16 Handles Introduce
For New Yorkers with a penchant for personalized treats and a love for all things sweet, 16 Handles has long been a beloved institution. Among its various locations across the city, the Chelsea outpost at 178 8th Ave stands out as a prime destination for an unparalleled frozen yogurt experience. This isn't just an ice cream shop; it's a creative culinary playground where you are the artist, crafting your perfect dessert from a vibrant palette of flavors and an extensive array of toppings. The concept of 16 Handles revolves around giving customers complete control, ensuring every visit is a unique and satisfying adventure.
Since its inception, 16 Handles has carved out a significant niche in New York's competitive dessert scene by prioritizing quality, variety, and a fun, interactive customer experience. The Chelsea location embodies this philosophy perfectly, offering a clean, inviting, and efficient environment where the focus is firmly on delicious, customizable frozen yogurt. It's a spot that caters to every craving, whether you're looking for a guilt-free indulgence, a rich and decadent treat, or something entirely new and adventurous. The consistent positive feedback from customers underscores its success in delivering on its promise of a great frozen yogurt experience.
Beyond the impressive selection, what truly sets 16 Handles apart is its commitment to creating a memorable experience. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the freedom to experiment with countless combinations, makes it a popular choice for all ages. It’s a place where friends gather, families enjoy a sweet outing, and individuals can simply unwind with their perfect creation. For anyone in New York looking for a refreshing, customizable, and consistently high-quality dessert option, 16 Handles in Chelsea is undoubtedly a top contender.
---Accessibility to 178 8th Ave is excellent, leveraging New York City's extensive public transportation network. The shop is just a short walk from several subway stations, including the A, C, E, and L trains at the 14th Street / 8th Avenue station, and the 1, 2, 3 trains at the 14th Street station. Numerous bus routes also traverse 8th Avenue and surrounding streets, providing convenient access from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. This robust connectivity ensures that whether you're coming from downtown, uptown, or the outer boroughs, reaching 16 Handles Chelsea is straightforward.
The pedestrian-friendly nature of Chelsea further enhances its accessibility. It's a perfect spot to drop in for a treat while running errands, after a visit to the High Line, or following a meal at one of Chelsea's many acclaimed restaurants. While street parking can be challenging in Manhattan, the ease of public transport makes it the preferred mode for most visitors. The shop's prominent location on 8th Avenue ensures high visibility and easy navigation, making it a natural and inviting stop for anyone in the area seeking a refreshing dessert.
---Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt: 16 Handles operates on a self-serve model, empowering customers to dispense their preferred frozen yogurt flavors directly from the machines. This allows for complete control over portion size and flavor combinations.
Multiple Flavor Options: The name "16 Handles" itself implies a wide variety, typically offering at least 16 different frozen yogurt flavors at any given time. These flavors often rotate, ensuring fresh options and seasonal favorites. Reviews specifically mention delicious options like "Dubai Chocolate."
Extensive Topping Bar: A major highlight is the "amazing topping selections!" Customers can choose from a vast array of toppings, including fresh fruits, candies, chocolates, nuts, sauces, sprinkles, and more. This allows for endless customization and unique dessert creations.
"Make Your Own Creations" Concept: The core of the 16 Handles experience is the ability for customers to fully customize their dessert. From mixing different yogurt flavors to piling on a personalized combination of toppings, every cup is a unique masterpiece.
Weight-Based Pricing: As is common with self-serve frozen yogurt shops, 16 Handles charges by weight. This transparent pricing model means you pay for exactly how much you dispense and top, giving you control over the final cost.
Consistently Working Machines: A valuable service noted by a customer is that the "machines are always working!" This reliability ensures a smooth and frustration-free experience, allowing customers to easily access their desired flavors.
Friendly and Efficient Service Team: While self-serve, the "amazing service team" mentioned in reviews highlights the staff's dedication to providing a positive customer experience, assisting where needed and maintaining the shop.
