With spring finally arriving in full force, now is the time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the parks and outdoor sights, New York City has plenty of options for another warm weather favorite – ice cream. Frozen yogurt chains Pinkberry and 16 Handles can help for a quick fix, but the best quality and value is found at artisanal shops such as Victory Garden.
While Momofuku and Big Gay Ice Cream are known for their novelty creations, Victory Garden impresses with quality and originality. Using all local ingredients, the shop makes its signature goat milk soft-serve ice cream in flavors that change daily but typically include tangy goat milk, chocolate, and salted caramel. Like larger chains, Victory Garden offers a wide range of toppings that include fresh fruit, cocoa nibs, and Middle Eastern candy, among others. In addition to the soft-serve ice cream, various cookies and goat milk desserts are available, as well as a selection of seasonal offerings that includes soups and a salads.
Photo by Dylan Stilin
For an old-fashioned ice cream cone with a touch of flamboyancy, Big Gay Ice Cream is always a solid choice. However, when it comes to overall quality, the goat milk soft-serve at Victory Garden is a step above its competitors.
Photo by Dylan Stilin
Address: 31 Carmine Street (between Bleecker and Bedford)
Hours of Location: Sun-Thu 12-9pm; Fri-Sat 12-10pm