16 Handles

- 325 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

Located in the bustling and vibrant neighborhood of the Upper West Side, 16 Handles stands as a beloved destination for anyone craving a customizable sweet treat. This isn't your average ice cream shop; it's a frozen yogurt and ice cream haven where you are the master of your own dessert creation. As New York City's first self-serve frozen dessert shop, 16 Handles pioneered a unique and engaging experience that allows you to choose from a wide array of rotating flavors and an endless bar of toppings. It's a place that has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened, drawing in a diverse crowd with its mission to create moments of happiness through great-tasting desserts and snacks. Whether you're a local resident, a student, or a tourist exploring the area, 16 Handles offers a fun, flavorful, and a quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The experience at 16 Handles is centered on variety and personalization. The "16" in its name refers to the rotating selection of soft serve flavors, ensuring there is always something new to try. From classic frozen yogurts like Original Tart and Classic Vanilla to innovative flavors like Birthday Cake and Arriba Coffee, the options seem endless. The shop also prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity, offering a great selection of vegan options, including Oat Milk Chocolate Soft Serve and Pomegranate Raspberry Sorbet, which are praised by customers with dietary restrictions. One reviewer who is both celiac and lactose intolerant shared their appreciation for the "good options" available, noting that the oat-milk based yogurt is "very good." This focus on catering to various needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, makes it a reliable choice for all dessert lovers.

Beyond the frozen treats, 16 Handles has expanded its menu to include other delightful desserts, such as edible cookie dough from DO. With flavors like Signature Chocolate Chip and Gimme S'more, these are a popular choice for those looking for a different kind of sweet indulgence. The shop also offers classic milkshakes and a selection of bottled beverages to complement your dessert. This wide variety of offerings, from a simple cup of yogurt to a more decadent concoction, ensures that there is always something to tempt you. The self-serve model is not just a service; it's an experience, allowing you to control every aspect of your dessert, from the size of your portion to the mix of flavors and toppings.

16 Handles is perfectly situated at 325 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. Its location on the Upper West Side makes it a convenient and popular stop for anyone in the area. The shop is easily accessible via public transportation, with the nearest subway stations being the 1, 2, and 3 lines at 72nd Street and Broadway. It’s also just a short walk from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, making it an ideal place to stop for a refreshing treat after a day of sightseeing or enjoying the outdoors. For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available, though it is a busy neighborhood and finding a spot can be challenging. The shop also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all members of the community to visit.

The accessibility of the location is one of its biggest advantages. It's nestled in a vibrant commercial and residential hub, with constant foot traffic from locals and tourists. This makes it a great place for a quick visit, whether you're grabbing a cup to go or enjoying it while you walk down Amsterdam Avenue. The shop's integration into the neighborhood makes it more than just a place to get dessert; it's a part of the daily routine for many. It's the perfect spot for a post-dinner treat, a midday snack, or a fun outing with friends.

16 Handles offers a variety of service options to fit the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers and the flexible needs of customers.

• In-Store Shopping: The core of the 16 Handles experience is self-service, allowing customers to create their own frozen yogurt or ice cream masterpiece.

• Takeout and In-Store Pickup: For a quick and easy visit, customers can grab a cup or cone and enjoy their treat on the go. The in-store pickup option allows for a seamless, pre-ordered experience.

• Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: Recognizing the importance of convenience, 16 Handles offers delivery services. Through various platforms, you can have your favorite frozen yogurt, ice cream, or cookie dough delivered right to your door, with the option for no-contact delivery for added safety.

• Quick Visit: The nature of the self-serve model and the easy payment options (credit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments) make it an ideal spot for a quick visit, perfect for a fast treat.

The wide range of service options ensures that no matter how you prefer to enjoy your dessert, 16 Handles has you covered.

Several key features and highlights set 16 Handles apart from other dessert shops in the city.

• Vast Flavor and Topping Selection: The main draw is the "16 handles" of rotating soft serve flavors, which include everything from traditional frozen yogurt to decadent ice cream and healthy, vegan options. The endless toppings bar, filled with everything from fresh fruit to candy and sauces, allows for endless customization.

• Dietary Inclusivity: The shop is a great destination for those with specific dietary needs. The availability of vegan soft serve (Oat Milk Chocolate, Oat Milk Vanilla) and sorbets, as well as gluten-free options and a zero-sugar-added frozen yogurt, shows a strong commitment to serving all customers.

• Edible Cookie Dough: The inclusion of edible cookie dough from DO is a unique and popular highlight. It offers a new layer of dessert options, appealing to those who enjoy a different kind of sweet treat.

• Self-Serve Experience: The self-serve model is a fun and interactive feature, putting the creative control in the hands of the customer. This interactive process is a big part of the appeal and makes every visit a unique experience.

• Convenient Location: Its prime spot on Amsterdam Avenue makes it an easy stop for a spontaneous treat while shopping, dining, or sightseeing on the Upper West Side.

These features, combined with the flexible service options, make 16 Handles a go-to spot for dessert on the Upper West Side.

For all inquiries and to place an order, here is the essential contact information for 16 Handles:

Address: 325 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (646) 861-1281

The mobile number is the same as the main phone number. For the most current list of flavors and toppings, it is often best to check their website or social media channels.

So, with many dessert options in New York, what is it about 16 Handles that makes it truly worth choosing? The answer lies in its perfect combination of customization, variety, and convenience. It’s a place that empowers you to be your own dessert artist, creating a treat that is exactly what you want, every single time. The vast selection of rotating flavors ensures that you can visit regularly and always find something new to try, from classic favorites to new and exciting options. The focus on dietary-friendly choices, including excellent vegan and gluten-free options, makes it a welcoming spot for everyone. This is not just a place for frozen yogurt; it's a destination for edible cookie dough, milkshakes, and an array of toppings. The self-serve model is a fun, interactive experience that sets it apart from traditional ice cream shops. Whether you need a quick, delicious treat on a hot summer day or a special dessert for a night in, 16 Handles provides a reliable and enjoyable experience that has made it a beloved fixture on the Upper West Side.

16 Handles

325 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA