
Summer—when the heat waves come in, well, waves—is peak ice cream season.
A time when only a sweet, ice-cold treat will do.
Before it's over, here's a list of 8 special uptown spots where you can grab a scoop or icy swirl to-go.
From south to north they are:
Central Harlem 109 Malcolm X Blvd between W 115th and W 116th Sts
Naturally, the soft serve at this rice-focused spot—the rice milk hibiscus raspberry swirl—is made using its star ingredient. And, yes, that means it's vegan.
Central Harlem 184 Lenox Ave between W 119th and W 120th Sts
The spot in Harlem for creative scoops in flavors ranging from Harlem Sweeties (salted caramel) to First Day Out (Corn Jalapeño with Hibiscus Blackberry).
Central Harlem 196 Lenox Ave at W 120th St
Classic Italian gelato in flavors such as chocolate and pistachio.
Central Harlem 100 W 124th St and Lenox Ave
This retro burger joint's impressive shake list includes everything from classic vanilla to its signature red velvet—and all are made with organic Blue Marble ice cream.
Central Harlem 2500 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 133rd and W 134th Sts
The Harlem location of this pop culture-inspired ice cream brand took a while to reopen this year, and it's still not open every day. For now, look for special events and ice cream that can be ordered on the website and picked up in-store on the weekends. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook for the latest.
Hamilton Heights 1596 Amsterdam between W 138th and W 139th Sts
This artisanal slice shop just got a new ice cream case with imported Italian gelato by the cup, cone or waffle cone. There's even a vegan flavor.
Hamilton Heights 3612 Broadway and 149th St
Soft serve in a cup or cone is now available from this fun spot's cheery takeout window.
Inwood 4996 Broadway at 212th St
Ice cream and sorbet made in-house—recent flavors include hazelnut caramel crunch ice cream and strawberry sorbet—served from this stellar pastry shop's window (starting at noon, according to the website).
For daily updates, follow The Curious Uptowner on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter