The soft serve was similar to Costco or Stew Leonard's. Very creamy, dense, and good flavor. I wasn't a fan of the chocolate. It might've just been too rich in combo with the ice cream for me personally. It also stuck to the paper cup and was near impossible to scrape off. We were able to get samples and the chocolate flavor was very icy. Weird. And it was busy when we got there. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Elena's way- vanilla soft serve, chocolate dip and flaky salt - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

It was my first time trying Elena's and i'm so happy I did. The flavor of the day was a rose soft serve, it was DELICIOUS. It wasn't too sweet and had such a smooth texture. Loved the cone and the variety of toppings. They have a flavor of the week every week and I can't wait to come try more. It's so cute inside and has a good amount of seating. Best part: free lactaid enzyme at the counter for my fellow lactose intolerants! read more

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Best soft serve ever! It's so thick and creamy. There are three flavors - vanilla, chocolate and seasonal. I've had two of their seasonal which is Christmas tree and peppermint. They change their seasonal flavours weekly and they also tailor their sundae toppings with the theme of their seasonal flavours. There's sometimes a line. You can also get a sample. I'd come back again if I could to try their weekly seasonal flavours. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Christmas tree - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I had a wonderful first experience at Elena's On Orange the other day. So much so, I'm constantly trying to find the time to get back for more! 20 minutes after opening on Friday there was already a line and the patio outside was full. The inside is open with some seating, if not a ton. I'd still say above average for an ice cream place. It is very bright and welcoming, nicely decorated. The staff was super friendly and cranked out order after order efficiently. They offer 2 flavors of soft serve: chocolate & vanilla (3 if you count "twist" as its own thing), along with a rotating special flavor. They have lots of gourmet and unique toppings, as well as creative sundaes. I decided to get a small dish of Ube soft serve "Elena's Favorite" style, which is covered in their signature chocolate dip & sprinkled with sea salt. It was by far the greatest soy serve I have ever had. It didn't melt quickly, even with the chocolate dip, was extremely flavorful, and the texture was creamy. It was simply perfect. The chocolate was rich and packed quite the flavor punch itself. I really can't wait to have it again and try other toppings. The homemade brownie and chocolate chip cookie pieces looked amazing! This a special place. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Inside/Menu - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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pretty good for an ice cream place. it does get pretty packed though so expect to wait around 15 minutes during their busy times-- even when it's cold out lol. read more

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If you are a soft serve ice cream fan this is a must visit! Phenomenal vanilla soft serve with a slew of homemade high quality toppings. Daily they have vanilla and dairy free chocolate softserves (with the option to swirl) as well as a specialty flavor that changes weekly. Their sundae options are all delicious and often they have a fun specialty sundae from Thursdays-Mondays. As well as a test kitchen flavor/sundae on Wednesdays. The shop itself is picturesque sitting in the middle of East Rock. It is almost never not busy but the line tends to move pretty fast. Some of their test kitchen/weekly specials can be a little out there and beyond what one would imagine as an ice cream flavor, but if you're up for something brand new they might be for you. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Vanilla with caramel sauce and toffee - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I had heard Elena's had one of the best cups of hot chocolate in New Haven, and I was not disappointed! The Parisian hot chocolate was very thick and rich, definitely more like a sipping chocolate which is just how I like it. The whipped cream on the side was great for cutting the richness. We also got the warm cookie sundae with peanut butter chips, which was a delicious treat! I'd love to come back again on my next trip to Connecticut and check out their special flavors. read more

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Elena's on Orange is a soft serve ice cream specialist in the greater East Rock area of New Haven. I've been twice. I went to a Food Blogger event about a year ago, which helps inform my understanding of Elena's, but I'm not factoring that into my review since my food was comped. I just returned for the first time with my family, and I'm basing my review on that experience. After finishing lunch at East Rock Market, I told my wife that we should visit Elena's because my wife loves hot chocolate and Elena's makes the best hot chocolate I've ever had. What I did not know, is that hot chocolate is a seasonal item at Elena's and the season had ended. Doh. Instead, I ordered a Cross Cookie Sundae with a soft serve twist of chocolate and vanilla. Elena's always has chocolate and vanilla and one weekly flavor. That flavor is often very unique, but this week, it was Nutella. I like Nutella, but it presents similarly to chocolate and I was feeling the twist. Elena's soft serve is thicker and richer than any soft serve I've had. I prefer hard serve, but I always evaluate a place for what it does. And Elena's is the best at Soft Serve. My sundae had hot fudge, real whipped cream, cookie pieces and mint pieces. The cookie pieces didn't stand out for me, but the hot fudge and whipped cream were top tier. If you love soft serve or the weekly special flavor really catches your eye, Elena's is must visit. Even if you're just curious what high end soft serve can achieve, Elena's is worth a visit. The shop is cute. They're an important part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Service is good. 4.5 Stars read more

