offManhattan

It’s one of those hot, wish-I-could-walk-down-the-street-wearing-nothing kind of days in New York. Not the most pleasant feeling in the world, and yet these sticky, sweaty summer weeks will breeze by, so we say let’s make the best of it. Leaf peeping and apple picking will arrive soon enough, but in the meantime, why not take a refreshing walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and indulge in some sweet frozen goodness?

Whether you like your scoops fruity, vegan, organic, or just plain old-fashion thick and rich, we’ve got five very different places that all promise to cool you off—before you have to get all bundled up again.

Penny Licks | 158 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg | 718.384.0158
The red and white peppermint décor, glass jars of candy, and display of baked goods alone makes this an enticing sweet spot. And the writing is more than just on the wall, it’s on the door, and the mirrors to remind customers that their organic and Temptation vegan ice cream is as good (if not better) as any other ice cream you’ve ever had. (Note: Although lines tend to get out the door, the servers scoop quickly enough.)

Cool off with this: The vegan brownie Sundae topped with a heaping scoop of either mint chip vegan or cookies and cream.

Cost: A cool $1 for a mini scoop on a cone.

BitterSweet | 180 Dekalb Ave., Fort Greene | 718.852.2556
Ice cream is churned and chilled daily in a workshop below the premises of this eco-friendly coffee shop. The list of homemade options is small, so we recommend reserving your take-home quart of BitterSweet Chocolate or Vegan Passion Fruit Sorbet when you order your scoop. Trust us.

Cool off with this: Bittersweet Chocolate and Jamaican Grape-nut ice cream. (Note: Once scooped, it tends to melt real fast, so prepare for dribble.)

Cost: A cool $3.50 for a scoop.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory | 1 Water Street, Dumbo | 718.246.3963
This is a perfect no frills place for date night and yet it’s almost too romantic. Experience an old-time lick under the carriage house’s red-shelled roof while enjoying the cinematic views of the city skyline.

Cool off with this: Choose from the classic strawberry, vanilla and chocolate egg-free ice creams.

Cost: A cool $3.50 for a scoop.

Trois Pommes Patisserie | 260 5th Ave., Park Slope | 718.230.3119 | troispommespatisserie.com
Have a seat on the round marble stools at this 19th century French inspired patisserie, where sorbet is the code word. The delightful seasonal flavors are sure to keep you coming back for as long as the heat lasts—or at least until you’ve tried each and every kind… at least three times.

Cool off with this: Apricot or raspberry sorbet, green market mint ice cream—fresh from Prospect Park farmer’s market—and lavender ice cream. If you’ve got a deep dessert pouch, pick up a dried cherry and almond cake too.

Cost: A cool $4 for a scoop on a small handmade cone.

LifeCAFE NINE83 | 983 Flushing Ave., Bushwick | 718.386.1183 | lifecafe.com
While this local joint is known more for its vegetarian fare, fries, beer selection, and young artist crowd, there is one reliably delicious reason it’s made our dessert list. (Note: the Bushwick location is apparently turning seven, so keep an eye out for August specials.)

Cool off with this: Fresh baked apple pie à la mode. It’s the life of the party.

Cost: A cool $4.29 per piece.

How to get there: If you’re not walking across the Brooklyn Bridge (and even if you are) use the Hopstop link below for specific directions to each cool spot.

Map It |

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• chermelle
  @dan & vanina - we're glad to be a resource for existing and future new yorkers.
  @jim - you're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome! One of these spots is so close to me, I've become a regular.
• Jim S.
  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Just the image of that ice cream cone and the multiple descriptions make me feel better in this heat. I'll be trying two of these places in the next couple of days. And thank you thank you again.
• Vanina
  yumYUMyum! i think i'll have an order of that lavender ice cream from trois pommes patisserie...and yet another reason to visit New York!
• Outer Banks Revealed
  Great list! My daughter may be moving to NYC so this blog will be a great source as she adjusts to the city.
  
  -- Dan
  Outer Banks Revealed