Image via Complex Original
There are a few things more heartbreaking than hearing an ice cream truck's tune and sprinting out the door, only to watch it pull off before you can order that double fudge cone. Whoever decided it was a smart idea to sell ice cream on wheels must have not taken into account how lazy dairy-lickers actually are.
We want you to enjoy your ice cream cone without doing something crazy (like burning carbs) to get your hands on one. Here are The 10 Best Ice Cream Trucks Driving Around NYC and where you can find them.
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Coolhaus
Where To Find It: Usually located on the Lower East Side in the Bowery area. Weekly calendars are posted on their website.
Website: eatcoolhaus.com
Coolhaus brags inventive ice cream flavors that range from keylime pie to Peking duck and everything in between. And this month's flavor, whiskey lucky charms, may be their greatest creation yet. But the best part? Create-your-own ice cream sandwiches. You choose the cookies (we suggest snickerdoodle on top, and chocolate chunk pretzel on bottom) and the ice cream that goes in between. Customizable bliss!
Joyride Truck
Where To Find It: Find out where they are each day on Twitter: @joyridetruck
Website: joyridetrucks.com
For those of you who prefer your frozen treats with lactobacillus, you can indulge in some frozen yogurt from Joyride. This truck is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy washing down their fro-yo with tasty Stumptown coffee. Or, if you want it all in one shot, grab a cup of Buzzed, their frozen Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of caffeine powder.
Itizy
Where To Find It: Often spotted in Midtown and Tribeca, but view their website's spring schedule for exact locations.
Website: itizy.com
Itizy might be the new truck on the corner, but their homemade ice cream, including exotic flavors like Thai Ice Tea and Black Sesame, and signature ice cream pops are already the stuff of obsession. Make your ice cream scoop even sweeter by contributing to their Scoops for Meals commitment, which donates one school meal for every five scoops purchased.
Big Gay Ice Cream
Where To Find It: Union Sqaure (Broadway & 17th St.) Starting June 11, 2013
Website: biggayicecream.com
The second coolest thing about Big Gay Ice Cream Truck (the first is clearly its name) are their creatively-titled ice cream flavors. From the Salty Pimp to the Mexican Affo'gay'to, these ice cream cones look as good as they sound. And with shakes that change everyday (Tang Creamsicle, anyone?) you'll have every reason to be a regular.
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
Where To Find It: Weekdays: Flatiron (23rd St./5th Ave.); Weekends: Union Square
Website: vanleeuwenicecream.com
Van Leeuwen specializes in all-natural ingredients from local producers to create ice cream that is subtly delicious. Think: Earl Grey Tea, Pistachio, Palm Sugar, and inventive specials like Salted Caramel with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Meanwhile, serious baristas brewing Toby Estate Coffee give you an easy excuse to have ice cream for breakfast.
Wafels & Dinges
Where To Find It: Columbus Circle and Central Park South
Website: wafelsanddinges.com
Their ice cream might be served on top of a Belgian waffle, but that doesn't make it any less delicious—it makes it much more so. If you aren't a fan of the Belgian dough (who are you?), you can always settle for a scoop of their popular spekuloos ice cream. Word on the streets is that there will soon be shakes in the mix: prep yourself accordingly.
Sweetery NYC
Where To Find It: The Sweetery truck is always on the move. The best way to keep up with its location is by following them on Twitter.
Website: sweeterynyc.com
The Sweetery NYC truck may be known for its killer cakes, pastries, and whoopie pies, but their ice cream sandwiches are where it's at come summer. And with fudge ice cream piled high between two homemade peanut butter cookies, it's easy to see why.
Central Park Ice Cream Carts
Where To Find It: Anywhere in Central Park
Website: N/A
Though not as mobile as some of the trucks on this list, the Central Park ice cream carts have an army so large you won't be forced to travel far. These carts can be found along each corner in the park and carry popular favorites like Strawberry Shortcake and the ever-awesome Firecracker. It's like being a kid all over again.
Artisanal Ice Cream
Where To Find It: Weekdays at 32nd St. (between Park & Madison Ave.)
Website: artisanalbistro.com
While technically a cart (but it has wheels, people!) their profiteroles sundae and warm chocolate tart make Artisanal Ice Cream an acceptable contender. Located right in front of the Artisanal Fromagerie Bistro Wine Bar, you can grab a sundae from the cart and then head in for some bubbly. Ice cream and champagne: the lunch of champions.
Mister Softee
Where To Find It: On the move. Just keep your ears open for that familar tune.
Website: mistersofteenyc.com
You can't have an ice cream truck list without including the omnipresent Mister Softee truck. It's been a source of joy since childhood, and though the prices have skyrocketed in recent years, Mister Softee still serves the best vanilla cone with sprinkles in the city. Some things just can't be duplicated.