Best Ice Cream In New Jersey

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The Best Ice Cream Shops In New Jersey

There are few things I love more than ice cream. It’s particularly delicious in the summer, but to be honest, I can eat this delicious treat year-round. On my recent trip home, I made it my mission to search out the best ice cream in New Jersey. Hopping from ice cream parlor to ice cream shop, I sampled a myriad of flavors and styles. (I know, blogging is hard) From delectable small-batch homemade ice cream to creamy soft serve, New Jersey knows how to do ice cream.

In this post, I’ll cover the top 10 places you can go to taste the best ice cream in NJ. From popular ice cream shops to lesser-known hidden gems, these are the best ice cream shops in NJ.

1. Cliff’s

Located in Ledgewood, NJ, Cliff’s has been a New Jersey institution since 1975. I grew up going to Cliff’s, but it’s not just the nostalgia that makes this one of my top choices. The ice cream is genuinely out-of-this-world good, and most of New Jersey agrees. Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream regularly tops best of New Jersey lists.

Cliff’s has an impressively large menu. They offer 11 types of soft ice cream flavors and more than 60 flavors of hand-dipped hard ice cream made in small batches. They also offer sugar-free and dairy-free options. They are open year-round, serving flavors like Oreo Cheesecake, Holy Cannoli, and Whiskey Turtle Fudge. Cliff’s also makes a mean ice cream cake, which was the highlight of my childhood. Just view their Instagram for mouth-watering goodness.

There’s a picnic area out back for those warm weather days. In cooler temps, most patrons choose to eat their ice cream out front in their ample parking lot.

Location: 1475 US-46, Ledgewood, NJ 07852

2. Van Dyk’s Ice Cream

Van Dyk’s of Ridgewood, NJ is a cash-only ice cream shop that serves by the scoop, pint, quart, or half-gallon. Their rotating menu often offers signature flavors like Cappuccino Oreo, Cheesecake Brownie, Nutella, and Salted Caramel Truffle, as well as traditional favorites like vanilla and chocolate. Patrons will enjoy that they serve ice cream flavors in cones, waffle cones, sundaes, and milkshakes. They also offer new vegan flavors.

Van Dyk’s is open seasonally, beginning in March. The only downside is their popularity. There are long lines, no seats, and the parking lot is a bit of an obstacle course, but the prize is delicious, creamy goodness.

Location: 145 Ackerman Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

3. Skipper Dipper

If you’re looking for ice cream in South Jersey, look no further than Skipper Dipper. Skipper Dipper is a Long Beach Island tradition that opened its doors in 1978. As legend has it, sisters Eileen and Susan wanted to open a family business their own families could enjoy. As lovers of ice cream, they set out to deliver hard flavors, soft-serve, milkshakes, and sundaes. Skipper Dipper serves that plus floats, ice cream sodas, and Dole Whip. Another favorite is Eileen’s Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae. Hard ice cream flavors include tasty offerings like Fat Elvis, Party Cake, S’mores, and Cheesecake.

Location: 9305 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven, New Jersey 08008

4. Humpty Junior’s

I may be a bit partial to the retro ice cream shop, Humpty Junior’s, because my sister literally lives directly next door to this amazing ice cream shop/ diner. While the ice cream is out-of-this-world good, the real highlight is the freshly made milkshakes coming in 50 flavors like Chocolate Jalapeño, Banana Split, Caramel Coffee, and my favorite ice cream flavor, the Birthday Cake. Menu options include sundaes, malts, floats, sugar-free ice cream, and soft serve.

This local favorite is located in Delaware, NJ, in Warren County. Humpty Junior’s is the perfect stop after a day of white water rafting on the Delaware River.

Location: 72 US-46, Columbia, NJ 07832

5. Denville Dairy

Denville Dairy has been open for more than 50 years, serving up premium handmade ice cream, sherbet, and Italian ice in a variety of flavors. There are always 28 flavors available on the menu, including sugar-free, fat-free, and vegan choices. They also offer more than 100 specialty flavors throughout the year, including seasonal options and signature flavors. They also have Dixie cups, ice cream sandwiches, and amazing ice cream cakes and ice cream pies.

