By Katarina Hybenova

Don’t get me wrong, I love Mr. Softee, but chasing an ice cream truck in this heat can be tiring. Luckily, there are two awesome old timey ice cream spots that, in addition to serving delicious Italian gelato, don’t move from place to place. Rudy’s Bakery in Ridgewood and Circo’s Pastry Shop in Bushwick are your summer ice cream destinations!

Rudy’s Bakery and Cafe

905 Seneca Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, off Seneca M, Halsey L 

Rudy’s Bakery has been in the neighborhood for 78 years now, and is managed by Tony and his family for over 30 years now. This cute old timey bakery remembers generations of delighted faces after biting into its sweet cupcakes and cookies. In the summer, you will especially appreciate Rudy’s gelato craftsmanship. Secret flavor tip: Cannoli.

Circo’s Pastry Shop

 312 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, off Central M or Dekalb L

Ciroco’s is another place where you can trace the history of the neighborhood by biting into a pastry. Circo’s family bakery has been in Bushwick since 1945, and in addition to amazing pastry they are making all year long, they open their ice cream window during summers. Their gelato is old fashioned, honest, and delicious! Secret flavor tip: Nocciola.