Ice-stravaganza: Manhattan

Photo by Lane Johnson

If you’re treating the family to dessert at the Good Humor truck, for shame. With all due respect to the Chocolate Eclair bar, NYCers are fortunate to live in a veritable ice cream mecca, a locale overrun with decadent gelatos and fresh sorbettos. We sampled the wares at more than three dozen of the city’s finest purveyors (a rough job, we know), found out how some of the stuff is created—and even persuaded a nutritionist to assuage your guilt about those frequent ice cream jaunts.

Photo by Lane Johnson

Australian Homemade
Kids love the combo of genuine milkiness and fruitiness that characterizes many of this outfit's popular offerings. We're iffy about the Crunchy Macadamia with Caramel. The flavor derived solely from the topping, not the ice cream itself. Standout flavor The Banana and Peach perfectly duplicated the characters of their namesakes without being cloying. 115 St. Marks Place between First Ave and Ave A (212-228-5439, australianhomemade.com). Subway: 6 to Astor Place. Kid-size cup or cone: $3.50.

CIAO BELLA Blackberry Cabernet

Ciao Bella
Kids love this locally-famous brand of gelato—simple Italian-style ice cream that's smoother and more intensely flavored than America's garden-variety counterpart. Standout flavor We loved the Malted Milk Ball gelato. This treat cooled us down while making us wax longingly about Whoppers. 285 Mott St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-431-3591, ciaobellagelato.com). Check website for other locations. Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St; 6 to Bleecker St. Regular cone: $5.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Kids love the wide assortment of flavors, which range from Chocolate and Coconut to Lychee and Wasabi. All the ice cream is made on the premises. We're iffy about some of the quirkier options. The Black Sesame tasted like a frozen bagel. And steer clear of Durian, if you don't want to chase it down with Pepto. Standout flavor We had second helpings of Pumpkin Pie (just like on Thanksgiving). 65 Bayard St between Elizabeth and Mott Sts (212-608-4170, chinatownicecreamfactory.com). Subway: J, M, Z, N, Q, R, W, 6 to Canal St. Regular cone: $3.75.

Cones Cantaloupe Sorbet

Cones
Kids love the jovial vibe in this West Village mainstay. The ice cream has been lauded by foodies and regular folk since the moment the owners, a pair of Argentine brothers, opened the doors in 1998. We're iffy about the store's design. Although the cheesy photos decorating the walls show mountainous banana splits and sundaes, fans of said concoctions will have to look elsewhere. Standout flavor The Almond Creme balances a genuine nuttiness with a velvety richness. 272 Bleecker St between Morton and Jones Sts (212-414-1795). Subway: 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq. Regular cone: $3.50.

Dylan’s Candy Bar
Kids love the Willy Wonka atmosphere. The ice cream parlor on the first floor features bar stools that look like giant peppermints. We're iffy about the perpetual crowds and overall chaos. Standout flavor All of Max & Mina's ice cream is worth trying, but we especially liked Birthday Cake, which tasted reminiscent of the rosettes on a grocery store sheet cake. Yes, that's a compliment. 1011 Third Ave at 60th St (646-735-0078, dylanscandybar.com). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St. Small cone: $3.99.

East Village Ice Cream Factory
Kids love the thick texture of this new spot’s cold stuff. Each of their signature nine flavors is made with all-natural ingredients ranging from fresh fruit to hand-roasted pistachios. Standout flavor Rich Vanilla with jaw-breaking chocolate chunks is one of the joint's best sellers, but if you want to sample the owner's favorite (and one of ours), go for a Coffee cone. 218 Ave B between 13th and 14th Sts (212-673-6030). Subway: L to First Ave. Regular cone: $3.

