Sea Cliff Shave Ice

- 247 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579

Welcome to Long Island's North Shore, home to picturesque views, a distinctly charming and quirky village vibe, and a delightful frozen treat experience. In the heart of Sea Cliff, NY, residents and visitors alike are discovering a taste of the tropics at Sea Cliff Shave Ice. This local gem is more than just an ice cream shop; it is a dedicated dessert destination specializing in authentic Hawaiian-style shave ice, a sweet departure from your typical Long Island dessert fare.

Located in the eclectic and walkable village of Sea Cliff—known for its colorful Victorian homes and friendly, tight-knit community—Sea Cliff Shave Ice brings the unique, snow-like texture and vibrant flavors of the Aloha State right to Nassau County. Hawaiian shave ice is famously distinct from the crunchy ice of a traditional snow cone. At Sea Cliff Shave Ice, the ice is meticulously shaved from a block into a remarkably fine, velvety consistency that melts instantly in your mouth and perfectly absorbs the flavorful syrups, ensuring a delicious experience all the way through. This commitment to authenticity provides a refreshingly light and deeply satisfying treat, making it a must-try for New Yorkers craving a unique dessert experience. The staff is noted for being patient and helpful, eager to guide new customers through the myriad of flavor and topping combinations.

The shop itself, though offering minimal indoor seating, is described as small, clean, and quiet—a perfect, pleasant stop amidst a day exploring the unique shops and waterfront views that Sea Cliff has to offer. Whether you are driving in from Queens for a beautiful day trip or are a local enjoying the village's highly walkable streets, Sea Cliff Shave Ice offers a unique and memorable dessert experience that complements the bohemian, artistic, and seaside charm of the neighborhood.

Location and Accessibility

Sea Cliff Shave Ice is conveniently located on Sea Cliff Avenue, the main artery of this historic Long Island village. The location is an easy drive from surrounding Nassau County towns and a beautiful route from the city. The village of Sea Cliff is a quaint, one-square-mile treasure perched atop a 120-foot bluff, offering stunning views of Hempstead Harbor and the Long Island Sound. The town's vibe is often described as quirky, unpretentious, and extremely welcoming, making a trip to this dessert shop part of a larger, charming Long Island experience.

For patrons traveling by car, there are multiple parking options, though street parking can be competitive on busier days. The available parking options are:

• Free parking lot
• Free street parking

For all customers, the shop offers excellent physical accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible entrance ensuring that everyone can easily enjoy their tropical treats. While the village itself is highly walkable, getting to Sea Cliff from other parts of the New York metro area typically requires a car or a trip on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the Sea Cliff station on the Oyster Bay Line. The drive through the North Shore's historic Gold Coast is, in itself, a scenic attraction.

Services Offered

Sea Cliff Shave Ice operates as both a specialized ice cream shop and a dessert shop, with a core focus on their signature Hawaiian shave ice. Their offerings extend beyond simple syrups, providing a variety of custom-crafted combinations and seasonal treats. The main services and products available include:

• Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice: The flagship product featuring the signature fluffy, snow-like ice texture that perfectly absorbs the flavors.
• Customizable Shave Ice: Customers can choose from a wide array of all-natural, premium syrups and toppings to create their own dessert masterpiece.
• Specialty Combos: A curated menu of popular and seasonal flavor pairings, many of which include a scoop of homemade ice cream nestled inside the ice mound.
• Ice Cream Options: Many shave ice creations feature a scoop of homemade ice cream at the bottom, offering a delightful creamy surprise beneath the shaved ice.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: A selection of their many fruit-flavored syrups are noted as being organic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, such as Cherry, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, and Watermelon.
• Loyalty Program: The shop offers a rewards card to its dedicated customers, with a promotion where you buy nine items and get one free, encouraging repeat visits to sample all their delicious combinations.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts a range of modern payment methods for customer convenience, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Sea Cliff Shave Ice apart is its commitment to quality, authenticity, and creative flavor design, ensuring every visit is an exceptional one.

• Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice: Unlike snow cones, the ice is shaved to a fine, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that fully absorbs the syrup, avoiding a watery, unflavored core.
• Premium, All-Natural Syrups: The shop emphasizes the use of premium, all-natural flavor syrups, with many fruit flavors also being organic and vegan-friendly.
• Ice Cream 'Unders': A signature Hawaiian-style element is the scoop of homemade ice cream nestled at the bottom of the ice cone, a perfect creamy counterpoint to the lightness of the shaved ice.
• The 'Snow Cap': A popular and highly recommended topping is the 'Snow Cap,' a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk that adds a creamy richness to the top of the treat. Customers should be aware that the standard serving size for the drizzle may be minimal, but can be requested to suit individual preference.
• Creative Friend Favorite Combos:
  • Tropical Sunset: A vibrant mix of Mango, Coconut, and Lemon/Lime syrup with homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Snow Cap, and an Edible Flower.
  • Pina Colada Combo: Features Pina Colada syrup with Shredded Coconut, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and a Snow Cap.
  • Banana Foster: A decadent combination of Banana, Caramel, and Vanilla syrups with homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and a Snow Cap.
  • Almond Joy: For the chocolate and nut lover, this features Almond, Coconut, and Chocolate syrups, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Coconut Shreds, Chocolate Chips, and a Snow Cap.
• Seasonal and Fall-Inspired Combos: Embracing year-round flavors, the shop offers unique combinations that extend the enjoyment of shave ice beyond the summer season.
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: Combines Organic Coffee Syrup, Pumpkin Spice, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and a Snow Cap—a perfect autumnal treat.
  • The Frozen S'more: A nostalgic blend of Organic Chocolate Syrup, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Vegan Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, Graham Cracker Crumbles, and a Snow Cap.
  • Cinnamon Apple Crisp: Features Organic Apple Syrup, Cinnamon, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Graham Cracker Crumbles, and a Snow Cap.
  • Butter Pecan Pie: Blends Organic Butter Pecan Syrup, Organic Caramel Syrup, homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Graham Cracker Crumbles, and a Snow Cap.
• Unique Toppings: Beyond the Snow Cap, customers can enhance their treat with toppings such as Coconut Shreds, Chocolate Chips, Mochi (chewy rice cake), Edible Flowers, and Popping Lilikoi Pearls (Passionfruit).

Contact Information

If you’re ready to transport your taste buds to the tropics, Sea Cliff Shave Ice is waiting for you in Long Island’s charming seaside village.

Address: 247 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579, USA

Phone: Please check a local directory or the shop’s official website for the most up-to-date phone number.

What is Worth Choosing

For New York residents looking for a truly unique and high-quality dessert experience, Sea Cliff Shave Ice is an absolute must-visit destination. The reason this establishment is so highly valued goes beyond mere dessert—it’s about the unique fusion of a traditional Hawaiian treat with the distinct, artsy, and coastal atmosphere of Sea Cliff, New York.

The Unmatched Texture: The primary draw is the authentic Hawaiian shave ice. Dispel any notions of a typical snow cone. The finely shaven ice at Sea Cliff Shave Ice has a light, powdery, snow-like consistency that is fundamentally different from crushed ice. This texture is the secret to the superior flavor absorption, which prevents the syrup from simply sinking to the bottom and leaving you with unflavored ice. This unique feel elevates the treat from a simple cool-down to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

The Quality and Variety of Flavors: The commitment to using premium, all-natural syrups, including many organic and vegan options, means you are getting a clean, vibrant flavor in every bite. The extensive menu of both fruit-forward and decadent combo flavors ensures there's a perfect pairing for every craving. Whether you lean towards the refreshing zest of the Tropical Sunset or the comforting spice of the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte combo, the creativity in the menu is outstanding. Even for a customer who might find the simpler flavors "just OK," the opportunity to experiment with a vast list of unique flavors and toppings remains a powerful incentive for a return visit.

The Complete Experience: Choosing Sea Cliff Shave Ice is choosing a memorable excursion. You are not just buying a dessert; you are enjoying a taste of the Pacific in a charming, quirky Long Island village. The friendly, helpful, and patient staff enhances the experience, making customers feel welcome to explore the menu. The rewards card is an added bonus, creating a compelling reason for customers to revisit and work toward a free treat. A drive from areas like Queens to the North Shore's friendly, bohemian vibe is noted as a 'beautiful drive,' and finding this Hawaiian-style treat is the perfect reward for the journey. It's a special, small-town feeling with big, tropical flavors that makes Sea Cliff Shave Ice an essential stop on Long Island's dessert map.

Sea Cliff Shave Ice

247 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579, USA