Create Your Own “Ice Cream Shops Bucket List” This Summer!
Summer Time is Ice Cream Season which means it time to visit the Best Ice Cream Shops on Long Island! From nostalgic shops serving up the traditional classics to fresh made rolled ice cream, both Nassau and Suffolk County are home to some of the best Ice Cream Shops on Long Island.
For those of you with kids and are in need of ideas of what to do with them this summer, create an “Ice Cream Shops Bucket List” to visit! Each week you can choose a new local shop to visit or spend a day together mapping out the places on your list.
When you visit, create a rating system to score each category and keep record of your answers to compare each place. The drive itself can be a fun time talking or choose a designated car DJ for each way. This Bucket List can create memories that will last a lifetime and may even create a new summer tradition!
Below, you will find the Top 10 Ice Cream Shops in both Nassau and Suffolk county to make it easier for those looking for places in your area!
Ice Cream Shops to Visit in Suffolk County
Mickey’s Ice Cream Kitchen (St. James, NY)
4.9 Google Rating
Mickey’s Ice Cream shop in St. James is a must visit this summer! Their ice cream flavors are locally sourced in small batches with the best ingredients! They offer soft serve, shakes, hard ice cream in a ton of flavors (including seasonal), and Non-Dairy Flavors as well! In addition, they offer ALWAYS FREE TOPPINGS!
If you like live music, Mickey’s often has local musicians playing to entertain their crowds and offer a great outdoor seating area. They also have events for kids each Wednesday night in July & August where they host a free dance party on the patio with a new character hosting each week! To learn more about the Mickey’s or upcoming events, click HERE!
Mia’s Ice Cream Kitchen (Centereach, NY)
4.9 Google Rating
Mia’s Ice Cream Kitchen is a homemade ice cream shop in Selden that specializes in the art of making delicious, unique and traditional flavors as well! All of the flavors are dye free and most are naturally flavored which offers up a rich mouthful that isn’t overly sweet. In addition, Mia’s offers dairy free and no sugar added options as well.
For the adults who love ice cream with a little kick, Mia’s offers alcohol infused ice cream such as Coconut Rum, All Jacked Up, Irish Cream and more! There’s something for everyone at Mia’s so make sure to add this stop to your list! For more information, click HERE!
*Mia’s has recently moved to 1315 Middle Country Rd, Centereach, NY 11720
Krispy Mango (Huntington, NY)
4.9 Google Rating
If you’re looking for Rolled Ice Cream, Krispy Mango is where you seek! Rolled Ice Cream, is a sweetened frozen dessert made using milk, cream and sugars as well as other added ingredients to improve the flavor. The texture of rolled ice cream is slightly different to traditional ice cream. It’s not churned by a machine, but is instead mixed by hand directly on the freezing pans where less air is introduced into the mixture. This can result in a slightly denser texture and a more intense flavor.
Krispy Mango allows you to build your own starting with your base flavor. Options include: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cake Batter, Cotton Candy and Vanilla Yogurt base. Next, you choose your Mix-In’s like Oreo’s, Cookie Dough, Brownie Bites, Nutella, Strawberries, Mango or Fruity Pebbles. You can add extra Mix-In’s or even a candy bar like Kit-Kat, Twix, Snickers or Butter Fingers. Lastly, you can choose to add a Sauce like Chocolate, Caramel or Peanut Butter.
Once you’ve chosen your desired combination, it’s time for the experience as they pour the ingredients over the ice plates and work their magic turning it into ice cream. Once the liquid freezes, they “roll” the ice cream and place it into a cup for you to enjoy!
In addition, Krispy Mango offers some of the BEST baked goods on Long Island including their Macarons, Specialty Cakes and Oreo Dream Bars. *Do not leave there without trying the Oreo Dream Bar-you’ll thank me later. For more information, click HERE!
Old Fashioned Ice Cream (Babylon, NY)
4.8 Google Rating
Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Babylon has been Family owned/operated since 1973. They’ve been making homemade ice cream for over 50 years! Clearly, they’re doing something right! They offer traditional serve soft flavors like vanilla and chocolate, but also creative flavors that change often. In addition, they can also offer dairy free, vegan or gluten free options too! Follow them on Instagram HERE to see what flavors they are making today!
