A Guide to the Best Ice Cream at Hudson Yards

You know the scoop: there’s always room for ice cream, especially at Hudson Yards. The neighborhood is dripping with different deliciously creamy options, from worldwide Instagram sensations to a parlor born on the streets of NYC. And there’s vegan and non–dairy versions, too. 

For a viral treat … 

Soft serve in a churro cone? Yes, please! And because this is a creation of Chef José Andrés, it looks as good as it tastes. For Mercado Little Spain’s Xuxo Helado, the traditional crunchy fried pastry from Girona is topped with your flavor of choice—options include strawberry, mango, ColaCao (chocolate) and swirls. Of course, you can also order soft serve without the churro at the Helados kiosk. Also great: yogurt soft serve topped with citrus zest, Spanish honey and salt or limited-edition flavors like rosé.

For a vegan (or non-vegan) scoop … 

What began in a yellow truck on the streets of Manhattan is now a beautiful parlor at The Shops & Restaurants. But ice cream maker Van Leeuwen has stayed true to its origins, using only choice ingredients and focusing on making people happy. And who wouldn’t be happy with vegan flavors like peanut butter honeycomb, strawberry shortcake and pistachio. Of course, there’s traditional scoops too, including cookies and cream, praline buttercream and a classic vanilla that’s delish when topped with homemade hot fudge.

For the best shake in town … 

Though many people associate Shake Shack with burgers, it is—ahem—called Shake Shack for a reason. Order one of their infamous shakes and taste for yourself. The base is house-made frozen custard—a riff on a classic Midwestern treat—and flavors include classics like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, along with fancier ones like Triple Chocolate Brownie, OREO Cookie Funnel Cake and Non-Dairy Chocolate (made with plant-based custard). Or, for a fizzier treat, order a root beer or creamsicle float.

For some boba mixed in … 

Two great things are even greater together: caramelized brown sugar boba from Taiwan is topped with rich, creamy milk tea soft serve ice cream for the ultimate pick-me-up from Xing Fu Tang. The result is a feast for the eyes and belly.

For an ice cream gift that won’t melt … 

Dylan’s Candy Bar’s ice cream collection doesn’t include actual ice cream, but it is a genuine treat for ice cream lovers. Choose from the non-edible ice cream shaped lip gloss and pillow or ice cream-inspired treats shaped like cones and packed into a refillable cupcake container.