Amidst the barrage of all those silly-sounding Hallmark holidays, National Ice Cream Day is one sweet tooth celebration we can all rally around. Get the cups and cones ready for July 16, as vendors across the Boston area will whip up their best custards, gelato and other frozen specialities. Here are a handful of shops with delectable options where you can celebrate on this monumentally mouthwatering day.
Amorino
Founded by two Italians in the City of Lights, Amorino operates dozens of its “boutiques” around the world. Their gelato al naturale is made from organic, fresh ingredients while still tasting consistent from Casablanca to San Francisco. Bostonians can head to the Newbury St. location for a taste of European confections while never leaving the Back Bay.
Got to try: L’Inimitable, basically Nutella in gelato form.
249 Newbury St., Boston, amorino.com
Bar Boulud
This French bistro, usually known for its charcuterie and expansive wine cellar, will join in the Ice Cream Day festivities with its “Back Bay Sundaes.” Available now through the rest of the summer, three decadent options starting at $13 dollars will be offered as well as a trio tasting for $15. Bar Boulud’s pastry chef Robert Differ has created these choices “that skillfully offer a balance and juxtaposition of texture, temperature and seasonal flavors,” according to a release.
Got to try: Magically Delicious, dedicated to bringing the kid out in you with toasted oat cereal ice cream and Lucky Charms.
776 Boylston Street, Boston, barboulud.com
Crescent Ridge
This Sharon farm has been delivering small batch milk to Boston area doorsteps for 85 years now. Their ice cream made from this unskimmed product is naturally some of the best tasting in New England. National Geographic also agrees, as they included Crescent Ridge in its Top 10 Best Ice Creams in the World.
Got to try: Black Bear, red raspberry base with raspberry truffles and chocolate chips.
100 Hanover St., Boston, crescentridge.com
FoMu
Not a lactose idolizer? FoMu’s got your back with their plant-based, coconut milk ice creams. All extracts and baked goods are made in-house to ensure these desserts remain as pure as possible. FoMu cafes additionally include George Howell Coffee and Mem Tea beverages alongside complimentary wireless Internet, making it a great place to get some work done (post sugar rush, of course).
Got to try: Salted Caramel, the store’s sweet and salty favorite.
481 Cambridge St., Allston, fomuicecream.com
Frozen Hoagies
Feast on hand-held ice cream at Somerville’s Frozen Hoagies, known for their gargantuan portions and mix-and-match style. For just $5, assemble your sandwich by first picking the cookie base – red velvet and fudge brownie are just two examples – and then select your favorite Rancatore’s Ice Cream flavor for the middle. Coffee, smoothies and toasts are also available.
Got to try: Chocolate chip cookie hoagie with cookie dough filling.
864 Broadway, Somerville, frozenhoagies.com
Ice Age
Try one of Hong Kong’s favorite desserts, egg waffle ice cream, at Ice Age in Chinatown. Known as gai daan jai, this Hong Kong street food is baked into a horizontal shape for easy tearing and dipping. Unlimited toppings are also included to sweeten the deal.
Got to try: Green tea matcha ice cream with egg waffle and whipped cream.
8 Tyler St, Boston, facebook.com/IceAgeBoston
Juicy Spot Cafe
Another Asian ice cream speciality can be found in Chinatown in the form of “Thai rolls.” Also called “stir-fry ice cream,” you’ve probably seen this trendy treat pop up all over your Instagram as vendors carve out beautiful cylinders on a frozen anti-griddle. Customers can select from a preset menu or concoct their own creation.
Got to try: Watermelon Lychee, made from the tart and floral fruit with a condensed milk topping.
16 Tyler St, Boston, juicyspotcafe.com
The Scoop N Scootery
This Arlington startup founded by recent Tufts alumnus wants to end the pandemic of unsatisfied midnight ice cream cravings. Frozen yogurt and sundaes of all kinds can be purchased at the brick and mortar store, food truck or delivered right to your door. That’s right, home delivery is available until 2:00 a.m. (orders for distances past the three-mile Arlington radius must be placed in advance).
Got to try: Phantomberry sundae with black raspberry cookie swirl ice cream.
112 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, thescoopnscootery.com
Toscanini’s
Featured in publications like Bon Appetit and Food & Wine, Toscanini’s is no doubt serving some of Beantown’s most gourmet ice cream. The Central Square shop has baked goods, like croissants and muffins, on top of a rotating selection of 32 ice cream flavors. They even include several soft serve varieties like peanut butter and strawberry sorbet.
Got to try: Khulfee, inspired by the Indian dish with cardamom, almonds and pistachios.
899 Main St., Cambridge, tosci.com
White Mountain Creamery
White Mountain Creamery should be at the top of your list when venturing into the Boston College/Chestnut Hill area. Open everyday until midnight, fresh batches of ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, hard yogurt and soft yogurt are made daily. Check in often for rotating seasonal specials.
Got to try: Death by Chocolate for that ultra-luxe experience.
19 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, whitemtncreamery.com