Location: 34a Broadway, Denville, NJ 07834

6. The Bent Spoon

I found myself on a quest to find the best ice cream in Central Jersey while visiting my niece at Princeton University. (humble brag) Enter the Bent Spoon, a quaint-looking ice cream shop mere steps from the Princeton campus. The farm-to-spoon parlor offers artisan ice cream and sorbets made from organic ingredients in all sorts of flavors, including some unexpected delights like Sweet Corn, Buttered Popcorn, Garam Masala, Blueberry Mascarpone, and vegan Coffee Coconut. I tried the Sweet Corn and the Tiramisu during my trip, opting for something out of the box and something more traditional. The Sweet Corn was a delight, tasting like an icy-cold, creamy cornbread, and the Tiramisu was pure perfection.

There are hundreds of variations in rotation, and they’re happy to offer samples. Other items include cold-brew floats, mini cupcakes, and pet-friendly ice cream.

Location: 35 Palmer Square W, Princeton, NJ 08542

7. Magic Fountain

Continuing on the hunt for the best ice cream in Central Jersey, I was led to Magic Fountain in Summit, NJ. This much-loved iconic outdoor ice cream stand attracts huge crowds and long lines throughout the summer. But the ice cream is worth the wait. There’s something for everyone, including hot-fudge sundaes, banana splits, strawberry shortcakes, blended milkshakes, twisted soft-serve, and more. Avoid the lines by ordering ahead online, but keep in mind they only accept cash or Venmo at the window. Flavor highlights include Pistachio Cashew, Salty Caramel Pretzel, and Peanut Butter Cup.

Location: 498 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901

8. Halo Pub

Touting itself as the world’s largest micro-dairy, Halo Pub ice creamery is located within The Shoppes at Nottingham Point in Hamilton Square, Lawrenceville, NJ. Halo Pub curates a limited selection of specialty flavors. They source ingredients from their nearby farm in Lawrenceville, Halo Farm, to create a half-dozen standout ice cream options. Their current flavors include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Amaretto Toasted Almond, and Maple Walnut. They also put their own unique spin on classic Chocolate, Strawberry, and Tahiti Vanilla Bean flavors.

They homogenize and pasteurize their rBST hormone-free milk on-site, and their ice creams rarely contain more than 5 ingredients, ensuring they’re made from the freshest, most pure ingredients. They also make their own lemonade, orange juice, iced tea, and fruit punch.

Location: 9 Hulfish Street, Princeton, NJ 08542

9. Thomas Sweet

With locations in Princeton, New Brunswick, and Montgomery, New Jersey, Thomas Sweet is known for its homemade ice creams and blend-ins as well as its assortment of chocolates. They also have a freshly roasted coffee shop at each location, serving up cappuccinos, macchiatos, or a plain old decaf with room for milk. Ice cream highlights include Dulce De Leche, Mounds, Butter Pecan, and Vanilla Heathbar Crunch. Thomas Sweet is available year-round.

Location: 55 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

10. Holsten’s

Famously known as the final dining place of Tony Soprano, Holsten’s is a classic old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Aside from their popular homemade ice cream and milkshakes, Holsten’s creates chocolates, candies, and fudge.

Their old-fashioned atmosphere is matched by classic booth seating and a classic and specialty flavors menu. Of course, they serve traditional Egg Creams in Chocolate, Coffee, Strawberry, or Vanilla flavors. Meanwhile, their signature loaded Brownie Sundae comes with two scoops of ice cream, a brownie, plus hot fudge. They also offer sugar-free ice cream flavors, which my mom, who’s diabetic, proclaimed the best sugar-free ice cream she’d ever had. Flavor highlights include Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

You can also order up burgers, fries, sandwiches, and onion rings from their dine-in menu.

Word of warning: this is a vintage ice cream shop and is not ADA compliant. We took my dad here and were surprised by the lack of accessibility. There is a single step to the entrance, and the restrooms are not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair comfortably. My dad was barely able to fit in with his rollator. Still, if you’re a Sopranos fan, this is a must-see spot; just make sure you don’t have to use the bathroom.

If you’re lucky, you may even get to sit in the Sopranos booth. You’ll recognize it by the table jukebox.

Location: 1063 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Final Thoughts On The Best Ice Cream Shops In New Jersey

From ice cream stalls to old-school ice cream parlors in NJ, the state has a lot to offer when it comes to soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, cones, milkshakes, egg creams, floats, and other frozen novelties. I was only in New Jersey for a week, but I tried to find a nice mix of north, south, and central New Jersey ice cream locations for this list.

