When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Holey Cream
Why Holey Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Holey Cream is a vibrant dessert spot in New York City renowned for its innovative doughnut ice cream sandwiches. This unique concept allows visitors to customize their own sweet treats by selecting from over 40 flavors of high-quality ice cream and a variety of fresh, delicious donuts. Patrons can then top their creations with different icings and toppings, making each visit a personalized experience. With three locations spread across Midtown East, Midtown West, and Greenwich Village, it is conveniently accessible to locals and tourists alike. The inviting, casual ambiance makes it an excellent place to meet up with friends for a fun and indulgent outing. While the seating is limited, the fast service and extensive menu options keep the lines moving, and customers enjoy the excitement of crafting their dessert. The option for easy online ordering and delivery throughout Manhattan adds to the convenience, allowing people to enjoy these sweet delights without leaving their homes or hotel rooms.
Here's what people think of Holey Cream
As of recent, Holey Cream holds a 3.8-star rating based on 841 reviews.
Customer reviews of Holey Cream reveal a mix of praise and criticism, reflecting a diverse range of experiences. Positive reviews highlight the creativity and quality of the doughnut ice cream sandwiches, noting the extensive variety of ice cream flavors and the fun of customizing desserts. Patrons have appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable staff at some locations, and many consider the treats worth the price and occasional wait. The unique concept has drawn a loyal following who enjoy the large portions and flavorful ice cream. However, negative reviews point out issues such as inconsistent service, occasionally dry donuts, lackluster ice cream flavors, cleanliness concerns, and minimal seating options that may detract from the overall experience. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with staff behavior or hygiene practices. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus is that the delicious and novel dessert offerings often outweigh the shortcomings. In conclusion, Holey Cream provides a unique and enjoyable dessert experience, especially for ice cream enthusiasts who appreciate customization, though potential visitors should be aware of variable service quality and limited seating.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amber Lee
Something out of a fever dream, we went to Holey Cream after a Broadway show looking for a late night treat. When we arrived they had a very limited inventory, although that’s understandable given the time at night. The more concerning thing was that upon entering we were not greeted by the worker who watched us come in and who we made eye contact with, who was also watching video on her phone in the back while she saw us come in at that. Also, she had a baby with her on her back in a baby backpack, which while we understand the need to take care of your child, we cannot see how that is a good idea when working around open food. After standing there for 30 seconds she came up to us and said “are you ready to order?” and we quickly got our oreo donut and left. The donut was okay, not great but not bad, certainly would’ve been better if not left out in the open all day, assuming it was freshly made that day. This is probably an outlier experience but it’s what we experienced so if you want to test your luck go ahead, we just won’t again.
Kacey
Charged 14 dollars on Uber Eats when it was advertised as a 2-for-1 deal ($7 each), then the second didn’t even arrive. This ice cream is too small, even for a child. 2 oz sauce cup for reference.
Shawn
We got here at night time and the donuts were soft and fresh. There were so many different toppings for the donuts we didn’t know what to choice. The worker said he’ll make it for us and they were all delicious. My favorite was the cereal donut. 8/10
Samir Nawaz
Good variety of donuts & ice creams with creative flavors.
CL G
I saw many reviews on here about how this place is under new ownership and the service and quality went way down. I went here because I wanted to try this place even though alot of the newer reviews are negative. I ordered the baked goods on the "too good to go" app. I did not see the African lady with the baby on her back, even though when I passed by a week prior, I saw her. The African lady that was there greeted me right away even though the line was at the door. She had many delivery orders. The woman ahead of me waiting on line was frustrated because the lady was busy and she was seemingly getting delivery orders instead of serving her when she was patiently waiting. When the lady ahead of me was finally served, she did not like the pricing or the wait. I came after her and showed the app and got a great amount of baked goods. They were all different flavored donuts. The donuts were really soft and good and I got them around 9pm. They were sugary, though. I was happy overall, but I think if I had to wait like that lady, I would also be upset. It just looks odd when you're waiting on the line and everyone else is being served, even though those people including me already paid prior. The prices are expensive, but it's Hell's Kitchen. At the time of writing this: One scoop of ice cream on a cone is $7+ and it's $2 more for an extra scoop. Tip: If you don't want ice cream, but want donuts or bagels then use the app. Just know that when using the app you can't pick what you want.
How to reach Holey Cream
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Why Holey Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Holey Cream offers a unique and fun experience that makes it an ideal destination for a gathering of friends or family. This innovative spot in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, is not your standard dessert place; it specializes in creative ice cream and donut combinations that excite the palate and spark joy. The signature offering is the donut ice cream sandwich—two donuts stuffed with a generous amount of artisanal ice cream, complemented by various icings and toppings, allowing every guest to customize their own indulgent treat. Gathering here means more than just enjoying dessert; it’s about sharing a playful and Instagram-worthy moment that is interactive and memorable. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply need a sweet escape after dinner or theater, Holey Cream’s vibrant, whimsical atmosphere and inventive menu foster a spirited and joyful hangout where laughter and creativity thrive. The excitement of choosing from a wide array of ice cream flavors—like vanilla peanut butter crunch or the decadent Hotel Black Bottom Pie—combined with the social activity of decorating your donuts, makes it perfect for groups who want both quality treats and fun experiences.
