I scream, you scream, Boston screams for ice cream!
Whether it's a cool cone on a steamy summer day or a hot fudge sundae as a winter treat, ice cream is the sweet tooth favorite Bostonians (and the whole world) simply can't resist.
You’ve heard about J.P. Licks, and you know Amorino like the back of your hand, but it’s time to explore the city’s hidden gems. From traditional gelato to soft serve in fish-shaped cones, vegan options and nitrogen, too, here are the seven best ice cream places in Boston.
See also: Check-Out These High-End Hot Chocolate Selections to Warm the Soul
Jaho Coffee Roasters
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Multiple locations / Website
In case Jaho hadn’t already caught your attention with their unique Zodia tea collection and scrumptious pastries, come to any of their locations for a chance to try Japanese-style soft serve. Among the chain’s selection: red velvet, vanilla milk, dark chocolate and Uji matcha. If you’re more of a scoop aficionado, we can't overstate the deliciousness of their butter pecan and apple pie hard ice cream.
New City Microcreamery
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403 Massachusetts Ave. / Website
Looking for a new, fun morning ritual? Head to New City Microcreamery, where you'll discover a wonderland of delectable treats inspired by nostalgic tastes, including vegan coffee-Oreo and malted milk ball. Peek at the store’s floating milk crate clouds, beautiful artwork and chalkboards which give you some insight into New City’s mouth-watering process. The creamery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze each flavor, creating a smaller ice-crystal that gives your ice cream a silky smooth texture. They also offer handcrafted lattes paired with pastries created by the in-house chef.
See also: 10 Best Coffee Shops in Boston
Taiyaki NYC
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119 Seaport Blvd. / Website
Since 2019, the Seaport District has been home to this New York City-based company named after the Japanese waffle-like treat. Enjoy a signature soft serve in an adorable fish-shaped cone with toppings from unicorn horns to rainbow sprinkles, cookies and more. The treat makes for a colorful Instagram story, but make sure to snap a picture quickly; you don’t want this small treasure to melt before you’ve had a chance to taste it.
Toscanini’s
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159 First St. / Website
The New York Times didn’t call it the best ice cream in the world on accident. This Cambridge cafe earned the title thanks to now-legendary flavors, from the note-worthy b3 (a rich combination of brown butter, brown sugar, and fat chunks of fudge brownie) to the delicious burnt caramel, bourbon Vienna finger cookie, cinnamon swirl and Belgian chocolate. The cranberry and mango sorbets are also heavenly. Stay awhile to savor some in-house baked goods and sip on hot MEM tea.
See also: 6 Best Donut Shops in Boston
Honeycomb Creamery
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1702 Massachusetts Ave. / Website
If you dream of original food combinations, you’ll be enchanted by Honeycomb Creamery’s out-of-the-box, taco-like ice cream. They've gotten inventive with flavors including malted vanilla and apple cider donut. The Porter Square shop regularly comes up with new treats with shells filled with ice cream and toppings. If you haven’t let yourself fall for an ube coconut, tiramisu, or blueberry crumb taco yet, you know where to go.
Emack & Bolio's
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Multiple locations / Website
Emack and Bolio’s started as an eclectic place that rock stars could go to after their gigs and get homemade ice cream with outrageous flavors inspired by ethnic grocery stores, dessert chefs and mother nature. Today, you can indulge in exotic flavors and soft serve in iconic waffle cones dipped in chocolate and rolled in delicious toppings of Oreos, Rice Krispies, Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles.
Milk Bar
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3 Brattle St. / Website
This Harvard Square staple will have you coming back for its signature Cereal Milk soft serve, especially when paired with original toppings like crispy corn flakes. Founded by pastry chef Christina Tosi, Milk Bar is a vibrant and quirky shop full of other bright-colored treats from cookies to cakes, and pies. Don’t forget to snap a pic your appetizing ice-cream fix before indulging in a special, flavorsome moment.
Photography by: picture alliance
