Regardless of the neighborhood, if a craving for ice cream presents itself and demands to be satisfied, Beantown will deliver the goods.
JP Licks
With the humongous black and white cow head protruding from its front, there's no missing JP Licks on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Part of a local chain which includes eight stores in the area, the original Jamaica Plain store is now housed in a former firehouse. Here, you'll find fresh roasted coffee, original artwork on the walls that changes monthly, and original flavors, some which also vary monthly. The offerings for February include Coconut Créme, Mango Sorbet, and El Diablo, which combines a hint of cinnamon with the heat of cayenne pepper, mixed into their intense chocolate. Be sure to look up when standing in line waiting for ice cream to see the "pole hole" in the ceiling, a leftover from the building's firehouse days.
659 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, (617) 524-6740
Christina's Ice Cream
Located in Inman Square in Cambridge, Christina's serves homemade ice cream and sorbet delights. The ice cream store has several booths, a local art display, and is best known for its wide variety of interesting and unusual flavors. In addition to the standard Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla, guests will also find such offerings as Caramel & Prune, Burnt Sugar, Kaifer Lime Leaf, and Fresh Rose. Referred to by at least one patron as "by far the best ice cream joint in the city," Christina's is a favorite of many area residents.
1255 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, (617) 492-7021
Ron's Ice Cream and Lanes
Voted as the world's third best ice cream in the world by National Geographic's "Ultimate Guide for Travelers," Ron's lives up to the distinction. Creamy and richly textured, Ron's ice cream is, simply, dreamy. It is best enjoyed at one of the green plastic tables that decorates Ron's simple interior, followed by a game of bumper bowling with state-of-the-art computer scoring. One couldn't ask for much more: delicious ice cream and old-fashioned bowling fun.
1231 Hyde Park Ave, Boston, (617) 364-5274
Herrell's Ice Cream
Located in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Herrell's Ice Cream has ice cream that is extraordinarily rich and creamy. Vanilla fans should be sure to try the vanilla malted. The retail space the ice cream store is housed in includes a vault room in which to enjoy ice cream, currently decorated with an underwater motif mural. Herrell's has won "Best of Boston" numerous times from Boston Magazine. They are known for their famous hot fudge, "smoosh-ins," chocolate whipped cream, custom ice cream cakes, and catered ice cream parties.
15 Dunster St, Cambridge, (617) 497-2179
Bella Vita Caffe
Looking for atmosphere and authentic gelato in Boston proper? Bella Vita Caffe is the place. Charming, romantic, and casual - what more could one ask for? Pistachio? Strawberry? It's here. The windows are huge and allow for ample people watching in historic Beacon Hill. The gelato is creamy and rich. Order a cappuccino. Linger and relax.
30 Charles River Sq, Boston, (617) 720-4505
Cynthia Riede - Cynthia Riede's subject matter reflects her passions: wine, classic films, ice cream and fiction. She has a soft spot for champagne, film ...
