I stopped by purity while in Ithaca and was thrilled with the experience. I had some younger kids with me and the girl who was helping us, Tessa, was very patient while they tried the samples, even joking with the kids. I got the bulldog crunch ice cream, which was delicious and generously portioned. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The 80s vibe was adorable as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It felt like we were part of the Ithaca family. Definitely reccomend. read more

Luscious ice cream, also lunch. When we saw an amazing fruit tart next door (more or less), and we realized that Purity Ice Cream was so close, the plan was instantaneous and obvious. One of walked two blocks north to get ice cream to top it off! Good plan, because parking here is tricky. (They also serve lots of lunch options, but that wasnt our target today.) (Jul 2026) [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a classic place for families.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's very popular, and yet was pretty quick even with the line of customers. Of about 25 classic and creative flavors, we went for a cup of vanilla with bittersweet chocolate shavings. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When the rest of our group showed up, we built our treasured treat on the nearby Cayuga Trail, with a view of the inlet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They always say, look for the crowded places to find good treats. Bingo! read more

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Really good ice cream! They serve food here as well but we only visited the scoop shop side of the business. The line was pretty long and service wasn't the best on this side but that gave me some time to peruse the flavors. They have some flavors all the time and then some seasonal rotating flavors. I went for one classic (cookie dough after dark) and one seasonal (salted butterscotch brownie) and both were absolutely delicious! So creamy and flavorful. My husband ordered a scoop of chocolate peanut butter and a scoop of mint chocolate chip and enjoyed both of them as well. We would come back here for sure...thank you, Purity Ice Cream! read more

Purity Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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So many flavors to choose from! The ice cream is incredibly creamy without being overly sweet, which lets the flavors really shine. Everything we tried was delicious, and the quality was excellent. Definitely a place worth visiting if you love rich, flavorful ice cream. read more

Purity Ice Cream - Small Sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Really good ice cream, get the bittersweet! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Floors were really sticky and the service was slow.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Delicious ice cream. I had the vegan vanilla bean which was so good, so rich. I elected 2 scoops- honestly was VERY generous. Could've done with one. I also sampled the vegan cold brew and wasn't a fan. My fiance got the double Dutch chocolate with was veryyyy rich. But so delicious. We both got cookie crumbles as a topping which is just a non vegan chocolate chip cookie which was different read more

Was recommended Purity Ice Cream by friends who were Ithaca alum and stopped by after hiking buttermilk falls. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I liked the old timey diner-esque building, which was charming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Half of the space is devoted to the ice cream parlor and the other half is a counter for burgers, sandwiches, and other diner offerings.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are a lot of flavors and I settled on the madigan mint and another flavor that was a local spin on rocky road. There was only one scooper working the counter and I could immediately tell he was a high school kid working a summer job that he was completely over. I've been there. I ordered a split scoop in a cake cone (brownie points for offering cake cones; there is a time and place for waffle cones but eating them feels like a full meal). I especially liked the combo of oreos with mint ice cream; I am surprised that less places offer this combination. The ice cream reminded me of slow-churned, Thrifty ice cream and hit me with a wave of nostalgia. I wouldn't say that it is the best ice cream I've ever had, but would recommend a visit if you are in Ithaca on a hot summer day. read more

Great service. Delicious food. I ordered the tomato avocado melt. It came with white toast with butter and melted cheese. Joseph got the burger with the toppings. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience of Purity restaurant felt more like a 1950's diner. I liked the relaxed atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We decided to come here as I received a $25 gift card. I said why not treat ourselves? [[HIGHLIGHT]]A good place for families, friends, and even dates to go to get a tater tots or a lite meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Fairly spacious ice cream parlor that also sells burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The sweet treats available include shakes, malts, sundaes, pastries, and of course, ice cream. Prices are quite good (1 large scoop is about $5). Staff is friendly and offers a reasonable number of samples. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is large enough to house about 50+ people in terms of seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love the variance in flavors and options, as well as seasonal selections. You'll always find something you'll enjoy (unless you're lactose intolerant). I especially enjoyed the pumpkin cheesecake crumble. I'd recommend Purity for sure! read more

Purity Ice Cream - Banana Split, affogato, mint chocolate chip, pumpkin cheesecake crumble - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

