9 of the Coolest Homemade Ice Cream Shops
Buffalo is a hotbed of cool treats. Off-the-wall concoctions created by Buffalo’s newest ice cream entrepreneurs can be found around the corner from classic shops that evoke the golden age of banana splits and roadside stands featuring the freshest frozen custard. And today, we’re getting the scoop on the places that still consider ice cream an art. Here are 9 places to get delicious, creamy homemade ice cream in Buffalo:
Photo by Fran-Ceil Custard
Fran-Ceil Custard, 3411 South Park Ave, Blasdell
Named after the wives of the two original owners, Frances & Celia, the Southtown tradition of Fran-Ceil was born in the 1950s. Using the same frozen custard and sherbet recipe that’s been passed down for generations, guests can enjoy traditional flavors as well as unique custards like pistachio, blueberry, tangerine and cotton candy.
Churn Soft Serve, 1501 Hertel Ave, Buffalo
After opening four successful food trucks and a brick and mortar restaurant, the creative minds behind Lloyd concocted Churn. Smooth custard flavors (including vegan coconut) are the main ingredient in sundaes that work in children’s breakfast cereal, spicy brownies and churros. Lots of churros!
Lake Effect Ice Cream, 1900 Hertel Ave, Buffalo & 79 Canal St, Lockport
Started by two teachers, Lake Effect Ice Cream is a seasonal ice cream maker that whips up Buffalo-style flavors like sponge candy (with real chunks of Platter’s sponge candy), Paula’s red velvet donut and Public Espresso coffee.
Photo by Nick Charlap’s
Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream, 7264 Boston State Rd, Hamburg; 1203 Union Rd, West Seneca; 2800 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore; 9049 Erie Rd, Angola; 10 Euclid Rd, Hamburg
A local mainstay for homemade hard serve ice cream featuring over 40 flavors. One Nick Charlap’s flavor not to miss? The peanut butter royal: vanilla ice cream mixed in with chunks of real peanut butter.
Antoinette’s Sweets, 5981 Transit Rd, Depew
After you’re done fogging up the chocolate case filled with sponge candy, chocolate turtles and other sweet goodies on the far side of the store, step up to the counter or take a seat in one of the wooden booths to order a sundae with ice cream made right on site. Even the syrups and whipped creams are homemade, too!
Photo by Allie Hartwick
Anderson’s Frozen Custard, find all of their locations here
Once you’ve had your fill of classic beef on weck sandwiches at this Buffalo favorite institution (with 7 locations open all year), wash it down with a scoop or a twist. You can choose as Anderson’s makes both frozen custard and hard ice cream featuring seasonal flavors like key lime pie, pumpkin cheesecake and more.
Photo by Hibbard’s
Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard, 125 Portage Rd, Lewiston
The pride of Lewiston, Hibbard’s has somewhat of a cult following. Made fresh throughout the day, Hibbard’s contributes the richness and creaminess of their flavors to their custom ice cream machine. After four generations and almost 80 years, they must be doing something right!
Photo by King Condrell’s
King Condrell’s Candy & Ice Cream, 2805 Delaware Ave, Kenmore
This full-service ice cream parlor is a rare treat. Not only does Condrell’s keep a hefty amount of homemade chocolates and candy care packages at their store, the menu reads more like a novel. They have everything including the “Kitchen Sink” – a massive sundae served in a sink. You’re going to need help eating that one!
Photo by Poutine & Cream
Hertel Avenue Poutine & Cream, 1488 Hertel Ave, Buffalo
Ice cream made from scratch daily, then scooped and blended into their monstrous “Freak Shakes.” These folks might be serving up Buffalo’s most Instagrammable ice cream.
