When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Smoove Ice Cream
Why Smoove Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Smoove Ice Cream stands out as a vibrant and inventive destination that redefines the traditional ice cream experience, making it an exceptional place to meet up with friends. Located in Chinatown, Smoove combines cultural inspiration and creativity to offer a menu filled with unique Asian-inspired flavors such as Ube (purple sweet potato), Thai Tea, Jasmine, and Durian — the latter being the famed East Asian 'King of Fruit.' Beyond classic flavors, the shop innovates boldly with creations like Ube Boba Floats and seasonal surprises such as Cheeto Ice Cream, appealing to adventurous palates. Their dessert offerings extend beyond scoops, including delightful croffles (croissant-waffle hybrids) served warm alongside ice cream and various toppings, making it a perfect spot to share and discover new tastes with friends. The shop's dedication to quality is evident in their use of premium, natural ingredients sourced globally, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and satisfying. Whether it’s an after-school hangout, a casual meet-up, or a special celebration, Smoove’s engaging atmosphere and imaginative menu provide a memorable environment where friends can enjoy sweet moments together and explore fresh, exciting dessert creations.
Here's what people think of Smoove Ice Cream
As of recent, Smoove Ice Cream holds a 4.8-star rating based on 574 reviews.
Users widely praise Smoove Ice Cream, reflected in its impressive 4.8-star rating based on over 570 reviews. Positive reviews often highlight the exceptional creativity and quality of the ice cream, emphasizing standout flavors like Ube Boba Float and the Thai Tea ice cream that offer a refreshing twist on familiar tastes. Customers appreciate the shop's innovative approach, combining beloved Asian cultural flavors with the creamy texture of expertly crafted ice cream. Many comment on the friendly service and cozy, welcoming atmosphere, noting that Smoove is not just a dessert spot but an enjoyable social setting. On the flip side, some negative reviews mention occasional wait times during busy periods, reflecting the shop's popularity, and a few suggest that the adventurous flavor choices might not suit everyone's palate. However, these critiques are relatively minor and infrequent. Overall, the positive reviews significantly outweigh the negatives, collectively portraying Smoove Ice Cream as a standout dessert destination excelling in quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Maggie Sat
Best birthday cakes ever. My husband surprised me with the flowers cake for my birthday and for my daughter's birthday we got the unicorn cake. The flavors are unique and the ice cream is perfectly creamy. The best part is they're so cute too!! Can't get this anywhere else. Highly recommend!
Liza Myroshnychenko
If ube ice cream wasn't purple, I wouldn't be able to tell what is the taste. Just sweet. The black sesame has a slightly more distinct flavor, but unfortunately it's still very far from what I expected.
Angela
I think the boba float is very unique. It definitely looks aesthetically pleasing. The brown sugar boba tasted good.
Yinghong Guo
Durian ice cream and earl grey double scoops. They both taste wonderful! I will come back to this shop instead of Chinatown Ice Cream Factory which is nowadays over-priced.
George Fine
Smoove Ice Cream shop on Grand St. We ordered 2 different flavors, but the bubble was very hard and rigid, it tasted as if either the boba was either stale or not fully cooked.
How to reach Smoove Ice Cream
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Website: None
Why Smoove Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at Smoove Ice Cream with your friends is an irresistible way to create joyful memories over delicious treats in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This place stands out not only for its unique and delectable ice cream flavors but also for its inclusive menu options, including vegan choices that cater to all dietary preferences. With a high rating of 4.8 based on 574 reviews, Smoove Ice Cream is celebrated for its friendly staff and cozy ambiance that naturally invites laughter, sharing, and relaxation. Whether you're looking to enjoy a casual hangout, celebrate a special occasion, or just need a refreshing break, this spot is ideal. The innovative delights, like boba floats and croffles, blend traditional Asian flavors with modern dessert trends, offering a fresh experience that sparks conversation and delight. The space itself is cute and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for groups to gather comfortably and enjoy each other's company while indulging in a "scoop of happiness." With a menu that inspires everyone to find a flavor they love, rallying here guarantees a sweet experience that unites friends around the simple pleasure of ice cream.