If you’re looking for that old fashioned ice cream, stop in for a sundae or take home some grab and go options! They are open everyday from 12pm-10pm and are located at 1025 Straight Path, West Babylon, NY. For more information, click HERE!
Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe (Riverhead, NY)
4.8 Google Rating
Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe has been a favorite of locals for years! They offer up soft serve, hard ice cream, shakes, cakes and novelties like ice cream sandwiches and sprinkle cones. They also offer a flavor of the week and to see what this week’s flavor is, click HERE!
In addition, Snowflake offers sugar free and non dairy options and even gluten-free chipwiches!
Pam’s Ice Cream Shoppe (East Islip, NY)
4.8 Google Rating
Pam’s Ice Cream Shoppe is a hidden gem that offers up delicious ice cream in soft serve and hard ice cream. They also offer diet options and 2 for 1 Sundaes on Tuesdays! For more information about Pam’s, follow them on Instagram HERE!
Magic Fountain (Mattituck, NY)
4.8 Google Rating
Magic Fountain is a must stop when visiting the Northfork of Long Island. In addition to serving delicious soft serve and hard ice cream, they offer brownie sundaes, banana splits and shakes. In addition, they offer a ton of novelties for purchase like fudge nut bars, chipper, top hats cakes! For more information, click HERE!
*CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Milky Ways Ice Cream Shop (Huntington/Coram/Hauppauge, NY)
4.7/4.8/5.0 Google Rating
Milky Ways Ice Cream Shop goes beyond your normal cone or cup. They specialize in cereal blended inside of ice cream! If your kid (or you) LOVE cereal, Milky Ways is a must visit this summer!
With 3 locations on Long Island (Huntington, Coram and Hauppauge), it’s a great place to add to your ice cream shop bucket list!
Strong Island Ice Cream (Nesconset, NY)
4.7 Google Rating
Strong Island Ice Cream, located in Nesconset, offers up over 30+ flavors of homemade ice cream! You can choose from traditional flavors or try a specialty flavor like Banana Crème Pie, Cannoli, or Rainbow Cookie. You can order a sundae that comes on top of cookies, waffles or pound cake or a classic banana split!
In addition, they also offer up gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options like Mango Sorbet or Açaí-Raspberry Sorbet. You can also enjoy vegan vanilla, pistachio or strawberry ice cream made with almond milk or lemon, cherry or rainbow vegan/vegetarian Italian ice.
For more information about Strong Island Ice Cream, click HERE!
Lics Ice Cream (Northport, NY)
4.7 Google Rating
Lics, which stands for “Little Ice Cream Store,” has been a beloved fixture in the town of Northport, New York, for over 25 years. Known for its commitment to quality, Lics creates homemade flavors using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world.
Their offerings include not only traditional ice creams but also gelato, vegan options, yogurts, and Italian ices, all handcrafted in-store to ensure maximum freshness. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by and experience the exceptional taste that sets Lics apart.
With over 70 flavors, there’s something for everyone at Lics! For more information, click HERE!
Honorable Mentions:
Alkemy (Huntington-4.5)
Coyle’s Homemade Ice Cream (Bay Shore-4.6/Islip-4.4)
Ice Cream Cottage (Mastic-4.6)
Northport Sweet Shop (Northport-4.5)
Ice Cream Shops to Visit in Nassau County
Jericho Creamery (Jericho)
5.0 Google Rating
Located inside the Jericho Cider Mill, you’ll find Jericho Creamery. Known for their apple cider, donuts, pies and cheesecakes, the Jericho Cider Mill is now scooping up ice cream too! This is a great place to add to your ice cream shop bucket list because it’s not just an ice cream shop! For more information, click HERE!
Smusht (Port Washington)
4.9 Google Rating
At Smusht, located in Port Washington, dessert is taken to a whole new level. This ice cream shop offers a daily selection of artisanal crafted, pre-made grab-and-go ice cream sandwiches.
Customers can also create their own custom Smusht by choosing from 21 flavors of homemade ice cream, pairing them with two freshly baked cookies, and adding any of the 12 available toppings.
Beyond their signature sandwiches, Smusht provides a full-service ice cream experience, offering cups, cones, sundaes, and shakes to satisfy every sweet tooth. You can even order an ice cream flight! For more information about Smusht, click HERE!
