Cool Treats & Hot Spots!
When the mercury is rising and you’re ready to melt, nothing cools you down better than a refreshing ice cream treat. Living in New Haven, you have many different ice cream shops to choose from depending on what you’re craving. From gelato to soft serve, there’s something for every palate.
If you’re looking for the best ice cream shops in New Haven, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the scoop on some places you’ll definitely want to try.
Arethusa Dairy Farm is a favorite among Yale students and New Haven residents alike. Located in the convenient Chapel Street area among The Shops at Yale, Arethusa Dairy Farm boasts freshly made waffle cones, and various ice cream flavors, as well as the farm’s full line of dairy products. This includes milk, butter, sour cream, and much more! All of the products are made at the Arethusa Dairy Farm in Bantam, Connecticut, so you know everything is farm fresh.
Ashley’s Ice Cream has been a staple in Connecticut for over 30 years. With multiple locations in Connecticut, Ashley’s often takes home the top prize for Best Ice Cream in local polls. At Ashley’s, you can indulge in the many ice cream flavors, and frozen yogurt options, or take home an ice cream cake or pie. The New Haven shop has called its York Street home in the heart of the downtown area since 1979.
Slightly off the beaten path, the trip to Bill’s Carousel on Whalley Avenue is worth the trip. At Bill’s you’ll find so many flavors to choose from that you’ll need to go back a second, third, and even fourth time! One of the best things about Bill’s is that it’s open late…midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11 p.m. the rest of the week. This is great when you get a late-night ice cream craving!
If you’re more of a yogurt connoisseur, there are ample flavors to choose from in that department as well. Many customers like the convenient drive-thru, while others like to sit in front of the shop to enjoy their tasty treats.
Milkcraft takes pride in offering artisanal flavors, so you’ll get much more than your standard vanilla and chocolate here. Each flavor is made hourly in small batches with natural ingredients. Don’t forget about the homemade waffle cones that are too delicious for words!
While parking at this tasty location can be a bit tricky, it’s well worth the time parallel parking! If you’re lucky enough to call New Haven Towers home, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking space because Milkcraft is less than a 5-minute walk! Walk off some of those ice cream calories on your way home while saving time finding a parking space. Sounds like a win-win!
Grab a scoop or two of gelato at Gioa Gelataria. This fun little spot also boasts a restaurant and bar, just a side note in case you’re looking for either one of those too! Stop by the takeout window and grab a treat and a pint at the market to take home.
Not too far from Gioa’s, you’ll find Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop. While you won’t find traditional ice cream here, you will find the best Italian ice you’ve probably ever had. Libby’s is known for its Italian ice as well as its other sweet treats. Libby’s was founded in 1922, so if you ask anyone about this spot, they’re bound to give you a history lesson. When you’re looking for a refreshing treat, Italian ice is always the answer.
Elena’s On Orange is a neighborhood soft-serve ice cream shop that aims to keep it simple, yet incredibly delicious! Choose from three soft-serve flavors, vanilla (dairy), chocolate (oat milk), and a seasonal flavor. Don’t forget the homemade toppings and waffle cones as well as the signature chocolate dip. If you want an extra treat to go with your ice cream, Elena’s also serves chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
Now that you have several places to choose from the next time that ice cream craving hits, it’s time to treat yourself. Make it a point to try at least one of these spots, if not all of them!
Have you already tried any of these great ice cream shops? If so, let us know your favorite in the comments below!
