So you want to eat the best ice cream in New York City that won’t leave you feeling like you have a belly? Only some that basically just tricks you that it’s “light” because they use less sugar and no eggs? Well as an ice cream activist, if you will, I’ll take this mindset and pretend it’s better for me. On the other hand, the reason why I love Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream so much is because it tastes colder, lighter and a bit icier but not the freezer burned type of icy- just a refreshing and completely necessary style of icy. Nick Morgenstern also from El Rey and previously from Goat Town (whose sundae I loved) brought this shop to the Lower East Sid which has a sterile, clean feel. It looks like an old school soda shop with an ancient cash register that says Cash Only in big bold black letters. There is a water fountain at the front with glass cups when your thirst quenches after a sundae and cute, little, white bar stools that face a mirror so you can check yourself out while you inhale yo’ ice cream.
While the Salted Caramel ice cream is definitely my new favorite jam of the summer here, the staff is a bit, well, unfriendly. They look at you like they are having a miserable time and especially asking for a taste (which they are obligated to give you two, but I will say if you are nice to them you can sneak in a third!) If you are serving ice cream, and the best ice cream at that, you have to shed a smile – at least a sexy half smile would do. I love how the ice cream flavors are divided into categories such as: Vanillas, Chocolates, Caramels, Specials and then a Sorbet which are usually vegan. Then over yonder across the menu boards are ice cream sundae combinations. While the Salted Caramel Pretzel sundae sounds like heaven with Caramel Cakes, Pretzels, Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream, if you are dining solo this $13 sundae will set you over the top. You can get the same delicious taste by getting a couple scoops of the Salted Caramel Pretzel Ice Cream and just adding your own fudge sauce for half the price. The other bonus is you don’t have to share this one with anyone else. There is a also the Chocolate Deluxe with is chocolate frozen, whipped crunch and baked and King Kong Banana Split with bananas, ice creams, sesame caramel and pineapple.
Out of the Vanilla’s, I’d go for the Peppermint. It’s refreshing and not as minty as say a mint chocolate chip but gives you that extra kick. I loved the Chocolate Sorbet and would pick this over the Chocolate Oat if you are a chocolate lover like moi. Coconut sorbet also rocks, and I love this with fudge. One scoop in a cup or cone is $4 which they call dips. Two dips is $6. Toppings range from Chocolate Chunks, Praline, Pecans, Almonds, Honey, Black Fudge, etc. They also offer sodas, floats, shakes and coolers.
Don’t miss Morgenstern’s when you are looking for ice cream this summer. While I have had two amazing experiences with no line, I’ve heard about the long lines from some less unfortunate eaters. Try earlier in the afternoon around 5 or 6 o’clock and maybe you’ll get lucky. Make sure you pay this spot a visit, you’ll be dreaming and craving these scoops forever.