Heard so much about this place and decided to try. They have a vast menu but got 2 of like 20 signature flavors. I got the London fog which was so good. It was earl grey with bits of toffee. Also got the salted caramel which was also amazing. I would definitely come back to try their other flavors as well as other menus since they have a huge array of icecream sandwich, floats, sundaes, etc. they have a decent size parking lot with a lot of people coming and going. They have decent seating area making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the weather. Service was fast and great but only gave us 2 samples. Overall, a great experience and met some really people. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The ice cream is to die for. The staff is very pleasant and prices are very reasonable. YOU MUST TRY IT. read more

Once again a very yummy experience here... never disappointed... Still crushing the ice cream scene! Not very busy on a summer Friday just before dinner read more

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We decided to visit this place for their "Ice Cream for Breakfast" weekend. This place is incredibly small, but there is some standing room for about 6 people. We ordered, they served us our "flight" in a tiny foam container, and that was it. In my opinion, this was very underwhelming. The presentation was 1/5, the price was a 2/5, and we liked 3 of the 5 flavors. Maybe it would've been better if we could choose our flavors. The coffee and the London fog flavors were phenomenal enough to carry this entire review. I would consider going back for specific flavors, especially the espresso one. read more

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This would be a super fun place to take kids to try different and interesting ice cream flavors. I went on a weekend night so it was pretty busy. The line lasted about 15 minutes so not too bad. I got the flight of 5 which is a generous size for 1 person if you're hungry or 2 people if you want something lighter. Some of the flavors were a bit too strange for me but some were excellent classic flavors. The 5 I got and their rankings: 1. Salty caramel: excellent, a classic 2. Peanut butter epiphany: another classic with a nice strong peanut butter flavor 3. Frozen hot chocolate: nice, light chocolate flavor 4. Sesame: the most unique I would say. I didn't enjoy the flavor much but it was fun to try 5. Paula's glazed donut: not a huge fan of this because the donut pieces were stale Overall a fun and enjoyable experience you should definitely try. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

While the lines are long at the Hertel location, it's worth the wait! I know the staff works super hard on those long days when everyone suddenly wants an ice cream at closing time. Everything is made to order and all the employees put in the extra effort to make sure your order is made to perfection. Whether you get a scoop, sundae, shake or float you know its high quality and super delicious. My only complaint is that sponge candy is a limited edition flavor, I wish it were a permanent addition to the menu. read more

The best ice cream I have had in a long time. This place was popping when I got there. The prices are very cheap compared to others. Have scoops! One scoop is enough for dessert! I was shocked when I saw how big they were. There is a "sample size" - omg that is amazing. 5 or 9 mini scoops! That's epic!!! Totally worth trying!! Would love to have this by me. This is a 10/10! read more

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Spoons down... it's been decided. This is the best ice cream in Buffalo. Perhaps even the best ice cream in north western New York. The flight is a great way to try a lot of ice cream with mini scoops. But if you're up to a large amount of ice cream, the sundaes are amazing. I had the Caramel Corn Crunch and the caramel corn as a topping was inspired, giving a nice crunch. Service was quick and the interior was a nice place to get out of the rain. Just be warned no inside seating, just a counter you can stand at. read more

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Listen I wouldn't have gotten that sundae just for myself had I known how large it was, but DANG was it good read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Strawberry ice cream with hot fudge and rainbow sprinkles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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After reading a review the other day from a fellow yelper, Rita j, I was reminded that I had to get over to Lake Effect. I've been to their location in Lockport but never here. So many interesting choices! I love going thru their long descriptive menu. Great to have so much variety but hard to choose. I decided on the black raspberry truffle with dark chocolate chunks. They didn't skimp on the chocolate chunks. Chocolate makes everything better! My husband ordered a revolution coffee milkshake. Coffee supplies by Public Expresso. Both were excellent! Nice place with outside walk up counter and plenty of picnic tables. Though I prefer the Lockport location only because it has an indoor counter where you can actually see the different ice creams. 2023-63 read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Today's choices - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Milkshakes are totally delicious. We will be back and look forward to trying other flavors. :-)

Artisanal ice cream is the BEST! We made a stop here after visiting the falls and it was 100% worth it! The flavors are amazing and the ice cream is so high quality. The customer service was great Their prices are great Quality outstanding I'd personally pass on the boba. The texture of the boba is very thick with an unpleasant, it's gummy not chewy. The coffee flavor in it was very artificial Definitely get ice cream read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Coffee Boba, we tossed both of ours - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I love going here on a beautiful sunny ice cream craving day. The only thing is...SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE LOL it's so crowded with long lines here on a perfect day, not the worst wait though and by the time you get your ice cream all those frustrations dissolve. Great hugeeeee portions!!! Expect to feel nauseous afterwards .... They have nice outdoor seating and sometimes I have to wait a couple minutes but usually end up getting a seat. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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The London fog shake was absolutely amazing!!! My son really enjoyed the blue moon in which I thought of beer lolz it was actually fruity pebbles he definitely enjoyed it!!! read more

