Definitive NYC Froyo Hitlist
trust me.
If there’s one thing I love in life, it’s a good frozen yogurt. I grew up on afterschool hangouts at Pinkberry and RedMango (which I never see anymore!) and there’s something about a soft serve treat that hits the spot like nothing else - believe me, a scoop of regular ice cream just isn’t the same.
I’m constantly on the hunt for the perfect cup, and at this point, I’ve tried pretty much every option in the city. Here’s my ultimate hit list - including tips, tricks, and all the gory details.
40 Carrots (uptown and downtown locations)
Breakdown: Great yogurt, no self-serve toppings, closes early, $$$
Little known fact… Bloomingdales is home to a cafe with some of NYC’s best froyo.
Unfortunately, it is expensive. The base price starts at $8 for a small cup but each topping is an additional $2-3. The sizing is beyond generous though - hot tip is to come with a group and order a large to share. I promise it’ll be big enough. This spot isn’t self-serve but they usually do a double layer of toppings, one at the bottom of the cup and a regular layer on top.
Uptown vs Downtown: The uptown location has more consistent yogurt quality, Soho flavors sometimes get a little watery (but plain/tart flavor has always been fab), Soho location offers Nutella as a topping while uptown only has chocolate sauce… do with that what you will.
16 Handles (Tribeca)
Breakdown: elite toppings, self-serve, inconsistent yogurt, open late, $
16 Handles is the blueprint. I love a self-serve topping station, and this place has everything. I’m partial to Oreo, Heath Bar, and Milk Chocolate Crunch (the literal best IYKYK). The flavors rotate and while most are tasty the quality can differ from flavor to flavor.. beware of the dreaded liquified yogurt-slush. Go if you want to feel like a kid again.
hot tip: ask for tester cups to make sure your picks aren’t melted.
Butterfield (Upper East Side)
Breakdown: Incredible yogurt, limited toppings & flavors, closes early, $$$
I’ve walked from Tribeca to the UES for this froyo and have never regretted it. It’s pretty phenomenal - the flavors aren’t fancy and the toppings are borderline boring but it tastes so good you’ll forgive this Upper East Side supermarket for any of their faults. Come and explore the closest thing NYC has to Erewhon - if you’re feeling crazy they also stock Caffè Panna pints…
Culture (West Village)
Breakdown: fancy-schmancy, open late, $$
For those who enjoy a sophisticated froyo experience, this non-fat Greek yogurt style is more tart than most, but rotating flavors are inventive and reliably delicious. Toppings are solid - the brownie bites are probably the best option. It’s not self-serve but it feels gourmet, an impressive feat for frozen yogurt. Go if you want to feel superior to your ice-cream-truck-frequenting friends.
fav flavors: PB&J, Blueberry Almond (options change daily)
Downtown Yogurt (Tribeca)
Breakdown: self-serve yogurt but not self-serve toppings, yummy, open late-ish, $$
Around the corner from 16 Handles (with a soon-to-open WTC location), Downtown Yogurt is solid. The yogurt is thick and creamy and they offer gelato if you have a froyo-hating friend in tow. There are some great topping options but you can’t serve yourself (ugh). With edible cookie doughs, ice cream sandwiches, and warm brownies they seem to shine as a ‘dessert’ destination rather than a froyo-specific spot. Go if you’re looking to expand your sweet treat horizons.
fav flavor: Cookies & Cream (this one is bomb)
So.. there we have it. The ultimate NYC frozen yogurt deep dive. I’ve tested froyos globally if you’re looking for some international recs, and I’m thinking of doing a more general “soft serve” guide next. Gives me an excuse to try some more ice cream ;)
Hope this was helpful!
xxEmma