When the sun is blazing, or even when you just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, nothing hits the spot quite like soft serve ice cream. Its light, airy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness are simply irresistible. If you’re on the hunt for the Best Soft Serve Near Me in the Greater Boston area, you’re in luck! This guide is your passport to the sweetest, creamiest cones and cups the city has to offer. Forget generic chains; we’re diving into local scoop shops and restaurants that are passionate about crafting soft serve perfection.
Whether you’re a Boston native or just visiting, prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey through the best soft serve spots in town. From classic vanilla swirls to adventurous flavor combinations and even vegan options, there’s a perfect soft serve experience waiting for you right around the corner. Let’s explore where to find your next favorite frozen treat!
Broadway Dairy Maid
For a taste of nostalgia and truly local flavor, Broadway Dairy Maid in Everett is a must-visit. This retro-style stand, instantly recognizable by its charming blue-and-yellow awning, has been serving up soft serve goodness since 1981. While it’s a seasonal gem, typically closing shop by the end of October, it’s worth planning a visit before they shutter for the colder months. Bostonians are known for their ice cream devotion year-round, and Broadway Dairy Maid fuels that passion with incredible flavor combinations like banana-strawberry and pistachio-coffee. Imagine indulging in a swirl of creamy perfection on a warm afternoon – that’s the Broadway Dairy Maid experience.
960 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, (617) 389-3433, facebook.com/broadwaydairymaid
A retro blue and yellow awning marks Broadway Dairy Maid, a local favorite for soft serve.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Chef Jason Santos, known for his playful and bold culinary style, brings that same energy to the soft serve at his New Orleans-inspired restaurant, Buttermilk & Bourbon. Forget boring vanilla and chocolate; here, it’s all about the “soft serve of the day.” Think whimsical and delicious creations like peanut butter and jelly, the fun and fruity Fruity Pebbles, or the carnival-esque cotton candy flavor. Buttermilk & Bourbon elevates the experience further by serving these inventive flavors in salted pretzel cones, adding a delightful salty-sweet contrast. For an even more unique twist, visit Santos’ other Boston spots, Citrus & Salt and Nash Bar, where soft serve takes a boozy turn as a base for brunch mimosas! If you’re looking for soft serve with a side of culinary adventure, Buttermilk & Bourbon is your spot.
160 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116, (617) 266-1122; 100 Arsenal Yards Blvd., Watertown, MA 02472, (857) 760-7128; buttermilkbourbon.com
A blue soft serve cone topped with Oreo crumbs and chunks at Buttermilk & Bourbon.
Celebrity Pizza
Don’t let the name fool you – Celebrity Pizza in Watertown is as famous for its soft serve as it is for its pizza! A local icon for over 30 years, this spot boasts an impressive selection of soft serve flavors that go way beyond the basics. We’re talking cheesecake, tutti frutti, egg nog, and even bubble gum! To take your treat to the next level, get your cone or cup dipped in a chocolate or cherry shell for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a classic pizza and ice cream combo or just a unique soft serve experience, Celebrity Pizza has you covered.
684 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472, (617) 924-0009, celebritypizzainc.com
Chaji Creamery
For soft serve with an Asian-inspired twist, head to Chaji Creamery in Quincy. This unique shop shines a spotlight on flavors like ube (purple yam), pandan (a fragrant plant), Thai tea, and brown sugar milk tea. You can savor these flavors individually or go for a colorful swirl of ube and pandan, or a caffeinated kick with the Thai tea and brown sugar milk tea twist. Chaji doesn’t stop at flavors; they offer a dazzling array of toppings, from popping boba to Pocky sticks, allowing you to customize your perfect dessert. If decision fatigue sets in, try one of their pre-designed sundaes – the ube sundae, for example, is a delightful combination of mochi, corn flakes, white chocolate pearls, and a condensed milk drizzle. Conveniently located near the Wollaston station on the Red Line, Chaji Creamery is easily accessible from Boston and beyond.
