New York has plenty of trendy dessert spots, but some of the best ice cream comes from shops that have been around for decades. These parlors make their own flavors the old-fashioned way, and many have stayed in the same family across several generations.
That kind of history usually means the recipes are worth showing up for. If you like a scoop of nostalgia with your sundae, this list is packed with places that have kept New Yorkers coming back for years.
From city classics to small-town counters, each one has earned its loyal following the hard way, one batch at a time. Grab a spoon and take a look at where to go the next time a homemade cone is calling your name.
1. Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain, Brooklyn, NY
Housed in a restored 1920s pharmacy in Carroll Gardens, this spot brings the old soda fountain tradition back to life. The tin ceilings and marble counter give it a genuine throwback feel.
The menu leans into classic soda fountain fare, with egg creams, floats, sundaes, and house-made specials. Their signature creation, the Egg Cream, is a New York staple done right.
I like this stop because it treats the fountain experience as an event, not just a quick scoop. Families settle in at the counter and take their time, which is the whole point.
2. Eddie’s Sweet Shop, Queens, NY
Forest Hills holds one of the oldest ice cream parlors in the city, and it looks the part. Eddie’s has operated as a sweet shop for over a century, with much of its original fixtures still in place.
The ice cream is made in-house, and the sundaes come topped with real whipped cream made fresh on site. Hot fudge and homemade syrups round out the classic menu.
What sets it apart is how little has changed. The wooden booths, the antique dispensers, and the simple menu all feel like a step back in time without trying too hard.
3. Jahn’s, Queens, NY
Anyone who grew up in Queens probably remembers the name Jahn’s. The parlor dates back to the early 1900s and became famous for its enormous group sundaes.
Its most legendary item is the Kitchen Sink, a giant sundae built to be shared by a whole table. Ordering one has long been a rite of passage for birthdays and celebrations.
The Jackson Heights location keeps the tradition alive with towering sundaes and old-school parlor charm. It is the kind of place you visit when you want dessert to double as entertainment.
4. Stewart’s Shops, Saratoga Springs, NY
Across upstate New York, Stewart’s is practically a household name. What started as a family dairy business grew into a beloved chain that still makes its own ice cream.
The company churns flavors at its own plant and ships them fresh to shops throughout the region. Options range from classic vanilla to seasonal specials like pumpkin and peppermint stick.
Because Stewart’s controls its dairy supply, the ice cream stays affordable and consistent. For a road trip through the Adirondacks or Capital Region, it is a reliable stop for a hand-scooped cone.
5. Lickety Split, Buffalo, NY
Buffalo’s west side has kept this cheerful ice cream shop busy for years. Lickety Split makes its own ice cream in small batches and keeps the flavor list rotating.
Beyond scoops, the shop serves sundaes, shakes, and other frozen treats that make it easy to visit any time of day. The neighborhood feel is a big part of the draw.
I would save this one for a warm Buffalo evening when the line stretches out the door. It has become a summer gathering point for families in the area.
6. Bedford Farms Ice Cream, Bedford Hills, NY
Westchester County has a soft spot for Bedford Farms, a shop known for generous portions and homemade recipes. The ice cream is made on-site, and the servings are famously large.
Flavors run the full range, from familiar favorites to creative rotating options. Frozen yogurt and other treats round out the choices for anyone who wants variety.
The outdoor seating makes it a natural warm-weather stop. Families often pull in after a day out, and the portion sizes usually mean nobody leaves hungry.
7. Gifford’s Ice Cream, Skaneateles, NY
Sitting in one of the prettiest villages in the Finger Lakes, this shop pairs homemade ice cream with a lakeside setting. Skaneateles draws visitors all summer, and a cone by the water is part of the routine.
The ice cream is made in-house, with a rotating lineup of classic and seasonal flavors. Cones, cups, and sundaes keep the menu simple and satisfying.
Because the village stays busy in summer, it makes a natural pause during a Finger Lakes drive. Grab a scoop and take a short walk toward the lake to enjoy it.
8. Denino’s Ice Cream, Staten Island, NY
Staten Island’s dessert scene has long included the Denino name, tied to a family known across the borough. Their ice cream parlor serves homemade frozen treats alongside classic parlor favorites.
Sundaes, shakes, and cones fill out a menu that sticks to what works. The recipes have been passed along and refined over the years.
It rounds out this list as a borough classic that keeps families coming back. When you want a homemade scoop on Staten Island, this is a name locals recognize.
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