Ice cream, gelato, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and custard—summertime in a cone!—we love each of these shops’ outstanding atmosphere, taste, and innovation. Enjoy a new place every week!
There is no possible way to rank these because they are all worth going out of your way for. Keep these in mind for National Ice Cream Day on the third “Sundae” in July.
You can’t buy happiness but you can buy ice cream and that’s pretty much the same thing.
Best Handcrafted Ice Cream Shops in the City of Rochester
Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream
Rochester’s South Wedge Neighborhood
Innovative flavors have included Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Chipotle, Lavender Lemongrass, Lemon Thyme, Afternoon Tea Truffle, Malted Chai, Cookie Fig and Honey, and Raspberry Passionfruit Champagne Sorbet.
We craft our small batch, super premium ice creams and sorbets in the heart of Rochester, NYs South Wedge neighborhood. We use local cream and the finest natural ingredients to create decadent flavors that bring pleasure with every bite.
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Best Handcrafted Ice Cream Shops in Monroe County Towns & Villages
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Webster & Irondequoit
Flavors have included Graham Central Station, White Raspberry Truffle, Wedding Cake, Tin Lizzy, Jamaican Me Crazy, Deep Dish Apple Pie, and Coffee Cake Streusel to name but a few.
We believe there’s no richer reward in life than the smooth, creamy pleasure of fresh ice cream. Each tantalizing treat is skillfully created in-house with the care and affection that defines Bruster’s.
Creamcredible
Henrietta
We are honored to invite you to taste the difference of homemade, fresh ice cream created onsite using many fresh ingredients from our local New York State farmers. Creamcredibe was created with a passion for making desserts and a commitment to the community we serve.
Ice cream is our passion and you will taste the difference. We are excited to serve delicious ice cream made onsite daily with natural ingredients from our own blend of delicious fruit and dairy products.
Lift Bridge Ice Cream
Fairport
Meet the ice cream trash plate. Large flat waffle bottom, mound of French vanilla custard, chocolate custard, five toppings of your choice, sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry. Toppings include cookie dough bites, cheesecake bites, fractured fingers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and M&M’s.
Moonlight Creamery
Fairport
Our signature flavors, like Espresso with English Toffee and Wicked Chocolate, are joined by seasonal favorites and fun and imaginative limited editions to ensure both ice cream traditionalists and adventurers find just the right treat. Flavors change daily, but may include Malted Chai, Olive Oil & Honey, Raspberry Passionfruit, Strawberry, Toffee Almond Chocolate, and Ginger Pear sorbet.
Pittsford Farms Dairy
Pittsford, Rochester & Henrietta
Pittsford Farms Dairy uses milk from their grass-fed dairy cows, and sells milk to other Rochester-area ice cream makers. There are 60+ flavors available! In an article by Edible Finger Lakes, Charles Jr. says. “It’s unbelievable. I mean, people like our milk, but everyone—and I mean everyone—will do three flips backwards for ice cream.”
Pittsford Farms Dairy has a second location in the City of Rochester on Park Ave.
Fire Crust in Henrietta also serves Pittsford Farms Dairy Ice Cream and Custard.
Best Ice Cream Shops serving Regional & Local Brands in Monroe County
Anthony’s Ice Cream
Spencerport
Serves Perry’s (Akron)
Byrne Dairy
Chili, Gates, & Brockport,
Serves Byrne Dairy (Syracuse) – Since 1980 we have been producing our own Ice Cream with our fresh cream and milk from our local family farms.
Colby’s Ice Cream & Bake Shop
Rush
Serves Hershey‘s Ice Cream.
Colby’s Ice Cream and Bakery has been in the food business since 1989 and offers 36 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream. In addition, they have a full country-style bakery that offers the best fresh-baked pies and handmade donuts.
Dipper Dan
Honeoye Falls
Owned and operated by the Moffitt family for over 20 Years, Dipper Dan is open seasonally from April to October. They serve Upstate Farms Dairy Frozen Custard, Honey Hill Farms’ Frozen Yogurt, and over 40 flavors of ice cream locally sourced from Perry’s, Purity, Byrne Dairy, and more.
The Front Porch Ice Cream Shoppe
North Greece
The Front Porch at Green Acre Farm & Nursery serves Gifford’s (Maine) and Turkey Hill (Pennsylvania) – We have something for everyone, from fat-free, to sugar-free, to gluten-free and lactose-free.
i-Scream for Ice Cream at I-Square
Irondequoit
Serves Purity (Ithaca) – We serve hard ice cream, soft serve, razzles, sundaes, shakes and more. Flavors change with the season so stop by and see what we have today!
iKON Ice Cream
Scottsville
Offers over 100 custard flavors plus serves Perry’s (Akron) hard ice cream.