I call on my biggest ice cream fans to weigh in with their votes for the best ice cream in New Jersey in the comments below.

Where can you find the best ice cream in New Jersey?

New Jersey has excellent independent ice cream shops throughout the state. My favorites include Cliff’s in Ledgewood, Van Dyk’s in Ridgewood, Skipper Dipper on Long Beach Island, Denville Dairy, The Bent Spoon in Princeton, Magic Fountain in Summit, and Holsten’s in Bloomfield.

What is the best overall ice cream shop in New Jersey?

Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream is my top choice for its enormous selection of homemade hard and soft ice cream. The shop offers more than 70 flavors, including seasonal creations and classics such as black raspberry, butter pecan, and mint chocolate chip. Choosing one may require more time than eating it.

Where is the best ice cream in North Jersey?

Top North Jersey choices include Cliff’s in Ledgewood, Van Dyk’s in Ridgewood, Denville Dairy in Denville, Magic Fountain in Summit, and Holsten’s in Bloomfield. These shops cover everything from old-fashioned sundaes and soft serve to small-batch flavors and extravagant milkshakes.

Where is the best ice cream in Central Jersey?

The Bent Spoon and Halo Pub in Princeton are two excellent Central Jersey options. Thomas Sweet also has locations in Princeton, New Brunswick, and Montgomery. This assumes you believe Central Jersey exists, a debate I will leave to constitutional scholars.

Where is the best ice cream at the Jersey Shore?

Skipper Dipper in Beach Haven is one of Long Beach Island’s best-known ice cream shops. It has served hard ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes since 1978. Expect crowds during summer evenings because apparently everyone on LBI has the same excellent idea.

Which New Jersey ice cream shops make their own ice cream?

Cliff’s, Van Dyk’s, Denville Dairy, The Bent Spoon, Magic Fountain, and Holsten’s are known for homemade or small-batch ice cream. Halo Pub serves locally made ice cream produced by its parent company, Halo Farm.

Which shop has the most unusual ice cream flavors?

The Bent Spoon is the best choice for adventurous flavors. Its rotating small-batch menu has featured creative combinations such as sweet corn, garam masala, buttered popcorn, and blueberry mascarpone alongside traditional choices. Because flavors change frequently, check the day’s menu before becoming emotionally attached to a specific one.

Where can I find the best soft-serve ice cream in New Jersey?

Cliff’s offers numerous soft-serve flavors, while Skipper Dipper and Magic Fountain serve soft-serve cones, twists, and sundaes. Humpty Junior’s also has traditional soft serve in addition to its enormous milkshake selection.

Which New Jersey ice cream shop has the best milkshakes?

Humpty Junior’s is a strong contender, with dozens of milkshake flavors ranging from Birthday Cake to Chocolate Jalapeño. Thomas Sweet, Cliff’s, Van Dyk’s, and Holsten’s also make classic thick milkshakes.

Where can I find a classic ice cream sundae?

Holsten’s is ideal for an old-fashioned sundae served in a traditional ice cream parlor. Skipper Dipper is known for Eileen’s Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, while Magic Fountain offers banana splits, strawberry shortcakes and hot-fudge sundaes.

Which ice cream shops sell ice cream cakes?

Cliff’s, Van Dyk’s, Skipper Dipper, Denville Dairy and Halo Pub sell ice cream cakes or frozen desserts for special occasions. Order customized cakes in advance, particularly during graduation season, holidays, and summer weekends.

Do New Jersey ice cream shops offer vegan or dairy-free options?

Several do. Skipper Dipper currently offers oat-based vanilla and chocolate soft serve as well as pineapple Dole Whip, while The Bent Spoon regularly produces vegan ice creams and sorbets. Denville Dairy also carries rotating vegan products. Menus change, so confirm the available flavors before making a special trip.

Where can I find sugar-free ice cream in New Jersey?

Cliff’s, Humpty Junior’s, Denville Dairy and Holsten’s offer sugar-free or no-sugar-added choices. Denville Dairy has an especially broad selection of reduced-sugar and sugar-free frozen treats. Remember that “no sugar added” does not necessarily mean carbohydrate-free, so anyone managing diabetes should ask for ingredient and nutrition information.

