Sweltering summer days and balmy nights in the city call for one coping mechanism above all others: ice cream. The Seaport’s got you. Here’s where to find the best cones, scoops, cups, pops, sundaes and desserts in the neighborhood.

Big Gay Ice Cream
207 Front Street

The one-time food truck phenomenon has grown into a string of colorful ice-cream parlors, with one right here in the Seaport District. Cool off with one of Big Gay Ice Cream’s playful twists on sweet treat favorites, including soft serve cones, ice cream sandwiches, milkshakes and hot fudge sundaes. And don’t be afraid to bedazzle your order—sprinkles and dips are free.

Van Leeuwen
224 Front Street

Another food-truck phenomenon, Van Leeuwen offers a full menu of vegan and classic ice creams. Everything is made from scratch in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, with simple recipes that let each decadent flavor shine. Vegan scoops are made with housemade cashew milk, organic coconut milk, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic can sugar, pure cocoa butter and organic carob bean.

Cobble & Co.
19 Fulton Street

American classics is the name of the game at Cobble & Co., which means the burgers and fries and other feel-good food on the menu is complemented by milkshakes and desserts with a nostalgic twist. Try a Peanut Butter or Oreo Cookie shake or the Giant Martini Glass Banana Split with chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice creams. (Hint: bring a friend or two.)

R17
The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South Street

Escape the city heat on the rooftop of Pier 17, and enjoy R17’s breezy perch over the East River with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a great place for drinks and bites—and that includes summer favorites like an Ice Cream Sandwich and the R17 Sundae featuring vanilla and coconut ice creams.

The Fulton
Pier 17, 89 South Street

It may be the fresh seafood or the allure of trying the latest restaurant from superstar Jean-Georges that draws you to The Fulton. But whatever you have for lunch or dinner, make sure you save room for dessert—there are daily scoops of ice cream and sorbet and a Strawberry Sundae topped with fresh berries that almost stole the show in the restaurant’s recent New York Times review. 

The Tuck Room
11 Fulton Street

Catching a movie is one of the not-so-secret ways New Yorkers cool off in the height of summer. Do so at IPIC here in the Seaport and you can add on a visit to The Tuck Room before or after your screening. Along with seriously good gourmet dishes and craft cocktails, the menu offers a summer classic—Chef Duff Goldman’s Toffee Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, with vanilla ice cream and a gooey caramel core.

by CHLOE.
181 Front Street

It’s easy to eat light without skimping on flavor at this vegan fast-casual spot. Visit by CHLOE’s bright Seaport location for a plant-based bite, or make sweets the main event with a non-dairy frozen dessert. Nothing says summer quite like a Strawberry Daiquiri or Peach Mango Sorbet Push Pop.