It might be cliche to start an article about ice cream with “I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.”
So, we won’t do that.
Because we don’t really want you to scream over your ice cream. We want you to be busy oohing and aahing over the great ice cream options around Buffalo as you make your selections. Then, when it’s time to enjoy, you really should be too busy savoring the flavor to allow any screaming to happen.
While there are many great options around the city, we’re highlighting some different areas as well as some of the ways you can fit some scrumptious ice cream into your regular routine (hint: live close enough to ice cream shops that you can feel good about walking to them and neutralizing some of those too-tasty calories!).
These are a few of our favorite ice cream spots around Buffalo. Take a look, then take a lick!
Sweet Jenny’s Ice Cream
When it comes to unique food flavorings, you should make sure your flavor profile is on point before experimenting with anything that’s too “out there.” Sweet Jenny’s is brave enough to experiment with non-traditional options because they’ve created such a creamy masterpiece as their base.
Sweet Jenny’s features 10 regulars on standby, including double dark chocolate, black raspberry and cinnamon nutmeg. They also rotate dozens of other favorites at the Williamsville shop, including Boston Creme Pie (an egg custard with chocolate fudge, marshmallow and vanilla pie crust); Chai (filled with aromatic spices); and Date and Fig (chopped into rich vanilla ice cream).
While the ice cream is the main draw, the shop itself is filled with nostalgia and local flavor.
Residents of The Mosey just down the street may find themselves rationalizing their purchase of mouth-watering truffles on a regular basis, by walking to and from Sweet Jenny’s for their sweet treats.
Jerk’s Soda Fountain
Buffalo is a city on the rise, but it’s also a city filled with nostalgia.
That’s why we have a soft spot in our heart for Jerk’s Soda Fountain. After all, when’s the last time you had (or even heard of) an egg cream?
Jerk’s offers a variety of sweet and old timey treats, including fizzes (sorbet blended with seltzer) and cremosas (flavored syrups mixed with cream and seltzer) and, of course, floats (traditionalists will go for root beer, but we also adore the mocha java and the cherry vanilla).
In addition to these varieties, they also offer vegan and dairy-free options to make the soda fountain experience more inclusive (try the colada noir!).
With an old-school approach to desserts and delicacies, it’s not surprising that Jerk’s is located in a super-central location. It’s also really nice for the residents of some of the downtown vintage urban apartments like The Belesario, who can enjoy a sweet nightcap with friends, then take the long (all the way across the street!) walk home.
Watson’s Chocolates
When a shop’s exterior touts both ice cream and sponge candy, could there be anything better? Watson’s Chocolates thinks so, since they’ve chosen to combine both and produce their own unique sponge candy ice cream.
Like everything in Elmwood Village, a visit means a feast for the eyes and the palate. You can enjoy a people-watching walk down Elmwood Avenue as part of your afternoon or evening entertainment. A walk from 722 W. Delevan could mean a meal at Forty Thieves Kitchen and Bar, then grabbing a scoop of ice cream to enjoy as you leisurely stroll home.
And, if you’re not in the mood for ice cream, their eponymous chocolate options are a delight.
Custard Corner
For even more fantastic, old-fashioned fun, give Custard Corner a try. The outdoor ice cream stand offers picnic-style seating and is a great place to spend a summer afternoon, treat the kids, or just treat yourself.
The restaurant serves hot food, including hot dogs and burgers, but the custard is the real star.
Custard Corner’s Arctic Swirls blend creamy WNY-produced custards with candy toppings to make an indulgent sweet treat. And, the praline sundae is one of our favorites, with crunchy nuts and creamy caramel combining to make a sublime treat.
Plan to take the family on a sunny Saturday. Our 960 Busti residences are in the area, and tenants enjoy making a day of it with their families by combining a tasty treat with a visit to nearby Front Park or Columbus Park.
When it comes to ice cream, there’s so much to taste and so little time! This list covers a handful of our favorites, but there are dozens of additional delightful options around Buffalo, including Anderson’s Frozen Custard, Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream, King Condrell’s Candy and Ice Cream, and Parkside Candy.
It’s hard to be bad at ice cream; we’re all just lucky that Buffalo’s sweet shops make it look easy to be great at it.