Is Dole Whip available in New Jersey?

Yes. Skipper Dipper offers pineapple Dole Whip in addition to its traditional ice cream menu. Its current dairy-free choices are listed in the shop’s official FAQ.

Are there gluten-free ice cream options?

Plain ice cream and sorbet may be gluten-free, but cones, cookies, brownies, cake pieces, and certain toppings can contain gluten. Shared scoops and preparation surfaces also create a risk of cross-contact. Anyone with celiac disease or a serious allergy should speak directly with the staff before ordering.

Are these ice cream shops safe for people with food allergies?

No shop can be assumed to be completely free from cross-contact. Ice cream counters commonly handle milk, nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat, and soy in a small preparation area. Contact the business before visiting and explain whether you have an allergy, intolerance or dietary preference.

Are any of these New Jersey ice cream shops cash-only?

Van Dyk’s remains cash-only and provides an ATM on the premises, according to its official website. Other payment policies can change, especially at seasonal walk-up windows. Carrying some cash prevents the uniquely painful experience of reaching the front of an ice cream line and leaving without ice cream.

Are New Jersey ice cream shops open year-round?

Cliff’s, Denville Dairy, Thomas Sweet and Holsten’s typically operate throughout the year. Van Dyk’s and some Jersey Shore stands are seasonal. Always check current hours before visiting because schedules can change during winter, holidays, and severe weather.

How can I avoid long ice cream lines?

Visit during the afternoon or early evening on a weekday rather than immediately after dinner on a summer weekend. Magic Fountain offers online ordering, which can reduce waiting time. Seasonal shops on the Jersey Shore are busiest during warm evenings.

Are these ice cream shops good for children?

Yes. Most offer familiar flavors, small cups, cones, sprinkles, sundaes, and milkshakes. Outdoor stands can be particularly easy for families, although limited seating and busy parking lots may require extra supervision. Ordering a cup instead of a cone can also prevent a small child from wearing most of the purchase.

Can dogs visit these New Jersey ice cream shops?

Some outdoor stands allow dogs in exterior seating areas, and The Bent Spoon has offered pet-friendly frozen treats. Health regulations generally prevent pets from entering indoor food-service areas unless they are trained service animals. Check each shop’s current policy before bringing your dog.

Are these New Jersey ice cream shops wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies. Some locations have level walk-up windows or step-free entrances, while others have crowded interiors, narrow routes, limited seating, or uneven parking areas. Contact the individual shop to confirm the entrance, counter height, restroom access, and availability of accessible parking.

Which shop is easiest for someone with limited stamina?

A shop that accepts advance orders, provides nearby parking, or offers indoor seating may be more manageable than a crowded seasonal stand. Magic Fountain’s online ordering can reduce standing in line, while Holsten’s has traditional table and counter service. Ask whether someone else can collect the order if waiting outdoors worsens your symptoms.

Can you visit several New Jersey ice cream shops in one day?

Yes, but group the shops geographically. Cliff’s, Denville Dairy, and Humpty Junior’s can form a North Jersey outing, while The Bent Spoon, Halo Pub, and Thomas Sweet work better as a Central Jersey route. Attempting all ten in one day would be less of a food tour and more of a dairy-based cry for help.

What is the best time of year for a New Jersey ice cream tour?

Summer provides the greatest number of open seasonal stands and the full Jersey Shore experience. Spring and early fall offer cooler temperatures and shorter lines, while several year-round parlors make winter ice cream entirely possible for those of us who refuse to acknowledge that frozen desserts have a season.

Why is Holsten’s famous?

Holsten’s has served homemade ice cream and chocolates in Bloomfield since 1939, but television fans know it as the filming location for the final scene of The Sopranos. Visitors can enjoy a sundae, milkshake or meal while appreciating one of New Jersey’s most recognizable pieces of pop-culture history.

What should I order at a New Jersey ice cream shop?

Try a signature or seasonal flavor you cannot easily find elsewhere, such as one of The Bent Spoon’s experimental creations or Cliff’s rotating specials. If you prefer classics, order a hot-fudge sundae, milkshake, black raspberry cone, or Jersey Shore soft serve. There is no wrong answer unless you wait in line for 30 minutes and order nothing.