I love the Lockport location because it has seating...however I am now living near the Hertel store. Either way the ice cream is the best as it is made by Lake Effect. The variety of flavors is unbelievable. Not many ice cream parlors give you a sample to try a flavor or two but they will do that for you here. My favorite flavor is Revolutionary coffee! I am a huge coffee ice cream fan and critic. This is intense as it should be. I love it in a shake, sundae or dish. It blends well with other flavors they have if you want some variety in your sundae. I highly recommend and will hope one day there will be an indoor dining for Hertel for during the winter. read more

I love that you have black sesame ice cream! (All the best cities do.) It was delicious. Thank you!

This cute little ice cream shop was exactly what my family needed one late night after dinner despite it starting to get cold outside. We got a strawberry milkshake, a single scoop in a bowl, and a single scoop in a waffle cone, and we ate like kings. The flavors were fun and original and flavorful. The employees were friendly, attentive, and quick; what more could you want? The parking is a bit tight, but thankfully it's not like they were jam packed and parking was a premium. Just something to keep in mind for the summer months. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Single scoop of Paula's Glazed Donuts - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

They don't miss. I've ordered their pre order packages and they're always AMAZING! Have been many times for just ice cream at the shop as well. Always wonderful read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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So glad they are open during the winter, because just because it's cold out, doesn't mean I stop loving ice cream. Also super happy that they have seasonal flavors like Eggnog and Jingle Cookie. I was hoping to try both holiday ice creams, but didn't want to eat too much before dinner. My son said he was willing to help, so we ordered "two of the smallest scoops you have." After we saw the first dish, we knew there was no way we could finish another bowl, so unfortunately we decided to stick with just one flavor. The Jingle Cookie had that nostalgic flavor that I love, plenty of cookie bites, and a smooth, creamy texture. Very impressed by this ice cream scoop. I only wish they had kiddie size scoops so that I could have tried Eggnog. Would love if they could put a small table or some tall stools for seating inside during the winter, because it's not as enjoyable eating in the car and by the time I get home, it's soup. Definitely some top-notch, locally made ice cream in the Buffalo area. Good spot to take out-of-towners. read more

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Even with five-star rated ice cream, this location is not going to be my destination any more. It's just me, and I know they could do much, much better. I remember from the past a nice raised patio in the front of the building, with umbrellas and clean picnic tables. Nowadays, there's not a single shelter from the pounding sun on a hot day. Also, all the picnic tables are covered with peeling paint, dirt and ours had additional sticky ice cream. It was a hot day, and we already did some walking before we got there. The little room on the side was closed to the public, unfortunately. Being tired from the heat I was hoping to have a scoop or two while enjoying some air conditioning. It wasn't the case. You order and pay at one window, and pick up at the second window. It's an easy and fast process. After they discontinued making my favorite 'Butterbeer', I don't have any flavor in mind which I really crave. I still like 'Strawberries & Cream', and my partner always goes for 'Black Sesame'. Can't wait to get my first ever ice cream flight this summer to figure out which flavor is The One after the mourned 'Butterbeer'. I'll definitely visit the Lockport location for that. P.S. I received this message a few days ago. Thanks a lot! It seems like Lake Effect Ice Cream on Hertel Ave. could be a five star experience again. Nice:) "I just read your review that you posted yesterday. 'Butterbeer' just came back to the shop yesterday. And we just dropped off all brand new tables at the Buffalo shop three days ago. We have been working on the tables for the past few weeks and just were able to get them to the Buffalo shop. 'Butterbeer' was never discontinued, it couldn't be made until just now because one of the ingredients we need has been on backorder for two months." read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - June 30, 2022 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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It's ice cream season! Buffalo is the first place I've lived that has four distinct seasons...and I love that summertime means ice cream for everyone! I have been wanting to make it to Lake Effect for quite a while now, and it totally lived up to its reputation. I went here with a friend on a hot day after a long walk, so it was the perfect time for ice cream! I had seen a lot of great photos here on Yelp and my expectations were high. I had no idea what to choose, but the earl grey tea flavor, London Fog, sounded interesting...and, being pretty new to Buffalo, I felt like I had to try the Loganberry flavor, too. The Loganberry was served a bit soft, so it was reminiscent of gelato, not a big problem...but I'm not sure I'd get that flavor again. The London Fog was firm and delicious! The price is good at $4.50 for two scoops. It was so big that I had to bring some home. I was very happy! (And it actually refroze really well.) I'm definitely excited to take my husband here, he's going to go nuts! And I can't wait to get back and try more flavors myself. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Loganberry and London Fog ice creams! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Always a safe bet to bring the kids, also for adult treats. Plentiful options, things you wouldn't even think about wanting in an ice cream. I got black sesame ice cream, and it was amazing! (sampled first) Seating area is great, though it might be nice if they screened it in, as the bees love their ice cream, too. PS. My dogs definitely loved the pup cups. read more

