As part of Snack Store collection, Annie Arriaga investigates the most recent and biggest viral snack retailers in New York Metropolis to see if the hype is actual, if the snacks are yummy, and if the spot is underrated, overrated, or completely rated.
You realize that feeling while you’re overwhelmed at an ice cream store as a result of there’s 20 individuals behind you in line and what seems like a whole lot of taste and topping mixtures staring again at you? In the event you’re ice cream indecisive—otherwise you don’t thoughts individuals making choices for you, which may be good generally—Shock Scoop in New York Metropolis goes to be your new favourite dessert spot. This self-proclaimed “ice cream roulette” store opened in January 2025 with just one factor on the menu: a “shock sundae” the place the one choose outs are whipped cream, a cherry on prime, and/or any berry flavors. After ordering, you watch for a couple of minutes earlier than a pair of mysterious gloved palms serves you your sundae from a window.
After I noticed that The Infatuation posted had been there, I knew I had to get in on the enjoyable. Right here’s my sincere evaluate!
The Snacks
For the sake of an sincere evaluate, I ordered two sundaes and waited patiently. The method of ordering on the digital kiosk and ready silently within the empty house was awkward. It felt unusual and eerie, however I needed to belief the method. When the little window opened, I used to be shocked to see the double scoop sundaes had been served in little paper takeout packing containers. Cute!
Photograph by Anna Arriaga
Sundae #1. First, I had a pink ice cream topped with whipped cream and what appeared like caramel sauce. I assumed it was a strawberry taste, however was instantly confirmed improper after the primary spoonful. Bubblegum ice cream has by no means been my favourite—and this taste packed a punch, to say the least. Plus, the sauce was extra of a butterscotch, which was a wierd pairing with the artificial style of bubblegum. Not my favourite.
Photograph by Anna Arriaga
Sundae #2. My prediction for this sundae was a vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, as a result of it was a easy white colour, and I used to be actually hoping for one thing to redeem the bubblegum. Fortunately, it ended up being toasted marshmallow and coconut. The ice cream itself was additionally creamier and fluffier than the primary sundae. I appreciated this one much more, however I’m nonetheless unsure I’d’ve ordered these taste mixtures if it was as much as me.
Last Ranking
I went into this realizing that it’d be extra of a enjoyable, adventurous form of expertise slightly than the same old ice cream store go to, however I used to be actually hoping to be extra on board flavor-wise. The primary sundae turned me off instantly, however the second barely redeemed it. Both manner, one double scoop sundae was a bit bit greater than $10, so for 2 little sundaes I paid effectively over $20—and I didn’t get to decide on the flavors! All of that being stated, I believe Shock Scoop is overrated. It’s enjoyable and cute, however it’s extra concerning the recreation of guessing the flavors than it’s concerning the taste and high quality of the ice cream itself. Not my cup of tea!
In the event you’re studying this and you’ve got a suggestion for a Snack Store within the metropolis that I need to go to and (truthfully) fee, go away a remark right here or on our Snack Store TikTok video. I really like solutions!
