There are many good and local options for ice cream in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Out of the many, some of the most popular include: Haagen Dazs, Ice Cream by Mike, and Van Dyk’s. These places all have their own special environments, flavors, quality, etc. Many locals have a preference for which ice cream place they prefer. Some people prefer the flavors and taste of ice cream at one place, or the convenience and prices of ice cream at another. Some of these stores have special qualities that make them stand out from other shops, such as being family owned or being seasonal. These stores will be reviewed and compared to each other, to find the best value and best options of ice cream in town.

The first place is Haagen Dazs. Haagen Dazs is a popular, family owned place in Ridgewood. Haagen Dazs has basic options of flavors. Some flavors include Dulce De Leche, Chocolate, Raspberry Sorbet, Pistachio, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla, Fudge Brownie, etc. The service is usually good, and the workers are friendly. There are many flavor options that a lot of people can enjoy. Aside from ice cream, Haagen Dazs also has milkshakes, smoothies, and sorbet. The inside area is clean and the atmosphere is quiet. There are a few chairs outside, but no seating indoors.

The prices are somewhat expensive for the amount given. The prices for ice cream range from regular cups being $4.99, as well as large cups being $5.99. If you are looking for cheaper prices, Haagen Dazs may not be the best option. One favorite flavor from Haagen Dazs is fudge brownie, this flavor has chewy, cakey brownie chunks, mixed with vanilla ice cream that is smooth and creamy with a traditional taste. The ice cream tastes very high quality, and it is clear that they use good ingredients to make their ice cream. If you are looking for creamy, smooth, ice cream with a calm environment while also being able to support a family business, Haagen Dazs is a great place to go to.

The next place is Ice Cream by Mike. This place is located next to Jersey Mike’s in Ridgewood downtown. Many people go to this place and enjoy the ice cream and other food served. Ice Cream by Mike has different flavor options, but the most popular are the traditional flavors such as chocolate. They also serve vegan options such as vegan chocolate, coconut, vanilla, and coffee. There are no cone options, but there are three different size options to choose from.

There is limited seating indoors, but space outside to sit and eat. They also serve some options of hot food, but are more popular for their ice cream. Some of their hot food options include hot dogs and fries. They have traditional, fruity, or chocolatey, flavor options. Some of their specific flavor options include Valrhona Chocolate, Mango, Vanilla Heath, Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Espresso, etc. One popular flavor is coconut, this flavor has no artificial taste and it is recommended to get the fudge that compliments the ice cream well. Their service is good, and the staff are nice and helpful. The ice cream is good quality, but they do not always have all their flavors. If you want good quality tasting ice cream with helpful staff, Ice Cream by Mike is the safest option.

Van Dyk’s is a very well known ice cream spot in Ridgewood. They have cones and scoops, milkshakes, and sundaes. There are lots of flavor options, some traditional and some special. Some flavors include chocolate chip, key lime pie, vanilla, mint chip, and lots more. They sell homemade ice cream. They are not located straight in town, but the location is known and accessible. They are seasonal, so they are not open all year long.

Van Dyk’s may not always be a safe option since there could be a possibility of a long wait/line. They are also cash only. Workers are usually nice and helpful. There is no outdoor or indoor seating, but there’s a parking lot which is convenient. Van Dyk’s is known to give big portions of ice cream. This makes their value better, as you are getting a lot for the price. Although, compared to other stores such as Haagen Dazs and Ice Cream by Mike, the ice cream flavor is not as rich. It is less creamy, and not as smooth. There are options of cones, cups, milkshakes, and sundaes. If you want homemade, good value, ice cream and are willing to wait through a line, Van Dyk’s is a good place to go to.

All these places have their own unique qualities, and peoples’ favorite depend on their situation and what they are looking for. Ridgewood has many good options to choose from, so you are guaranteed to find a place that works for you. These places are well known and convenient. They all offer different things, and have strengths and weaknesses. One recommended place out of these three would be Ice Cream by Mike’s because of their good service, variety, and good quality ice cream.