After a brutal winter with heavy snow days, cloudy skies, and below-freezing temperatures, the New Jersey weather has finally made its way into spring and summer! Nothing is as rewarding as a scoop of ice cream after the longest five months of winter. Yet, sometimes it’s hard to decide where to grab that perfect cup or cone and which ice cream shop is most inviting. Here are some of the best and most popular ice cream shops in the area.
Daniella’s – Daniella’s in Closter is a staple for NVD locals. It has a wide range of flavors and many topping options. Their “cookie monster” flavor is a classic best-seller. Daniella’s also has many gluten-free and vegan options, as well as a few low-sugar flavors. The store closes at 9 p.m., so it might not be great for a late-night ice cream run. You can also order custom ice cream cakes, purchase pre-made pints, and even get a scoop of doggie ice cream for left-out pups! Their prices are average, with one scoop without toppings priced at $5.91. Daniella’s is a great option for family outings or an after-school scoop.
Van Dyk’s – Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream has been around for more than 40 years. This cash-only spot in Ridgewood has a variety of traditional and unique ice cream flavors. Van Dyk’s prices are average at $6 per scoop, but the portion sizes are huge. Sprinkles are free (which is a plus), and they let you try as many flavors as you please. Van Dyk’s is great if you are looking for ice cream that acts as an entire outing, since the drive from Demarest is somewhat far. Be prepared to share with others because one scoop looks like three!
Cranberry Junction – Cranberry Junction Homemade Ice Cream in Hackensack is another great option for an ice cream adventure. This pink, yellow, and green cabin truly has any flavor you could think of. This place is open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and has cheap scoops, starting at $3.75. Cranberry Junction has outdoor seating, unlike the previous places, and has even been visited by Bella Hadid!
Ice Cream on Grand – Finally, my personal favorite spot on this list, Ice Cream on Grand (also known as ICOG), which is located in Englewood. This ice cream shop, only open during the summer months, is a homemade ice cream shop open for over 30 years. ICOG has the best vibe; not only great ice cream, but also a great seating location. While the ice cream here is on the more expensive side, it is worth it for the experience of this side-of-the-road shack with benches and seating for the full ice cream experience. Grab a scoop of ice cream or a cup of soft serve here and enjoy.
Each ice cream shop has its own upsides and downsides. Hopefully, this summer you can indulge in the best ice cream around.