The ice cream was a good price for the amount given and they are generous on the toppings. The atmosphere of the restaurant screams 60s diner with a hint of whimsy. There was a large seating area and the service was very fast which made the line feel pretty fast. I got the mango ice cream which I felt wasn't quite mango-ey enough for me but the rainbow sherbet was delicious. read more

Stopped in for something sweet and purchased a cupcake. The frosting was tasty, but the cupcake was dry. I was the only person in line, but could see they were addressing another customer so I waited patiently. They never made eye contact nor did they make me aware they'd be with me shortly. They were pleasant enough when it was my turn, but I didn't feel they valued my patronage. read more

Purity Ice Cream - Chocolate cupcake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Serving customers since 1936, Purity Ice Cream is one of 2 go-to local ice cream shops you need to try out when in Ithaca. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The entire place gives off amazing retro ice cream parlor vibes which I rarely see nowadays.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]You appreciate the retro look a bit more after one too many visits to spartan-looking and soulless micro-batch creameries that seem to be popping up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They also have a food menu and dining area which is also from a bygone era (unless you happen to find a Friendly's still around), but can't judge the food since I wanted to try out the ice cream.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I went with one scoop each of the coconut and cookies and cream from their list of over 20 ice cream flavors. While both were delicious and hit the spot, the clear winner of the two for me was the coconut ice cream, as the cookies and cream didn't pack too much of a punch to make a lasting impression on me. Overall, I'd rate the ice cream a solid 4 out of 5, but Purity ice cream gets a rare bump up to 5 stars from me for the cool retro cream parlor vibes and friendly service. We need more unique ice cream places like this one! read more

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Decently sized parking lot and street parking nearby as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Spacious interior if you don't want to sit on the road-side patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The available flavors are on the board, but the flavor explanations are on the laminated menus that have every flavor listed, including out of season ones. Service was brusque even though there was nobody in line behind us. I think I had higher expectations based on an acquaintance's recommendation, but it feels like they're just the only local ice cream vendor that does enough volume to distribute to restaurants. Flavors were ok but I don't think we'll be back. read more

Purity Ice Cream - Scoop of Sleepers Awake in waffle cone. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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served by Samantha and Victoria today very promptly, super friendly, very knowledgeable about the menu and were able to recommend me something I absolutely loved. The food is delicious as always. Don't walk, run to try purity ice cream if you haven't already-- it's an Ithaca staple for a reason! read more

Ice cream sundae was excellent. An order of fries would feed several people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We must have arrived after a rush because the dining room needed attention (cleaning).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We went there for dinner with family we were visiting. We keep to a Vegan diet and our daughter Vegetarian, while her husband is omniviore. All of were able to get dinner and ice cream treats afterwards. Our Vegan diet is about personal health so we are more flexible than some others might be about the fact that the Vegan burgers and veggies are cooked on the same grill as meat. For the same reasons we did not check to see if the ice cream cones were Vegan. Anyone who is concerned about such details should check and might end up eating elsewhere depending on what they find out. Alternatively, if one orders ice cream in a cup that should be acceptable for most people who keep to a Vegan diet. Our food order tonight: White Bean Lentil Burger: Whole Wheat Roll, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chipotle aiolin, *Fried Onions, Jalapeno, No Extras Add Side Field Green Salad, honey mustard, No Drink Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad; Fried chicken breast, hard boiled egg, field greens, roma tomato, cucumber, avocado, carrots, choice of dressing Balsamic Vinegrette Dressing White Bean Lentil Burger: Whole Wheat Roll, *Grilled Bell Peppers, *Grilled Mushrooms, *Grilled Onions, No Extras Add Side Field Green Salad, Basalmic, No Drink Black Bean Burger: scratch made vegan black bean burger has a touch of BBQ flavor. Whole Wheat Roll, *Grilled Bell Peppers, *Grilled Mushrooms, *Grilled Onions, Jalapeno, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Add Avocado, Add on Sweet Potato Fries, No Drink Our deserts: Junior Scoop Vegan, Cup, Vegan Chocolate Chunk gf, Junior Scoop Vegan, Cup, Vegan Vanilla Bean gf Junior Scoop, Cup, Black Raspberry Junior Scoop, Cup, Bittersweet, 1 Scoop Vegan, Sugar cone, Vegan Chocolate Chunk gf 2 Scoop, Vegan, Waffle Cone, Vegan Mint Choc Chunk gf, Vegan Wild Berry The vegan burgers are an alternative for those who don't want commercial Vegan burgers. We liked the black bean burger better in terms of texture but both were mushy, and didn't have much flavor. We probably would not get either again. The sweet potato fries were good, not great. The side salads were surprisingly generous. Everyone liked the ice cream. The Vegan ice cream all were very good. It is possible to get Vegan shakes and vegan sundaes,which we did not try tonight. read more