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The once cream here is excellent although I wish there was more chocolate offerings (like a brownie bits chocolate ice cream or the likes), so far, everything I have have been delicious. My fave so far is the London fog, extra cookies extra cream and the new lavender raspberry flavor. read more

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Love the creative flavor combinations. Every Valentine's day I have to get the delicious ice cream bites that mimick those chocolate boxes. These are way more creative and delicious if you're an ice cream lover. Last visit was a coconut cone delightful! This visit I got a Meyer lemon cone and a scoop of whiskey brown sugar for later! Always good service with a smile and if you need a sample before deciding they are accommodating! read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Meyer lemon. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Perfect location for fresh, homemade ice cream with local area collabs like Paula's donuts. Staff was so efficient, friendly, helpful. Open year round with ability to order inside and plenty of outdoor seating when weather allows. Small parking lot for simple parking options. I highly recommend getting an ice cream sampler if you want to try many options, they even have larger ones (9 flavors) that you can split with others (great value). Many sundae, milkshake, ice cream bar, and cookie options that rotate with seasonal flavors. Loved all the flavors, hard to pick a favorite. This is a must stop when in the area! read more

Lake Effect always has amazing flavors with consistent quality. I always get the black sesame flavored icecream. If the line is long, don't be deterred, they serve the guests quickly! This place has a small parking lot and lots of seating. This place is dog friendly. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Strawberry and black sesame - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This place is nice and fast on getting your food. The people who work here is always polite. The price is very very reasonable read more

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Lake Effect is the best ice cream place in Buffalo, in my opinion. Dairy doesn't sit well with me, but my friends made the suggestion to go to Lake Effect and I hadn't been in at least two years and I have no will power in saying no to London Fog. On this occasion I was in the go big or go home mindset and went with the five flavor ice cream flight. I would equate it to like a little over a quarter scoop per flavor. I went with London Fog because that is THE best flavor ever, and it is Earl Grey tea with bits of toffee, whiskey brown sugar, peanut butter epiphany, black sesame, and revolution coffee. The black sesame I have wanted to try forever and finally did and it is a unique flavor. I'm not sure if I could eat a scoop of it, but I did like the different taste. My only complaint is that I wish the flavors were in their own little section, because although it wasn't an exceptionally hot day, the flavors were melting into each other and I am a purist who likes to just taste the specific flavor and not mix flavors and that wasn't possible. So I had to eat quickly, and not savor, and couldn't eat quickly enough so the flavors blended together. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Five flight - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Best find ever! This ice cream is an absolute must for a sweet treat -- the 5 scoop sampler is the greatest idea. Plus the flavors are epic -- loved the black sesame, London fog and salted caramel especially. Wish they had one near us in Michigan! read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - 5 scoop flight! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This remains a great spot for the neighborhood. Only open for part of the year, there are often lines down the block. They have a bunch of tables outside as well. The sundae choices are fun and creative. They have partnered with tons of other local businesses too, which is great. I may or may not have another sundae this year, but the one I had last week was terrific. Update 101 2021 read more

A must go to spot during the summer. Can either stand outside to order or go inside, with some picnic tables to sit at. A plethora of options so whatever your craving you will find here. The ice cream my friend and I had were very flavorful and smooth. The workers were incredibly friendly and helpful as well! Unfortunately (fortunately) I live quite a bit ways away, but it's worth the trip to experience! read more

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This summer Lake Effect had awesome mystery boxes which we enjoyed very much so! There were only two of us, but after getting one couples box, we decided the family box was a better bang for your buck and allowed for much more variety. They really have such amazing and creamy ice cream. I would say our favorite is the Peanut Butter Epiphany! So creamy! We ordered the chocolate treats box for Valentine's Day and our taste buds thanked us. Each chocolate was about the size of a regular Valentine's day chocolate, but was filled with ice cream. Kind of like a very elevated Klondike bar! Highly recommend you check out their specials or just go for an ice cream when they're opened. read more

