Summertime means ice cream dates are in full effect. This frozen treat is the perfect ending to any meal, cools you down on a hot summer day, and can simply cure any bad day you might be experiencing. For me, I could have ice cream all year round, even if there’s a blizzard outside; I love it that much and I’m always looking for new places to try. If you’re in search of the best ice cream in New Jersey, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best spots to find life-changing ice cream in NJ.
1. Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream
Ridgewood, NJ
Being around for over 40 years, Van Dyk’s is a staple in Bergen County and offers a selection of homemade flavors ranging from the OG’s to special creations and combos. Also please be prepared when going that you have cash on hand because that’s all they accept (yeah, it’s old school).
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2. Applegate Farm
Montclair, NJ
Ice cream always tastes better if it’s from a farm with a history behind it. From 1849 to now, families have been enjoying rich homemade ice cream from this establishment. Their menu contains a long list of traditional and special flavors that you’re bound to fall in love with the freshness and creaminess. Plus, it’s where Phil Leotardo tried to whip Vito Jr. into shape in The Sopranos—we all know how that ended.
3. Thomas’ Ice Cream Cafe
Hoboken, NJ
In the summertime, it simply doesn’t get better than homemade ice cream. At Thomas’, customers can choose from a selection of flavors from cookie dough and coffee Oreo to Cinnabon and hot fudge brownie. Thomas’ is a great date spot too since they offer flatbreads, pizza and coffee, so you can grab dinner AND dessert.
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4. Curly’s Ice Cream
Riverdale, NJ
If you find yourself in Passaic County, you better stop by Curly’s Ice Cream. This roadside ice cream shop is hard to miss with it’s retro themed colors and eternally long line in the Summer. It has that 1950s ice cream parlor look and if you love soft serve ice cream, this is your kind of place. They also have fantastic hard ice cream, sorbets, shakes and much more.
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5. Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream
Ledgewood, NJ
Cliff’s is a fantastic spot open all year round. It features a vintage drive-in with picnic tables scattered across the property, making it perfect for families, friends, and couples to enjoy. Enjoy a wide range of flavors from Cherry Cola and Holy Cannoli to Whiskey Turtle Fudge, along with seasonal favorites like Eggnog, Pumpkin Pie, and Dutch Apple Crumble in the fall.
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6. Torico Ice Cream
Jersey City, NJ
Since 1968, co-owner Peter Berrios still makes ice cream that only contains real fruit and premium ingredients—no powdered mixes or pre-made bases. Torico’s menu contains a huge list of flavors from Asian-inspired treats, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. They also offer ice cream pies, cakes and old fashioned ice cream floats.
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7. Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery
Bloomfield, NJ
Now this might be New Jersey’s most known ice cream spot since the infamous “Soprano’s” final scene was filmed here. You can almost hear “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey when you walk into this 85-year-old ice cream shop, which is adourned with vintage decor and Sopranos memorabilia all over the place. Similar to others, you can enjoy a juicy burger or stacked sandwich, then finish with your favorite ice cream sundae or pair your dinner with an ice cream float! This classic diner and confectionary is a portal to old school Jersey.
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8. The Original Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard
Multiple Locations
The Kohr brothers definitely knew what they were doing in 1917—talk about boardwalk treats! If you see a sign with this name, it is worth the inevitable wait. Kohr Brothers rose to fame because of their signature frozen custard, which is rich, creamy and sweet. The iconic swirled cone is a staple on the boardwalk. The custard is absolutely delicious but if you’re a hard ice cream fan, you’ll love it too!
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9. Nasto’s Ice Cream Co.
Newark, NJ
This place was the neighborhood spot back in the 1940s and since then has risen to new heights. Nasto’s products are served by some of the top restaurants, hotels and caterers in the tri-state area. In addition to their famous homemade ice cream and Italian ices, guests can also order their line of delicious Italian desserts like Tartufo, Spumoni and the fan-favorite Tortoni—an almond-laced ice cream with cherries and a hint of rum.
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10. Beenie’s Ice Cream
Morristown, NJ
“We sort of have a dog theme,” says Beenie’s of their Morristown ice cream shop which is decorated from head-to-toe with pictures of dogs and even their dog mascot, Beenie! Their signature ice cream checks off three boxes: American creaminess (high milk fat), Italian smoothness (think gelato) and artistic flavors. This formula works incredibly well for flavors such as key lime, peach melba and green mint. They even have dairy-free flavors. At Beenie’s, nothing is off limits.
