ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Master Critic Review
Ample Hills Creamery (Vanderbilt)
8.4
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A high-volume neighborhood scoop shop built around playful, mix-in-heavy flavors that still eat clean and creamy. The move is to sample aggressively, then commit to one crunchy mix-in flavor plus one smoother, base-forward option so the sweetness doesn’t stack.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Munchies, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Morning in Paris
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Creative, mix-in-driven flavors executed at true neighborhood-scale volume.
Who should go: Families, groups, and flavor-chasers
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for shorter lines
What to order: The Munchies, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, a rotating seasonal pint
Insider tip: Split a flight-style tasting before you commit to pints.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable during the day but gets competitive on weekends and evenings.
Dress code: Casual—anything from errands clothes to post-dinner dessert fits right in.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy; fine for casual conversation but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dessert hours, faster if lines are moving efficiently.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most afternoons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional sorbet or non-dairy options depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free base flavors available, but mix-ins share prep space so cross-contact is possible.
Best For
Better for: Big, mix-in-heavy flavors, group-friendly ordering, and a fun, neighborhood scoop-shop energy.
Consider Alternatives If: You want subtle, minimalist flavors or guaranteed seating—consider smaller-batch or quieter ice cream shops instead.