The Best Ice Cream Shops in the Hamptons
Quick answer: For homemade ice cream in Montauk, start at John’s Drive-In. In Sag Harbor, choose BuddhaBerry for frozen yogurt and endless toppings or Big Olaf’s for a classic scoop by Long Wharf. Sip ’n Soda is the old-school Southampton pick, while A La Mode Shoppe is the allergy-aware option in East Hampton.
This town-by-town guide to the best ice cream in the Hamptons was checked for 2026 and covers Montauk, Sag Harbor, Southampton, Bridgehampton, Westhampton Beach and East Hampton. Seasonal hours and flavors change, so use the linked shop pages before making a special trip.
Montauk
John’s Drive-In
A local legend serving burgers and ice cream since 1967. John’s makes its ice cream on site, with rotating homemade flavors, soft serve and sorbet. Check the official John’s Drive-In site before going.
- Must Order: Fluffer-Nutter
- 677 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY
Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream
A Montauk staple for over a decade, Ralph’s offers more than 100 flavors of hard ice cream and Italian ices. Great for scoops, shakes, and classic Italian ice too.
- Must Order: Cannoli Cream Ice
- 8 S Etna Ave, Montauk, NY
Sag Harbor
BuddhaBerry
A stylish frozen-yogurt stop with more than 100 toppings, plus smoothies, coffee, bubble tea, crepes and waffles. Vegan sorbets and vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options are available; tell the staff about any allergy. See the official Sag Harbor menu and hours.
- Must Order: Madagascar Vanilla
- 125 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY
Big Olaf’s Ice Cream
Right by Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, this seasonal favorite is known for generous scoops and a nostalgic waterfront vibe.
- Must Order: Vanilla Custard
- 8 Wharf St, Sag Harbor, New York
Southampton
Sip ‘n Soda
A retro ice cream parlor serving classic scoops, floats, and lemon custard since 1958. Think old-school soda fountain vibes.
- Must Order: Coconut ice cream or pineapple float
- 40 Montauk Hwy, Southampton, NY
Sant Ambroeus
Not your average cone. This is where you go for chic gelato in a cute dish post-brunch.
- Must Order: Hazelnut, Passion Fruit
- 30 Main St, Southampton, NY
Bridgehampton / Water Mill
The Candy Kitchen
Old-school diner vibes with milkshakes, scoops, and tons of character.
- Must Order: Vanilla Malted Milkshake
- 2391 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY
Westhampton Beach
Shock Ice Cream
Fun, family-friendly soft serve and sundaes with outdoor seating.
- Must Order: Oreo Flurry
- 99 Main St, Westhampton Beach, NY
East Hampton
A La Mode Shoppe
Handcrafted small-batch ice cream made in a nut-free, sesame-free and egg-free facility, with gluten-free and dairy-free options. The East Hampton shop also has a children’s boutique; check the official site because it may close to the public during private events.
- Must Order: Blueberry Cheesecake
- 35 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY
Where to Find Soft Serve in the Hamptons
For soft serve, John’s Drive-In in Montauk and Shock Ice Cream in Westhampton Beach are the clearest picks on this list. If you are searching near Sag Harbor, BuddhaBerry is frozen yogurt rather than traditional soft serve, while Big Olaf’s is the classic hard-scoop stop.
Hamptons Ice Cream FAQs
What is the best ice cream in Sag Harbor? Choose BuddhaBerry for frozen yogurt, toppings and dietary options; choose Big Olaf’s for a classic scoop near the harbor.
Where can I find allergy-aware ice cream in East Hampton? A La Mode Shoppe says its ice cream is made in a nut-free, sesame-free and egg-free facility and offers gluten-free and dairy-free options. Always confirm your specific allergy with staff.
Planning a full food tour out east? Don’t miss my guides to The Best Brunch Spots in the Hamptons, Where to Eat in the Hamptons, and The Best Coffee Shops by Town.
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