5 places to go for ice cream in Morris County
So, just what is it about ice cream that keeps us coming back for more? Most agree that its cool, creamy sweetness never fails to satisfy on a warm summer evening.
And while we might not agree on the best flavors, or even the best ice cream restaurants, most Morris County residents agree that the variety of ice cream here can't be beat. Below is a sampling of ice cream shops offering homemade treats.
Jefferson Dairy, Lake Hopatcong
741 Route 15 South, Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson; (973) 663-1750; www.jeffersondairy.com
It's generous portions of homemade flavors that keep customers coming back to the Jefferson Dairy. Owned by Linda and Strider Debore, they recently purchased the business from Linda and Jack Debore, Strider's parents. The barn-shaped shop has been in business on busy Route 15 since 1969.
The younger Linda, who met her husband while working at the shop as a 20-year-old, says the Jefferson Dairy is worth a visit because absolutely everything is homemade — even the whipped cream. More than 50 flavors fill the menu, including Salted Caramel Jack, a caramel-based ice cream with Gertrude Hawk caramel cups in it.
The most popular flavors at the Jefferson Dairy include Blushing Coconut, Java Rocket Chip, Bailey's Irish Cream and Dirty Diaper — which features dark chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate pieces and fudge. Feeling a little adventurous? Why not try Maple Bacon or Fresh Jersey Corn for a change.
Her favorite? "It's the slowest-moving flavor in the store," she said with a laugh. "I'm old school: Cherry Vanilla."
Debore says she's loved the place since her childhood. You can't get ice cream any fresher, she said, and the huge helpings and reasonable prices only make it better. "We say two scoops, but it's more like three," she said of the small serving for $3.42. "And a large is just humongous."
The hours at Jefferson Dairy are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Last Licks, East Hanover
134 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover; (973) 585-7988
In business since last May, Last Licks is a busy place this time of year. The shop has indoor and outdoor tables and plenty of benches to accommodate those looking for great homemade flavor — all behind the striking giant cow out front.
"My dad makes all of his own ice cream," said Danielle Saporito, 21, who works in the shop daily. "It's all fresh — made right here in the store."
Her dad, owner Dan Saporito, took over the former Applegate Farms last Mother's Day, offering more than 30 homemade varieties of hard ice cream. His wife, Tracey, and younger daughter, Jenna, can also be found behind the counter from time to time. "It's a family-run business," Danielle Saporito said. "I'm here every day."
Other offerings include soft ice cream in vanilla, chocolate and a twist of both. Italian ices and gelato are also available, as are ice cream cakes, sandwiches, shakes and banana splits.
Though several of the flavors change from season to season, perennial favorites include Devil Dog, Brownie Batter and Graham Slam, a graham-cracker-based ice cream with chocolate-dipped honeycombs throughout. "That's a big seller," Danielle Saporito said. "People also love the Chocolate Chip Mint."
Apple Dapple is laced with butterscotch, cinnamon, apple pieces and brown sugar, while Black Raspberry Crumble is a purple-colored favorite, featuring vanilla crunch, cinnamon and brown sugar. Fresh peach ice cream was expected to make its debut this week, too.
Last Licks is open all year long, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Denville Dairy, Denville
34 A Broadway, Denville; (973) 627-4214; www.denvilledairy.com
Behind the red, white and blue awning on one of Denville's busiest streets, the Denville Dairy offers homemade goodness with family flair.
The shop features 28 flavors, which are constantly changing. "In the summertime, we generally run more fruit flavors," said Patrick Fine, who runs the store with his brother, Richard, and sister, Karen. "Bananas, coconuts, the mangos and the pineapples sell the most."
Changing flavors with the seasons is a must, he said, to meet customers' preferences. "Every year by August 1, people are asking for pumpkin ice cream," he said. "Every year they start asking earlier. It's like the Christmas season, starting earlier every year."
Unique flavors have been keeping patrons happy since 1966, when Jack and Lois Fine opened the store. Now, their children keep things humming with new ideas and endless energy.
Wango Mango is one very popular current offering. The mango-flavored ice cream has a red raspberry topping weaved through it and is a draw in warmer weather. The most popular flavor at the Denville Dairy is Vanilla Crunch Swirl, Patrick Fine said. It is a vanilla ice cream with a cookie crunch and a chocolate weave. "That sells tremendously," he said. "It's simple, but it outsells any other, including vanilla, chocolate and chocolate chip."
Several coffee flavors make appearances on the menu and always please crowds. Coffee By the Campfire, a graham-coffee flavored ice cream with mini marshmallows and chocolate-covered graham pieces throughout, is always a hit.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week, all year long. Bench seating is offered, inside and out.
Taylor's Ice Cream Parlor, Chester
18 Main St., Chester; (908) 879-5363
Inside the shop, housed in a white historic Chester building, table seating is available for nearly 30 people. On the wooden front porch, patrons can sit on benches and be entertained by the busy bustle of Main Street.
Every flavor of ice cream in the store is homemade in the back kitchen, said Larry Sportello, a night manager at the store.
Forty-eight flavors are always available, as well as soft serve vanilla, chocolate and a twist of both. Soft serve yogurt is available, as is a popular Raspberry Pomegranate Sorbet, which is fat free and dairy free. Five Italian ice flavors are usually on the menu, too.
Taylor's has been owned by Ron Klein for 13 years, and reopened in November of 2013, after an apartment fire above the store caused severe water damage and a complete remodeling took place.
"We've been making some new flavors," said Sportello, adding that a popular choice is Play Dough, a vanilla ice cream with sugar cookie dough pieces mixed in, taking on the look of colorful toy dough. "It's been popular since we started making it back in the spring," he said.
Rice Krispie is another option, featuring vanilla ice cream with marshmallows and Rice Krispie Treats mixed in.
The charm of Taylor's, he said, is its traditional feel and friendly staff. Historic photos of Chester line the walls, salvaged from the damaged store. "It's very up-to-date," he said. "It's all new, but still has an old-fashioned feel."
Summer hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The store is open all year long.
Cliff's, Ledgewood
1475 Route 46, Ledgewood section of Roxbury; (973) 584-9721; www.cliffsicecream.com
Cliff's, an old-fashioned drive-in with outdoor picnic tables for dining, has more than 60 unique hard hand-dipped flavors and 11 soft ice cream choices. Cliff's has been serving ice cream at its shop since 1975. No indoor dining is available.
The menu features flavors like award-winners Graham Central Station, Sticky Bun, Desert Silk, Peach Melba and Holy Cannoli. Cliff's was featured on The Food Network's program "Top Five," in 2004. Its Fresh Strawberry ice cream won first place at the National Ice Cream Retailers Contest in 2013.
Soft-serve Creamsicle, mint, black raspberry and strawberry round out the offerings. They also offer fat-free, sugar-free frozen yogurt in vanilla and chocolate.
Ice cream cakes range from small, serving eight people, to a large cake serving 45. Prices range accordingly.
Owned by Pete Freund, Cliff's is open year-round. Summer hours are from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Got a favorite ice cream shop? Email Eva Abreu, planning editor, eabreu@GannettNJ.com or call 973-428-6643.
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