10 Scoop Shops For Every Sweet Tooth
Why wait for summer? Find all your favorite flavors today at these Bergen ice cream parlors.
Ice cream season is trying to make its comeback—and a couple of chilly nights this week, it somehow feels even more deserved. Rest assured that milder days are ahead, and what better way to celebrate than with that first cone of the season?
The good news: Many of your favorite local ice cream spots are opening right on cue. From classic neighborhood stands to must-try artisan scoop shops, there’s no shortage of places ready to welcome you back. So grab a sweatshirt (just in case), lean into the moment and treat yourself at one or more of the following—because if we’ve learned anything this month, you take the warm days (and the ice cream runs) when you can get them.
Cake and Cone, East Rutherford. This roadside stand has a variety of amazing hard ice cream flavors. Salted caramel, mango madness, moose tracks—how does one decide?
*306 Paterson Ave., East Rutherford, 201.933.2589
Conrad’s Confectionery, Westwood. A regular honoree in our annual Readers’ Choice poll, this neighborhood spot is known for its full-service window, ice cream pints, sandwiches, pops and more.
*107 Westwood Ave., Westwood, 201.664.2895
Cranberry Junction, Hackensack. Named Best Ice Cream shop in last year’s Readers’ Choice poll, this brightly colored destination has tasty soft serve, gelato and hard scoop options. Our favorite? It’s a toss-up between cookie monster and banana pudding.
*19 Temple Ave., Hackensack, 201.546.8966
Daniela’s Ice Cream, Closter. After you enjoy dinner in downtown Closter, end the night with a cone or a cup here. We love both the lavender honey and lemon poppyseed flavors—both, like many others, are gluten free.
*234 Closter Dock Rd., Closter, 201.428.9600
Dumbo Ice Cream, Dumont. You can get a cone or cup with any flavor here. Look for seasonal specials like churro chata and mango, or satisfy your cravings with tried-and-true cherry vanilla or cookie dough.
*65 W. Madison Ave., Dumont, 201.244.5542
Ernie’s Ice Cream, Mahwah. This spot near the New York border attracts locals from both states, as flavors like Nutella crunch and pumpkin are go-tos for many sweet tooths.
*78 Franklin Tpke., Mahwah, 201.252.8373
Francy’s Artisanal Ice Cream, Bergenfield. Visit this cool spot for something truly new. There are flavors from all over the world, from Italian cannoli to Thai tea to Filipino ube.
*461 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201.942.6282
Ice Cream Charlie’s, Rutherford. This cash-only shop does classic flavors just right, but it’s especially known for its specials. Check their Facebook page daily and arrive early, as flavors like purple cow, cosmic cake batter and Girl Scout samoas sell out quickly.
*200 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.939.8133.
Ice Cream on Grand, Englewood. This kosher ice cream shop is a long-time favorite, scooping everything from guava to passion fruit and everything in between. Sherbets and soft serve also are available.
*523 Grand Ave., Englewood, 201.569.5346
Van Dyk’s Ice Cream, Ridgewood. Good news: There’s an ATM on site, so you can treat the entire family at this long-time cash-only shop. Pick flavors like chocolate peanut butter or cappuccino Oreo in either a cone, cup, pint, sundae—or all!
*145 Ackerman Ave., Ridgewood, 201.444.1429
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