Smoothies are healthy and all that jazz, but we're in the mood for a milkshake.
These delectable frosties turn something already delicious into an elevated experience. Creamy, smooth and fun, these concoctions are worth the brain freeze. Enjoy it alone or alongside a burger, and if you're really adventurous, try dipping your fries into your shake.
Whether you take your milkshake malted or straight-up vanilla, with little bits of candy inside or a mix of different flavors, there's no wrong way to shake the house down.
We scoured the streets for the best milkshakes in New York City, and we found quite a few gems. From the extravagant CrazyShakes at BlackTap, to the classics at Ray’s Candy, these milkshakes are sure to hit the spot.
See also: The 20 Best Pizza Slices In NYC
View this post on Instagram
529 Broome St. / 917.639.3089 / Website
Sprinkles, whipped cream, and candy galore! The extravagant shakes at Black Tap are not only Instagram-worthy, but they're also incredibly delicious. These decadent concoctions have everything from classic shake mixtures to flavored whipped creams and baked good toppings. From cake to brownies, cookies and even cotton candy, the sky's the limit with Black Tap’s CrazyShakes.
That's not to say their Classic Shakes should be overlooked. Featuring staples like vanilla and chocolate, as well as specials cake batter and coffee, these all pair perfectly with Black Tap’s burgers and fries.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
Creamy, delicious and organic are the words that come to mind when thinking of Bareburger’s shakes. Choose between organic vanilla, organic chocolate or coconut ice cream mixed with organic milk or oat milk. Then opt for add-ons such as organic peanut butter, strawberries, banana, chocolate sauce, salted caramel and Newman’s cookies.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
A consistent top contender for the best ice cream shop in the city, Van Leeuwen has devoted fans. Offering oat milk-based vegan options and whole milk classics, Van Leeuwen is a one-stop shop for varying tastes. All flavors in their ever-rotating menu can be made into milkshakes. If you’re up for something new, ask for an affogato: a scoop of vanilla served on a shot of espresso.
Pro tip: Ask for one scoop of vegan dark chocolate and one scoop of vegan peanut butter chocolate chip in your milkshake. Chocolate and peanut butter goodness is a fan favorite.
View this post on Instagram
513 Henry St. / 718.522.6260 / Website
This Carroll Gardens throwback soda and ice cream joint is retro fun with modern flavors. They offer five specialty sundaes and classics, though the combination of flavors and toppings are endless. Order your own custom milkshake or if you're feeling nostalgic, try the black and white with whipped cream. For something special, try the Rainbow Connection milkshake; a vanilla base with sprinkles both in and out of the shake. We also like the Rocket Shake; a classic Farmacy shake with a double shot of espresso. Order in, sip and enjoy!
View this post on Instagram
88 West Houston / 212.209.7684 / Website
While there is some debate on whether Morgensten’s ice creams are better eaten than consumed in shake form, there is no question about Morgenstern’s Manhattan fame. Here, flavors are categories, with six different types of vanilla available and a total of over 80 flavors to choose from. We recommend the classic black and white milkshake made with chocolate and raw milk, or the cherry chocolate chip for a refreshing flavor. Craving something lighter? Opt for a sorbet!
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
While Christina Tosi is best known for her Crack Pie and Compost Cookies, her pastry empire has grown well past baked goods. Select Milk Bar locations now serve multiple delicious shakes. The Cruncy Cereal shake, made from Tosi’s Cereal Milk soft serve, is pure comfort, while the B’Day shake is the perfect choice for those obsessed with the Milk Bar B’Day cake.
View this post on Instagram
100 W. 124th St. / 212.222.8300 / Website
Serving classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, this burger and shake joint is even better than the meme. Their signature Harlem Shake, featuring Blue Marble ice cream and locally sourced red velvet cake, is just sweet and thick enough to hit the spot. With a full stomach and a happy soul, you might just do the viral dance on your way out.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
With your choice of the classics, signature shakes and monster shakes, Bill’s Bar & Burger has something for everyone. The monster shakes are an overload of flavor, with the salted caramel bliss shake full of caramel and pretzel pieces mixed into vanilla ice cream and the chocolate peanut butter bomb shake featuring chocolate ice cream, Reese’s pieces, peanut butter cups, salted peanuts, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple locations / Website
OddFellows offers more than 20 flavors, but you may have never seen them before. From Chocotorta to Razzleberry Dressing, fun flavors are their specialty. The milkshakes can be made with any flavor, but we recommend coffee or mocha for that extra pump of caffeine.
View this post on Instagram
1226 Lexington Ave. / 212.288.0057 / Website
Lexington Candy Shop just screams nostalgia. Everything in this place takes you back to the '50s – even their malted milkshakes! Using real malt powder, these retro treats come in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee and an ever-changing flavor of the month. Top with whipped cream and a cherry (or three) for the perfect classic milkshake.
View this post on Instagram
113 Avenue A / Website
Part of the allure to Ray’s Candy is Ray himself. The owner of this East Village staple is well known by locals, serving milkshakes alongside midnight snacks 24 hours a day. Open for take-out and delivery, Ray’s Candy staples include Oreo and Nutella milkshakes. With flavors ranging from classic vanilla to strawberry banana made with fresh bananas, Ray’s brings you American classics with an NYC twist.
View this post on Instagram
81 Warren St. / 646.678.5367 / Website
Vegans, this one’s for you, because nobody said dairy was required in an excellent milkshake. Made with Lekka Burger’s delicious vanilla vegan soft serve made in-house, these milkshakes are perfectly thick and sweet. Try the caramel shake for a punch of house-made vegan caramel sauce or the halvah shake featuring halvah, which is made with tahini and tastes similar to a mild cookies and cream flavor. Delish!
Next time the craving hits, try one of these NYC staples for the best milkshake in town. Trust us, you won't regret it. Happy sipping!
Photography by: Courtesy Black Tap
