (2 scoops), and large (4 scoops). Other menu items include yogurt, no-sugar-added ice cream, plus Tofutti (vegan) and Pistachio ice cream. They serve flavors like Bourbon on the Rocks, Red Bean, Double Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Crazy Vanilla.
Owowcow Creamery
Where: Lambertville
Details: This ice cream shop hand crafts “super premium” ice cream from scratch daily. In fact, they’re one of the few ice cream companies licensed by the Department of Agriculture to make their ice cream base from scratch. They use local, organic produce and natural ingredients to make signature flavors such as Blueberry Lemon and Sweet Honey Cream. Other standout options include I Hate Chocolate, Honey Lavender, and Cashew Caramel.
Polar Cub
Where: Whitehouse Station
Details: The Polar Cub is packed most summer nights, but locals agree the ice cream is worth the wait. In fact, most folks claim this cash-only ice cream shop serves the best soft serve they’ve ever had. Aside from soft serve and hard flavors, they offer banana splits, floats, Italian ice, shakes, and sundaes. For a blend of flavors, order a Flurry with options like Butterfinger, Cookie Dough, M&Ms, or Oreo pieces. They also serve slushies and egg creams.
Summer Ville Homemade Ice Cream
Where: Somerville
Details: Despite the cutesy play on words, Summer Ville is serious when it comes to natural, creative homemade ice cream. Their menu consists of classic scoops and sundaes, as well as banana splits, Belgian waffle sundaes, and the Hurricane. The latter is a thick-blended ice cream that comes with a choice of up to three toppings. Ice cream flavors include Moose Trax, Rocky Road, Banana Fudge Ripple, plus Lemon Honeycomb and spicy Aztec Chocolate.
The Ice Cream House
Where: Edison
Details: The Ice Cream House has more to offer than just ice cream. The menu includes Acai bowls, bubble waffles, caramel popcorn, crepes, saltwater taffy, and more. But even the ice cream goes above and beyond, with unique flavors like Banana Pudding, Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle, Cookie Butter Craze, Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, and Lil’ Blue Panda (sugar cookie ice cream with blue cookie-dough swirl and cream-filled chocolate cookies).
The Ice House
Where: Hillsborough
Details: The Ice House has a few options when it comes to frozen treats. In addition to soft serve, they have dairy-free ice cream, milkshakes, and custom ice cream cakes. Patrons start by choosing their “weapon” (cup, cone, sugar cone, waffle cone, or “decked out” waffle cone), then size. The final choice is, of course, the flavor, anything from traditional vanilla and chocolate to signature house fusions. Try out the H.E.S. Mess with birthday batter ice cream.
Thee Ice Cream Parlor
Where: Flemington
Details: Thee Ice Cream Parlor emulates the old-fashioned ice cream parlors of the 1950s. However, the modern menu has over 80 flavors of homemade, hand-dipped ice cream and soft serve. Other frozen treats include frozen yogurt, Italian ices, and Supreme Sundaes. The latter includes extra-large portions mixing ice cream and other desserts such as Strawberry Shortcake. Then there’s the Big Bopper Supreme Sundae, which can feed an entire family.
Vanilla Bean Creamery
Where: Cranford
Details: Vanilla Bean Creamery is run by a graduate of the Ice Cream University (yes, that’s a real thing). The ice cream shop serves more than 32 delicious premium flavors, both classic and exotic. For example, everyday favorites include Fudge Brownie Sundae, Holy Cannoli, Oreo Cheesecake, and Triple Strawberry. Besides ice cream, they sell homemade cakes, cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches, and pies. Of course, even the pies/cakes include ice cream.
Jersey Shore
Aloha Soft Serve
Where: 928 Boardwalk, Ocean City | 1320 Boardwalk, Ocean City
Details: An Ocean City Boardwalk staple, Aloha Soft Serve is known for its famous Dole Whip and Aloha Float. In fact, they were Ocean City’s first ice cream shop to offer Dole Whip soft serve. They offer the popular treat in Pineapple, Strawberry, Orange, and Cherry. The menu boasts soft serve and hand dipped ice cream, 30 plus toppings, water ice, flurries, and sundaes. Popular toppings include Ghirardelli chocolate or caramel sauce, brownie bites, rainbow nerds, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, coconut flakes, and more. Aside from ice cream, the menu features floats, 20+ milkshakes (including their Crazy Shakes), and gelati. They also make made-to-order Ice Cream Tacos and cereal infused ice cream called Cereal Swirlz!
