It’s hot. Between global warming and inoperable air conditioners, even the shortest short shorts can’t combat the stifling heat. Now, with the APs behind us and summer beckoning with every warm breeze, it is the perfect time to indulge in our favorite mood-lifting, heat-combating, sugar rush-inducing treat: ice cream. So, when you grow tired of McDonald’s dollar menu ice cream and realize that Dunkin’ Donuts just doesn’t seem to have enough flavors or ambiance, tickle your taste buds at these eateries.

Tasti D•Lite

74 Chambers Street (between Church St and Broadway St)

Located on a street filled with boring business stores, Tasti D•Lite seems a bit out of place—a kids haven in an adult’s world. Colorful and bubbly, the store’s pink logo softens the dreary gray of the Washington Mutual Bank next door. Though there are only a few flavors, the ice cream is rich and creamy. Despite the limited seating—there’s only one table for two—the store is cozy and welcoming, right down to the enticing window displays of candy and teddy bears. What is most eye catching, however, are the rows upon rows of candy. Everything, from jelly beans to gummy bears, serve as the perfect topping to a delicious sundae. The employees are friendly and will ask you about your hometown, and are more than willing to give you a student discount, even if it isn’t in their store policy.

Picnic Basket

111 Hudson Street (between N. Moore St and Franklin St)

Modern and sleek, Picnic Basket is Whole Food’s little brother, but with a sweet twist. Featuring a juice bar and ice cream section, it has all your summer needs, from gelatos to sorbets to smoothies. Ice creams are made fresh at the store and encompass a wide selection of flavors. They have the originals—chocolate, vanilla and strawberry—the well-known—cookies and cream and coffee—and the more eyebrow-raising flavors, like Nutella, peanut butter and Ferrero Rocher. “We use the skim milk and the flavor[ings]. And for the gelato, that’s natural flavors. And the sorbets, we use the fresh fruits,” said Isaias Flores, employee and ice cream maker’s assistant, proudly pointing to a row of 14 ice cream and sorbet flavors. The inviting ambiance and friendly staff draw you in. With large, four-seater tables and a row of chairs in the front, Picnic Basket is great for an afterschool hangout.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

65 Bayard Street (between Mott St and Bowery St)

Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Ice Cream Factory is full of surprises, both good and bad. Though the lines are long, often stretching outside the store, and the store is small, with just enough room for a single file line, the flavors are plentiful and delicious. While they certainly stock the usual chocolate, fudge and vanilla, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is true to its name, bringing in more Asian tastes with their almond cookie, red bean, taro and green tea flavors. With ice creams stretching the entire length of the store, there are more than enough choices for even the pickiest of ice cream lovers. Though prices may seem daunting at first, $6.95 for three scoops, the portions are well worth the price. Each Ice Cream Factory scoop is heaping. Though farthest from school, this is also the cheapest of the ice cream stores.