LuGia’s Ice Cream
Spencerport
Serves Perry’s (Akron) – From classic favorites like Chocolate and Vanilla, to exotic tastes like Oregon Blackberry Cheesecake, to wild and wacky flavors like Superman, at LuGia’s we have something for everyone.
Netsins Ice Cream
Irondequoit
Serves Perry’s (Akron) – Netsins Ice Cream was established by 2 Irondequoit firefighters. There is nothing like having a neighborhood ice cream parlor to create lasting memories!
Russell’s
Chili
Serves a variety of brands, including Perry’s (Akron) hard ice cream and more. Open year round, cash only.
Scoop ‘n Twist
Brighton
Serves Perry’s (Akron) – Ice cream, homemade gelato, soft serve custard, and more!
Sprinkles
Chili
Serves Perry’s (Akron) hard ice cream, plus frozen custard, Italian lemon ices, shakes, flurries, floats, sundaes, ice cream cakes, turtle bars, wheels, and more!
Village Ice Cream Shop
Spencerport (& N. Chili coming soon!)
VICS (short for Village Ice Cream Shop) serves Gifford’s Ice Cream (Maine).
From their website, “We love really great ice cream. You know, the stuff with a really high butter fat content. After researching several brands of hard ice cream, we decided on Gifford’s from Maine. Gifford’s has been in business since the 1800s. Because they use only premium ingredients and high quality manufacturing processes, we know you will taste the difference!”
Best Custard in Monroe County
Abbott’s Frozen Custard
Lake Ave original location
There’s a reason Abbott’s is in 12 Bill Gray’s restaurants, and 10 stand-alone franchised locations. It’s delicious! And summer would not be the same without the Abbott’s on Lake Ave opening for the season, roughly mid-April through October.
At Abbott’s, everything we do is dedicated to ensuring our frozen custard is the very best. This starts with our secret family recipe, churned fresh every day in each one of our stands. Our frozen custard is the way ice cream was meant to be.
Best Gelato in Monroe County
Oriens Café
Greece
At Oriens Café you will find authentic Sicilian pastries and 24 flavors of Gelato made fresh on site daily, using recipes designed by Italian Pastry Chef Master Salvatore Garofalo.
Royal Café Gelateria
Fairport
I’m thinking if you only get one chance you should try the Spaghetti Ice Cream Sundae: Vanilla gelato, strawberry sauce, grated white chocolate, brownies in chocolate sauce.
Best Italian Ice in Monroe County
Frank’s Italian Ice
Spencerport
Frank’s Italian Ice has found a new home with the LuGia’s Ice Cream family! Come on down to LuGia’s Ice Cream or check out the many other locations.
Rita’s Italian Ice
Brighton
You really have to try one of their specialty drinks where the Italian Ice is combined with Frozen Custard, like the Gelati. It’s magical! Real Italian ice made with fresh fruit and made fresh daily!
Best Ice Cream Shops in Greater Rochester
A’s Diner & Desserts
Canandaigua, Ontario County
Serves Gifford’s (Maine) – Old fashioned ice cream and a full candy shop inside.
Bee Tee’s Drive-In
Newark, Wayne County
Serves Perry’s (Akron) ice cream. Try a Flying saucer…Mini Melts…or Flizzard, along with many other Bee Tee favorites. Family owned and operated, you get small town charm with big time value.
Blondie’s Sip-n-Dip
Batavia, Genesee County
Blondie’s has been a family run business for 20 yrs plus thank to Greg and Anne Miller and Peggy Johnston. My husband and I (Andy and Laura Pedro) purchased it in Dec of 2019.
Cayuga Lake Creamery
Interlaken, Seneca County
Homemade flavors include exceptional versions of the classics as well as unique and seasonal offerings such as Lavender, Maple Bacon, Ultimate Fudge Brownie, and our famous Seneca Salt Caramel. Flavors (currently over 200!) are produced on a rotation, with about thirty scooped at a time.
Cheshire Farms Creamery
Canandaigua, Ontario County
Choose from our great selection of home churned ice creams, non-dairy Dole Whip, and soft-serve custard.
Chill & Grill
Palmyra, Wayne County
Aside from the fact that they make amazing ice cream cakes, they also sell enormous ice cream cookie sandwiches that are straight out of your dreams. (onlyinyourstate.com)
Hojack Ice Cream Shack & Snack Shack Grill
Lyndonville, Orleans County
Great place to grab a bite to eat, have some ice cream, listen to some oldies music and let the kids play in the Hojack village.
