After the challenges that the pandemic has put on Long Island, a relaxing trip to a local ice cream shop is well deserved.
Because the past two years have been so straining on local businesses and with the temperature quickly ramping up, now is the perfect time to skip the Baskin Robbins and head over to support some of Long Island’s best in the ice cream industry.
Here’s a list of some mom-and-pop shops that will definitely scratch the sweet tooth itch.
This family-owned, chef-operated ice cream shop specializes in artisanal scoops and boasts an impressive 64 flavors all handmade by chef Rob McCue and his wife Christine. In addition to their unique flavors, Ice Cream Social also offers frozen yogurt, milkshakes and malts, and a vegan menu including a Dole Whip soft serve. 1153 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-543-7501
Milky Way’s Ice Cream and Cereal Bar
This quirky new independently-owned ice cream shop has two convenient locations and offers a unique spin on ordering your favorite flavors by offering breakfast cereals as toppings and mix-ins. With a huge amount of customization on cones, cups, and milkshakes, there are tons of ways to make your own ice cream/cereal creation or pick from a menu of specials. 2229 Rt. 112, Coram 631-846-8868 / 22 Clinton Ave., Huntington, 631-470-3523
With a cozy and contained feel, McNulty’s Ice Cream is a 1992-born mainstay that contains a wide catalog of hard and soft-serve ice cream flavors, Italian ices, and one-of-a-kind cakes for birthday parties. Homemade ice cream and a comfortable atmosphere make for a genuine and fun visit. 153 N. Country Rd., Miller Place, 631-474-3543
This 1950s-style ice cream parlor offers a list of 60 homemade flavors and a soda fountain for egg creams and malts. The music and atmosphere of this shop will undoubtedly transport you back in time as its tasty desserts and vintage style will surely satisfy you. 75 Howells Rd., Bay Shore 631-666-2229 / 509 Main St., Islip, 631-617-5014
Making homemade sweets since 1973, Old Fashioned Ice Cream has more than proved its worth with enough sundaes, shakes, cakes, and pies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Offering everything from classic flavors to new vegan options, this shop has something for everyone. 1025 Straight Path, West Babylon, 631-669-3020
Lics, standing for “little ice cream store,” has been in business for years and offers decadent ice cream, gelato, yogurts, and ices. Having been in Northport for more than 25 years, Lics has crafted more than 70 unique flavors of ice cream and a delicious fleet of gelato flavors, including rainbow cookie and blueberry muffin. 74 Main St., Northport, 631-757-9099
30+ flavors and ginormous banana splits guarantee your trip to Strong Island Ice Cream will be a memorable one. All of their flavors are handmade, and many are quite unique, such as maple walnut and Nutella. 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset, 631-656-5930
A trip over to the shops at East Wind wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Tweet’s. With 20 hard ice cream flavors and 30 toppings, customers love to mix and match their perfect creation. Sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are available with Dole Whip. 5768 Route 25A Suite L, Wading River, 631-886-1293
Snowflake offers a vast array of both soft and hard ice cream with a little something for everyone available. Whether it be a dutch chocolate hard scoop or a lemon soft serve, Snowflake has the best of both worlds with its delicious homemade scoops. With the addition of sugar free flavors always on the menu, there’s truly no reason not to enjoy it. 1148 W Main St, Riverhead, 631-727-4394
With multiple positive reviews and a fleet of delicious flavors to back them up, the Ice Cream Cottage is a spot you cannot miss. With flavors ranging from the conventional to the creative and seasonal treats moving on and off the menu, there’s plenty of delicious varieties to choose from. 1590 Montauk Hwy., Mastic, 631-395-3580
This fairly new establishment in Selden offers a packed menu of delicious flavors both sweet tooth-inspiring and sugar free. It also offers seven unique “adult flavors” which include interesting creations such as cherry amaretto and coconut rum. These flavors do include alcohol, meaning they’re not kid-friendly but perfect for mom and dad to enjoy. 1245 Middle Country Rd. Unit 7, Selden, 631-846-6452
This Oceanside shop offers homemade ice cream with flavors such as banana and strawberry made with real fruit. The store’s “Wacky Wednesday” deal offers “buy-one, get-one-free” soft sundaes, making Frozen Side a delicious and affordable option for families. 3286 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, 516-286-0077
This café offers a wide array of desserts, including an impressive list of gelato flavors that take chocolate to the next level. Chocolate mousse and cheesecake take decadence to a new level at this locally-owned shop that truly earns the name Delight. 322 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, 516-409-5772
Having been open since 1925, this sweet shop has delicious flavors and decades of experience to back them up, ensuring taste that will stay with you for a long time. Owners Phillip and Eva Zouro pride themselves on their homemade flavors, but scoops like the creamy and rich chocolate certainly speak for themselves. 75 S. Broadway, Hicksville, 516-931-0130
This locally owned and family run store has been offering delicious scoops, tasty ice cream cakes, and other frozen treats since 1953 and shows no sign of stopping any time soon. Lots of flavors and a fast moving line ensure you’ll be coming back many more times after your first visit. Plus it’s right next door to the beloved All American Hamburger Drive-in, so it’s a perfect spot for ice cream after your local fast food fix. 4276 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, 516-798-9723
Douglas & James Homemade Ice Cream (Sweet Treats on the Wharf)
Fantastic homemade flavors, an interesting decor of antiques to engage you while waiting in line, of course, because many people go in, and friendly staff, all describe it. Try the cool treat or order a vanilla ice cream soda like grandma used to buy in her hometown candy shop. Here’s a sweet little ice cream place with plenty of treats: shaved ice, sorbet, soft serve as well as hand-scooped ice cream, are standard reasons to go. 405 Main St., Port Washington, 516-708-1706
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