Ice cream is basically a food group at the Jersey Shore. Ocean City takes its frozen treats seriously—you can probably find ice cream within a 5-minute walk from anywhere on the island. Here is where to get the best ice cream in Ocean City NJ.
The Boardwalk Classics
Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard
Locations: Multiple spots on the boardwalk
This is the taste of OCNJ summer. Kohr Brothers has been serving frozen custard since 1919, and their orange-and-vanilla swirl in a cone is iconic.
What to get: The orange-vanilla twist. It is richer than soft serve (it is custard, made with egg yolks), and the orange flavor is uniquely Kohr Brothers.
Pro tip: Try their chocolate dipped versions or get it in a waffle cone for the full experience.
Dairy Queen
Location: Boardwalk
You know what you are getting. Blizzards, dipped cones, the usual DQ lineup. It is reliable and familiar—sometimes that is exactly what you want.
Sundae Best
Multiple flavors, sundae toppings, and creative options. Good for groups who want different things.
Off-Boardwalk Ice Cream
Brown Dog Creamery
The local favorite for craft ice cream:
- Homemade ice cream on site
- Creative seasonal flavors
- Higher quality than boardwalk spots
- Also does coffee
Best for: When you want actual good ice cream, not just something cold and sweet.
Hula Bowl
For the health-ish option:
- Acai bowls and smoothie bowls
- Frozen yogurt
- Feel slightly less guilty
Frozen Treat Variations
Water Ice (Italian Ice)
Jersey Shore water ice is different from Italian ice elsewhere. Lighter, icier, incredibly refreshing on hot days. Look for stands selling lemon, cherry, and rainbow.
Custard vs Ice Cream vs Soft Serve
Know your frozen treats:
- Frozen custard: Made with egg yolks, richer and denser (Kohr Brothers)
- Soft serve: Light and airy, lower fat
- Hard ice cream: Scooped, traditional style
- Water ice: Dairy-free, fruit flavored ice
Ice Cream Strategy
Timing
- Post-dinner: Classic time for a boardwalk cone
- Beach break: Mid-afternoon treat
- Morning: No judgment here. It is vacation.
Lines
Popular spots get long lines at peak times (7-9pm). Either wait (it moves fast) or go earlier or later.
Portion Sizes
Boardwalk portions are often huge. A small or kids size is often plenty. Or split with someone.
Ice Cream Tour
Turn ice cream into an activity:
- Start with Kohr Brothers orange-vanilla twist
- Walk the boardwalk to digest
- Hit Brown Dog for a craft scoop
- Maybe water ice as a palate cleanser
- Finish with Johnson Popcorn (caramel corn, not ice cream, but still essential)
Spread it over a few days unless you really commit to the ice cream lifestyle.
The Verdict
Kohr Brothers is the essential OCNJ experience—you have to get that orange-vanilla twist at least once. Brown Dog is best for actual craft ice cream quality. Everything else fills in the gaps. Budget for ice cream daily; it is what you do at the Shore.
More boardwalk eating in our boardwalk food guide.