Kish-a-wa Creamery
Nunda, Livingston County
Come and enjoy an Artisan Crafted Creation, an Old Time Favorite or just a Ice Cream Cone. We carry Upstate Custard, Gifford’s, Perry’s, Ashby’s Sterling, Dean Farms, Turkey Hill – over 40 flavors. Hand crafted Ice Cream Creations using Upstate 12% Custard and Perry’s Hard ice cream. Unique and different combinations of inclusions – and willing to create combinations you suggest.
Lynnie Lou’s Homemade Ice Cream
Naples, Ontario County
Take advantage of our Drive-Thru service or come inside and see all the flavors for your self! You can relax and watch the world go by on one of our Adirondack Chairs on the hill, or an outdoor picnic table.
Minnehan’s
Lakeville, Livingston County
Minnehan’s Restaurant and Fun Center serves Gifford’s (Maine) Premium hard ice cream, with chocolate and vanilla soft serve, blizzards and smoothies.
Mr. Coolee’s
Newark, Wayne County
They have 73 flavors of soft serve, 23 flavors of hard ice cream, lactose free Dole Whip (flavor will change periodically), Slushies, Sundaes, Shakes, and Floats.
Papa Jack’s Ice Cream
Victor, Ontario County
Serves Perry’s (Akron) ice cream.
Pulcini’s Ice Cream
Palmyra, Wayne County
Serves serves Gifford’s (Maine) and Turkey Hill (Pennsylvania) ice cream.
Seneca Farms
Penn Yan, Yates County
All ice creams are hand swirled with their goodies of fruits, nuts, fudges, or candies and are made fresh on the premises every week!
Shark’s Ice Cream
Bloomfield, Ontario County
All Dole Whip flavors are Lactose Free, Fat Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, and Cholesterol Free. All of our ice cream is available in a regular cone, waffle cone, or in a dish. Or you can try our waffle bowl sundaes, shark bites, or a traditional sundae.
Spotted Duck
Penn Yan, Yates County
Over 95% of our ingredients are either certified organic or grown following the same guidelines. What this means for you is the healthiest ice-cream you can find that actually tastes good! Our lovely Ancona ducks supply us with delicious, rich eggs that make the creamiest custard, and our gardens provide us with delectable fruits.
Tinsel
Albion, Orleans County
Serves Perry’s (Akron) – Smoothies + shakes + sundaes along the Erie Canal in Albion.
Twisters
Livonia, Livingston County
Enjoy all of our homemade ice creams and we offer custard in 48 plus flavors, with a variety of drinks and snacks!
Yia Yia’s Ice Cream Shoppe
Williamson, Wayne County
Serves Hershey‘s Ice Cream.
Yummies
Warsaw, Wyoming County
As Wyoming County’s only homemade ice cream parlor, we make all of our ice cream in-house, using locally-sourced ingredients, serving our customers the freshest and most delicious ice cream.
With close to 75 of our own original flavors, soft serve and a variety of other menu items, including vegan and dairy-free options, there’s always something for everyone.
Best Ice Cream in the Surrounding Areas
These locations are a bit further out of town, but are worthy of mention because people plan day trips around them!
Dippity Do Dahs
Corning, Steuben County
It all starts with a local dairy co-op in Western, NY. We add premium ingredients from around the world and across the street.
The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor
Watkins Glen, Schuyler County
Serves Hershey‘s Ice Cream. Our unique ice cream parlor is a must-see when visiting. A family owned and operated business for over 38 years, we’re proud to serve homemade ice creams, novelties, cakes, and Italian gelato, as well as a variety of popular vegan and non dairy options.
Hibbard’s Custard
Lewiston, Niagara County
Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard has been family owned and seasonally operated since 1939.
Lake Effect Ice Cream
Lockport, Niagara County
We partner with the remarkable amount of talent in our hometown to create amazing frozen creations with a Buffalo twist. Our shop is located right above the historic Flight of Five lock system on the Erie Canal.
Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream
Hamburg, Erie County
Family owned & operated for over 50 years! Nick Charlap’s specialty is producing premium homemade hard ice cream (40+ flavors), which has become widely known for it’s creamy decadence. Flavors like Cinnamon, Bourbon Praline Pecan, Cotton Candy, Peppermint Stick, and Cashew Caramel Crunch have put our small family business on the map.
Old World Café & Ice Cream
Corning, Steuben County
Purity creations served in the charming ambiance of a Victorian Ice Cream Parlor.
Purity Ice Cream
Ithaca, Tompkins County
In 1998, Bruce and Heather Lane bought Purity with an eye towards revitalizing this Finger Lakes icon. We still use Leo’s original recipes for ice Cream the way it used to be made–small batches, with local, high quality ingredients, including BGH-free milk from upstate NY farms.