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11. Ernie’s Ice Cream
Mahwah, NJ
If you’re looking for decadent and creative combinations of your favorite flavors, Ernie’s is your go-to. For example, peanut butter-lovers need to try the peanut butter pie flavor (peanut butter ice cream with chopped peanut butter cups and graham cracker swirl) and if you love Disney’s Pineapple Dole Whip creation, you can enjoy it here! In addition to their hard-ice cream, they have a huge selection of soft serve and in the fall, they offer seasonal treats like apple crisp, pumpkin ice cream and more.
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12. Iceberg Ice Cream
Lavallette, NJ
Another delicious ice cream hotspot at the Jersey Shore goes to Iceberg. Their menu consists of traditional and mash-up hard ice cream flavors, soft serve and a wide selection of creative and classic sundaes. In the past, they’ve collaborated with local business, Colonial Bakery, to create a crumb cake flavor that contains chunks of the bakery’s famous crumb cake spun in with vanilla ice cream. Other flavors such as strawberry cheesecake, toasted coconut and coffee cake can also be found.
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13. Royale Crown Ice Cream & Grille
Hammonton, NJ
This vintage ice cream parlor has been dishing out scoops of frozen treats, burgers and more since opening over 70 years ago. Classic sundaes and old-school treats are the name of the game at Royale Crown. If you happen to stop in during blueberry season, be sure to order appropriately—Hammonton is the blueberry capital of the world after all.
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14. Milk Sugar Love
Jersey City, NJ
Growing up eating Kohr’s Brother’s in Ocean City, New Jersey-owner Emma Taylor always loved ice cream and wanted to have her own shop one day. Inspired by her love for travel, she’s created modern flavors like Chocolate Rosemary, Ginger Creamsicle, Carmen Rosa’s Dominican Cake and more. If you’re wondering the reasoning behind the name, you’ll be glad to know it has to do with the quality of the ice cream. Taylor only uses simple ingredients like organic grass-fed cow’s milk, cream, sugar and love—because that’s really all you need for excellent ice cream.
15. Conrad’s Confectionery
Westwood, NJ
If you’re looking for a real-life Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory that has unbelievable ice cream, this is it. Since Conrad’s opened in 1928 their chocolates, hot fudge, whipped cream and syrups have all been homemade. Take a stab at any of their to-die-for flavors, or grab a box of candy to go. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
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16. Skipper Dipper
Long Beach, NJ
Since 1978, Skipper Dipper has been serving up some of Jersey’s best ice cream in LBI. The expansive list of flavors and toppings is what draws thousands to this establishment each summer. Try a unique soft serve flavor, or a classic sundae. Afterwards, take a stroll to the beach, which is only a stone’s throw away.
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17. Gabriel’s Fountain
Bridgewater, NJ
Yet another portal into the New Jersey of decades past, Gabriel’s Fountain is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and cap it off with some of NJ’s best ice cream. Gabriel’s specializes in hard ice cream and their unique flavors are undeniably attractive. Take the Aztec chocolate churro, which boasts a spicy dark chocolate base and cinnamon, or the sour cream and cherry, which includes sour cream infused base and bourbon cherries. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to hit.
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18. Milk & Cream Cereal Bar
Jersey City, NJ
No more crossing state lines to enjoy two childhood food favorites together. This New York-based ice cream shop brought its famous cereal establishment to Jersey City in 2020. Customers can choose from Milk & Cream’s signature creations or make their own; creativity is key in the ice cream world.
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19. Hoffman’s Ice Cream
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (& other locations)
What originally started as a Carvel became something even better when the franchise expired in 1976. Since opening, Hoffman’s has been nothing but happiness and delicious ice cream. From classic flavors to signature creations, you’ll be in sweet treat heaven. The Jersey Monkey is absolutely delicious (banana ice cream with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chips) and the Strawberry Bon-Bon (strawberry ice cream with hard chocolate swirl) is sweet and tangy.
