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Museum of Ice Cream
Master Critic Review
Museum of Ice Cream
7.6
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Part immersive attraction, part all-you-can-sample ice cream crawl, this Broadway destination runs guests through themed rooms, slides, and photo ops with stations for scoops and soft serve along the way. It’s less about chasing the city’s most nuanced gelato and more about a high-energy, sugar-fueled experience for groups and families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ice-a-Bagel bagel-and-cream-cheese ice cream, Banana soft-serve cone, Sprinkle-filled sundae from the pool room
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Ticketed SoHo attraction where interactive rooms, slides, and photo sets are paired with multiple ice cream tasting stations.
Who should go: Families and groups prioritizing fun, photos, and lots of ice cream.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons to dodge weekend crowds.
What to order: Ice-a-Bagel, banana soft serve, whatever sundae is featured by the sprinkle pool.
Insider tip: Book an earlier time slot and pace yourself on samples so you can still enjoy the later stations, which often have the more inventive flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and surrounding SoHo blocks is extremely limited; nearby paid garages on Crosby and Mercer typically run $25–$45 for short stays.
Dress code: Casual and photo-friendly; bright colors and comfortable shoes work best for moving through interactive rooms.
Noise level: High — energetic groups, kids, and music throughout the exhibit make conversation secondary.
Weekend wait: Lines for timed entry can take 20–30 minutes even with tickets; expect slower movement through rooms during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait beyond check-in; rooms flow more freely and sampling stations are quicker.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most ice cream and toppings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 dairy-free soft serve or scoop options available depending on rotation.
Gluten-free options: Some GF flavors and toppings are labeled, but cross-contact is likely due to high-traffic sampling stations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a playful, activity-forward date with lots of photo moments; skip if you prefer quiet conversation or a traditional sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no full-service tables; entry is ticketed and must be booked in advance, though some same-day slots open during off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — ideal for ages 4+ with slides, themed rooms, and unlimited samples; strollers are allowed but limited space makes carriers easier.
Best For
Better for: Interactive experiences, photo ops, and quantity of treats over artisanal gelato craftsmanship.
Skip if: You want refined, flavor-driven ice cream or a calm dessert stop; choose a traditional gelateria instead.