7 Ice Cream Shops To Enjoy Now
Get your licks in today and satisfy your sweet tooth at these Bergen spots.
We all scream for ice cream—even in mid-March! Recent balmy weather and longer daylight hours are making many of us crave summer, including the sweet, delicious desserts that go with it.
In Bergen, we’re in luck: Some of the county’s top independent ice cream shops have already opened for the season. So why wait for summer when you can have a cool treat today? Here are some of the ice cream destinations (some recent Readers’ Choice Award winners and each highly rated) that are ready to serve you a few scoops:
BrainFreeze, New Milford. Head inside or take your car to the drive-up window and order a sweet treat or two.
*370 River Rd., New Milford, 201.265.5055
Cake & Cone, East Rutherford. A popular spot for locals, this stand is now open with all the favorites and new flavors as well. (The Lucky Charms flavor was a hit for St. Paddy’s Day!)
*306 Paterson Ave., East Rutherford, 201.933.2589
Cranberry Junction, Hackensack. Rain, sleet, snow or sun—the weather won’t stop this ice cream parlor—named “Best Ice Cream” in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Poll—from dishing out classic and creative flavors from its iconic pink shop.
*19 Temple Ave., Hackensack, 201.546.8966
Ernie’s Ice Cream Stand, Mahwah. Vanilla with sprinkles. Chocolate chip with cookie dough pieces. Brownie batter with M&Ms. This stand opened this week and is serving up the ice cream combo of your dreams.
*78 Franklin Tpke., Mahwah, 201.252.8393
Ice Cream Charlie’s, Rutherford. This neighborhood hot spot stays open all year long, but now’s really the time to grab a cup or cone.
*200 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.939.8133
Kilwins, Ridgewood. This dessert master was busy scooping mint cookies and cream over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the fun continues throughout the season.
*121 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201.445.4837
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream, Ridgewood. Reopened earlier in March, this iconic, cash-only shop has all the classic flavors and favorites, including cappuccino Oreo and cotton candy.
*145 Ackerman Ave., Ridgewood, 201.444.1429
What’s your favorite ice cream shop in Bergen County? Vote for your go-to ice cream parlor and more in the 2025 BERGEN Readers’ Choice Poll.