What activities can you enjoy at Smoove Ice Cream, and why is it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, Smoove Ice Cream offers a diverse range of unique ice cream-based products that make sharing and trying new flavors a fun group activity. Their standout items include the boba floats—iced tea or milk tea enhanced with chewy tapioca pearls—that provide both a drink and dessert hybrid, perfect for delighting groups who appreciate creative combinations. Also popular are the croffles, a delightful hybrid of croissants and waffles served with scoops of specialty ice cream such as ube or matcha. These innovative treats encourage sampling across the table, sparking conversations and shared enjoyment. Beyond tasting, the visually appealing presentation of each dessert invites plenty of photo opportunities, making your meetup memorable and shareable. The friendly and accommodating staff enhance the experience by offering recommendations and attentive service, ensuring every group member feels welcome. Whether your group is adventurous with bold flavors or prefers the classic sweet profiles, Smoove Ice Cream’s menu is perfectly crafted for communal exploration.
Why is Smoove Ice Cream a great place for celebrations or casual gatherings? The welcoming environment at Smoove Ice Cream is designed to feel cozy and charming, with an interior that invites guests to linger and enjoy themselves. For group meetups, this means plenty of space for sitting together comfortably without feeling rushed or cramped. The ambiance strikes a balance between chill and vibrant, making it suitable for both relaxed chats and festive get-togethers. Their ice cream cakes can be specially ordered, adding a personalized touch for birthdays or any special milestone. Because the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable, they often help coordinate orders or accommodate special requests, enhancing the charm for groups. Moreover, the inclusion of vegan and lactose-free options means everyone in your party can indulge without worry, reflecting the thoughtful inclusivity of the business. The overall experience fuels a positive vibe, encouraging group bonding over shared sweet moments.
What makes the menu at Smoove Ice Cream stand out, particularly for groups? The menu embraces a creative fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and traditional ice cream delights, cultivating a unique tasting journey for each guest. Favorites include intriguing choices like Ube (purple yam) and Matcha, which offer a refreshing departure from classic vanilla or chocolate. Specialty floats such as the Strawberry Cream Jasmine Tea Boba Float or the Ube Boba Float combine fruity, creamy, and chewy textures that make each bite interesting and satisfying. The pistachio toasted coconut croffle with ube ice cream and mochi matcha croffle elevate the dessert experience with layered flavors and textures that are perfect for sharing. This variety means groups can order multiple distinct dishes and enjoy a tasting party, with each person sampling a little from everyone else’s plate. The complex yet approachable flavors foster lively discussions and discovery, turning a simple dessert outing into a flavorful adventure. Additionally, the balanced sweetness levels appeal to those who prefer less sugary desserts, broadening the menu's appeal to a wide audience.
How does Smoove Ice Cream’s staff and service contribute to a successful group meetup? The team at Smoove Ice Cream is frequently praised for their welcoming and attentive demeanor, essential for a smooth, enjoyable group experience. Friendly staff members readily offer personalized recommendations based on your group’s preferences, which is particularly helpful when navigating their wide and novel menu. Their accommodating approach reduces wait times even during busy hours, ensuring the group’s energy stays high and moods stay positive. Many reviews highlight not only the warm service but also genuine interest from the team in making each visit special. This atmosphere of hospitality helps guests feel at ease, fostering a relaxed yet lively vibe that complements group interactions. By managing details like timely refills and catering to dietary needs, the staff enhances guest satisfaction and encourages longer, more engaged visits. For groups looking for a hassle-free meetup destination, this high level of service is a standout feature that elevates the overall experience.
What makes Smoove Ice Cream’s location and setting ideal for meetups? Nestled in a convenient spot in New York City, Smoove Ice Cream benefits from accessibility, making it easy for friends and families to regroup from various parts of the city. The interior decor strikes a perfect balance that’s "cute" and Instagram-worthy without feeling trendy to the point of discomfort—making it an inviting space for people of all ages. The thoughtful arrangement of seating encourages socializing, whether you come with a small group or a larger party, without losing intimacy or friendliness. The location’s vibe enhances the anticipation of the treat itself, inviting patrons to slow down and appreciate the moment. Additionally, the overall atmosphere combined with the specialty offerings creates a feel-good environment, which is critical when aiming for a place to nurture connections, conversations, and laughter. In essence, the location and design set the stage for memorable gatherings centered around the joy of shared indulgence.