Reese’s Dairy Bar
Auburn, Cayuga County
There is much that makes Reese’s Dairy Bar unique in Cayuga County, first and foremost being the HOMEMADE products. Reese’s Hard Ice Creams, Hard & Soft Sherbets, Sorbets/Italian Ices, Ice Cream Cakes, Ice Cream Cupcakes, French Custard, Cremesicle Twist, Soft Black Raspberry, Very Berry Twist, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chipwiches, Cremewiches, and Berrywiches are all made right at the 1422 Clark Street Road location, from family recipes that have been handed down, tinkered with, and perfected over the years.
Rosie’s Ice Cream
East Aurora, Erie County
Real handcrafted ice cream made onsite at our scoop shop. We carry the highest-quality products. Our ice cream is super premium, always freshly churned. Frozen treats are for everyone! Even if someone wants a dairy free option, we are here for you.
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Where are your favorite ice cream shops?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
“What’s Your Scoop” A very nice hidden GEM! In the Panorama Plaza
Love Lynne Lou’s in Naples. YUMMY!!
Sweet Jenny’s in Williamsville has *the best* homemade ice cream! They have something for everyone. We go out of our way to stop by when we’re in the Buffalo area. 🙂
The Hojack Ice Cream Shack & Snack Shack Grill in Lyndonville, NY. Closer than some on this list. I’ve seen people line up outside during a thunderstorm to get their ice cream there!
I’m so excited for a new ice cream place to check out! Thank you so much for taking the time to suggest it, Jeff.
Papa Jack’s Ice cream in Victor is extremely popular. Offers A large variety of flavors, sundaes, shakes and more. Also ice cream cakes @ 265 West Main Street in Victor.
Great suggestion, Joan. I haven’t been and am looking forward to it now!
Minnehan’s in Lakeville. Serves amazing frozen custard. It is so rich and creamy. If you don’t like soft serve they have both Gifford’s and Perry’s hard ice cream.
One that should really be on the list is Blondie’s in Batavia. They can’t be beat! Huge portions and a quaint old fashioned soda shop!
Annis Dairy that was in Avon had the best flavor. I think it was called chocolate fudge but it was like a malted flavor. It was the best.
It sounds like it was a wonderful spot! I just read this article: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/rocroots/places/2017/08/26/whatever-happened-annis-dairy-ice-cream/604342001/
Don’t forget Tinsel (sp) in Albion. Have a sweet treat next to the canal. Perry’s ice-cream.
You forgot “YiaYia’s” in Williamson–right on route 104
That’s so strange! I actually thought Yia Yia’s was on here! I’ll absolutely add them.
It is on there.
We love Twisters in Livonia- homemade flavors as well as the traditional choices- and Sprinkles and Tom Wahl’s in Avon!
You have to add Mr. Coolies in Newark. The serving sizes are UNREAL, prices are good and they have a DRIVE THRU!! Hands down best place we have ever been too!
One omission is Dipper Dan in Honeoye Falls [Monroe County]. They have been serving great ice creams for decades – there is even a knock off in Japan [from visitors who loved this ice cream shop]. Yelp users score it 4.5/5 – https://www.yelp.com/biz/dipper-dan-honeoye-falls.
I know right where it is and haven’t yet stopped in. I’ll add Dipper Dan to the list. Thank you for the suggestion, Jerry!
Thanks for adding Dipper Dan to the list for ice cream Monroe County. Could we mention that they offer handmade waffle cones, too?
Add MR Coolies in Newark
How about the Ice cream Factory in Fairport!!?
I’m happy to add them, Karin. Thank you so much for the recommendation!!
Another suggestion is Reminisce Soda Fountain in Caledonia. All the old time soda fountain favorites in a retro themed diner with great food and classic equipment and decor. Phosphate, anyone?
I love Reminisce, especially because my grandmother was a huge Betty Boop fan. I get a vanilla with cherry and phosphate 🙂 So good! I’ll have to do an article sometime about classic-style diners because Reminisce should be there as well! Thank you for the recommendation, Teresa.
Don’t forget Mr. Coolee’s in Newark. It’s such a great little place. Always busy!
No Dippity Do Dahs from Corning? Their icecream is magical and they make their own on site.
Michelle, I haven’t heard about Dippity Do Dahs until now! They sure have some excellent reviews on Facebook and Google. I’ll add them over the next few days. Thank you for the recommendation!
I seriously cannot believe the one in Naples made the list but Middleton’s Frozen Custard on Main Street, voted best in Livingston County, two yrs in a row, didn’t make the list! Best place in NYS as far as I’m concerned.
Yvonne, thank you so much for the passionate testimony! I’ll make sure it gets added!
I would suggest you add the Chill and Grill in palmyra- the serving size is unreal. My sons and I search every summer for the best spots around town. This place will not disappoint!
Great suggestion, Darren!