We all scream for Gracie’s Ice Cream

Published June 2024

Is there anything better than ice cream in the heat of the summer? Opening in November of 2014, Gracie’s Ice Cream has become the Square’s go-to spot for frozen treats. We sat down with Aaron Cohen to learn more about what makes their ice cream unique. 

What inspired you to start a business? 

I lived in Union Square for several years and we needed an ice cream shop. As the neighborhood support has increased, it's become more important to be Union Square's ice cream shop.

We make ice cream I'd like to eat, which means tasty flavors usually with lots of mix-ins. Cookies, candies, whatever. It's excellent being Union Square's ice cream store.

What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?

I like using our window on a busy corner to support our ethos of being a welcoming space.

What’s the single most important reason for your success?

Neighborhood support and staff! 

How do you #LoveUnionSquare?

I live here! Gracie’s Ice Cream strives to make our neighborhood stronger and safer by providing a comfortable and welcoming environment to every member of our community. Our shop is better and more fun when it makes the neighborhood better and more fun. 

Anything else we should know?

We make our ice cream right in our shop—about five feet away from where it's served—in tiny, tiny batches. When possible, we make our own ingredients in house, but we also use a lot of cookies, candy, and potato chips.

If you haven't tried a Fluff Cone, you should. It's toasted Marshmallow Fluff on a sugar cone with ice cream on top.

Gracie’s Ice Cream is open Sunday-Friday 2-9pm and Saturdays 1-9pm. Check out their website for more information and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.