Ample Hills gained NYC infamy last year when it opened in June and closed just four days later because they had run out of their initial 130 gallons of ice cream.

I live two blocks away from Vanderbilt Avenue where this roomy shop is located, an area that is fast becoming Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue with the array of fancy restaurants and artisanal offerings.

Make no mistake about my use of “artisanal,” a term that has become synonymous with overpriced specialties you can really make at home. Ample Hills is GOOD. Not only are they the only ice cream shop in NYC that makes its ice cream from start to finish in the premises, they also come up with the most creative flavor combinations and names like beer and pretzels, baked and unbaked cookie dough, banana + pb + bacon (“Elvis’ Favorite” – and mine), Black Cow Float, Bananamon, and more.

I’ve had the Banana Hammock, Vanilla Malted, and Elvis’ Favorite – and loved them all – but not as much as I loved their store bestseller, Salted Crack Caramel – salted butter caramel ice cream with pieces of Deb’s famous crack cookies (saltines, butter, sugar, chocolate). It has a salty bitterness about it that is just my cup of tea. I don’t go crazy for dessert and I enjoy just a hint of sweetness. This one takes the cake. I’ll empty my pockets for another. And another.

Ample Hills

(347) 240-3926