Emack & Bolio’s
Kids love this Boston-based ice cream chain with a serious hippie vibe (its mascot is “Stoney” the moose). We try to stay away from chains—Emack's is ten locations strong—but we had to make an exception for this one. We're iffy about the cramped space. If you're rolling in with a double stroller, you could have some trouble. Standout flavor The Grasshopper Pie, made with crème de menthe, Oreos and chocolate flakes, is killer. 73 W Houston St between Wooster St and La Guardia Pl (212-533-5610, emackandbolios.com). Subway: B, D, F, V to Broadway–Lafayette St. Small cone: $4.

GelOtto
Kids love the cart that orbits Washington Square Park in the summer, serving up frozen (if pricey) treats from the beloved Mario Batali restaurant. Standout flavor At first, the Olive Oil gelato—a favorite on the Chowhound message boards—sounded like a head-scratcher. But we found it surprisingly sweet, with enough cinnamon to give it a nice kick and a drizzle of said oil right on the top. 1 Fifth Ave at Washington Mews (212-995-9559, ottopizzeria.com). Subway: A, C, E, B, D, F, V to W 4th St. Regular cup: $7.50.

Grom Crema di Grom

Grom
Kids love the soft-but-not-melted texture of Grom’s silky gelato. Also, the pristine store—the Italian company's first stateside post just opened in May—is delightfully inviting, with a wide-open front counter where passers-by can pop in for a cone (though come prepared for a wait), as well as a spacious restaurant area if you’re inclined to sit down. Standout flavor The Crema di Grom—velvety vanilla gelato with crunchy Italian sugar cookies and chunks of Valrhona chocolate—is flawless. 2165 Broadway at 76th St (212-362-1837, grom.it). Subway: 1 to 79th St. Regular cone: $5.15.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato
Kids love the large variety of creative flavors at this LES spot—including Toasted Almond and Cantaloupe. We’re iffy about the store’s tiny interior. You’ll have to wait outside to get a glimpse of the flavors. Also, when we visited, the menu didn’t reflect what was actually available. Standout flavor If you want something a bit different and extremely delicious, try the sweet Mascarpone. 95 Orchard St between Broome and Delancey Sts (212-343-9922, laboratoriodelgelato.com). Subway: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Delancey–Essex Sts. Regular cone: $3.25.

La Maison du Chocolate
Kids love this chocolatier/patisserie—or at least slightly older, fancy-tea-party-loving kids do. We’re iffy about bringing any child here who couldn’t handle an evening at Per Se. Truly, it’s best for older kids who can appreciate the tea parlor and the taste of premium ingredients. Standout flavor The Caramel, Coffee, and, best of all, Chocolate have a rich, dense, gelato-like consistency. Like La Maison’s candies, the ice cream is a culinary education in itself. 1018 Madison Ave between 78th and 79th Sts (212-744-7117, lamaisonduchocolate.com). Subway: 6 to 77th St. Small cup: $4.

La Maison Mango

Max Brenner
Kids love the hands-on approach here. Desserts like Popsicle Fondue, which includes bowls of melted chocolate and “crunchy bits,” require tableside participation. The entire vibe couldn’t be more chaotic or whimsical—not so thrilling for parents, but appealing to kids. We’re iffy about the mess factor. Small vials of melted chocolate and awkward little hands may not be the best combo. Standout flavor If you’re generally unmoved by White Chocolate, Brenner’s version may change your perspective. 841 Broadway between 13th and 14th Sts (212-388-0030, maxbrenner.com). Check website for other location. Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Regular cone with toppings: $8.

Payard Mint Chocolate Chip

Payard
Kids love the elegant setting, whose tiny tables and glass cases of confections mimic a Parisian café. It will make little ones feel very grown-up—especially those who love the Madeline books. Standout flavor The Tiramisu. Not only is the flavor intense, but it’s studded with moist chunks of cake. Payard is also known for silky sorbets such as Dark Chocolate, Lemon and Apricot. 1032 Lexington Ave between 73rd and 74th Sts (212-717-5252, payard.com). Subway: 6 to 77th St. Regular cone: $2.50.