What kind of activities can you do at Holey Cream?
At Holey Cream, the activities revolve mainly around the experience of making and enjoying dessert together. The first and foremost activity is creating your own donut ice cream sandwich. Guests can choose their preferred ice cream flavors from an extensive, rotating menu with tempting options such as rum-infused varieties, cookie dough, sprinkles, and more. Once you pick your ice cream, you then select the donuts, icing, and toppings to personalize your sandwich. This interactive element invites socializing and sharing recommendations among friends, making the food preparation part of the excitement. Besides the signature sandwiches, Holey Cream also offers other indulgent frozen treats including sundaes, smoothies, frozen yogurt, and cupcakes. Groups can enjoy these desserts in quick bites or share them around for a communal tasting experience. Though the seating area is somewhat limited with mostly stools and no large tables, this encourages a lively, casual vibe where people stand or sit closely, creating a cozy feel and facilitating conversation. The process of customizing your dessert and then enjoying it together is the core activity that makes Holey Cream delightful for group meetups.
Why is Holey Cream perfect for a group meetup?
Holey Cream’s combination of customization, variety, and playful atmosphere makes it tailor-made for groups wanting a social food experience. The wide selection of ice cream flavors and toppings means that each person can tailor their own dessert exactly to their liking, sparking lively discussions and sharing among friends about favorite combinations. The novelty of the donut ice cream sandwich itself is a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser, encouraging everyone's participation in the ordering and assembling process. Though the space is casual and the seating limited, this layout encourages a dynamic and interactive meetup where guests can stand or perch on stools in close quarters, sharing laughs and snapping photos. The shop’s location in Hell's Kitchen also means it is easy to combine your visit with other activities like dining out or attending a show nearby, making your meetup part of a full day or evening of fun. The friendly staff, known for their enthusiasm about their flavors, add to the positive group vibe by happily guiding guests through their choices. This blend of casual charm, delicious creativity, and social engagement is why Holey Cream suits both small friend groups and larger social gatherings.
What kind of ice cream and donuts can you expect?
Holey Cream stands out for its innovative, artisanal ice cream selection and freshly made donuts. You can expect tempting flavors such as vanilla peanut butter crunch, Maine blueberry, birthday cake with sprinkles, and rum-infused Hotel Black Bottom Pie, which includes rich chocolate and graham cracker elements. The ice cream has been praised for its complexity and quality, with each scoop offering distinct textures and flavors that harmonize well in the donut sandwich format. The donuts are classic but fresh, serving as a soft, sweet canvas for the ice cream center. Diners can customize the donuts with various icings—like strawberry or chocolate—and colorful toppings ranging from sprinkles to Fruity Pebbles, adding visual flair and texture. This wide variety allows each visitor to mix and match according to their tastes, making each dessert unique. While the donuts themselves tend to be simpler than the ice cream, together they balance into a satisfyingly indulgent treat that attracts both kids and adults. The blend of classic comfort food with creative twists is a hallmark of the Holey Cream experience.
How is the overall service and ambiance?
The service at Holey Cream is known to be friendly and enthusiastic, especially when it comes to helping guests choose flavors and combinations. Staff members often engage playfully with customers, sharing their insights and excitement about options, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. However, some reviews have noted moments of inconsistencies in attentiveness or speed during peak hours, as the place tends to be popular with a steady stream of eager customers. Ambiance-wise, the venue embraces a casual, laid-back vibe consistent with an urban dessert shop. The interior is functional but simple, with limited seating mostly consisting of stools, which can make larger groups opt for stand-up socializing. The cleanliness and organization have room for improvement according to some visitor feedback, although this rarely impacts the overall enjoyment of the unique dessert offerings. The minimalistic setting puts the focus squarely on the food and the shared experience. For anyone looking for a fancy sit-down restaurant, this may not be the spot, but for friends who want a lively, creative, and casual meetup fueled by sweets, Holey Cream hits the mark.
What makes Holey Cream worth the visit despite any drawbacks?
Even with a few critiques regarding service speed, seating, and occasional cleanliness, Holey Cream remains a favorite because of its innovative and tasty makeover of classic dessert traditions. The novelty of building your own donut ice cream sandwich is a unique selling point that not many other dessert shops offer. The generous portion sizes and complex flavor profiles in their ice creams make the visit feel indulgent and worth the price. The excitement of customizing toppings and icings also enhances the sensory pleasure and social experience. The location, in a bustling neighborhood near theaters and restaurants, complements a night out or a casual meet-up perfectly. For groups looking to combine indulgence with a playful activity and to enjoy an artsy, Instagram-ready treat, Holey Cream delivers something rare in New York's dessert scene. While it may not cater to those seeking upscale ambiance or large communal tables, its laid-back charm and creative sweets provide a memorable and fun outing that brings friends and family closer over shared deliciousness. This focus on joyful foodie interaction keeps customers returning despite small imperfections.