ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Boerum Hill
Master Critic Review
Emack & Bolio's Fort Greene
8.1
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
The Fort Greene outpost of Boston-born Emack & Bolio's leans into maximalist scoops, from Space Cake and Grasshopper Pie to vegan mango and coffee-chocolate flavors. It’s a casual walk-up spot for cones piled high with mix-ins, cereal-studded cones, and the occasional ice cream cake for nearby birthdays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Space Cake ice cream, Roasted Pistachio Butter ice cream, Rice Krispy Marshmallow cone
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Over-the-top flavors and candy-studded cones make dessert feel playful.
Who should go: Families and friends craving fun, loaded ice cream cones.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings, especially after Fort Greene Park.
What to order: Space Cake, Roasted Pistachio Butter, and a Rice Krispy cone.
Insider tip: Ask to sample a few flavors first—staff are used to indecisive orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Lafayette Ave and nearby side streets can be limited during peak park hours.
Dress code: Casual and park-friendly—shorts, tees, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—busy chatter at peak hours, but still easy to hold a conversation outdoors.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during warm-weather evenings after Fort Greene Park traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; steady flow but fast-moving service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most ice cream flavors and cones are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes—several rotating vegan flavors are usually available.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some flavors may be gluten-free, but cones often are not; ask for cup options.
Best For
Better for: Maximalist, candy-forward scoops and creative cones that feel more playful than classic, minimalist ice cream shops.
Skip if: You want quiet seating, classic low-sugar flavors, or a full dessert café environment—this is primarily grab-and-go.