ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Greenpoint
Master Critic Review
Softside
7.8
Softside is a walk-up soft serve window off Manhattan Avenue, pairing Upside Pizza’s retro feel with rotating custard-style flavors and toppings. It’s the move when you want a quick cone or cup on the go rather than a full sit-down ice cream parlor experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Twist cone with rainbow sprinkles, Special flavor swirl in a waffle cone, Sundae with cookie crumble and hot fudge
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A tiny soft serve window attached to a pizza shop with better-than-average flavors.
Who should go: Casual dessert seekers who like grab-and-go soft serve.
When to visit: Warm evenings when Manhattan Avenue is busiest and buzziest.
What to order: Twist cone, rotating special-flavor swirl, sundae with crushed cookies.
Insider tip: Check for limited-time flavors before you order; they rotate often.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on and around Manhattan Ave; spots tighten after 6pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are street casual; it’s a walk-up window with no seating expectations.
Noise level: Low to moderate street noise—conversation is easy while waiting in line.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes in line during warm evenings and peak dessert hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; may be closed or running limited hours before afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most soft serve and toppings are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Occasionally—rotating dairy-free flavors appear but are not guaranteed; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—cups are available instead of cones; cross-contact possible with toppings.
Best For
Better for: A fast, inexpensive soft serve fix with rotating flavors—ideal for strolling Greenpoint.
Consider Alternatives If: You want indoor seating, elaborate sundaes, or a long sit-down ice cream parlor experience.