NYC’s most hyped scoop, on Irving Place
Caffè Panna is the Gramercy ice cream shop that has drawn lines around the block for years, founded by Hallie Meyer, who grew up in the neighborhood and happens to be Danny Meyer’s daughter. Everything is spun fresh in-house daily, using cream imported from Piemonte and fruit from the nearby Union Square Greenmarket. The flavors rotate constantly, and the shop posts the day’s lineup to its very active Instagram.
It is best known for maximalist, over-the-top affogato sundaes, one of which New York Magazine named the best new dessert of 2019. Expect house-made scoops, pints, affogatos, and regular sundaes with free toppings, served from a small corner counter with essentially no seating. It is an indulgent, joyful spot built around one very good thing done extremely well.
What to Expect
There is no happy hour, and no regular alcohol service either. Caffè Panna is a pickup-only ice cream counter, so plan on scoops, sundaes, and espresso drinks rather than discounted cocktails. The shop does occasionally run adults-only ‘Bar Panna’ pop-up events with boozy affogatos like an amaro-spiked corretto, but those are special events, not a standing menu or a happy hour.
The Room
This is a small, order-and-go corner counter with little to no seating, so most people eat standing on the sidewalk or walk with their cup. Lines can stretch to around 45 minutes in peak evening hours and warm weather. The vibe is playful and buzzy rather than a place to sit and linger.
Who Caffè Panna Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dessert after dinner | An easy, delicious walk-over for a scoop or sundae once you have eaten nearby. |
| A warm-weather treat | Peak-season ice cream worth the line on a hot Gramercy evening. |
| Instagram-worthy sundae | Maximalist affogato sundaes built to be photographed before the first bite. |
| Kid-friendly outing | A simple, welcoming ice cream stop with free toppings and no reservations needed. |