No one is denying that for decades, Mister Softee has some high quality milkshakes that have been making summer a little sweeter for New Yorkers.
But in a city as big as ours, there are too many other options to get complacent.
From artisanal milk bars to classic diners, there are excellent milkshakes all over that are just waiting to be stabbed with a straw before the summer ends.
If you’re looking to get the cream of the crop, to sample the absolute best milkshakes that the city has to offer, look no further.
We found the 6 most mouth-watering of 'em all, right here in New York City.
1. Mark (33 St. Mark’s Place)
Unsurprisingly, some of the best milkshakes come alongside fantastic burgers. From their spiked Guinness shake to the candied bacon shake, Mark has a lot more to offer than just food.
Found on one of the most eclectic streets of Manhattan, this East Village eatery offers an exciting vibe and good music to match.
Despite the great eats on Mark’s menu, the milkshakes are a whole meal in and of themselves.
2. Harlem Shake (100 West 124th Street)
metromusicgroup #Repost @djladyessence ・・・ I'll be spinning some good tunes from 7pm-10pm tonight for "Wine Down Sunday" at Harlem Shake! Bring the family for great burgers, fries, and shakes. Grab a mimosa or sangria pitcher or enjoy 20% off all wine bottles. #djladyessence #femaledj #Uptown #harlemworld #nyc #burgers #burgersandfries #milkshake #wine #sangria #HarlemShake #harlemshakenyc
This Harlem fixture provides its patrons with shows, food, entertainment, and some mouth-watering milkshakes.
Repping its neighborhood’s history with a Wall of Fame featuring famous patrons of the restaurant over the years, Harlem Shake delivers a completely unique feel that keeps you in touch with where you are while you enjoy their delicious shakes.
And oh, what shakes they are.
In a long menu filled with delectable drinks of all kinds (including Georgettes and watermelon coolers), the famous shakes mix up a risky combination of fruits and chocolatey, caramel sweetness to steal the show.
3. Momofuku Milk Bar (various NYC locations)
madamesardine Cereal Milk Shake from Momofoku Milk Bar. Delish! #MilkShake #Momofoku #momofokumilkbar #williamsburg
With locations spread out all around the city (our favorite is on 382 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg), Momofuku has long been legendary for their milky treats.
Their most interesting option for milkshake lovers has to be the cereal milk infused shake. Made with an unusual blend of milk, brown sugar, cornflakes, and a dash of salt, it is like slurping up the dregs of your cereal bowl in the best possible way.
Momofuku also offers seasonal flavors, and the summer cinnamon-pineapple one is weirdly amazing. With a wide array of milk inspired drinks and desserts, Momofuku serves up the milkshake you didn’t even know you needed.
4. Shake Shack (various NYC locations)
For New York classics like the black and white, or peanut butter milkshake, Shake Shake lives up to its name.
If you’re willing to brave the summer lines to suck down a great milkshake, Shake Shack will not disappoint.
Hand-spun, in a to-go cup, and ready to follow you into the blistering heat, their shakes are the ideal remedy to a sweaty summer.
5. Big Daddy’s Restaurant (various NYC locations)
With a vintage diner feel, this NYC restaurant chain pulls out all the stops, and their milkshakes are full of character.
Living up to their adorably strange names, the Cotton Candy Circus Shake, Chocolate Cherry Oh Baby! shake, Barbie Blast fruit shake, Incredible Edible Pancake shake, and Bananas Foster shake, are all necessities for your milkshake thirst.
These are shakes that you can’t get just anywhere, and are brimming with bizarre ingredients that will make your taste buds sing.
6. EJ’s Luncheonette (1271 3rd Avenue)
For twenty years EJ’s has been serving its hungry patrons from its corner in the Upper East Side.
With an entire menu dedicated to milkshakes, it includes a range of more simplistic flavors, as well as a whole list of more complicated mixtures.
Among the more unique variety is the Nutella shake, apple pie shake, and fluffer nutter shake.
All inspired by traditional diner treats, these desserts have transformed themselves into every milkshake lover’s dream dining experience.
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