Frozen Yogurt Shops in NYC That Are Actually Worth the Hype

With the weather warming back up and the trees bringing back their bloom in New York City, it was only a matter of time until New Yorkers flocked to get some frozen dessert. But, this spring and summer, the sweet treat of choice is coming straight from the now-forgotten 2010s. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, froyo is back.

Made from cultured milk, the frozen dessert first rose to popularity in the 1980s, famously served at Bloomingdale’s and offered as a healthy alternative to other sweet indulgences. Then, in the 2010s, the probiotic-rich treat came back, popularizing its signature tartness and a rainbow of toppings. But despite its cult following, the dessert slowly disappeared into the ether at the end of the decade. And yet, in New York, it’s quietly coming back, with customers lining the streets for hour-long waits just to get the tart treat and a great Instagram shot.

Here’s how (and where) to get yours.

Myka

The newest addition to the NYC froyo scene, Myka arrived in late April to the West Village, with lines circling the block from day one. The Madrid-born froyo brand, founded by a Mexican woman, has more than 100 locations around the world, with plans to open more locations in the city this year.

Made with Greek yogurt and goat milk kefir, Myka distinguishes itself rfor its probiotic properties and creative toppings like berries, pistachios, and baklava.

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Address: 159 7th Ave S

Hours: Monday to Tuesday— 12–11 PM;Thursday — 4 PM–12 AM; Friday—11 AM–12 AM;

Mimi’s

Founded by two Aussies, Mimi’s brings the laid-back culture of its founders while offering a tart frozen treat. The Soho spot shines for its healthy toppings like real fruit purees and fruit sourced from the same suppliers as Michelin-star restaurants.

Mimi’s is transparent about where its flavors come from: its raspberry is sourced from Oregon, while its mango is grown in India. The ceremonial grade matcha arrives from Japan, and is a collaboration with its neighboring coffee spot Blank Street Coffee. The vanilla flavor is made using real beans, while chocolate is sourced from Guittard.

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Address: 231 Lafayette St, New York

Hours: Monday to Thursday—12-10 PM; Friday-Sunday—12-9:45 PM

Culture

Founded by a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, Culture defines itself in two ways: the manifestation of art and human intellect, as well as the conditions suitable for growth.

The boutique shop creates its own yogurt in-house, made with live probiotic cultures and Hudson Valley Fresh Milk and Organic Valley Milk. Toppings vary by season although passersby may spot anything from the finest fresh fruit to baked goods by the owner.

In addition to the classic soft-serve froyo offerings, Culture also offers take-home options, like key lime, Vermont maple, and honey yogurt cups.

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Address: 60 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 AM–11 PM

Birdie’s

Birdie’s wants to bring back the time when grabbing froyo with friends was a plan in itself. With dozens of groups gathered around the shop daily while sharing the dessert, it might have succeeded.

Offering six flavors—vanilla, chocolate, tart, peanut butter, coffee, and vegan chocolate—this froyo option stands out for its offering of fun toppings like gummy bears, mochi bites, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Visiting Birdie’s is like a trip on a time machine back when grabbing a cold treat was the whole plan.

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Address: 152 7th Avenue South, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Monday—Closed; Tuesday–Thursday—2–9/10 PM; Friday–Saturday—12–11 PM

Madison Fare

Simpleness can be a strong suit, as is Madison Fare’s limited menu—featuring just one flavor: plain tart.

The toppings offer a more mature take than some of its competitors, with offerings like honey, jam, amaretto cherries, toasted coconut, and even pistachio cream. For those uptown, the shop has an Upper East Side location that also offers coffee and other treats, while its downtown location is just a few steps off Washington Square Park. Both locations, however, offer prime people-watching and a park to enjoy the frozen treat.