Jean Lee 
Ice cream is a sweet frozen dessert that has been around for ages. In fact, Hobokenite Italo Marchiony invented the ice cream cone that pairs with the flavors of your choosing. Ice cream can be served in a cup as well and there are various flavors to choose from — from classic ice cream flavors like chocolate + strawberry to unique ice cream flavors like cookies n’ cream and peanut butter. Here in Hudson County and other surrounding areas, there are several spots to go out and satisfy an ice cream craving. Keep reading for a list of the best ice cream shops in Northern New Jersey.
Absolute Zero Ice Cream | 410 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Sometimes dessert lovers may need a little something more than a soft-serve cone. The Thai-inspired ice cream rolls may be just the delectable treat. Starting with fresh milk and cream as the base, this place hand rolls all the ice cream for patrons. Once toppings are added, it’s all mixed, diced, and put together in the most lovely thinly rolled ice cream to snack on. There is a flavor palette for everyone, but HG loves the Camp + Chill flavor.
Read More: Unique Ice Cream Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Alpine Creamery | 14 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
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Open only during the summer months, Alpine Creamery is a delicious stop after a fun day in the sun. Diners can also pick up a sundae kit if they’re looking to take the ice cream home and enjoy it. It comes with ice cream, toppings, and cones. Non-dairy folks should rejoice because it also has vegan flavors like cookies-n-cream and coffee.
Applegate Farm | 616 Grove Street, Upper Montclair
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Applegate Farm has a rich history. Opening in 1848, its tagline is “sweet scoops of the past.” While it has changed owners a few times, the delicious ice cream has been a staple for many in the region. There are signature products to try including ice cream pies, ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, and of course, regular ice cream. Come try the ice cream and check out some of the yearly events around holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Oktoberfest, and more.
Bayside Creamery | 273 Front Street #4416, Perth Amboy
Sometimes ice cream just hits better when enjoyed bayside, which is exactly what patrons can do here at Bayside Creamery since it’s across the street from Raritan Bay. Stop in for a cup or cone of so many flavors (customers love the cappuccino crunch), or get it as a shake or sundae. Visitors also enjoy the ambiance and decor, like the blue bike hung on the wall.
Buongiorno Gelateria d’italia 1972 | 525 Washington Boulevard, First Floor, Jerse City
Buongiorno Gelateria d’italia 1972 in located in the Newport Office Center at 525 Washington Boulevard, First Floor. This ice cream shop serves Italian gelato from Bologna, Italy, in 40 different flavors, 10 types of sorbet, specially produced chocolates, ice cakes, coffee, and Sicily’s famous granita drinks.
The Chocolate Bar | 112 Quimby Street, Westfield
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Technically this is not ice cream, but it’s gelato and extremely delicious. The Chocolate Bar opened in 2020 and this spot not only has gelato. but also hand-dipped chocolate delights and coffee too. There are so many gelato flavors to choose from, but guests love the classic chocolate.
Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream | 1475 US-46, Ledgewood
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This stop off Route 46 might not look like much, but during the summer months, it’s the place to be. Park and head up to the window to order — and you really can’t go wrong with any flavor. There are 11 flavors of soft ice cream, 60 hard hand-dipped flavors, and seasonal options to choose from. While the vanilla and chocolate chip cookie dough flavors are good, there are more adventurous choices including holy cannoli and graham central station.
Conez Hard + Soft Ice Cream Shop | 415 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
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This Ice Cream Shop brings delicious frozen desserts to the Jersey City area. Not only does it serve ice cream and milkshakes at the storefront, this spot also brings ice cream to nearby daycares. There are so many flavors and options to choose from, including various milkshake flavors, soft serve flavors, and fruit-based flavors, among other options. Come by the colorful storefront and try one for yourself. The best part is, it’s right off the Light Rail.
Conrad’s Confectionery | 107 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
This classic ice cream parlor makes visitors feel nostalgic, just like they’re walking back in time. There are so many delicious flavors, including raspberry chocolate chip + butter pecan. Conrad’s also has ice cream sandwiches and love bars (ice cream dipped in dark chocolate). If ice cream isn’t the move, there are also delicious candy options including chocolate-covered pretzels, gummy bears + chocolate peanut butter cups.
Julietta Gelato Cafe | 423 Washington Street, Hoboken
Julietta is a traditional Italian gelato cafe, according to its website. The shop describes its gelato as “a creamy, velvety delight made in small batches with authentic Italian recipes, using locally sourced ingredients and the freshest dairy.” Some of the flavors on the menu include classics like pistachio and Stracciatella (vanilla with dark chocolate), and bolder options like salted caramel and butter. There are also vegan flavors, as well as the option to order an affogato (espresso shot over your choice of gelato) or a gelato milkshake.
Jun’s Macaron Gelato | 410 Washington Street, Hoboken
Jun’s Macaron Gelato creates sweet treats inspired by French and Italian desserts. The menu is quite extensive and has different types of ice cream. There is regular gelato and then rolled gelato, similar to ice cream rolls. There are also macarons and even macaron gelato sandwiches (pretty self-explanatory, but the gelato is in between two macarons).
KikiLu Gelato | 900 Garden Street, Hoboken
This artisanal gelato spot has it all — from its gluten-free cannolis, and decadent desserts, to the Lavazza espresso bar. However, its main menu item is its flavorful gelato. There are several gelato flavors to choose from such as mango, pistachio, and dark chocolate. The business crafts fresh gelato daily to satisfy a cold sweet treat craving.
