Best of New York: Milkshakes

What is it with ice cream desserts? Between ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes, it seems like all I do is seek out these delicious treats around NYC. But with the sudden heat wave, a good shake often seems like the best way to cool off – and have a great time doing it. When you’re looking for a break from the sun, head over to one of these New York shake spots.

Shake Shack

It’s cliché, but let’s admit it: Shake Shack has darn good shakes. The flavors stay mostly in the realm of the classics—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—with some unusual additions like peanut butter and caramel. Regulars recommend the black and white; get it with malt (just 50 cents extra) and it’s like you’re eating a frozen black and white cookie, a NYC classic.

Multiple locations; shakeshack.com

Tom’s Restaurant

This classic diner is an NYC icon for several reasons. It’s been immortalized in the Suzanne Vega song “Tom’s Diner,” and it also provided the outside shots for the diner scenes in “Seinfeld.” But the milkshakes here are nearly as famous. They’re a throwback to the classic soda fountain shake: simple, perfectly thick, and super creamy. Come on a late night and you’ll see dozens of Columbia students ordering one of the most popular flavors, the Broadway: half chocolate, half coffee, and completely to die for.

2880 Broadway, Manhattan; 212-864-6137

Stand

Forget the burgers and fries. There’s only one reason to go to Stand, and that’s the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, head to this Union Square outpost and order one up in a tall, retro-style glass; you can also get a mini-version, if you don’t want to overindulge. The shake is made from milk, vanilla ice cream, and their top-secret marshmallow mix; plus, it’s garnished with a toasted marshmallow and whipped cream on top. You’ll feel like you’re at a very exclusive campfire.

24 E 12th St, Manhattan; 212-488-5900

Shopsin’s

There are only a few seats in Shopsin’s, but what they lack in restaurant size they make up for in the size of the menu. Take one look and you’re bound to be overwhelmed by all the options, but steer yourself toward the milkshake section and you’ll be sure to find a winner. Shopsin’s makes all their ice creams in house, and their flavors will wow you. Try the Nutella or malted Guinness – a milkshake that’s not for the faint of heart!

120 Essex St, Manhattan; shopsins.com

Brgr

Winner of the New York Magazine award for best shake in 2007, Brgr milkshakes have made a name for themselves because of their top-notch ingredients. Their milk comes from the Hudson Valley’s Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, and the local connection is obvious from your first sip; you haven’t tasted a milkshake this fresh before. Try the vanilla so the milk flavor really comes through, or branch out with the more unusual blueberry-pomegranate.

287 Seventh Ave and 1026 Third Avenue, Manhattan; 212-488-7500