Elena’s On Orange - Cross Cookie Sundae - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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The soft ice cream from this place is so delicious and full of flavor. The shop can get pretty crowded during the summer, but that just shows how popular it is. Overall a great place to enjoy an ice cream day with the family. read more

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Lovely little spot that some local friends recommended we try before heading back home... so glad we did! For a small local spot it had plenty of seating which seemed to support all the customers that were coming to enjoy some soft serve and hang. Definitely be prepared for a line but it moved rather quickly and you could tell the friendly and helpful staff were hustling! Definitely some of my favorite soft serve that I've had. Not your typical soft serve/froyo spot. (Also super thankful that they had free lactaid!) read more

Elena’s On Orange - Matcha Soft Serve - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I have been to Elena's several times and each time has been a great experience! This place is such a cute and unique soft serve shop located in the adorable neighborhood of East Rock. It's a perfect area to take a walk and explore, and why not stop in for a treat. Although they primarily feature their soft serve options (which are so good!), I love that they offer winter specials! For days like today when it's in the 20's-30's and covered with snow, having warm options is a game changer. I ordered the Campfire Cocoa, which hit the spot and fulfilled my chocolate craving. My husband got the Parisian Hot Chocolate, which is as described-- very rich and thick, which he enjoyed. Additionally, the woman who helped us was so nice and welcoming. We will absolutely continue to come back and highly recommend for others who love soft serve and hot cocoa! read more

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Elena's is clearly a favorite local business of East Rock. Come on a summer night during the weekend and the line will be down the block. They specialize in short-term seasonal soft serve flavors and sundaes. All of the chocolate ice cream is dairy free (made with oat milk). The vanilla contains dairy. I recommend following them on Instagram to keep up with the latest and to check the weekly "Wednesday Test Kitchen" flavor. The ice cream is very creamy. The staff are so nice! read more

Elena’s On Orange - Chocolate soft serve (oat milk dairy free) with brownie chunks - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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This place is popular. It's early march on a very cold Saturday night and we stepped in and there was a line and all the tables were full. They only serve 3 soft serve flavors, vanilla and chocolate and the 3rd is a special flavor that changes weekly. It's really thick and creamy and they have a large variety of toppings. It was very tasty. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Chocolate ice cream - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

What a delicious sundae in a very special place! I love the community this shop is settled into - walkable and special and the space itself is filled with sweet coloring pages of ice cream from customers. The quality of products is outstanding. I tried their special flavor - basil - last minute but am planning to get it next time. Highly recommended! read more

Elena’s On Orange - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Perfect addition to New Haven! Soft serve ice cream, Affogato and decadent chocolate with whipped cream. Everything in the ice cream shop is made there. All fresh! From sauces to toppings to ice cream. Delicious ice cream. Plus when dining in to enjoy your ice cream they are served in cute ceramic mugs! Service is wonderful. All the staff are helpful, knowledgeable and great! There are a few tables to sit and enjoy ! read more

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Elena's on Orange is the definition of simple is better. While there may not be a 50+ flavor menu the quality of their 3 flavor list is exceptional. I loved the vanilla ice cream. It was light and not overly sweet. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heavenly. I can't wait to come back and try their Parisian Hot Chocolate! The service was fast for the long line and friendly! The shop itself smells sweet as soon as you walk in. It's like walking in a candy shop. There are a few places to sit inside but it can get crowded. read more

