Summer is here and we’re celebrating that fact with a special Jersey Shore Ice Cream Edition of our Jersey Shore Foodie Bucket List. We weren’t just thinking about the best soft serve at the Jersey Shore – we’re talking about outrageous (and absolutely delicious) ice cream sundaes, cones, flavors, and combinations (as well as a few can’t miss places that have become the epitome of a quality day out in the sun (clouds, rain, snow, you name it).
Think of our ultimate list of Jersey Shore ice cream as something to go through bite by heavenly creamy bite. Whether you’re enjoying three scoops (waffle, toppings, you name it) by yourself or taking a bunch of spoons and sharing it with friends, ice cream is the ultimate spring and summer comfort food.
So let’s here it – I scream, you scream, we all scream for some delicious Jersey Shore ice cream!
In Freehold, it’s all about the freeze, Jersey Freeze. Since 1952, they’ve been crafting up simple to exceptional ice cream contraptions that will make your summer (fall, winter, and spring) days much sweeter. If you can, find a reason to order one of their famous Shakes of the Month or take some of their frozen treats home with you. 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold (732) 462-3008 http://jerseyfreeze1952.com/
Every day is a Sundae at Frozen Flavors Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice! Offering a wide variety of small-batch ice cream flavors, Frozen Flavors listens to their customer’s ideas and transforms them into a special and unforgettable experience. Milkshakes, sundaes, pints, ice cream sandwiches, homemade cones, gelatis, Jordinis and much more are part of a wide variety of their parlor’s favorites. Scooping every day until 10pm! 490 Palmer Ave, North Middletown 848-256-8266 https://frozenflavorswebsi.wixsite.com/my-site
A landmark in the Rumson community, there’s never a night where you won’t find kids, families, and really adults at Crazees in Rumson. Everything is delicious, their dipped sugar cones take the cake, and so do their colorful fruitful flavors. 2 W River Road, Rumson 732-530-6543 https://www.instagram.com/crazeesicecream/
Calling all Jersey Shore ice cream lovers who don’t eat traditional dairy! At Cookman Creamery they make the real deal – whether it’s traditional ice cream with milk or vegan featuring a creamy coconut cream base. One of their newest flavors, Blueberry Biscoff, hits all the right notes with organic coconut cream based vegan ice cream with homemade blueberry purée, swirled with Biscoff cookies. 711 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-361-5215 http://www.cookmancreamery.com/
No guide to the best Jersey Shore ice cream would be complete with a shout out to The Lighthouse. With a number of locations along the shore (Red Bank, Long Branch, Belmar) there’s no reason to not stop by and get a swirl – a creamy, homemade Italian ice (we’re fallen hard for mango when it’s available) that sits next to an even creamier soft serve of vanilla. Sprinkles are (not) optional. 250 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch 732-229-1222 http://strolloslighthouse.com
Three generations and 60 years later, the ice cream bars at Rich’s Ice Cream are just one of the many reasons that people keep coming back again and again. For a blow-your-mind-experience, go for the Ritchie Bar where you’ll enjoy chocolate or vanilla ice cream that’s snuggled between a crispy wafer and chocolate pieces (exactly like those found on your favorite ice cream cake). You’re welcome. 1801 Rt. 37 East, Toms River 732-349-3459 https://www.facebook.com/richsicecreamm/
Since 1955, Hoffman’s Ice Cream has grown into a Jersey Shore ice cream classic. Four locations and dozens of flavors later, all their ice cream is still made in their original location. Whether you’re getting a coffee ice cream on a cone, picking up an ice cream cake, or maybe going for the shake with sprinkles, you’ll definitely be eating one of the “very best.” 800 Richmond Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0270 http://hoffmansicecream.net/
It only took one season for everyone to figure out that an ice could be so much more than what you’re used to. Instead of just, well, ice, Ralph’s Italian Ice brings you big flavors in creamy ices that include flavors like Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Marshmallow and Spumoni. Of course there’s also all of your favorite water ice flavors like lemon, blue hawaii, and mango too. We can’t choose so we just pick both! 349 N Main St, Lanoka Harbor 609 242-8006 https://www.ralphsices.com/
If you’ve ever done a double take at a crazy ice cream shake or cone, chances are high that it came from Coney Waffle. For us, we’re always down for a Crazy Shake, where they take a large shake with your choice of ice cream and pile it high with cotton candy, chocolate covered pretzels and assorted candy pieces. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-556-6951 www.coneywaffle.com
