Lucy Laboz 
There’s never a bad time for a sweet treat, and these Hoboken spots have you covered. From authentic Italian gelato to banana-based soft serve trucks, Hudson County has a variety of convenient locations to satisfy your frozen dessert cravings. Read on for everything you need to know about the best ‘street’ treat spots in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Amanda Bananas
Amanda’s Bananas, a Pier 13 staple, has been serving up indulgent fruit-based soft serve to Hoboken locals for nearly 13 years — earning its place as a beloved spot in the Mile Square. What started as a healthy alternative to ice cream quickly grew into a delicious sensation, becoming a go-to for health-conscious Hoboken locals. Amanda’s Bananas also serves up dairy and gluten-free options, making it accessible to a wide range of diets.
Amanda and Steve DiPasquale opened the truck on the Fourth of July in 2012, not anticipating the huge success Amanda Bananas would achieve. The signature treats are made from frozen bananas blended into a creamy ice cream, a nostalgic dessert that Amanda would indulge in as a kid. With Steve’s many years of experience in the restaurant business, their combined ideas and expertise came together perfectly to build the brand.
Read More: Unique Ice Cream Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Kikilu Gelato
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KikiLu, a gelato spot at 900 Garden Street in Hoboken known for giving locals a taste of Italy, debuted its ‘Gelato al Volo’, or Gelato on the Fly truck for The St. Ann’s Feast in Hoboken — which kicks off tonight, July 23rd. The shop serves a wide selection of gelato flavors (some including vegan options), decadent desserts, gluten-free cannolis, and Lavazza espresso, and also has an olive oil refill station. The truck will continue to travel around Hoboken after the festival, and it is available for booking private events as well.
Kikilu, the sister spot of Otto Strada in Hoboken, is named after owner Joe Cascetta’s daughters — Kiki for Chiara and Lu for Luna. With a Rome inspired interior, Kikilu quickly rose to fame in Hoboken for its diverse array of flavors, including extra dark Sicilian chocolate, Fior di Latte (flower of milk), double-roasted Pistacchio Siciliano, and even an extra virgin olive oil gelato. Kikilu is a small batch shop making fresh gelato daily, with inspiration drawn from regional Italian flavor profiles, providing an authentic taste of Italy in every bite.
Merry Hot Cocoa
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Merry Hot Cocoa, a mobile hot chocolate and treat bar serving Hoboken, serves up just what you need to satisfy your dessert cravings year-round. Founded by Cariana Fasciano in 2022 just in time for the holidays, the pop-up hot cocoa bar can be found parked year-round at Church Square Park during the winter months, oftentimes extending into the summer. Thanks to its growing popularity, Cariana opened a kiosk in Pier A Park in 2023. She is also the owner and baker behind Why So Jelly doughnuts, where her love for chocolate, sprinkles, and all things sweet truly shines.
Though Merry Hot Cocoa is holiday-themed, its offerings go beyond winter treats. In the summertime, the truck serves a “Forkin-Delicious Sundae” and a limited edition “Hot Girl Cocoa” ice cream. Merry Hot Cocoa also sells frozen hot chocolate, a refreshing twist that’s perfect for warm summer days. The best way to find where Merry Hot Cocoa will pop up is to follow the truck’s Instagram account.
Mister Softee
Mister Softee, one of the largest soft ice cream truck operators in the country, has made its way into the Hoboken scene. With its iconic logo, classic flavor lineup, and unmistakable jingle, it’s hard to miss a Mister Softee truck in town. Originally New York’s Original Ice Cream truck, Mister Softee has since expanded to operate around 625 trucks across 18 states. Hoboken is home to the Hudson County Mister Softee truck, which usually parks along Sinatra Drive, though multiple trucks are often spotted on 12th Street and Park Avenue as well.
Bonus
Devotional Greek Frozen Yogurt
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Devotional Greek Yogurt is a Hoboken pop-up shop serving up 0% fat milk Greek frozen yogurt made with high-quality ingredients and packed with protein. You can find them every Saturday at the Hoboken Farmers’ Market under the 14th Street Viaduct, serving up guilt-free frozen treats. Follow Devotional on Instagram to stay updated on the latest offerings.
See More: 10 Independently-Owned Ice Cream Shops in the Montclair Area
Freddi Frozen Treats
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Freddi Frozen Treats, a mobile popsicle stand serving NJ and NY, serves handcrafted frozen treats that are gluten- and dairy-free and made without any artificial sweeteners. Freddi was founded by New Jersey natives Ali and Jaclyn, and began as a passion project inspired by their own food sensitivities. As lovers of outdoor events and frequent festival goers, the pair set out to create a guilt-free, allergy-friendly way to cool off on a hot day. Today, Freddi carts can be found throughout Hudson County, just check the website’s cart locator to find one near you.