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As a regular here, I highly recommend a stroll around East Rock and trying a new flavory every week! A great hang out spot with friends and a cool new place to show people from out of town before/after you take them on a hike to East Rock Park. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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We truly love Elena's! This is truly a hidden gem on the end of Orange Street. Every week there's a new flavor of soft serve, which they complement with an awesome sundae. They do a kitchen on Wednesday so you can have one day to try a new fun flavor. They make so many things homemade and you can really taste the difference. All of their items are compostable. You can bring your dog in for a pup cup. The people are so incredibly kind and the environment is so warm and cozy. We look forward to our stops whenever the flavor catches our eye! This is a definite stop! read more

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Dont walk, RUN!!! Elena's is a cute ice cream shop with a weekly variety of flavor! Every Wednesday stop by for a one of a kind test kitchen flavor (available only that Wednesday) while Thurs-Monday is a new weekly delight. Go early, or be prepared to wait in a line that goes out the door (only 10 min wait if you do, no biggie) One of my favorite places for a delightful treat on Orange St. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Test Kitchen flavor - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Such a cute ice cream shop! The workers are so kind, some of the nicest people I have ever met. They strike up genuine conversation and are so passionate about their business and ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. They have rotating special flavors and the classic vanilla and chocolate with plenty of toppings to choose from. Along with some other treats, such as cookies and brownies. Also, half off sundaes on Sundays! read more

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Elena's was on my 'places to try' list since they opened, due to their great reviews here. I knew it would be a local favorite but wow, I didn't expect the place to be super crowded on a Friday night around 9:30 PM. It took at least 15-20 minutes for me to reach the front where I could place the order, and it took another 5 minutes to get the ice creams as there were people waiting ahead of me. But the employees were super friendly and helpful. I loved the fact that their chocolate ice cream is diary free (oat milk based). They had only 2 flavors, chocolate, vanilla and some different toppings to offer. We got a chocolate ice cream and a vanilla ice cream. The ice creams were so creamy and delicious. We hope to come back and try their other flavors as I see they keep adding new flavors on their menu. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

If you're a fan of soft serve, definitely stop by Elena's! I love that the ice cream is not heavy and not overly sweet - so refreshing and light! I ordered "Elena's favorite" (chocolate-dipped with flakey sea salt) with vanilla soft serve and pecans. The smooth, hardened chocolate was an excellent contrast to the ice cream and the pecans were fragrant and crunchy. Next time, I'll probably skip the salt since it was a little to salty for my taste. They have oat milk-based soft serves as well, which are a great option for folks with dietary restrictions. The line tends to stretch out of the building and spill on the the sidewalk during peak hours but it moves really quickly. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating - perfect for large groups or families. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Elena's favorite + pecans - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Amazing! So cute! Love the interior and the neighborhood. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Ice cream was so delicious and a great price. A large is like $6. We added nice sea salt for only $0.10. Love that. They have some dairy free options too, which is great. You also couldn't tell the difference between the oat milk and regular dairy ice cream. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Menu - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Family friendly environment with great service and great prices. Was so good I asked my son to take a picture and well. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Sundae Funday!! - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Elena's has quickly become one of my new favorite ice cream shops! By far the best soft serve creations I've ever had! Her cookie sundaes are gourmet, and I haven't stopped dreaming about them since I left. The Parisian hot chocolate was also something I haven't seen in other shops in CT, so we were definitely interested in trying it! Elena's definitely sets herself apart with her high-end menu items for an ice cream shop, and it's also just so wholesome inside. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming too. I can't wait until our next visit! read more

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4.5 stars. This play has some pretty good ice cream for a good price. The portion size was pretty good and the staff was friendly. Came here on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn't too busy. The interior was nice and there was ample seating. This place is relatively close to Yale campus so it's a nice spot for a quick treat. If your a fan of the classics, definitely hit this place up. read more

My favorite ice cream spot! The people are very kind and accommodating the flavors are always delicious Elena's favorite is also my favorite the salt brings out the chocolate and vanilla flavors. The place is always busy but with a great atmosphere! read more

Elena’s On Orange - Elena's favorite - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

