ICE CREAM REVIEW: The Social

My search for the best ice cream in New York continues ….

Ample Hills is one of the most recognizable and beloved ice cream businesses in the city. But only a select group were able to experience the magic of the business when it first opened in 2011.

Back then it was a one shop mom and pop business with a playful vibe backed by the homemade ice cream skills of owner Brian Smith.

I remember going to the Prospect Heights location back in the day and really enjoying it and being a bit envious that I didn’t own that kind of ice cream shop.

Years later the brand has grown (a bit too much) and the original owners are no longer involved. Although even before they left the business, it felt like that original magic had changed.

If that experience sounded like one you wish you had been a part of, you’re in luck because visiting The Social right now brings back those early days of Ample Hill.

Brian and his wife Jackie recently opened this new ice cream (and doughnut shop) and it eerily feels like Ample Hill. The nostalgic colorful child-like ambiance is there, Brian is in the back working his ice cream magic, and the flavors are strangely familiar. Ooyer & Gooyer Butter Cake anyone?

The Social is not far from Prospect Park and I trekked pretty far one day before a tour to try out the ice cream here.

I keep wanting to call this place The Scoop. I understand the name The Social but it seems like they missed an opportunity here. Sure The Scoop is pretty generic and obvious but is the Social much better?

Ok, but who cares about the name? How’s the ice cream?

Well the doughnuts hit you first when you walk into the narrow space. They hope you will pair them with the ice cream into a sandwich but instead I took a few home to share with my son. And by the way, they were great – despite the unattractive photos.

I started sampling pretty immediately and Brian himself told me the Bubble Mallow (bubble gum ice cream with marshmallow) was one of his favorites. He must be proud since he claims it uses no artificial coloring or flavors. I’m afraid it wasn’t for me.

Maybe the bubble gum flavor was too authentic because my mind did not feel food about swallowing it. I had been trained to spit bubble gum out when finished. And that’s kind of what I wanted to do here.

Morning in Paris was interesting with a buttery flavor and a balance of raspberry jam. It was advertised as croissant ice cream but something didn’t quite live up to its name. Not sure what croissant ice cream should be but this didn’t quite get there for me.

For my official scoop, I chose Monkeys Drinking Coffee and Old Ballgame.

The Old Ballgame hooked me with the promise of popcorn infused ice cream. Sad to say it didn’t quote hit those notes. It was buttery and nutty and maybe hinted at a baseball game meal but the popcorn flavor was quite subdued.

Anything coffee ice cream grabs my attention so I was excited about “monkey bread & coffee” infused ice cream with coffee toffee pieces.

Again the coffee was subtle but there were strong cinnamon and toffee notes with some really yummy toffee pieces throughout.

Both flavors were technically excellent in terms of texture and creaminess. Not an ice crystal in sight.

And the flavors were all playful and childlike and fun. I tend to like my ice cream a bit more on the simple side with flavors standing out and not too much extraneous fillings. If anything, I think these flavors my have a bit too much going on for my tastes.

I enjoyed them and would be happy to bring my child here for an exciting ice cream experience, but it wouldn’t be an everyday place for me.

Don’t get me wrong, they are doing very exciting things here and you can see how and why they grew Ample Hills into something bigger than expected. Let’s hope The Social can keep some of that local magic.

Is The Social the best ice cream in NY? If you are a fan of Ample Hills, you need to check out this place right away. I give it an 8 out of 10 for having technically excellent ice cream and really fun flavors. On a personal level, I like my ice cream a little bit more focused and simple. But can’t deny this is good stuff.