Why I Like it: Aloha Soft Serve offers a Dole Whip “flight” which offers a serving of all four flavors.
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Gracie and the Dudes Homemade Ice Cream
Where: 1062 Ocean Ave N, Sea Bright
Details: Gracie and the Dudes personalizes the ice cream experience. They make everything in small batches right in the shop, without any high-fructose corn syrup, eggs, or artificial dyes. They have a variety of flavors ranging from popular classics (Vanilla and Chocolate) to specialty flavors (Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie, Chocolate Brownie Chip). It’s not just the ice cream that’s made in house, they also make waffle cones, hot fudge, and even caramel.
Why I Like it: The McMullin family is always rolling out new flavors to try, from Pistachio to Amaretto Biscotti.
| Follow them on Instagram | Follow them on Facebook | Give them a Call |
A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor
Where: Ocean City
Details: In business since 1979, A La Mode offers homemade ice cream and ice cream cakes. Their menu includes Sundaes, Banana Splits, and of course, a la mode (topped with ice cream) desserts. For instance, they serve Pound Cake or Brownies a la mode, plus signature creations like the Gold Rush. This dessert blends butterscotch and roasted almonds over pound cake and vanilla ice cream. Try their Swiss Chocolate Almond or Coconut flavors.
Avalon Freeze
Where: Avalon
Details: This iconic Jersey Shore soft-serve shop serves throngs of summer visitors every summer. Patrons can visit the ‘50s-style cash-only window to purchase flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or twist ice cream. They also offer a few rotating flavors of frozen yogurt, as well as sundaes, milkshakes, and Avalon Freezers. Just keep in mind that parking is limited, so walking over is generally preferred. Take the dog and they can enjoy a free frozen pup cup.
Cookman Creamery
Where: Asbury Park
Details: This family-owned frozen dessert shop specializes in small-batch plant-based vegan and traditional dairy ice creams. Some popular flavors include Blueberry Biscoff, Honey Lavender, Banana Cream Pie, and Irish Coffee. They also offer ice cream cakes and pies, all made to order for special occasions. Cookmany Creamery is open seven days a week, and even sells merch including mugs, t-shirts, and gift card baskets. (But quantities are limited.)
Day’s Ice Cream
Where: Ocean Grove
Details: Day’s Ice Cream claims to be a delicious and unique step back in time. The menu features hard and soft serve ice cream, specialty sundaes, milk shakes, floats, and frozen yogurt. Ice cream flavors include both classic (Vanilla, Strawberry, Butter Pecan), and unexpected (Banana Pudding, Mississippi Mud Pie, Cannoli) options. In addition to waffle sundaes, they also offer waffle sandwiches stuffed with any choice of ice cream in the middle.
Gourmet Italian Delights
Where: 29 W Front St, Keyport
Details: If Gourmet Italian Delights doesn’t sound like an ice cream shop, that’s because they are so much more. This bakery, café, ice cream parlor combo offers unique flavors like Caramel Brownie Delight and Banana Fudge Walnut. They also create ice cream flavors based on superheroes such as Captain America and Superman. Fruit fans can enjoy a menu of options like Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Raspberry, and Strawberry.
Hoffman’s Ice Cream & Yogurt
Where: Point Pleasant | Spring Lake
Details: Hoffman’s began as one of New Jersey’s first Carvel shops in 1955, but has since come into its own. Their entire selection — more than 30 flavors — is made onsite at their Point Pleasant shop, but they also ship nationwide. Some of their popular and unique flavors include Blueberry Pie, Caramel Nut Cluster, Espresso Mocha Chunk, and Strawberry Bon Bon. We like the Jersey Monkey, banana ice cream with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chips.