Let’s Roll (Merrick)
4.8 Google Rating
If you’re craving Rolled Ice Cream from earlier in this article, but live in Nassau County, don’t fear! Let’s Roll in Merrick offers up fresh handmade rolled ice cream, yogurt and non dairy (vegan) rolls. For more information, visit their instagram account HERE!
Lengo’s Ice Cream World (Merrick)
4.8 Google Rating
Lengo’s is a hidden gem of an ice cream shop located in Merrill. From the outside, it looks like a convenience store, but inside you’ll find delicious ice cream and to die for whipped cream.
They offer ice cream & low carb yogurt, low carb, keto friendly food, candy, and more! They are also known for the best ice cream cake! For more information about Lengo’s, click HERE!
Sweet Spot Cafe Long Island (Seaford, NY)
4.7 Google Rating
The Sweet Spot Cafe in Seaford offers up Gelato, Espresso, Dessert and Candy! It’s the perfect place to bring the kiddos with a super cool vibe inside and out!
They can order a gelato with toppings, hit up the candy area and you can enjoy an espresso! Win win for everyone! For more information about the Sweet Spot Cafe, follow them on Instagram HERE!
Frozen Cow Ices & Cream (Lido Beach)
4.7 Google Rating
Frozen Cow Ices & Cream located in Lido Beach, is know for their homemade ice cream and delicious flavor combinations. In addition to ice cream, they offer ices, baked goods and a sweet shop with candy by the pound!
For more information about Frozen Cow, click HERE!
Marhshall’s Ice Cream Bar (Massapequa)
4.6 Google Rating
Marshall’s Ice Cream Bar has been Family owned and operated since 1953! Located right next store to All American Burger, you’ll find Marshall’s! It’s the perfect spot to add to your list and also offers a great spot to grab a burger and fries before with the family!
Grab a soft serve cone or a cup of hard ice cream and call it a night!
Sweet Charlie’s (New Hyde Park)
4.6 Google Rating
Sweet Charlie’s is a popular chain of rolled ice cream shops with a location in New Hyde Park, known for revolutionizing the way ice cream is produced. Their fresh, made-to-order ice cream is free from preservatives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, ensuring a natural and high-quality treat.
Customers can choose from a premium ice cream base, a fat-free frozen yogurt base, or a vegan-friendly dairy-free alternative. The chosen base, combined with selected ingredients, is mixed on an ice-cold surface until it’s just right for rolling.
The result is a creamy and delicious cup of ice cream. In addition to their signature rolled ice cream, Sweet Charlie’s also offers a variety of made-to-order desserts, enhancing the overall experience for dessert lovers. For more information about Sweet Charlie’s, click HERE!
McNulty’s Ice Cream Parlor (Miller Place)
4.5 Google Rating
Nestled in the heart of Miller Place, McNulty’s Ice Cream Parlor is the epitome of charm and coziness. Since 1992, this beloved establishment has delighted patrons of all ages with its hard and soft ice cream, Italian ices, and made-to-order cakes.
McNulty’s offers a vast menu of homemade ice cream treats, from cones and sundaes to kid’s specialties and refreshing cold beverage desserts.
For party planners, Mabel, their mobile ice cream parlor, can bring the sweet experience directly to you. McNulty’s also provides everything needed for an unforgettable get-together, whether you’re celebrating a little princess or a big superhero. Their endless array of creative, one-of-a-kind ice cream cakes makes any celebration extra special.
Make sure to add McNulty’s to your ice cream bucket list! For more information, click HERE!
Honorable Mentions:
Scoops & Cones Cafe (Wantagh) 4.5 Google Rating
Scoops & Cones II (Farmingdale) 4.6 Google Rating
Nana’s Ice Cream & Coffee House (Westbury) 4.5 Google Rating
Hicksville Sweet Shop (Hicksville) 4.5 Google Rating
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you create an “Ice Cream Shop Bucket List” to visit this summer! If you’re looking for more “Things To Do on Long Island,” click HERE!
If you’re looking for Outdoor Movies on Long Island this summer, click HERE!
Photo credit: all photos in this article were sourced from the businesses website or social media accounts