Unparalleled Customization: The defining feature of 16 Handles is the extreme level of customization offered. With numerous frozen yogurt flavors and an "amazing" and "insane" variety of toppings, customers can truly create a unique dessert tailored to their exact preferences, ensuring no two visits are quite the same.
High-Quality Frozen Yogurt: Reviews consistently praise the quality of the frozen yogurt itself. The mention of "Dubai Chocolate" being "delicious!" indicates a focus on rich, satisfying flavors that stand out. This commitment to taste is a major draw for dessert enthusiasts.
Reliable Equipment: A practical yet crucial highlight is the consistent functionality of the dispensing machines. The feedback that "Machines are always working!" ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience, which is vital in a self-serve environment.
Engaging and Interactive Experience: The self-serve model transforms dessert selection into an interactive and fun activity. It's not just about eating; it's about the joy of building your own creation, making it particularly appealing for families and groups.
Customer-Centric Pricing Model: The weight-based pricing offers transparency and allows customers to control their spending, which is a valued feature for those conscious of price, as noted by the comment "It may be a bit pricey for some but maybe worth it for some just grabbing desserts."
Strategic Midtown West Location: Positioned in bustling Chelsea, the shop benefits from high foot traffic and excellent public transportation access, making it a convenient stop for a wide demographic of New Yorkers.
Community Favorites and Seasonal Rotations: While specific rotating flavors aren't detailed, the brand's reputation suggests a dynamic menu with seasonal offerings and a willingness to bring back popular requests (like the wistful mention of "cinnamon streusel topping"), fostering a loyal customer base.
Phone: (212) 627-2808
Mobile Phone: +1 212-627-2808
---The shop's self-serve model and extensive array of flavors and "amazing topping selections" truly resonate with the New York spirit of individuality and choice. Locals appreciate the ability to tailor their dessert precisely to their liking, whether they're craving a healthier, fruit-laden option or a decadent, chocolate-filled indulgence. This level of customization ensures that every visit can be a fresh and exciting experience, preventing palate fatigue and encouraging repeat business. The consistently high quality of the frozen yogurt, as highlighted by satisfied customers, further cements its status as a reliable and delicious option.
Moreover, the transparent, weight-based pricing allows New Yorkers to control their spending while still enjoying a premium product. The consistently working machines and the "amazing service team" contribute to a smooth and pleasant customer journey, a small but significant detail that enhances the overall experience in a city where efficiency is often appreciated. Beyond just dessert, 16 Handles Chelsea provides a bright, clean, and engaging environment perfect for a casual meetup with friends, a family outing, or simply a moment of personal indulgence. By offering a customizable, high-quality, and convenient dessert option, 16 Handles truly serves the local community's desires and remains a top choice for frozen yogurt enthusiasts across New York.
16 Handles Food & drink
Soft Serve
- Arriba Coffee Frozen Yogurt
Rich, dark roast coffee frozen yogurt made with 100% Arabica coffee beans
- Birthday Cake Frozen Yogurt
Our fro-yo take on a classic cake batter ice cream
- Chocolicious Frozen Yogurt
Classic and creamy chocolate frozen yogurt made with real cocoa
- Classic Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
Classic vanilla soft serve fro-yo
- Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
Delicious, silky sweet cream folded full with real OREO® cookies makes what might be our most delicious ice cream yet
- Cotton Candy Frozen Yogurt
This carnival favorite has a sweet, airy taste that will make your inner child scream with glee
- Go Bananas Frozen Yogurt
Our nonfat banana frozen yogurt takes you to the tropics with every sweet and smooth spoonful
- Graham Cracker Frozen Yogurt
Enjoy our sweet, cinnamon packed graham cracker frozen yogurt. A fan-favorite with real graham cracker pieces swirled in
- Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt
Who doesn't love the refreshing combination of mint and real chocolate? Our mint chip flavor is all natural and ultra-flavorful
- Oat Milk Chocolate Soft Serve (V)
Chocolate lovers, prepare to be delighted. This creamy chocolate Oat Milk soft serve has all of the decadence but none of the dairy. Indulgence awaits—you just have to order it!