Ice Cream Station
Where: Cape May Court House
Details: Ice Cream Station is the frozen treat refueling nexus for Cape May residents and pets alike. (That’s right, they also make doggie desserts!) This ice cream shop is the epitome of family-friendly, stocked with books and games for kids inside. In addition to a variety of ice cream flavors, they serve water ice and specialty sundaes like the Nutty Turtle: Vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, hot caramel, mixed nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
Ice Palace
Where: Ortley Beach
Details: Ice Palace has been making handcrafted ice cream in both hard and soft-serve flavors since 1998. Mainstay hard flavors include Blue Monster Cookie, Cotton Candy Confetti, and Java Chunk. In addition to soft-serve, they have Italian ice flavors like Cherry, Chocolate, Lemon, Root Beer, and Rainbow Sherbet. There is also a soft-serve frozen yogurt option in chocolate, vanilla, or twist. Pops and Cold Brew Milkshakes round out the menu.
Island Creamery
Where: Atlantic City
Details: The extensive menu at Island Creamery has something for everyone. The full menu ranges from hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, and frozen yogurt to water ice, gelato, and more. Locals love their specialty sundaes like the Pineapple Upside Down Sundae. This comes with a choice of ice cream plus crushed pineapple and caramel drizzle, then some homemade cake. The Hurricane Blitz menu is their version of a Blizzard, blending ice cream and toppings.
Jersey Cow Ice Cream
Where: Northfield
Details: Jersey Cow serves a selection of rotating flavors, as well as ice cream cakes and pies. The latest addition to their menu is hot and iced espresso drinks. They can now also offer affogato, which is a scoop of hard ice cream mixed with a shot of espresso. Some of their specialty sundaes include banana splits and the Brownie Delight. As for their ice cream menu, frequent flavors include Salted Caramel, Honey Lavender, Black Sesame, and Coffee.
Jersey Freeze
Where: Freehold | Holmdel
Details: Jersey Freeze specializes in frozen treats, cones, cakes, cupcakes, and sundaes. But they also sell burgers, sandwiches, wings, and other food. (Note: The Holmdel location exclusively serves ice cream.) Their menu boasts both hard and soft-serve flavors, ranging from German Chocolate Cake to Low Fat Peanut Butter. Likewise, some of their popular classics include Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Funfetti, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peach, and Vanilla.
Lindy Hops
Where: Galloway
Details: Lindy Hops is a 1950s-themed ice cream parlor that specializes in homemade ice cream and water ice. After years of success, the renovated 1,500-square foot ice cream shop still maintains its 1950s aesthetic. But the menu has grown quite a bit, boasting a few unique flavors like Jitter Bug, Gravel Gerty (Vanilla with fudge and marshmallow), Mississippi Mud, and Salty Dog; the latter is salted caramel ice cream with chocolate-covered pretzels.
Margate Dairy Bar & Burger
Where: Margate
Details: For 71 years, the Margate Dairy Bar has been synonymous with summer for generations of South Jersey beachgoers. A huge selection of soft-serve, sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, smoothies, blasters, water ice, and slushies adorn the frozen menu. They also have some standout hand-dipped flavors like Strawberry Donut, Chocolate Banana, and Peanut Butter N’ Bacon. Hungry for something a bit meatier? There’s also a burger bar onsite.
Nicholas Creamery
Where: Atlantic Highlands | Fair Haven | Long Branch | Tinton Falls
Details: Nicholas Creamery is the foray into dessert for local restaurateurs Nicholas and Melissa Harary. With four locations throughout Monmouth County, this ice cream shop specializes in handcrafting small-batch ice cream. Every flavor is unique, from the Brown Sugar Cookie Dough and Tahitian Vanilla to the Hudson Cafe Coffee Crunch But no trip is complete without one of their signature milkshakes, like the Ooey Gooey Peanut Butter.
Royale Crown
Where: Hammonton
Details: The Royale Crown menu includes both desserts and dinners. Families can stop by for burgers, Italian subs, or cheesesteaks, then stick around for ice cream and other frozen treats. From banana boats and root-beer floats to frozen yogurt, ice cream, and Italian ices, they have it all. Royale Crown even offers catering services to enhance any birthday party or special occasion. Plus, their list of unique and seasonal ice cream flavors is always changing.