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A fun ice cream shop with a wide variety of flavors (including vegan options)! I haven't had ice cream from a shop since the summer, but have been eager to try Purity Ice Cream. Ordering online was fast and simple, as was pickup. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a dining area available, but I was just in and out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Be aware of potential parking challenges during busier times of the day. I ordered a pint of ice cream for the freezer, and for the road I ordered one scoop of the chocolate raspberry flavor. Wow! So delicious. Perfect balance of chocolate to raspberry. You might look at the price of a scoop and be hesitant, but the portion was very generous. I thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream, and I am looking forward to enjoying the pint in the freezer! read more

Purity Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Amazing ice cream, creative flavors and classics, gluten free cones available. The best mint chip IMO

I came here for their vegan options and I have to say I was really impressed by their fresh unique flavors. The vegan vanilla bean tasted so authentic and we opted to make a shake with this and Oreos for a "cookies and cream" vibe. We also got the mint chocolate chip which wasn't dyed a fake green (very refreshing). The service of the checkout girls was very friendly and inviting. My only feedback is when the man came to deliver my Boston shake he asked what toppings I wanted and rushed through the list without really going through all of them with me. Would have been nice to have all the typical sundae toppings. Also, even though it says vegan make sure to clarify you want non-dairy milk with your shakes if you're vegan. read more

Drive to Ithaca late on a Sunday for concert tickets wanted a snack and google brought us here. Huge ice cream menu! Plenty of already scooped pints! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was a cute shop you can order on tablets or go to the counter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered a triple scoop in a dish. Cont remember all the flavors I chose but it was really delicious! One had praline flavors so good! Another was chocolate with mint and Oreos! Yum! I'll definitely stop back! Sorry no photos but it's ice cream! read more

We stopped because we had wanted ice cream and were seriously looking for something that wasn't a chain, and wasn't the "usual suspects" for good ice cream. I went for a unique one - it was a mint chocolate ice cream w/crushed Oreos - kind of made it taste like a Thin Mint. My only complaint was that the paper stuck to the cone so I had to forego the last bite! My companion opted for traditional - it was a brownie sundae - and it was really yummy - and so much that she couldn't eat it all! Our server was quick and knowledgeable and [[HIGHLIGHT]]we so enjoyed sitting outside in the sun![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Purity Ice Cream - The brownie sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Best ice cream in New York! Chocolate raspberry and cookie after dark are Amazing! Lia was amazing!

Usually pretty good but i ordered a medium cookie dough in a waffle cone and got one piece of cookie dough. I dont know what's up with that.

Was recommended this place while taking a day trip and good god man that recommendation now feels like a personal attack. A hundred years to figure out how to make, at the very least, consumable ice cream and they failed. College dining hall ice cream runs laps around this place. And prices are ridiculous. Could not recommend this place less. read more

Purity has a great selection of non-dairy vegan flavors. They even have vegan waffle cones dipped with chocolate and sprinkles or nuts, which is pretty rare for a nonvegan place. I like the texture of the ice cream, it felt very close to dairy based ice cream, but unfortunately it was totally lacking flavor to me. The chocolate flavor was so mild. A cold treat hits the spot for me on a hot day, but I just can't give 5 stars for the flavor. It didn't taste bad... it just didn't taste like much anything. read more

Decided to pop into Purity on a whim and was given great recommendations for flavors by Liam, Jack and Casey! Tried the madigan mint, sleepers awake and almond joyous [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service, ice cream and vibes!!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

A good place to get your icecream! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Looks like a vintage diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Fast service. Tasty icecream. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Must visit this hot summer. read more

Purity Ice Cream - 3 scoops - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Great ice cream from packed pints to frozen yogurts. Cones or scoops, banana splits etc. Reasonable prices and polite prompt service. read more

Purity Ice Cream - Main entrance from parking lot - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Purity has the best ice cream in town. Do not get scared of the line. It moves quick and wellk worth the wait. All the flavors are great and you won't go wrong with what you choose. read more

