Williamsburg, with its vibrant streets and eclectic atmosphere, offers a delightful array of milkshake destinations. Whether you crave a classic vanilla or a daringly inventive flavor combination, this borough has something to satisfy every milkshake craving. This guide explores eleven of the best places to indulge in a creamy, delicious milkshake in Williamsburg, NYC.
Creamy Classics & Inventive Creations: Your Guide to Williamsburg's Best Milkshakes
Finding the perfect milkshake can feel like a quest, but fear not, Williamsburg milkshake aficionados! This list navigates you through the best spots, highlighting their unique offerings and atmosphere.
1. Milk Bar: The Master of the Unexpected
Milk Bar isn't just a bakery; it's a milkshake experience. Their inventive flavors regularly change, offering unexpected combinations that are both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Expect things like cereal milk, compost cookie, and other playful, surprising creations. Their commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every creamy sip.
- Signature Milkshake: Whatever the current seasonal offering is—they're always worth a try!
- Ambiance: Trendy, modern, slightly chaotic (in the best way).
2. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream: Elevated Ice Cream, Elevated Milkshakes
Van Leeuwen is known for its high-quality ice cream, and their milkshakes are no exception. They offer a range of classic flavors made with rich, creamy ice cream and often feature unique additions like cookies, brownies, or even espresso. The quality of ingredients truly sets them apart.
- Signature Milkshake: The classic chocolate or vanilla is a must-try, but their seasonal options are always exciting.
- Ambiance: Clean, modern, and inviting.
3. Sunday in Brooklyn: Sweet Treats with a Side of Charm
Sunday in Brooklyn isn't just a dessert shop, it's an experience. Their milkshakes are thick, rich, and decadent. They use high quality ingredients, and the aesthetic of the shop only adds to the overall experience. Their menu often features seasonal options that are always worth exploring.
- Signature Milkshake: Their classic chocolate milkshake is a perfect example of simple done right.
- Ambiance: Cozy, charming, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat.
4. Black Brick Coffee: A Caffeinated Milkshake Delight
Looking for something a little different? Black Brick Coffee offers a unique twist on the classic milkshake, often incorporating coffee or other caffeinated elements. If you're a coffee lover who also appreciates a creamy treat, this is the place for you.
- Signature Milkshake: Their Mocha milkshake is a strong contender, blending coffee and chocolate seamlessly.
- Ambiance: Industrial-chic coffee shop vibe.
5. Shake Shack: A Classic for a Reason
Shake Shack is a NYC institution, and their milkshakes are consistently delicious and reliable. While they might not offer the most adventurous flavors, their classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes are perfectly executed and a great option for a familiar favorite.
- Signature Milkshake: The classic chocolate milkshake is a timeless choice.
- Ambiance: Fast-casual, always busy, but the line moves quickly.
6. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory: Locally Made, Locally Loved
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, creating fresh and delicious milkshakes. Their commitment to quality is evident in every sip. They may not have as many flashy options as some others, but their simple, well-executed flavors are always a hit.
- Signature Milkshake: Their vanilla bean milkshake is an excellent example of their commitment to quality ingredients.
- Ambiance: Small, local shop with a friendly atmosphere.
7. Ample Hills Creamery: Creative Flavors, Creamy Perfection
Ample Hills Creamery is known for its creative and often whimsical ice cream flavors, and those same creative juices flow into their milkshakes. Expect unique flavor combinations and unexpected textures that will delight your taste buds.
- Signature Milkshake: Their flavor offerings rotate seasonally, so expect the unexpected!
- Ambiance: Fun, lively, and always buzzing with activity.
8. Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream: A Focus on Quality
Morgenstern's prioritizes quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles. Their milkshakes reflect this commitment, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic treat. This is a great choice for those seeking a higher-end milkshake experience.
- Signature Milkshake: Their classic flavors, elevated by quality ingredients.
- Ambiance: Upscale, refined, and a bit more quiet than other options.
9. Juliana's Pizza: Unexpected Milkshake Pairings
Juliana's Pizza is primarily known for its pizza, but they also offer a surprisingly good milkshake selection. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a milkshake to pair with a classic pizza dinner.
- Signature Milkshake: Their classic options, a nice complement to a pizza dinner.
- Ambiance: Casual, lively, a bit noisy due to its pizza-centric nature.
10. Lilia: An Unexpected Gem (High-End)
Lilia, while primarily known for its pasta, offers exceptional milkshakes that are a hidden gem. These are not your average milkshakes, they are elevated and sophisticated creations. Be prepared for a higher price point, but also a truly memorable experience.
- Signature Milkshake: Whatever seasonal offering they have available – it's worth the splurge.
- Ambiance: Upscale Italian restaurant, expect a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
11. Grimaldi's Pizzeria: Another Pizza-Milkshake Combo
Similar to Juliana's, Grimaldi's Pizzeria offers a decent milkshake menu to complement their pizza offerings. These are more casual milkshake options, perfect for a relaxed meal and treat.
- Signature Milkshake: Classic options work well with their pizza.
- Ambiance: Casual pizza parlor environment.
Finding Your Perfect Williamsburg Milkshake: A Final Word
Williamsburg's milkshake scene is diverse and exciting, catering to every taste and budget. From classic creaminess to inventive flavor combinations, there's a perfect milkshake waiting to be discovered. This guide is a starting point; venture out, explore, and find your new favorite Williamsburg milkshake haven!