Skipper Dipper
Where: Long Beach Island
Details: Skipper Dipper is an LBI tradition going strong since 1978. As the story goes, sisters Eileen and Susan wanted to open a family business their own families could enjoy. Ice cream naturally fit the bill, so they set out to deliver hard flavors, soft-serve, milkshakes, and sundaes. Their dream is still alive and well, as Skipper Dipper serves that plus floats, ice cream sodas, and Dole Whip. But we recommend Eileen’s Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae.
Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream
Where: Stone Harbor
Details: It’s not unusual for this popular spot to sport a considerably long line, but it usually moves quickly. The reason for the large crowds is, of course, the even larger menu of ice cream flavors. As the summer heats up, the flavor board at Springer’s grows, typically topping more than 40+ flavors to choose from. Popular picks range from Almond Amaretto and Mor-E-O to Per-snicker-ty and Pumpkin Pie, with some dairy-free flavors as well.
Sundaes The Ice Cream Place
Where: Aberdeen | Manasquan | Point Pleasant | Toms River
Details: With four locations and counting, Sundaes may seem like a corporate franchise. But they are actually a family owned and operated string of successful ice cream shops. After more than 30 years, Sundaes is now a preeminent Jersey Shore destination for frozen dessert. They are open year-round, serving over 40 flavors of hard ice cream. Popular options include the Chocolate Overload, Cappuccino Explosion, and Ooey Gooey Oreo.
Tuckahoe Ice Creama
Where: Tuckahoe (Woodbine)
Details: This cash-only spot offers ice cream, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, water ice, and hand-dipped flavors. Some of their most popular options include Vanilla Peanut Butter Ripple, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookie Dough, and Moose Tracks. But they also offer unique flavors such as Death by Chocolate, Graham Slam, Lemon Meringue, Expresso Caramel Brownie. Seasonal and rotating specials include the Shaken Peach Shake and Funnel Fry Sundae.
South Jersey
Alaura Candy Co
Where: Pitman
Details: Alaura is a one-stop shop for dinner, dessert, candy, and even merch. They offer a curated selection of traditional and dairy-free ice cream flavors, as well as ice cream pies. The variety of flavors includes unique options like French Toast Suzette, Lemon Basil, and Blue Cotton Candy. Meanwhile, their two dairy-free options are Vegan Toasted Coconut and Vegan Endgrain Cold Brew. Looking for an ice cream pie? We recommend the Mint Chip Fudge Oreo.
Cherry’s Ice Cream and Water Ice
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: For three generations and over 25 years, Cherry’s Ice Cream has been serving the Cherry Hill community. Their extensive menu boasts a number of classic options, but really stands out thanks to their specialty items. This includes frozen bananas with a choice of chocolate, peanut butter, or crushed peanuts. Other original concoctions include ice cream pizza by the slice or whole pie, and ice cream cake rolls. Don’t miss their Ice Cream Nachos.
Cream Valley Custard
Where: Woodstown
Detail: The family-owned Cream Valley Custard is home to the famous Creamsicle frozen custard. They also sell frozen yogurt, sundaes, flurries, milkshakes, smoothies, floats, banana splits, water ice, ice-cream cakes and sandwiches. One standout option is the Iceburg, a milkshake made with custard and water ice. Their hand-dipped ice creams and sherbets include Cotton Candy, Cold Brew Caramel Latte, and Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel.
Custard Corral
Where: Millville
Details: Custard Corral offers an experience for the whole family. That’s because they have a play area complete with a merry-go-round, plus a large field and petting zoo. Of course, the ice cream, frozen custard, and full dinner menu keeps patrons coming back as well. On the beverage side, they serve milkshakes and smoothies. But the specialty sundaes steal the show, with options like Cookie Monster, Golden Apple, Funky Monkey, and Golden Nugget.
Dippy’s Ice Cream
Where: Mantua
Details: Dippy’s is a local favorite thanks to generous portions and excellent customer service. They serve homemade hard ice cream, custard, homemade Italian ice, shakes, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. Popular ice cream flavors include Caramel Fudge Twirl, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Pretzel Crunch, and Strawberry Cheesecake. Meanwhile, sundae toppings include fun options like peaches, peanut butter, and pineapples.