Purity Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

We heard this was the place to go for ice cream, so we headed on over. The space is divided between the ice cream and desserts with its own display and line on one side, and a separate side to order hot food. The hot food also has kiosks to place the order. In the middle is a seating area. We tried the classic grilled cheese, fries, fried chicken sandwich, cole slaw, and scoops of the Madigan Mint ice cream (chocolate mint ice cream with Oreos). The ice cream was great, and there were a lot of other intriguing flavors we'd be interested to try in the future. The hot food was pretty tasty and hit the spot. A parking lot is available. read more

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While the ice cream here is decent, if you're hunting for the crown jewel of Ithaca's frozen treats, head on right over to either Melissa's or Cayuga Lake Creamery as they hold the scepter in that realm--superior quality that could probably make a grown woman cry tears of joy. But hey, it's not all a frosty tragedy here. The seating is plentiful, and the generous hours make this place a bustling hub for students and families alike, always buzzing like a beehive minus the stings. So, if you're nearby and craving a scoop or two, why not? But would I trek across town for it? Probably not! Been here a few times in the evenings, mostly as a backdrop for hanging out with friends. It's the kind of place you go because it's convenient and you want ice cream, not because you're craving an ice cream revelation. read more

Such a huge variety of flavors and toppings and fun choices. The staff was helpful and friendly, the atmosphere is fun and adorable! Decent prices and just a lovely little place!! read more

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The ice cream and food is always tasty and the service is always super kind. Alexis was so patient and friendly with me on my last visit. It's a neighborhood institution. read more

This place is always bustling with students, families, and locals! With a large menu of unique ice cream flavors, baked goods like donuts and cupcakes, and savory items, there's so many choices to choose from. We got a large ice cream (up to 3 flavors) with a wafer cone. We chose Boomberry (black raspberry ice cream with black cherries, blueberries, & strawberries), Madigan Mint (creamy chocolate mint ice cream loaded with Oreos), and Green Tea. The boomberry was very fruity, as expected. But the fruits were all very frozen and icy and and hard to chew through with the ice cream. It wasn't like when you have strawberries in strawberry ice cream where they're soft and accompany the creamy ice cream. If you like berries, a lot, then maybe this is for you. The Madigan mint was not bad with a chocolate based ice cream and somewhat mild in mint and Oreos. The Green Tea was kinda faint in my opinion, could definitely be made stronger. The green tea flavor gets drowned out a bit by the vanilla based ice cream. Overall, decent ice cream but not really worth the hype. I would like to go back and try their coffee flavored ice cream and baked goods next time though! read more

Purity Ice Cream - Madigan Mint, Green Tea, Boomberry ice cream with Wafer Cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Loved the vibe of this place and there are amazing flavor options. Sometimes the wait is long but it's well worth it

When you get past the factory-like, one way service and taste the unique flavors they have for ice cream, you'll realize that this is a place families have been going for generations. I got the Madigan mint, a chocolate on chocolate mint ice cream stuffed with soften Oreo cookie. It was awesome and something I've been searching for. Most mint ice cream is not chocolate based. One scoop in a cup was plenty for me. My family got the chocolate raspberry and black cherry flavors which were great. There's a burger and fries place in the opposite corner which was a little off to me. Plenty of places to sit. I would go back for sure! read more

Purity Ice Cream - I scoop of madigan mint! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I've been an ice cream lover for 50+ years and have tried ice cream from all over the U.S. Purity is EASILY the best. I got my first taste of Purity 5 years ago and now it's the only ice cream I get and it's always as excellent as I remember. 100% delicious and creamy. read more

Ice cream, burgers and onion rings are good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The style of decor is just perfect![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice place to sit and eat with friends.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service can be good, but sometimes just average. read more

I would like to know what changed in the Mocha Chip ice cream? Not only has the texture of the chips changed, but the flavor of the ice cream has changed to a stronger coffee flavor. Very disappointed. Mocha Chip used to be my absolute favorite ice cream. read more

So much hype over just ok ice cream. We were in the area and stopped for ice cream. It was just ok and it sadly wasn't worth the ten minute wait. We saw on the way out a bunch of ordering kiosks which had there been a sign pointing them Out we would have used. This is not a place where you can look at the actual ice cream so if you a person that chooses that way this is not the place for you. read more