This is simply the BEST ice cream (technically soft serve) spot I've had in New Haven. Located in the heart of the East Rock Neighborhood, this shop not only serves amazing soft serve, but is obviously the go to favorite for everyone in the area. Elena's has chocolate and vanilla as their main flavors, but always has a house made flavor of the week that strikes popularity. The chocolate is very dark and the vanilla is very light. The new flavor of the week always finds its way into conversation beyond the property which I think helps drive customers to patronize the store. In addition to their flavors they have a wide variety of toppings that people often find decorating their desert. Their seating inside is limited but they have a plenty outdoor seating. The staff is nice, but due to how busy it always is, there's not really time for pleasant conversation. One last bonus of Elena's is that they have free lactaid pills at the counter to help our lactose intolerant friends. read more

DELICIOUS. An adorable and cozy place with a considerable amount of seating considering the size. Lovely costumer service and staff. Sizable menu with fun specials! The dessert itself hit the spot to say the least. It was incredibly sweet and scrumptious! read more

Delicious and provides an outstanding dairy free / vegan soft serve ice cream! You can't find that anywhere else around here. And the flavor is a deep chocolate, and it doesn't hurt your pocket as much as other stores that rhyme with When-and-Where-y's. Service so friendly and helpful. Lovely place to have your cone in and out doors. One thing I would say is they could be a bit more generous :) read more

Elena’s On Orange - Chocolate soft serve. Oat based. Creamy chocolatey and delicious! Also vegan and dairy free. - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Delicious ice cream, creative offerings, great prices and friendly staff! I loved my first trip to Elena's! Plan to return soon!

I enjoyed the soft serve I got from Elena's! It was creamy and so delicious and I would recommend! It was busy on a late Friday night which goes to show how much people love the sweet treats here! read more

Really good vegan chocolate ice cream. Their use of Maldon salt is thoughtful and adds a lot. Prices are a little steep for soft-serve, but the cute vibes and quality dessert make it worth it. read more

This is a great place to go. There aren't a ton of flavor options (only vanilla, chocolate, swirl and seasonal) which in someone makes the decision making a lot easier! If you're looking for good soft serve, this is definitely the place to go. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Menu - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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An ice cream shop in the East Rock neighborhood is long overdue, and Elena's is giving the people what they want -- especially in such a "kid friendly" area. The ice cream is soft serve, which is rare to find, and comes in 2 flavors: vanilla and vegan chocolate (oat milk based). You can get them swirled or separately, but the taste for both is great and not too cloyingly sweet. There are tons of options for toppings and we even got to try their "secret wine sauce" which is a nice touch for the many adult and graduate student residents around in the area. Overall, we had a great experience and can't wait to see the business grow! read more

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Hands down Elena's has the best soft serve! The staff are always so delightful. Even at its busiest, the wait is never unbearable. The portions are generous and the possibilities of ice cream creations are endless with all their toppings. This is exactly what the neighborhood needed and I love how easily this has become a daily spot to enjoy great ice cream and company. read more

Elena’s On Orange - Small cup of vanilla with rainbow sprinkles and Reese's Peanut Butter cups, under $6 - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I'm a believer! We love Burdick's hot chocolate in Boston and Chicago, which is french style hot chocolate (thick and rich). Elena's is definitely up there! I thoroughly enjoyed my soft serve with fudge and sea salt. This is the perfect "reward" after a long hike around East Rock. Perfect pairing read more

Elena’s On Orange - "Elena's favorite" - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

My roommate and I were driving by and noticed this new ice cream shop that opened up in East rock and was instantly excited! Walked in on a day that was snowing and there was still a line going out the door! The inside is really cute with a couple of tables and chairs set up. I ordered "elena's favorite" which was vanilla ice cream dipped in their chocolate and sea salt flakes on top. The chocolate was so smooth and deliciously sweet. Every bite tasted so good! The sea salt flakes paired so well with the sweetness from the ice cream. I love being able to support business like these in the neighborhood. Definitely recommend stopping by if you can! read more

Elena’s On Orange - a hand holding a chocolate ice cream cone - Convenience Stores Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Amazing breakfast/brunch place. The service is good too. Try their orange juice. It's really fresh and delicious. It can get crowded though, so try and get in between the breakfast and brunch rush. read more

This place is a 10/10. The ice cream was delicious, everything was fresh and homemade, the service was great despite being SLAMMED and there only being one person on staff. It was worth the wait and I would go back in a heartbeat. My only complaint is that they were out of a few things I wanted but I think it was just because it's still winter and it was a warm day so it was busier than they probably expected. read more