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20. Windy Brow Farms
Fredon Township, NJ
Windy Brow Farms has had roots in Sussex for over a century. They’re best-known for supplying NJ with some beautiful produce and plenty of pick-your-own experiences. However, it’s their dairy farm heritage that continues to shine. At Windy Brow, you can find gourmet ice cream combinations made with ingredients from their farm (including pastries) and nearby purveyors. Maple ice cream with chocolate-covered bacon, burnt honey with roasted salted pistachios, and yes, the often talked about Taylor Ham ice cream. Head to their Instagram to see these treats in all their beauty.
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21. The Bent Spoon
Princeton, NJ
When in Princeton, The Bent Spoon is a must-visit. And any local will tell you the same. This artisan, award-winning New Jersey ice cream shop has been nationally recognized for its ambitious flavors. Think seasonal, local and organic ingredients coming together to form the likes of Lavender Mascarpone, Chocolate Ramp and Avocado Lemon. They’re also known for their sublime vegan offerings, including cookies and cream, in addition to an array of refreshing sorbets.
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22. Surreal Creamery
New Brunswick, Ridgewood and Westfield NJ
This New York hotspot has three outposts in New Jersey. Their signature is soft-serve ice cream served in mason jars or their “floateas” that incorporate bubble tea at the base. At Surreal Creamery, you’ll find Asian-inspired flavors such as taro and Vietnamese iced coffee. There are also nostalgic toppings like Fruity Pebbles and Lucky Charms. If you consider yourself a kid at heart, you’ll want to get the blue vanilla ice cream, the same color of your favorite Muppets character.
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23. Duffers Restaurant & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Wildwood, NJ
Duffer’s doesn’t play around when it comes to ice cream. Well, they actually do—have you seen the size of their sundaes? This family-owned Wildwood institution has been in operation for 50 years and continues to make all of their ice cream in-house daily. You can find classics here like a banana split, but there’s nothing quite like ordering a bowl of their outrageous creations. Milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches and floats aren’t off the table either.
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24. Llama Ice Cream
Rockaway, NJ
Look no further for exotic ice cream flavors—Llama Ice Cream has you covered with their rich and creamy tropical fruit varieties such as lucuma, guava, mamey, soursop, tamarind, and more. Conveniently located in Rockaway Mall, it’s the perfect way to conclude a day of shopping.
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25. Trina’s Treats Ice Cream Parlour
Lyndhurst, NJ
Treat yourself to something sweet at Trina’s, where you can enjoy ice cream cannolis, flights, nachos, sandwiches, pies, cakes, and more. Their flavors rotate weekly, and in addition to their ice cream, they offer a wide range of delicious desserts.
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26. Nicholas Creamery
Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Middletown NJ
They specialize in crafting top-notch quality homemade ice cream with an authentic dairy flavor, featuring unique seasonal varieties such as goat cheese and horchata. They create small batches, rotating flavors monthly. Hudson Coffee Crunch, their No. 1 best seller, is a staple.
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27. Jersey Freeze
Freehold, NJ
Bruce Springsteen isn’t a regular at Jersey Freeze for no reason. It’s a beloved staple among residents, offering a wide array of soft serve and hard ice cream flavors. Beyond ice cream, it’s also a full-service restaurant where you can savor classic American staples.
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28. Days Ice Cream
Ocean Grove, NJ
For 138 years, Day’s has been a cherished ice cream destination for Ocean Grovers—a true historic gem! As the town’s oldest continuously operating business, it’s no wonder the wait in line is always worth it. Featuring an incredible variety of flavors like Peanut Butter Moose Tracks, Almond Joy, Salted Caramel Pretzel, Hazelnut Truffle Latte, and more, Day’s continues to delight generations of visitors.
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29. Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream
Stone Harbor, NJ
Springer’s is a beloved Jersey Shore destination, known for its daily homemade offerings of over 70 flavors of ice cream, ices, and sorbets, including dairy-free options. The long line is well worth the wait, and flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake and Almond Amaretto are a must-try.
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30. Denville Dairy
Denville, NJ
For over 50 years, Denville Dairy has been delighting customers with their premium handmade ice cream. Their menu features a variety of treats, including ice cream dixie cups, sundaes, and sandwiches. They also cater to diverse dietary needs by offering sugar free, fat free, and vegan ice cream options. With an impressive range of flavors and choices, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
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Did we miss your favorite ice cream spot? Let us know in the comments below!