- Oat Milk Vanilla Soft Serve (V)
Our flavorologist wanted to make a oat milk vanilla that was so good you wouldn’t even know it's not dairy. This bold new vanilla is creamy and delicious, and sure to satisfy your dessert craving!
- Original Tart Frozen Yogurt
Tart and fresh fro-yo with a classic yogurt taste that balances tart and sweet flavors
- Shirley Temple Sorbet
A bubbly twist on a classic! Our Shirley Temple Sorbet blends sweet cherry and zesty lime into a light, refreshing artisan sorbet-- perfect for a nostalgic sip-in-spoon treat.
- Vanilla Pineapple Ice Cream
Inspired by SpongeBob and his pineapple under the sea, this swirl is nauti-cally delicious with a creamy vanilla base and a splash of pineapple that’ll have your taste buds saying, “I’m ready!” Warning: may cause spontaneous jellyfishing.
- Zero Sugar Added Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt
The world's favorite fruity combo, made with no added sugar
Milkshakes
- Chocolate Milkshake $8.95
Made with Ghirardelli chocolate sauce
- Cookies & Cream Milkshake $8.95
Made with crushed Oreos
- Strawberry Milkshake $8.95
Made with fresh strawberries
- Vanilla Milkshake $8.95
Made with premium vanilla syrup
Edible Cookie Dough by DO
- Brookie Dough $12.99
Signature chocolate chip + brownie batter, swirled together. 8 oz. container. Made by DO, Cookie Dough Confections.
- Cake Batter Cookie Dough $12.99
Cake batter, white chocolate and milk chocolate chips with sprinkles. 8 oz. container. Made by DO, Cookie Dough Confections.
- Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough $12.99
Signature chocolate chip cookie dough. 8 oz. container. Made by DO, Cookie Dough Confections.
- Sugar Cookie Dough $12.99
Sugar cookie dough topped with sugar sprinkles. 8 oz. container. Made by DO, Cookie Dough Confections.
- Vegan Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (V) $12.99
Signature chocolate chip cookie dough made in vegan recipe (contains coconut). 8 oz. container. Made by DO, Cookie Dough Confections.
Bottled Beverages
- Can Of Coke $1.95
Can of Coke
- Can Of Diet Coke $1.95
Can of Diet Coke
- Large Water Bottle (1L) $3.00
- Water Bottle (16.9 Oz) $2.00
Please note: brand my vary by location
16 Handles Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- In-store shopping
- Onsite services
- Takeout
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Table service
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
16 Handles Photos










16 Handles Location
16 Handles Reviews
frozen yogurtflavorstoppingschoicesmachinesveganfruitweightself servetart
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great Frozen yogurt shop for customizing how you prefer your yogurt. Many flavors to choose from and you can make your own creations. I got the Dubai Chocolate and it's delicious! It may be a bit pricey for some but maybe worth it for some just grabbing desserts.
May 26 · John LAmazing service team and amazing topping selections! Machines are always working! Wish the would bring back cinnamon streusel topping!
January 05 · Matthew “Matty”Good variety of flavors (ice cream, froyo, sorbet, and oatmilk froyo), and love that all the nutrition information is displayed for each flavor. Good choice of toppings (brownies, cookies, fruit, etc.). The workers were also polite and kept the toppings counters clean every second they had.
June 02 · Celena ChangConvenient location to get something cool on a hot day. I feel the product here is not very creamy or tasty, it's mostly just cold. What I can say is they have a lot of flavors, they had 4 vegan ice cream options, and they have a lot of interesting toppings. But the sundae lacks any creaminess or flavor, and the atmosphere of this outlet is basic. Friendly staff.
June 25 · John aCame here to try the KETO brownie soft serve ice cream. It taste like dark chocolate with a little bit of an aftertaste. No nut-only toppings. I don’t think I’ll be coming here for this specific ice cream.
February 04 · Heba
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