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Black Dog Gelato
Master Critic Review
Black Dog Gelato
8.6
Black Dog Gelato’s Damen Avenue shop is a small, always-busy counter turning out dense, chef-driven gelato in rotating flavors like goat cheese cashew caramel and seasonal dairy-free options. Locals treat it as the go-to scoop stop after dinner on Division or Damen, with a reputation for inventive combinations over endless toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel gelato, Mint Cookie gelato, Dairy Free Cranberry Orange Creamsicle
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven gelato with signature flavors like goat cheese cashew caramel in a compact neighborhood shop.
Who should go: Gelato fans who want bold, rotating flavors.
When to visit: Evenings and warm weekends before lines spill onto Damen.
What to order: Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel, Mint Cookie, a dairy-free seasonal scoop.
Insider tip: Ask which flavors are in the signature collection that day; they often sell out first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Damen and nearby side streets can be limited during peak evenings.
Dress code: Casual — anything from jeans to post-dinner attire works fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s a small shop, but you can still easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on weather and neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nearly all non-sorbet flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — rotating dairy-free sorbets and vegan gelato options are usually available.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many flavors are naturally gluten-free, but confirm if you’re highly sensitive due to shared scoop handling.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a cozy, low-pressure stop for a sweet treat after dinner, with creative flavors that make for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or full dining tables — this is a walk-up counter with limited seating, so expect to stroll with your scoop.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families stop in often, though the space is small. Younger kids may prefer the simpler flavors over the more adventurous ones.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, chef-crafted gelato flavors and a true neighborhood feel rather than a toppings-heavy dessert shop.
Skip if: You want lots of toppings, large sundaes, or full-service seating — this is more about quality scoops than elaborate desserts.