5 Top Spots to Get Ice Cream—and Other Frozen Treats—in Harlem and Beyond

Ice cream season is officially here.

Happily, Upper Manhattan has become a great place to find some truly notable frozen desserts.

It's home to two shops specializing in small-batch ice cream and gelato as well as a number of stylish spots where you can pull up to the counter for icy shakes and more.

Here, then, are TCU's favorites, from south to north.

Sugar Hill Creamery

• East Harlem 1642 Lexington Ave between 103rd and 104th Sts

• Central Harlem 184 Lenox Ave between W 119th and W 120th Sts

• Hamilton Heights 3629 Broadway between W 149th and W 150th Sts

The original Harlem spot for creative scoops in flavors ranging from Hello New World (caramel cookies-n-cream with vanilla wafers and Oreos) to Chairperson of the Board (blueberry cheesecake).

Harlem Shake

Central Harlem 100 W 124th St and Lenox Ave

This retro burger joint's mouthwatering shake menu includes everything from classic vanilla to its signature red velvet—all made with organic Blue Marble ice cream.

Avrilililly's

West Harlem 1610 Amsterdam Ave between W 139th and W 140th Sts

A family-run cafe with creamy house-made gelato. Find a range of rotating flavors including s'mores and vegan coconut.

Fountain Bookshop Ice Cream & Gifts

Washington Heights 803 W 187th St between Fort Washington Ave and Cabrini Blvd

This new bookstore from the team behind neighboring Dutch Baby Bakery also has a colorful ice cream counter featuring Hudson Valley brand Jane's Ice Cream in flavors like rocky road, vegan chai, and creamsicle.

Choc NYC

Inwood 4996 Broadway at 212th St

This stellar pastry shop also makes its own ice cream and sorbet—revolving flavors include red velvet cheesecake ice cream and peach sorbet—served starting at noon.

For daily updates, follow The Curious Uptowner on Facebook, Instagram and X