293 Newport Ave., Quincy, MA 02171, (617) 992-4653, chajicreamery.com
Dairy Joy
Dairy Joy in Weston is more than just a charming roadside stand; it’s a suburban institution. While their fried clams, lobster rolls, and hot dogs are certainly crowd-pleasers, the real joy (as the name suggests) is found in their soft serve. This walk-up window, complete with picnic tables, offers signature flavors like creamsicle and javaberry (a delightful mix of coffee and raspberry). And for those seeking dairy-free options, Dairy Joy has a surprisingly strong selection, ensuring everyone can find a sweet treat to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot for a classic New England summer experience, complete with delicious soft serve.
311 North Ave., Weston, MA 02493, (781) 894-2600, facebook.com/dairyjoyweston
Eventide Fenway
Eventide Fenway, the Boston outpost of the acclaimed Portland, Maine restaurant Eventide Oyster Co., might be known for its oysters, but don’t overlook their soft serve! They keep it simple with just a couple of flavors, but when one of those is brown butter drizzled with bourbon caramel and studded with maple candied pecans, less is definitely more. This isn’t just soft serve; it’s a sophisticated dessert experience. Pro-tip: pair it with their famous brown-butter lobster roll for a truly unforgettable meal. Interestingly, this brown butter soft serve sensation is exclusive to the Fenway location, making it a unique Boston treat.
1321 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 545-1060, eventideoysterco.com
Caramel drizzled brown butter soft serve at Eventide Fenway.
Far Out
Technically, Far Out in Brookline serves New Zealand-style “real fruit ice cream,” not strictly soft serve. However, if you’re chasing that light, luscious texture, Far Out delivers. They blend hard-packed ice cream with fresh fruit right before your eyes, creating a product that has the same delightful consistency as soft serve, but with an intensely fruity flavor. Choose from options like mango, pineapple, and the intriguing “kookaberry.” Far Out offers a supremely sweet and delicious experience that captures the spirit of soft serve in a uniquely fruity way.
419 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446, (617) 487-8102, farouticecream.com
Honeycomb Creamery
Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge is a beloved Boston ice cream destination, and their soft serve is definitely not an afterthought. While they offer only two rotating flavors at a time (think caramel and sweet corn), these are crafted with the same dedication and high-quality ingredients as their famous hard-packed ice cream. Honeycomb sources super-fresh dairy from Mapleline Farm in Hadley, ensuring a creamy and flavorful base for their soft serve. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, don’t miss their legendary ice cream tacos – a must-try treat (available first-come, first-served!). For a taste of artisanal soft serve made with local ingredients, Honeycomb Creamery is a top choice.
1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 714-3983, honeycombcreamery.com
Lakon Paris Patisserie
Lakon Paris Patisserie in Newton is renowned for its spectacular weekend croissants that often draw long lines. But now, they’ve added another reason to visit: a vanilla soft-serve-stuffed croissant! This decadent creation makes appearances on Saturdays and Sundays at their Newton location, so be sure to check their Instagram for the weekly schedule. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery croissant filled with creamy, cold vanilla soft serve – it’s a Parisian-inspired dream come true.
1169 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02461, (857) 297-2181, lakonparispatisserie.com
La Saison Bakery
La Saison Bakery in Cambridge is a neighborhood gem known for its exceptional croissants, chocolate cake, and sourdough bread. But keep an eye out for their soft serve – technically frozen yogurt, but just as satisfying! When available, La Saison offers unique flavors like saffron, cardamom, rosewater, chocolate, and vanilla. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can even have your soft serve served in a cake cone or a croissant! This bakery truly does it all, offering a delightful range of treats, including unique soft serve creations.
407 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 547-0009, lasaison-bakery.com
A hand holding soft serve topped with a cream puff from La Saison Bakery.
Matcha Café Maiko
Matcha lovers, rejoice! Matcha Café Maiko, a Hawaii-based chain with a Fenway location, is a tribute to Japanese flavors, especially matcha. Sourced directly from Uji, Japan, their matcha soft serve is a must-try. Alongside matcha, they also offer vanilla soft serve, and you can customize your treat with toppings like mochi, chestnuts, adzuki beans, and even gold leaf for a truly luxurious experience. If you’re seeking authentic matcha flavor in a creamy soft serve format, Matcha Café Maiko is your destination.
115 Jersey St., Fenway, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 322-5360, matchacafe-maiko.com
Matcha and vanilla soft serve with chocolate sauce from Matcha Café Maiko.
