With National Ice Cream Day falling on July 19th this year, the competition for the best scoop is heating up. Whether you are hitting the beach or cooling off in the suburbs, here are the absolute best places in New Jersey to celebrate the sweetest day of the year.
The Shore Legends
1. Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard (Various Locations) You can’t have a Jersey summer without a swirl from Kohr Brothers. Since 1919, this boardwalk staple has been serving up that iconic, impossibly smooth frozen custard. It’s the ultimate nostalgic treat—grab a vanilla-and-orange swirl, find a spot on the boardwalk, and watch the waves. It’s a rite of passage for every New Jerseyan.
2. Uncle Louie G (Various Locations) Bringing a slice of Italian-American tradition to the Shore, Uncle Louie G is beloved for their legendary Italian ices and ultra-creamy ice cream. With a massive variety of flavors that lean into the classics, it’s a high-energy, family-friendly spot that feels like the heart of a summer night.
The Artisanal Innovators
3. The Bent Spoon (Princeton) If you consider yourself a true connoisseur, make the trip to Princeton. The Bent Spoon is famous for its adventurous, small-batch, culinary-forward flavors. They source ingredients from local New Jersey farms, meaning the peach or blueberry ice cream you’re eating was likely picked just miles away.
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The Move: Don't miss their famous lavender or goat cheese-based flavors if they are on the menu!
4. Applegate Farm (Montclair) Dating back to 1848, this is arguably the most famous ice cream destination in North Jersey. Sitting on a historic farm property, Applegate is an institution. It’s a place where generations of families have gathered to enjoy massive, generous scoops. The atmosphere is quintessential Americana, and the lines are a testament to how good the product really is.
The Inclusive & Trendsetting Picks
5. Cliff’s Homemade Ice Cream (Ledgewood) Cliff’s is an institution in the Morris County area, known for their "over-the-top" approach to ingredients. We’re talking massive chunks of brownies, whole cookies, and swirls of fudge that seem to go on forever. They don't just make ice cream; they engineer deliciousness. It’s a bucket-list stop for any serious ice cream lover.
Pro-Tips for National Ice Cream Day in NJ
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Embrace the "Shore Traffic" Strategy: If you're heading to a popular Shore location, go early. National Ice Cream Day is a huge event, and boardwalk spots get crowded fast. Avoid the midday heat and the peak congestion by making it your first stop of the day.
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Check for "One-Day-Only" Flavors: New Jersey’s artisanal creameries love a holiday special. Keep a close eye on the social media accounts of spots like The Bent Spoon or local favorites in your town—they often release one-day-only flavors that disappear as fast as they melt.
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Don't Forget the Waffle Cone: In New Jersey, the quality of the cone matters as much as the scoop. Ask your server if they make their waffle cones in-house; the aroma of fresh-pressed cones is part of the experience!
New Jersey’s ice cream scene is as diverse as the state itself, ranging from nostalgic boardwalk custard to farm-to-table gourmet creations. Whether you are spending the day at the shore or exploring the rolling hills of the north, make sure to grab a cone (or two!) to celebrate. What’s your go-to flavor this summer?