When the weather heats up, there’s nothing like cooling off with an ice-cold treat. From newfangled ice cream shops to historic roadside stands, these are a few locals’ favorites you’ve got to try the next time you visit New Jersey.
Cliff's Homemade Ice Cream (Ledgewood)
Situated along Route 46 in Ledgewood, this iconic roadside ice cream parlor has been a family favorite since 1975. Pick from 11 soft-serve flavors and more than 60 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, with creative options like Holy Cannoli and Bavarian Cream Raspberry Truffle, then sit on one of the outdoor picnic tables to indulge.
The Bent Spoon (Princeton)
This farm-to-spoon ice creamery in Princeton focuses on local and organic ingredients to make its small-batch ice creams and sorbets. Choose from unique flavors like NJ Blueberry Mascarpone, Sweet Corn, NJ Ricotta, Avocado Lime and Blackberry Chocolate Bit, or go for more traditional flavors such as Dark Chocolate or Hazelnut. Vegan (dairy-free) options are also available.
oWowCow Creamery (Lambertville)
Ranked #3 on NJ.com’s list of top ice cream spots in 2021, it should come as no surprise that this Lambertville ice cream shop has plenty of swoon-worthy flavors. Visit the rustic storefront, touting exposed brick walls, high ceilings and steel beams, and select from 24 flavors, such as Honey Lavender, Blueberry Lemon, Cookie Monstah and Cashew Caramel, as well as dairy-free sorbet and vegan ice cream.
Salaam Ice Cream Parlor (Newark)
Treat your taste buds at this family-owned shop in Newark. Pick from flavors including Cinnamon Churro, Bourbon on the Rocks and Bing Cherry, plus vegan options like Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate, Mint Chip Galactica and Infinite Coconut. And be sure to keep an eye out for their ice cream truck, Salaam On Wheels!
Torico Ice Cream (Jersey City)
Established in 1968, generations of families have enjoyed spending time together at this Jersey City mainstay. Walk up to the counter to marvel at a dazzling palette of colorful flavors, from tropical delights like Pineapple & Cream or Coconut Joy to rich indulgences like Strawberry Cheesecake or Chocolate Marshmallow.
Springer's Homemade Ice Cream (Stone Harbor)
The historic building housing this Stone Harbor staple has been around “since Prohibition,” but has undergone major renovations, all while keeping its classic charm. While you’re here, take your pick from a lineup of 50 flavors of freshly made ice cream, ice, gelato and sorbet, such as Butterscotch Brickle, Maple Walnut and Oreo Cheesecake.
Van Dyk's Homemade Ice Cream (Ridgewood)
Summertime is ice cream time at this seasonal, cash-only ice cream parlor in Ridgewood, where the scoops, sundaes and milkshakes come in an array of flavors, from classics such as Strawberry and Cookie Dough and creative concoctions such as Banana Oreo and Salted Caramel Truffle.
Magnifico's Ice Cream (East Brunswick)
Known for their famous soft-serve ice cream since 1981 (and named one of the top shops by Best of NJ in 2021), this East Brunswick spot is the place for sundaes, banana splits and tasty novelty treats like ice cream-filled cannoli. Keep an eye out for flavors such as Key Lime Pie, Black Raspberry and German Chocolate, and choose from more than 30 toppings.
Be sure to check the official websites or social media pages for the ice cream shops you plan to visit before you go so you can get the greatest enjoyment from your excursion.
