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Smoove Ice Cream

279 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
$$
Ice Cream

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Master Critic Review

Smoove Ice Cream 8.3
Chinatown
On Grand Street, Smoove Ice Cream leans into rich, ultra-smooth hard ice cream in flavors that range from ube and Thai tea to jasmine milk tea. The shop doubles as a destination for boba floats and ice cream cakes, making it a flexible stop for both quick scoops and take-home desserts.
Must-Try Dishes: Ube Boba Float, Thai Tea Boba Float, Jasmine Milk Tea Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Dense, ultra-creamy ice cream with boba floats and Asian-leaning flavors.
Who should go: Ice cream fans wanting bold, Asian-inspired flavors and floats.
When to visit: Evenings and late night after nearby dinners or karaoke.
What to order: Ube Boba Float, Thai Tea float, Jasmine milk tea scoop.
Insider tip: Pair a scoop with house-made cake or order a custom ice cream cake ahead.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand Street is limited, especially evenings; rely on nearby lots on Eldridge or Bowery if driving.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are after dinner, errands, or late-night hangs.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the space stays lively but you can still chat easily while ordering or eating.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on post-dinner traffic from nearby restaurants.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but quick-moving counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most flavors and boba floats are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—may occasionally offer dairy-free sorbets but selection varies.
Gluten-free options: Several flavors are gluten-free, but cones and some toppings contain gluten; staff can guide you to GF-safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's casual, quick, and has fun flavors like ube and jasmine milk tea that spark conversation, making it a low-pressure sweet-stop date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in scoop shop with limited seating. Expect to grab your dessert to-go during busier late-night windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—bright flavors, boba floats, and ice cream cakes appeal to all ages, though the small space can feel tight during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Bold Asian-inspired flavors, boba floats, and ultra-smooth textures make it a standout when you want something richer and more customizable than typical LES/Chinatown scoop shops.
Skip if: You prefer classic American-style ice cream only, want large café seating, or need a fully vegan-friendly dessert shop.