Momma’s Grocery & Wine
Momma’s Grocery & Wine, a newcomer to the North Cambridge scene in mid-2023, is more than just a local grocery store – it’s a community hub with a passion for delicious food and, yes, soft serve! With a Vermont-inspired nod, their signature flavor is maple. “Maple is like our vanilla; we will always have it,” says owner Danielle Pattavina, drawing inspiration from Vermont’s famous maple creemees. Momma’s sources milk and cream from Vermont for their soft serve, ensuring an authentic taste. You’ll typically find maple alongside chocolate or vanilla, depending on the day. And what makes their soft serve truly special? It’s high-fat (10%!), resulting in an incredibly creamy and custardy texture. For a taste of Vermont sweetness in Boston, head to Momma’s.
2304 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge, MA 02140, mommasgrocery.com
Maple and vanilla swirl soft serve at Momma's Grocery & Wine.
Pagu
Pagu in Cambridge offers a delightful way to end a meal of ramen, bao, or suckling pig: with soft serve! Their version lets you choose between matcha or maple (or a twist!), topped with caramel and candied sunflower seeds. Beyond the delicious dessert, Pagu is known for its community-focused ethos, so you can feel good about supporting a restaurant that gives back. Enjoy a flavorful and creamy soft serve while supporting a great local business at Pagu.
310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, gopagu.com
PlantPub
PlantPub in Kendall Square is a haven for vegan comfort food, from pizza to “chicken” sandwiches, and of course, dessert! Their entirely vegan soft serve, made with an oat milk base, comes in vanilla, chocolate, or a swirl. Customize it with rainbow sprinkles or Oreos, or turn it into a classic root beer float. PlantPub proves that vegan soft serve can be just as creamy and satisfying as traditional versions. For a delicious and plant-based sweet treat, PlantPub is a must-try.
675 West Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142, (617) 714-5452, plantpub.com
Vanilla vegan soft serve at PlantPub.
Taiyaki NYC
Taiyaki NYC, originating in New York, brings a fun and unique soft serve experience to Boston. Their signature is the taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cone made of waffle-like batter. These adorable fish are filled with soft serve flavors like chocolate, matcha, and strawberry-mango, and topped with eye-catching extras like unicorn sprinkles, whole cookies, and rainbow mochi. With two Boston locations – one in the Seaport and one in Harvard Square (combined with Dough Club mochi doughnuts) – Taiyaki NYC offers a visually stunning and delicious soft serve adventure.
119 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston, MA 02210, (617) 531-3514; 6 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138, taiyakinyc.com
Colorful soft serve in fish-shaped cones from Taiyaki NYC.
Tenderoni’s
Tenderoni’s in Fenway is all about “big disco energy,” giant pizzas, and fun times. Restaurateur Tiffani Faison has created a spot where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere and top it off with fantastic soft serve sundaes. Options include the Malibu Barbie, featuring vanilla soft serve, coconut cream, brown sugar rum pineapple, and pink sprinkles, and the Whatchamacallit, with chocolate soft serve, peanut butter caramel sauce, chocolate fudge, and caramel peanut butter rice crispies. Tenderoni’s offers over-the-top, indulgent sundaes perfect for sharing (or not!).
1363 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 425-6262, tenderonis.com
Vinal General Store
Vinal General Store in Somerville is a modern take on a classic general store, and their soft serve is a standout. Sibling to the popular Vinal Bakery, this spot offers excellent versions of classic flavor swirls like black raspberry and vanilla. But they elevate their soft serve by incorporating New England-made products from their shelves. Imagine your ice cream topped with crumbled maple potato chips from Vintage Maine Kitchen, or served as a float with Worcester-made Polar soda. Vinal General Store offers a uniquely local and delicious soft serve experience.
220 Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143, (617) 718-0568, vinalgeneralstore.com
Your Boston Soft Serve Adventure Awaits
From classic cones to innovative creations and vegan delights, Greater Boston’s soft serve scene is bursting with flavor and fun. No matter where you are in the city, the best soft serve near me is closer than you think! So, get out there, explore these fantastic spots, and treat yourself to the creamy, dreamy goodness of Boston’s best soft serve. Your perfect summer (or any season!) dessert is waiting to be discovered.
