Is there ever a bad time to enjoy ice cream? Of course, with summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to take the family out for a scoop, a sundae, or a shake—and all of these definitely will taste better when made with homemade ice cream.
So we’ve rounded up some of Long Island’s best ice cream parlors that everyone is sure to love. These destinations create their yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that make the experience extra special.
For more dining inspiration, check out our roundup of LI restaurants where kids can eat free. And for more family fun, see our Event Calendar, our guide to summer fun and even our list of 100 must-do things with LI kids.
Nassau County
Hicksville Sweet Shop — Hicksville
75 Broadway
This restaurant opened in 1925 as an ice cream bar, and the owners make their own ice cream, sauces, syrups, and molded chocolates.
Hildebrant's in Williston Park been serving up sundaes since the 1920s. Photo by rosina6491 via Instagram
Hildebrandt's — Williston Park
84 Hillside Avenue
Calling this place old-fashioned isn't insulting—it’s been open since the 1920s. Offering diner-style food and an impressive array of homemade ice cream (some popular flavors include root beer, chocolate-mint wafer, and lemon meringue pie), Hildebrandt’s is a great place for families to enjoy dinner and dessert.
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Indulge your sweet tooth at Krisch's in Massapequa. Photo by teriannxo via Instagram
Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour — Massapequa
11 Central Avenue
This 1950s-style diner has 30 homemade ice cream flavors, so there’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Krisch’s also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (The blueberry pancakes are amazing!)
Itgen's — Valley Stream
211 Rockaway Avenue
Itgen’s has been an LI fixture since it opened in 1967. It serves diner-style food, as well as classic candy and homemade ice cream. In fact, everything—from the whipped cream to the syrups—are made from scratch.
Sweet Treats' cookie ice cream sandwiches offer two treats in one. Photo courtesy of Sweet Treats
Sweet Treats on the Wharf — Port Washington
405 Main Street
Enjoy a cone while taking in the water views in Port Washington. Sweet Treats on the Wharf offers ice cream made from scratch, frozen yogurt, and shaved ice. Many varieties of lactose-free, kosher, and gluten-free options are on the menu. Try one of the 24 flavors of soft serve in a cookie cone for a decadent treat.
Suffolk County and the East End
Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen — Bridgehampton
2391 Montauk Highway
This homemade ice cream shop, established in 1925, offers breakfast all day. But it is the sweet treats made from local, in-season fruit that really delights its customers.
Coyle's Homemade Ice Cream — Bay Shore, Islip
75 Howells Road, Bay Shore; 509 Main Street, Islip
Coyle's has been making 60 flavors of ice cream since 1985. Families come in to sit near the soda fountain and share a Brooklyn egg cream or relax in an old-fashioned booth while enjoying a sticky finger sundae.
Ice Cream Cottage — Mastic
1590 Montauk Highway
Owner John Pastore has been making ice cream from scratch for more than 25 years and offers 48 flavors, including garlic, jelly ring fudge, pina colada and wine sorbet.
Magic Fountain — Mattituck
9825 Main Road
There is no shortage of flavors, nor inspiration, at this North Fork destination. Flavors rotate, using local ingredients. Ever had chocolate chili or green tea ice cream? You can get them here.
McNulty's Ice Cream Parlor — Miller Place
153 N. Country Road
Open since 1991, McNulty’s offers more than 40 homemade flavors of ice cream and Italian ices. One of the most popular treats is the sand pail sundae, which features a scoop of ice cream with one topping, whipped cream, and a cherry served in a plastic pail—perfect for the little ones.
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Snowflake is a Riverhead institution. Try the Peconic Swamp Thing if you dare. Photo courtesy of Snowflake
Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe — Riverhead
1148 West Main Street
Snowflake's hard ice creams are prepared in-house by master makers. Flavors include Black Magic Woman, Peconic Swamp Thing, and a no-sugar-added Pistachio.
This article was originally published in 2015 and was updated in July 2017.
Top photo: Coyle’s serves up a side of nostalgia along with its sweet treats. Photo courtesy of Coyle’s Homemade Ice Cream