Set in one of the Jersey Shore’s most idyllic town is one of the Jersey Shore’s most idyllic ice cream store. Over 140 years and counting, Day’s Ice Cream serves up a variety of flavors that will cure any ice cream meltdown. Even though we love to enjoy a cone of hard ice cream out on the deck, we also are suckers for their ice cream covered waffles that strike the perfect balance between adult and childhood. 48 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove 732-614-6245 http://www.daysicecream.com/
You’ve driven by it more times than you can count and if you’re one of the ice cream lovers in the know, then you’ve stopped into Ryan’s Home Made Ice Cream countless times as well. When you order, make sure it’s whatever they have on special (you’ll see it on the board out front). It’s limited time and you’ll want to make the most out of it! Oh and it doesn’t matter if you want to eat the ice cream now or later when you pick up some of their ice cream to go. 462 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury 732-842-5874 https://www.facebook.com/RyansHomemadeIceCream/
Looking for the best place for ice cream on Long Beach Island? Skipper Dipper has been LBI’s favorite since 1978, offering hard and soft ice cream, shakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, Dole Whip and dairy-free vegan choices. 9305 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven 609-492-9680 skipperdipper.com
Yes, this is an ice cream article, but we’re throwing in some frozen custard because a list about ice cream at the Jersey Shore can’t be complete without a shout out to Kohr’s The Original. Even though you can order ice cream, we prefer the Swirled Frozen Custard – orange cream with strawberry, black cherry with chocolate, or even raspberry with cool mint – it’s the cherry to a summer day! Franklin Ave on the Boardwalk, Seaside Heights https://kohrstheoriginal.com/
This spring, one of the best Jersey Shore ice cream stores is opening again for their 3rd season. They may be a newer shop, but locals (and pretty much anyone that’s visited the Jersey Shore) knows that Stromberg’s of Midway’s ice cream is truly one of a kind thanks to the countless toppings that they offer. We’re fans of their cookie dough topped with cannoli cream and hot fudge. 39 11th Lane, Seaside Park https://strombergs.business.site/
Nicholas Creamery was born out of a love for homemade ice cream, handcrafted recipes and a desire to take something we all know and love and bring it back to its purest form. They hand-make small batch ice cream and ice cream cakes using the purest of ingredients and collaborate with local businesses to showcase the best products in New Jersey. Every week, a new flavor pops up for locals to try! 84 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands 732-204-2340 https://www.nicholascreamery.com/
Drive down Central Ave on your way home from Island Beach State Park and be sure to stop at the Ice Cream Boss in Seaside Park. A true “Mom n’ Pop Shop” they serve everything from ice cream cones and floats to what we really want to get, their hot brownie sundae. Choose your flavors, add some toppings, and cool off after a day in the sun. 10 NE Central Ave, Seaside Park 732-250-2002, IceCreamBossNJ
Proudly featuring healthier versions of boardwalk classic treats, Betty’s Icebox offers Hawaiian style shave ice, gourmet ice pops made on site, house made shaved ice cream, vegan soft serve, ice cream sandwiches, edible cookie dough, chocolate covered bananas and much more! Vegan, gluten free, peanut free, dairy free, dye free options are always available! Asbury Park Convention Center 732-927-0633 https://www.instagram.com/bettysicebox/
Main Scoop Creamery offers a wide variety of treats to make everyone smile. From premium homemade ice cream, dairy-free and vegan flavors, gelato, sorbet, and Italian ice, to sugar-free options and cakes, you’ll leave with your sweet tooth satisfied. The patio is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pups along – they even have treats for them too! 140 b Main St, Manasquan 732-223-3594 https://www.mainscoopcreamery.com/
If you’re looking for Italian Ice with a view, then Chuck’s Ice Cream truck is your spot. Located in the Mathis Plaza, right across from the River Lady, Chuck’s is serving up everything from all your favorite flavors of Italian Ice to Burgers, Cheesesteaks and Fries from April – October. Stop by, hang out at the picnic tables and take in the views of the Toms River. 134 NJ 166, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/chucksicecream/
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