Hilltop Creamery
Where: Blackwood
Details: The extensive menu at Hilltop Creamery can seem overwhelming at first, but fans quickly find their favorite. However, with more than 60 flavors of ice cream, soft serve, and water ice to choose from, they encourage experimentation. Their flavors change based on availability, but often include Milkyway, Mocha Caramel Fudge, Monkey Bones, and Vanilla Peanut Butter. Popular water ice flavors are Strawberry Lemonade and Tropical Rainbow.
Holiday Ice Cream
Where: Beverly
Details: Holiday Ice Cream doesn’t have much of an online presence, but locals know all they need to. This ice cream shop sells cups, cones, sundaes, floats, shakes, water ice, and more. Unlike many other spots, they also offer homemade hot apple and peach cobbler sundaes. Standout ice cream flavors include Praline & Cream, Butter Brickle, Cinnamon Bun, Cashew Raspberry, and Magical Unicorn. Try any favorite flavor as a Belgian Waffle Sundae.
Latteria
Where: Swedesboro
Details: Homemade ice cream and seasonal specialties make Latteria a fan favorite. Their long list of ice cream flavors includes Carnival Peeps (pink cotton candy with marshmallow Peeps) and Caramel Almond Fudge. Other fun options include Tropical Sunset, Deck of Cards (vanilla with Oreos and Red Velvet cake), and Cherry Blossom. As for their seasonal choices, they range from Robin Eggs to Cookies for Santa (cookies & cream with snicker doodle).
Leo’s Famous Yum Yum
Where: Medford
Details: Leo’s Ice Cream Company (aka Leo’s Famous Yum Yum) has been around since 1936. Their specialty is the one-of-a-kind Yum Yum. Described as “like Italian water ice but not” and “like sherbet, but it isn’t,” Yum Yum is something unique. Of course, Leo’s also offers homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors like Vanilla and Cherry Pineapple. This cozy ice cream shop is a trip down memory lane with all sorts of interesting decor, posters, and more.
Pennsville Farm Market and Custard Stand
Where: Pennsville
Details: This family-owned fruit and vegetable stand uses its own produce to make fresh ice cream daily. The menu depends on the season, with choices like strawberry ice cream in the summer and pumpkin during fall. They close for December and January, but are otherwise open year-round. They also make custom ice cream cakes in either 8″ or 10″ sizes. Other menu highlights include blizzards, floats, sandwiches, sundaes, apple cider donuts, and more.
Sundaes Homemade
Where: West Berlin
Details: It’s probably easier to list what Sundaes doesn’t serve. The menu includes soft serve, floats, sundaes, milkshakes, gelato, flurries, banana splits, water ice, and more. They even offer something called a Radio Ball, a layered combo of water ice and ice cream. Even the toppings menu is expansive, with everything from sprinkles and hot caramel to wet walnuts and malt powder. Try the Pretzel Logic (salty caramel with white chocolate pretzels).
Vincent’s Ice Cream
Where: Mount Holly
Details: Vincent’s offers homemade ice cream and water ice in both everyday and seasonal flavors. This ice cream shop sources all their ingredients locally to create a rotation of unique, seasonal flavors. For instance, their menu features Banana PB Surprise, Cam’s Cannoli, Caramel Cappuccino, and Chocolate Cherry. The water ice menu is more concise, with only a few select flavors. They also have a limited menu of floats, shakes, soft serve, and sundaes.
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Best Ice Cream Shops in New Jersey FAQS
There are dozens of amazing ice cream shops all over New Jersey. The best ones make their own homemade, small batch ice cream in a variety of rotating flavors. For instance, Trina’s Treats in Lyndhurst is a popular spot for frozen treats.
New Jersey’s best places for ice cream offer sundaes, banana splits, blizzards, gelato, frozen yogurt, Dole Whip, and more. Of course, they also make both hard and soft ice cream in a wide array of flavors. For a more exotic option, New Territories in Fair Lawn makes Hong Kong-style Ice Cream.
Yes! Many ice cream shops in New Jersey offer old-fashioned treats. For example, Curly’s Ice Cream in Riverdale and Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield both serve traditional egg creams. Other spots such as Magic Fountain in Summit and Cream King in Pennington are old-school outdoor ice cream stands.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: Guerriero Gelato / Facebook
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Diane’s Dairy / Instagram
Aloha Soft Serve / Facebook
