The Best Ice Cream in the Hamptons

If there’s anything better than strolling down a Hamptons main street with a cone of delicious, melty ice cream on a summer day, we haven’t found it. Ice cream screams summertime. Whether you favor fruity gelato, classic soft-serve or something in between there’s a cone or cup waiting for you in our roundup of the best ice cream in the Hamptons.

Grab your squad and share a banana split at Bridge Hampton’s Candy Kitchen. It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but the legendary East End luncheonette knows how to make a delicious scoop of old-fashioned homemade ice cream. After all, they’ve been doing it for more than 90 years (and just like 90 years ago it’s cash only).

2391 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton; 631-537-9885

We’ve been obsessed with Carissa Waechter’s whimsical bakery since her first farmers market pop-ups. And we’ve been known to stash loaves of her salty soured pickled rye in our freezer. but did you know Carissa’s also has pints of gelato and sorbet? You’ll find six flavors of gelato at the Pantigo road location including Turkish coffee and the oishii x Carissa's omakase strawberry gelato that literally tastes like summer.

221 Pantigo Road, East Hampton; 631-604-5911 or carissasthebakery.com

The European style bistro has long been a favorite for a charming outdoor breakfast or lunch but it’s their creamy gelato that really makes it a destination. We’re partial to the Portofino Cup (fior di latte gelato with Grand Marnier)

30 Main Street, Southampton; 516-283-123 or santambroeus.com

With benches outside and a nice lawn, this is the place to sit, relax and savor a summer day. The Hamptons Bay favorite has more than 20 flavors including some dairy-free options. You can even book their gelato cart (featuring up to five flavors) and serve it up at your backyard garden party.

139 W Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays; 631-594-5600 or gemelligelatohamptonbays.com

You want the cone. Trust us. This Sag Harbor gem (be prepared for a line out the door) has some of the best waffle cones around. Fill it with one or more of their 20-plus ice cream flavors and then stroll by the water, watching the sun set.

8 Wharf St., Sag Harbor, NY 11963; 631-725-7505

Many have tried, but LT Burger with its flavors like S’mores and Death By Oreo take the prize for the East End’s best milkshakes. Plus, they have a solid selection of salads, burgers and even fried pickles so you can at least go with every intention of eating a meal before dessert.

62 Main St., Sag Harbor; 631-899-4646 or ltburger.com