10 Scoop Shops For Every Sweet Tooth
Why wait for summer? Find all your favorite flavors today at these Monmouth ice cream parlors.
We’ll admit it—as soon as the calendar flips over to May, we’re counting down the days until we can truly welcome summer. Though the season doesn’t officially start until June 24, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, we all know we’re mentally on vacation as soon as Memorial Day Weekend hits (which is also when Monmouth County beaches open).
If you don’t want to wait for MDW, there are plenty of ways to get into the warm weather mood. Here’s our suggestion—stop by one of Monmouth’s many incredible ice cream shops. From classic neighborhood stands to must-try artisan scoop shops, there’s no shortage of places ready to welcome you back and welcome the sunny vibes. Don’t skip out on:
Callie’s Creamery. Family owned and operated, all the ice cream here is small-batch and made in house. Try the caramel Oreo or fruity pebbles flavor, and don’t skip out on toppings like homemade cinnamon toast crunch sauce.
*100 Rte. 35, Neptune City, 732.361.0002
Cookman Creamery. One claim to fame of this shop is that it keeps up with AP’s night life—the lights are on here until 10 p.m., so it’s perfect if you find yourself craving something sweet after a long dinner with friends or a date night.
*711 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, 732.361.5215
Crazees. A shop that says you “come in with your sweet tooth and leave with a smile” offers alternating flavors such as cappuccino crunch and caramel pretzel. You can also pick up soft served, sorbet, frozen yoghurt and more.
*2 W. River Rd., Rumson, 732.530.6543
Day’s Ice Cream. Thought to be the oldest ice cream parlor in the state of New Jersey (it opened in 1876!), this community staple is set to open for the season this month. Go old fashioned when you stop by here—try a specialty sundae, a milkshake or a soda float.
*48 Pitman Ave., Ocean Grove, 732.614.6245
Fable Creamery Vegan Ice Cream & Confections. People buzz about this shop for how delicious the ice cream offerings are—vegan or not. Everyday flavors include maple syrup-sweetened maple butter pecan in addition to the classics, and seasonal offerings rotate.
*14 Monmouth St., Red Bank, 973.864.3399
Jersey Freeze. You can stop by three locations—Freehold, Holmdel and Colts Neck—for all the classic hot day confections you could want. Scoops in cups and cones, soft served, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches and more are all at your fingertips here (just make sure you also grab a napkin!).
*Multiple locations
Hoffman’s Ice Cream. Whether you’re craving classics or something a little different (the “Jersey Monkey” flavor has banana ice cream with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chips), this shop is sure to please. All ice cream is homemade at the nearby Point Pleasant Beach location.
*569 Church St., Spring Lake Heights, 732.974.2253
Nicholas Creamery. This local chain and 2025 Reader’s Choice Award winner is always pushing the envelope and offering innovative new flavors—try out the monthly small batch flavors, which are always rotating. May’s include Rutgers U Honey Lavender and Shirley Temple.
*Multiple locations
Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream. In addition to ice cream, you can pick up Italian ice and frozen yogurt at this spot. Our suggestion? Try the coffee chip or eggnog.
462 Shrewsbury Ave., #4901, Tinton Falls, 732.842.5874
Strollo’s Lighthouse. You’ll find this local chain in places like Red Bank, Belford and Ocean Township, but its most iconic is Long Branch, where the blue roof and lighthouse façade scream Jersey Shore. Get a cone of soft served here for the perfect way to end a day at the beach.
*Multiple locations
Did we forget your favorite local ice cream shop? Make sure you tell us about it in Instagram @monmouthmagazine.
