Best Ice Cream Shops In New Jersey

Looking for the inside scoop on the best Ice Cream spots to visit in New Jersey? From the Jersey Shore to the Western region of the state these shops are worth the road trip. National Ice Cream Month is celebrated every July and National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday of July. What better way than to celebrate with an Ice Cream Crawl, am I right? 

Ice Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream so lets dive right into it, shall we. See more about the crawl on my Instagram. 

Last Licks, East Hanover

If you guessed that the owners, were huge baseball or softball fans, you would be right. The Saporito Family, opened Last Licks in 2013 naming the establishment after the sport both daughters played and was coached by dad. The name along with the story behind this shop makes it unique in its own right. Dan, the father, develops his own recipes while his daughter is the manager and handles all the decorated cakes and novelties. The location is easily accessible and with a large parking lot you can easily stop in for a sweet treat. I joked that the double long ramp you have to walk up, is the exercise you will need to walk off the delicious ice cream. As they are open year round, you have seasonal flavors along with ones that are available all year. Red Velvet Oreo, Holy Cannoli, and Apple Dapples are just a few of the great flavors on the menu. Worth the drive and if you're in the area worth the visit! Make sure you take a picture with the cow on your way out! 

What's the Scoop, Metuchen

What's the Scoop is located right in downtown Metuchen on Main St. This hot spot is a go-to after school, after dinner in town or after the game. There handcrafted and homemade flavors, over 60 of them, are made with the freshest and finest ingredients. Located a short walk from the Metuchen train station, easily accessible from the highway, and ample parking make this a worthy visit. Just some of the cool flavors include; Irish Whiskey, Rainbow Cookie, and Superman. They also have a few vegan flavors as well including Cookies & Cream and Vanilla Peanut Butter. 

Scoop To My Lou, East Brunswick

How can you not like a romantic story like Lou's who owns Scoop To My Lou. When he decided to open he mentioned his career change to his wife Anna who said "I Scoop for you, Lou" and the rest was history. A place to sweet memories, enjoy homemade ice cream daily, and a place to gather, this is a hot new spot in town, and one I recommend you visit, ASAP.  From Honey Lavender to the Kitchen Sink the flavors are awesome and unique. Right off Route 18 in East Brunswick, it is easy to get to and there is a large parking lot along with a back garden area with picnic benches to enjoy your sundae, milkshake or other ice cream option. 

Nicholas Creamery, Atlantic Highlands or Fair Haven

Nicholas Creamery came recommended by a few people, so I knew I had to check it out for myself and be the judge. This was the last stop on the crawl, so I went all out with three different flavors and hot fudge, for the perfect Sunday Sundae, get it! Known for making small batch ice cream and sourcing the freshest ingredients from local farmers and food artisans makes this the place to visit for top quality ice cream. Brown Sugar Cookie Dough, Jersey Blueberry and Vegan Peanut Butter are just a few of the unique flavors offered on their menu. We stopped at the Atlantic Highlands location and took our Ice Cream to the water which was super nice and very hot evening. 

The following spots I have visited in the past and would also highly recommend if you are in the area. Who doesn't love a good Ice Cream Sundae, creamy milkshake or waffle cone? 

Jersey Freeze, Freehold

The Campfire S'mores Boat is that perfect summer treat when you are missing camp! You can't go wrong with any of their flavors and creations. 

Magnifico's, East Brunswick 

From season flavors like Pumpkin & Candy Cane Peppermint to their everyday ones Oreo Cookie and Nutella you are bound to find your own favorite flavor. I love their Chocolate Chip sliders. 

Coney Waffle, Multiple Locations

With four locations along the Jersey Shore and known for their over the top Instagram worthy creations, I highly recommend checking them out. Family owned and operated this concept was created prior to the social media boom, started in Coney Island and now taken over by the son who made it the amazing ice cream shop it is today. Orders accepted online for curbside pickup or delivery here. 

Cookman Creamery, Asbury Park

Located on Cookman Ave in Asbury Park this spot is the perfect addition to the already creative culinary scene booming in the area. With both traditional and and dairy-free ice creams they turning out over 30+ flavors for you to enjoy. The Salted Caramel Pretzel is hands down my favorite flavor! 

Hoffman's Ice Cream, Multiple Locations

With three locations on the Jersey Shore you are sure to find one after a long day at the beach and this is the best place to stop on your way home. From their milkshakes to their flavors in waffle cones, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

The Bent Spoon, Princeton

"Since 2004 they have been crafting small batch ice cream & sorbets using local and organic ingredients" as mentioned on their Instagram page. Have you heard of Beet & Goat Cheese Basil or Blueberry Mascarpone before? If you are in the area, do yourself a favor an stop in to pick up some of the greatest ice cream to be had in New Jersey! 

As a self described foodie who loves to try something new I am looking forward to exploring more local Ice Cream Shops in New Jersey!

XoXo,

Tracy