As the warm weather approaches, nothing satisfies cravings quite like ice cream, and Greater Boston is brimming with delightful options. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood treats, seeking trendy new flavors, or accommodating dietary preferences, there’s an ice cream shop for every mood and occasion. Here’s a look at 15 exemplary ice cream destinations that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
For those who want to relive their childhood, J.P. Licks offers a nostalgia-filled experience. With over 40 years in the business, this local chain features a classic toppings bar, bringing back memories of mini peanut-butter cups and hot fudge. Their strong selection of frozen yogurt has been a favorite long before it became a trend in the 1990s and 2000s, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With 17 locations around Greater Boston, it’s an easily accessible treat.
If you’re looking to satisfy a summer craving, Cedar Hill Dairy Joy presents the perfect solution with its dreamy creamsicle, a delightful combination of orange and vanilla soft serve. Located in Weston for over 60 years, this outdoor-only stand also boasts the cult sensation, javaberry, a coffee-raspberry swirl flavor. Pair your visit with a nearby trip to Ponyhenge, where whimsical rocking horses await the adventurous.
For a grown-up take on a classic treat, New City Microcreamery introduces an imaginative twist to the Blizzard. Beyond just the whimsical names of their toppings, like “hawt fudge” and “cosmic crunch,” every treat is customizable thanks to the liquid nitrogen ice-cream-making process. Seasonal flavors such as Dubai chocolate or chipotle-mezcal invite you to experiment beyond the familiar Oreo and vanilla blends.
At Ron’s Ice Cream & Bowling, you can merge two beloved New England traditions: candlepin bowling and ice cream. Open since the 1970s, this Hyde Park establishment offers a banana-boat sundae or scoop of peanut butter explosion, perfect for energizing your competitive spirit on the lanes. Don’t forget that ice cream cake and pizza can be a great option for party planning as well.
Instagram enthusiasts will enjoy Taiyaki NYC, where visual appeal meets delicious taste. Their unique fish-shaped cone, filled with either red bean or custard, is topped with pastel soft serve in trendy flavors like matcha, strawberry, and mango. Bring your treat to life with charming toppings that will make your dessert as shareable as it is satisfying.
Crescent Ridge is the go-to for those who love a thick, creamy frappe. Waiting in line at this suburban dairy bar has become a summer tradition for many. The “extra thick” version of their drink promises a decadent treat that fans adore. Options like peppermint stick and various flavors await you at their locations, including a spot in the Boston Public Market for those who can’t venture to Sharon.
Why head to Italy when you can savor exquisite gelato at Delini? This West Roxbury gem, founded by Viktoria Petkova, emphasizes simple, organic ingredients without artificial preservatives. The flavors, such as Sicilian pistachio and caramelized banana, boast freshness that’s hard to beat. Locally sourced honey and lavender elevate treats like the honey lavender gelato, making it a deliciously authentic choice.
At Toscanini’s, the celebration is personal with micro ice cream cakes intended for one or two people. Perfect for any occasion, the little cakes come filled with fan-favorite layers like their B3, a tempting combination of brown butter, brown sugar, and brownies, all encased in a thin layer of frosting and topped with sprinkles. Celebrate any day like your birthday with these satisfying treats.
The late-night sorcery of The Scoop N Scootery ensures you don’t need to sacrifice your ice cream fix for Netflix. With over 55 sundae options delivered until 2 a.m., this service is a lifesaver for midnight cravings. Customize your own sundae from 20 ice cream flavors and more than 40 toppings, and prepare for the sweetest dreams.
Vegans don’t have to miss out either, thanks to FoMu, known for its dairy-free delights. Made with coconut milk, this ice cream shop offers indulgent flavors that even traditional dairy lovers rave about. Experience flavors from cold brew to birthday cake across multiple locations around Boston. You can even make your creations at home with the help of founder Deena Jalal’s cookbook, Incredible Vegan Ice Cream.
Taco Tuesdays are transformed at Honeycomb Creamery, where choco tacos take a back seat to their ice-cream-filled waffle shells. Expect creatively rotating flavors that are both unique and delicious, whether it’s lemon crème or chocolate-covered strawberry. Whatever’s currently on offer promises to make your taste buds dance with joy.
For those looking for a caffeine fix combined with dessert, Matcha Café Maiko serves up perfection with its soft serve and specialty desserts featuring earthy matcha and hōjicha. Their innovative combinations, like matcha-strawberry soft serve atop a matcha latte, create a unique yet balanced dessert experience for adventurous eaters.
Naturally, the flavor innovation continues with Van Leeuwen, a chain famous for its quirky collaborations like Hidden Valley Ranch or Kraft Macaroni & Cheese ice creams. However, it’s their more classic flavors that are oftentimes the favorites, such as lemon-poppy-seed muffin and dulce de leche brownie, showcasing their egg-yolk-filled base. With a presence that’s rapidly expanding, Greater Boston can look forward to even more unique offerings.
For those with nut allergies, Gerly’s Ice Cream ensures a worry-free scoop every time. With their entire menu being 100 percent nut-free, customers can indulge in delectable varieties including Oreo mint and dark chocolate-sea salt without the fear of cross-contamination. Monthly membership options for pints or unlimited scoops are also available for die-hard ice cream lovers.
Last but not least, Far Out Ice Cream delivers New Zealand-style ice cream made with locally sourced fruit blended right into the base. This unique approach produces an ultra-creamy delight that is a refreshing take on traditional offerings. The signature Kookaberry, a confection of vanilla ice cream mixed with berries, is a must-try, especially topped with dark chocolate flakes for added richness.
With flavors ranging from fruit to coffee to classic favorites, the local ice cream scene showcases innovation and tradition alike. A survey of eight shops revealed that fruity flavors dominate sales, accounting for 29 percent of top sellers, followed closely by coffee and tea ice creams tied with classic flavors, capturing 18 percent each.
Creativity reigns supreme in Boston’s ice cream scene, as many of the local shops offer unique flavors that can’t be found elsewhere. Seasonal flavors add further excitement, proving that there is always something new to discover within this savory landscape.
Indeed, as the weather warms and locals venture out for frosty indulgences, the ice cream shops of Greater Boston stand prepared to delight every palate, ensuring there is something sweet to satisfy every craving.
image source from：https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-ice-cream-by-mood-boston/