Pinkberry
Kids love this light yogurt treat (25 calories per serving) that goes perfectly (in fact, better) with fresh fruits, like raspberry or kiwi. Take that, YoKids! We’re iffy about any place with this much buzz. And the lines...dear God, the lines. Standout flavor Pinkberry has three flavors: Plain, which might be too blah for a child’s sugar-seeking taste buds, Green Tea and Coffee, both of which are worth a try. 1577 Second Ave between 81st and 82nd Sts (212-861-0574, pinkberry.com). Check website for additional locations. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Plain cup: $2.50; Green Tea cup: $3.50.

Ronnybrook Farms
Kids love the rich, full-fat flavors made from the family-owned upstate dairy—it tastes like pure velvet on your tongue. Plus, it’s all-natural and hormone-free. Standout flavor The Sid’s Chocolate Silk is not just a colorful name, it’s also the rare choco-version that’s rich enough to sate parents but not so heavy that kids will give up halfway through. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th Sts (212-741-6455, ronnybrook.com). Subway: A, C, E to 14th St; L to Eighth Ave. Small cone: $2.70.

Emack and Bolio’s Deep Purple Cow

Sedutto
Kids love the superfriendly service at this UES gelato joint. Little ones can sample the wares without judgment. We’re iffy about the size of the place. Don’t come here if your family wants to dawdle over their dairy. Standout flavor The Dulce de Leche balances a buttery base with sublime caramel for a heavenly experience. 1498 First Ave between 78th and 79th Sts (212-879-9557). Subway: 6 to 77th St. Regular cone: $3.50.

Serendipity 3
Kids love this classic dessert eatery where the sundae and ice cream concoctions are as big as their heads. We’re iffy about a lot: the no-stroller policy; the sometimes churlish service; and the $8.50 dine-in minimum. Standout flavor Purists may scoff, but the children we know find no fault with the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. Served under a mountain of whipped cream and choco-shavings in a goblet, it’s the ultimate kiddie cocktail. 225 E 60th St between Second and Third Aves (212-838-3531, serendipity3.com). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St. Regular sundae: $8.50; regular ice cream cup: $6.50.

Shake Shack
Kids love the oversize single-scoop cones packed with this outdoor favorite’s signature custard. Standout flavor They have stellar Vanilla and Chocolate, plus a daily special flavor. Check the website for the flavor schedule—we recommend Pistachio. Madison Square Park, Madison Ave at 23rd St (212-889-6600, shakeshacknyc.com). Subway: N, R, W to 23rd St. Regular cone: $3.25.

The Soda Shop
Kids love this Ohio-made hard ice cream that comes in generous helpings. Also, the store is set up exactly like soda shops from the 1950s, giving it an old-fashioned feel. Standout flavor We’re already pining for the Cake Batter flavor, which mixes real chunks of cake and multicolored sprinkles into creamy yellow ice cream. 125 Chambers St between Church St and West Broadway (212-571-1100, sodashopnewyork.com). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St. Regular cone: $3.

The Soda Shop Cake Batter

Sundaes & Cones
Kids love the Peppermint-Stick and Strawberry ice creams, Shocolate sorbet, sundaes and fresh-fruit smoothies, all served in a clean, well-lighted space. Standout flavor Parents with adventurous palates should try the Ginger (with spicy chunks of the real deal) or wasabi. 95 E 10th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-979-9398). Subway: 6 to Astor Pl. Small cone: $3.49.

Tasti D-Lite
Kids love the smooth texture of this low-fat frozen dessert. We’re iffy about the ingredients. A New York Times article from a few years ago stated Tasti D wasn’t as healthy as it claimed to be. Standout flavor The Chocolate Marshmallow has more “wow” than regular chocolate. Kids can spice up blander styles with one of the store’s many toppings (sprinkles, peanut butter chips)—a perk that some high-class ice cream joints don’t always offer. 1654 Third Ave between 92nd and 93rd Sts (212-831-5577, tastidlite.com). Subway: 6 to 96th St. Small cup: $2.

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