My review from five years ago still stands.
What can I say about this place? I am infatuated! The decor is industrial chic, the staff are friendly and helpful and the ice cream is phenomenal! The trappings don't really matter because the ice cream at NCMC is some of the best we have ever had & my family is constantly in search of the best ice cream in the world. NCMC uses liquid nitrogen to create their ice cream, which results in a smaller crystal thereby creating a smoother and creamier product. You can't go wrong with the standard flavors like strawberry, chocolate, cookie dough, etc. but bypass those and try some of the creative flavors like Blackberry Balsamic-a buttermilk base with a blackberry balsamic reduction swirl, Sweet Corn-all the best flavors of summer, Baklava-exactly what you'd expect, Pumpkin IPA-mind blowing (& I hate all things pumpkin flavored but the server told me to trust her and I did and wow! The only downside is I have to wait until next fall to have it again). The flavors are rotating so try them when you see them, you will find new favorites every time you come here. The coffee ice cream is by far the best I've ever eaten. NCMC is also a coffee shop & I think is part of what makes their's the best. They make their waffle cones from scratch, that is the intoxicating scent that envelopes you when you enter-Yum! The waffle cones are very reasonably price so go ahead & get one, you know you want to! Gravies (liquid toppings) guild the lily in the best possible way-Wild Maine Blueberry, Balsamic, Razzle Dazzle, Caramel, Hawt Fudge & more including seasonal flavors. You can choose from unique Funk (dry toppings) Including the usual sprinkles, golden nuggets, oat streusel, chocolate chip cookie crumbles and more (always more!). NCMC is very allergy conscious, labeling selections so that you can tell what will be "safe" (always double check with the staff to be sure). There are vegan options, avocado ice cream, a variety of different "milk" ice creams (oat, nut, coconut) and they are serious about making sure you can find what will work for you. They went above and beyond to help me create an ice cream cake for a friend of my daughter with multiple allergies. They made numerous phone calls not only to me but their suppliers to be sure that this child could finally having exactly what she wanted for her birthday. Both the child and myself will forever remember the kindness the employee showed us.
Do yourself a favor and drive by those chains as well as other mom and pop shops and come get your ice cream at NCMC-your taste buds will be glad you did! Their coffee creations including the usual cuppa Joe, lattes and my favorite, Vietnamese iced coffee are even more reasons to stop by here (though after reading this, do you REALLY need more?!). You might even consider dining at their sister establishment across the street, The Rail Trail (not to be confused with the hiking trails) where you can have some amazing & creative wood fired pizzas or entrées then cross to NCMC for dessert. If you're old enough and cool enough make sure you check out their speakeasy, Less Than Greater Than (didn't even notice it did you?), just make sure you have a reservation and know the secret password. Less Than Greater Than has delicious fusion food, outstanding libations & bartenders and you can top off the night with alcoholic ice cream for dessert. The team behind in NCMC, the Rail Trail and Less Than Greater Than are in part responsible for the amazing turnaround of downtown Hudson, which is now a hip destination rather than a place to drive through. Make sure you check it all out! read more