Ice cream. It is such a simple dessert that can be complicated in so many ways. It can be flexible, it can be eaten at any time, and it can make your craving for sugar go away. Ice cream can come in many forms and many sizes. However, ice cream seems to be a staple in Princeton, NJ. With many iconic ice cream shops, all unique in their own little way, I’ve decided to give you my input in my favorite ice cream destinations in downtown Princeton.

Here’s a “Mona review” on some of the best ice cream shops around:

1.Thomas Sweet

This place has been a classic Princeton destination. If you haven’t been to Princeton and you are familiar with this name, there is also a location in Georgetown, D.C. where President Obama has visited. Thomas Sweet is probably very well known for their Blend-In option where you can grab a scoop of ice cream, a scoop of toppings, and then blend them into an amazing creamy goodness. My personal favorite growing up was the Cake Batter blend-in with cookie crunch. Though I doubt Cake Batter is still being sold (super sad face), the option to blend in anything is great!

2. Fruity Yogurt

I remember when Fruity Yogurt opened. I was in the eighth grade, right when frozen yogurt was the new fad. I also remember being pissed because at the time, Twist (another frozen yogurt store on Nassau Street) had just opened a year before and I thought Fruity Yogurt would take over their business. Long story short Fruity Yogurt expanded to Hillsborough and New Brunswick (but the NB location was bought out and under new ownership). Not gonna lie, Fruity Yogurt has pretty average frozen yogurt/ ice cream options. HOWEVER, what really makes this place stand out is its option to get bubble tea. Their bubble tea is their most famous product. I once ran into the store owner in the Hillsborough location and she recommends the Rose Lychee flavor. Since then, it is the only flavor I order!

3. Halo Pub

I was never a huge fan of Halo Pub, probably because their flavors aren’t my type of flavors. But, they are very unique because their dairy production is in New Jersey. Not only do they serve high quality ice cream, they also serve an array of coffees. In the winter, Halo Pub is my go-to place for hot chocolate.

4. Dolceria

This place is relatively new so seeing Dolceria might be interesting to the local Princetonian. In fact, Dolceria used to be located in the Princeton Shopping Center by McCaffreys. However, since the Naked Pizza location was bought out by the popular owners of Osteria Procaccini (who also own Porta Via, PJ’s Pancake house, and Trattoria Procaccini, formerly North End Bistro), Dolceria has graced its way to Nassau street. What I really admire about this family business is its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. Their gelato is awesome and their coffee products are very authentic Italian. So, if you haven’t tried it before, go check it out! (Check out Porta Via for lunch!)

5. The Bent Spoon

What is a Princeton ice cream list without the Bent Spoon? When we were younger, my friend and I wouldn’t go to the bent spoon because it was too expensive. Now, more than 10 years later, I don’t know why I didn’t try the Bent Spoon sooner! Mainly known for their diverse and out-of-the-ordinary flavors, this shop really knows how to make your taste buds flow. In fact, it has been ranked one of the best ice cream places in the country. The shop has gained a lot of traction in the past couple of years and has even been featured in a BuzzFeed article about ice cream places you need to try before you die!

Have any more ice cream hot spots in Princeton? Comment below. I’d love to hear about them!