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I'd love like effect ice cream I've been there many times I'd love the Revolution coffee with the coconut combination. It's so so flavorful rich and delicious. read more

What's my favorite ice cream shop in North Buffalo? Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream!! They are simply the best. With an assortment of hand crafted flavors to choose from, you will certainly find something that you like there. My favorite ice cream is the sponge candy and my husband always goes for the milkshakes! We've walked there countless times over the last few years, and it's always such a delight to be there. With the pandemic going on, they do a really nice job at ensuring that everyone is socially distanced if there is a line and there are a few outdoor seats for customers. Sometimes, it's hard to find an ice cream shop that's open in the winter, but Lake Effect is open year round! Make sure you stop by and try it out if you haven't done so already! read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Black raspberry milkshake with white chocolate! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Over two visits we tried 10+ flavors, all were outstanding. Only gripe would be a few of the flavors (butterbeer and bourbon) were sold out both times! read more

Superb ice cream. This location is an ice cream stand outpost of the Lockport store. Superb and creamy without a ton of whipped air in it. Great flavors (e.g., black sesame) that are not the standard at many places. Unfortunately, my absolute favorite flavor I was only ever able to have a couple of times and they don't seem tome it anymore: Thai green curry ice cream with coconut and cashews mixed in. read more

As a certified ice cream fiend, I can confidently say Lake Effect is one of the best options for hard-scooped ice cream in the area. I'd only ever been to their Lockport location until last night. Their Hertel location is just as stellar! We went around 7 on a Sunday night, and while it was busy, the staff got through orders very quickly. While there's no indoor seating, they have a bunch of picnic tables outside in their parking lot to sit on, and we were able to snag one. They have an awesome lineup of flavors -- some rotate, and some are mainstays. I opted for Extra Cookies, Extra Cream, which I'd never had before. I just got one scoop in a waffle cone but it was MORE than enough. I was pleasantly surprised at how much ice cream they gave me! It was delicious and I couldn't finish my entire cone. If you haven't been to Lake Effect, I highly recommend doing so. And while Extra Cookies, Extra Cream might be one of my new favorite flavors... I definitely suggest trying a scoop of that sweet, sweet Paula's Glazed Donut ice cream. read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - Extra Cookies, Extra Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York

It doesn't get much better than lake effect! All homemade. Even Doing great partnerships with The local community on different flavors. They're so good there is almost always a line but service is fast and worth it! The location is in a cute and convenient spot on Hertel. My Notable favorite flavors: London fog and Paula's glazed donuts! read more

Tried going here a twice but ended up leaving, mostly because it was overwhelmingly busy but other part was the crowd being screamed at multiple times by a clearly irritated employee for customers not standing in an specific direction (both times I went). Finally made it there a 3rd try. My brother ordered the black sesame ice cream and I ordered the El Guapo. Mine was honestly OK, nothing really spectacular, pretty bland TBH. My brother's order was originally forgotten about but after about 45min he received his cone, and that was pretty decent. Overall, it seems incredibly busy, staff is clearly agitated and I don't feel any of the experiences are overall worth it. read more

I've been sitting on this one for a while because I wanted to get more flavours on these tastebuds before I hit the review button... jokes on me really because I knew on first lick it was 6/5... for some reason my sixth star isn't showing... Lake effect is an awesome locally owned business that really spreads joy and happiness and delicious creations that are both unique and tasty! Even the classic flavours everyone is use to like cookies and cream or chocolate are elevated with Lake Effects uncanny ability to bring out real flavour in a quality product. I love the unique flavours they come out with too, loaded with chunks and swirls and heaven! I kicked off my 2020 Lake Effect ice cream season by trying Black sesame for the first time and it was this amazing nutty and subtly sweet and creamy dense flavour that complemented my second scoop of salted caramel perfectly! The peanut butter epiphany is the closest thing to peanut butter without it actually being PB.... Couch potato is hit with that cloud like vanilla, chocolate covered potato chips and swirls! The build your own sundae is the best too, no shortage on quality whipped cream and sauces I ADORE the seasonal pumpkin ginger snap with those molasses and ginger cookie chunks too, take ALL MY MONEY My absolutely favourite flavour though is the revolution coffee... coffee ice cream is my all time go too and they do it right made with locally a brewed public espresso! Thank you lake effect for bringing community together with your delicious treats! (6ft apart for now of course!) will be visiting all summer! read more

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream - 2020 opening weekend: Menu and 2 scoop cone with black sesame and salted caramel - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Buffalo, New York