Maroons Creamery | 1122 Washington Street, Hoboken
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Maroons Creamery is newer to the Hudson County ice cream scene, and opened its doors in March 2024. Its menu lineup includes a variety of both classic and unique homemade ice cream flavors, including guava cheesecake, black sesame, Thai tea, and vanilla bourbon. Customers can also opt for one of Maroons’ sundaes — including options like Gen Z Cookies (Oreo-infused ice cream, chocolate syrup, thumbprint cookies, chocolate brunch, and a bubble waffle) and Choco Burg (soft-serve chocolate ice cream, cookie crisp, chocolate syrup, and a chocolate straw).
Milk Sugar Love | 19 McWilliams Place, Jersey City
Milk Sugar Love is more than just ice cream — it has ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream minis (four-ounce cups), among other items. There are classic flavors, and diners can even order for delivery. For any furry friends, there is also a small frozen treat known as puppy froyo, ‘made with peanut butter, yogurt, and banana, and topped with two crunchy treats.”
Morelia Gourmet Paletas | 932 Washington Street
Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas
At this local spot, Mexican frozen desserts called “paletas” are created in a different assortment of flavors. Strawberry cheesecake, cookies and cream, and Greek yogurt are just some of the options to choose from. These paletas can also be made into a creamy, fruity, or filled form.
Nasto’s Old World Desserts | 236 Jefferson Street, Newark
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Nasto’s began as a mom-and-pop shop back in 1939. Today, this ice cream shop uses the state of the art production equipment to make sweet delicacies. Nasto’s serves local and regional businesses, and this flagship store serves sweet treats as well. Everything is more than just ice cream; its delicious desserts including Reginetta (a fruity/chocolatey dish designed around amaretto ice cream), tartufo, and so much more.
Nicholas Creamery | 84 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands
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After a fun day at the beach, stop by Nicholas Creamery for a nice, cool treat. Located right on the main drag in Atlantic Highlands, guests can come and grab a cup or cone and head to the water to watch the boats go by. This creamery creates unique flavors made in small batches using all-natural, seasonal ingredients. The Tahitian vanilla may sound boring, but it’s some of the best vanilla ice cream around.
Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices + Ice Cream | 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
This beloved ice cream spot has been serving communities for over 90 years. It was previously located in Hoboken but eventually closed down — however, the original shop is based in Staten Island. In July 2023, Ralph’s made its debut in Basile’s downtown Jersey City location. This spot serves Italian ices, ice cream, drinks, and has topping options available. Some of the ice cream flavors include black cherry vanilla, butter pecan, cake batter, and chocolate, to name a few.
Scoops The Ice Creamery | 2014 US-22, Scotch Plains
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Scoops is a fan favorite in the area. There are so many ice cream flavors and toppings to combine — the possibilities are endless. Peanut butter lovers should definitely try the Reese’s Dream flavor. Ice cream enthusiasts also enjoy the blueberry cheesecake flavor.
South Street Creamery | 146 South Street, Morristown
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South Street Creamery is a staple for locals in the Morris County area. The flavors are so wholesome and rich, and visitors will want to go back for another scoop. There is also a cafe that has delicious, healthy menu options including pizzettes, sandwiches, and crepes. If you’re looking for ice cream for a larger group, try South Street Creamery’s catering option (minimum of 10 people).
Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor | 18 Main Street, Chester
Taylor’s might be one of the most quintessential small-town stops in New Jersey. Located on the Western edge of Chester’s adorable main street, it’s a watering hole for the locals, especially after sports games. Open year-round, it’s great to order one of the many delicious flavors and sit outside on the benches (first-come, first-served). The options seem endless from bubble gum to mocha chocolate chip. There are even ice cream cakes to try.
Thomas’ Ice Cream Cafe | 214 Jefferson Street
Talk about indulging — Thomas’ Ice Cream Cafe is the ultimate place to lean into your cravings. Not only does this spot serve up delicious ice cream, but it also makes gourmet flatbreads and pizza. There are a ton of ice cream flavors on the menu —from classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to more interesting flavors like cinnamon bun, coffee Oreo, and Nutella. There’s a soda float, a shake float, and a malted shake on the menu to dip into some nostalgia. Plus, any spot where you can get pizza and ice cream is a winner.
Torico | 20 Erie Street, Jersey City
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Anyone in downtown Jersey City has seen the endless line for Torico ice cream during the hot summer days. Ordering inside as the line wraps around the small storefront is great, but coming up to the window to get your scoops makes it feel almost as if you aren’t having ice cream in the big city, it gives small-town nostalgia. The flavors change depending on the season, but there are always amazing options. Come to Torico for more than just a cup or a cone; there are also cakes, ice cream sandwiches, and even sundae boxes with all the fixings to make a delicious ice cream sundae at home.
See More: Where to Get Vegan Ice Cream in Northern New Jersey
Van Dyk’s | 145 Ackerman Avenue, Ridgewood
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At Van Dyk’s, guests can order cones, cups, cakes, sundaes, milkshakes, and quarts/pints to go. Make sure to bring cash though, because this place does not accept credit cards. Here, guests can find classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, or more rare tastes like peppermint stick and raspberry truffle.
Van Leeuwen | 347 Grove Street, Jersey City
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is known for its artisanal dairy and dairy-free ice cream made with high-quality ingredients. Its vegan options are made with three different vegan bases: coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew milk. From bars to scoops, locals can try flavors like Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, and Vegan Cookie Crumble. This franchise is also opening another location in Hoboken at 537 Washington Street, in the former Glosslab space.
