Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream

For residents and visitors in the greater New York region, the search for a perfect scoop of ice cream often leads to a desire for something more than just a cold treat. It's about finding a place with a history, a community feel, and, most importantly, a dedication to quality. In the Kenmore area, a name that resonates with many is Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream. With a legacy spanning over half a century, this family-owned establishment has become a true local institution, serving up premium, homemade frozen delights that have stood the test of time. This guide is designed to provide New Yorkers with a comprehensive look at what makes this specific ice cream shop a treasured part of the community, from its rich history to its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time patron or a newcomer looking for your next sweet adventure, Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream offers a taste of local tradition and a commitment to deliciousness that’s hard to beat.

The story of Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream is deeply rooted in local history and a passion for dairy products. The business began in 1961 when Henry Charlap, along with his father and other family members, purchased a local dairy in North Boston, New York. They started by producing fresh dairy products using locally sourced milk, and soon, their creamy and rich ice cream gained a reputation for excellence. Over the years, the business grew, and the family’s commitment to quality remained the core of their operation. After a brief period where the business was sold and the recipes changed, the Charlap family took back control, moving down the street and beginning to produce their own ice cream once again. This renewed focus on homemade quality brought back a loyal following and solidified the brand's place in the hearts of many. Today, the tradition continues, with the business specializing in premium hard ice cream and offering a wide array of flavors and treats that are a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship. This long-standing commitment to making their own product, as opposed to simply selling store-bought brands, is a defining feature of Nick Charlap’s and is what many locals believe sets it apart from the competition. It's a business built on a foundation of family, quality, and a deep understanding of what makes a truly great scoop of ice cream.

For those in the New York region, and specifically in the Buffalo area, finding a convenient and welcoming spot for a sweet treat is key. The Kenmore location of Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream is perfectly situated to serve residents of the village and surrounding neighborhoods. Located at 2800 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217, the shop is a familiar landmark for many and easily accessible by car. The address places it within a vibrant community, making it a great stop during an afternoon outing or a post-dinner dessert run. With its presence on Elmwood Avenue, the shop is on a well-trafficked and easily navigable street, simplifying the journey for those coming from different parts of the region. Ample parking is often a concern for any local business, but this location is noted for having a free parking lot, which adds to the convenience and overall pleasant experience for customers. This ease of access ensures that a trip for ice cream can be a spontaneous and hassle-free decision, whether you’re driving with the family or making a quick stop on your own. It's a location that feels integral to the community, making it a natural gathering spot for people looking to enjoy a classic treat. The hours of operation for this location are generally from noon to 10:00 p.m. every day of the week, offering a generous window of opportunity for people to get their ice cream fix throughout the day and into the evening.

The menu at Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream is a key part of its appeal, offering a wide range of options to satisfy every craving. Their focus on homemade hard ice cream is evident in the variety of flavors they produce, many of which are unique to their business. While some flavors might be available elsewhere, many are special creations that reflect the shop’s history and creative spirit. Their offerings extend far beyond simple scoops, encompassing a full spectrum of classic and creative ice cream-based desserts. This diverse selection ensures that whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurer, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

• Hard Ice Cream: The star of the show is their premium homemade hard ice cream, with a wide array of flavors that include classics like Vanilla and Chocolate, along with more unique options such as Pumpkin Pie (seasonal), Peppermint Stick (seasonal), Black Raspberry, and Butter Pecan. They also feature popular concoctions like Moose Tracks and Birthday Cake.
• Soft Serve: For those who prefer a creamier, lighter texture, Nick Charlap’s offers vanilla, chocolate, and a classic twist soft serve, perfect for cones or sundaes.
• Sundaes: Their sundaes are a signature part of the menu. Traditionalists can enjoy a Hot Fudge or Strawberry Sundae, while locals might opt for the popular Buffalo Sponge Candy Sundae, which incorporates locally made sponge candy pieces, or the Canalside Craze with caramel and chocolate-covered pretzels.
• Flurries: For a blended treat, they offer flurries with mix-ins like Oreo, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, and M&Ms.
• Floats & Sodas: The classic Root Beer Float is a highlight, along with other refreshing options like Orange Float and Boston Cooler.
• Novelties: The shop also provides a variety of hand-held treats, including ice cream sandwiches, chocolate-dipped waffle cones, and frozen chocolate-covered bananas, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
• Other Items: While the focus is on ice cream, they also have other food items, though some customer reviews have noted potential inconsistencies in quality and preparation on those items.

Beyond the delicious menu, there are several features and highlights that make Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream stand out as a top choice for a sweet outing in the Kenmore area. These attributes are what contribute to its reputation as a beloved local spot and a cornerstone of the community.

• Homemade Quality: A primary highlight is the fact that the ice cream is homemade. Nick Charlap’s commitment to producing its own ice cream in smaller batches allows for better quality control and a richer, creamier product that many customers rave about.
• Family-Owned Legacy: The business has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years. This long-standing tradition is a significant draw for customers who appreciate supporting local, multi-generational businesses.
• Variety of Flavors: With over 40 flavors of hard ice cream, there is always something new to try. The menu includes both time-honored favorites and unique, creative flavors that keep people coming back for more.
• Community Involvement: Nick Charlap’s has a strong presence in the Western New York community, with a long history of participating in local events like the Erie County Fair and the Taste of Buffalo, further cementing its status as a local favorite.
• Accessibility: The Kenmore location offers a wheelchair-accessible car park and is noted for its ease of access and free parking, which makes it a convenient and welcoming destination for a wide range of customers.
• Customer Loyalty: Despite occasional feedback regarding service or other menu items, the core product—the ice cream—is highly praised, with many customers expressing fierce loyalty and a preference for Nick Charlap’s over other local options.

For those looking to visit or get in touch, here is the essential contact information for the Kenmore location:

Address: 2800 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217, USA

Phone: (716) 312-0592

Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream is more than just a place to get dessert; it's a part of the fabric of the New York community, particularly in the Buffalo and Kenmore regions. For locals, this establishment offers a sense of nostalgia and a reliable source of high-quality, homemade treats that have been enjoyed for generations. Its long history, commitment to using its own recipes, and the wide variety of products on offer make it a suitable destination for any occasion, whether it’s a quick solo cone or a family outing. The positive reviews and strong customer loyalty for the ice cream itself are a testament to the quality and care that goes into every scoop. The convenience of its location and the welcoming atmosphere add to its appeal, making it a place where memories are made over a shared love of ice cream. When you choose to visit Nick Charlap's, you're not just buying a dessert; you're supporting a local legacy and becoming a part of a tradition that has delighted Western New Yorkers for more than 50 years.

Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream

2800 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217, USA