Ikyotochan

This is the best gelato I’ve had in the city. I make special trips to the Lower East Side just to get my fix. So far flavors that have knocked my sock off include Black Mission Fig, Fresh Mint, Honey Lavendar, Pumpkin, Black Sesame and Chocolate. The also make astonishing sorbets including Black Currant, Black Plum, Grapefruit and Green Grape. Everything tastes of the fresh ingredients in their names, not like flavorings.

Not neccessarily for traditionalists, but a foodie paradise.

The only disadvantage is that there is not really anyplace to sit down, so it’s best to window shop while savoring your treats.

The burgers and shakes are so good here, I say, forgo the fries and have an extra burger! Also, they’re open late, so I hit it in late evenings to beat the long lines.

I went here for a Friday night party, and was certainly glad I went. This place is Old World comfort, which although a little rough and grungy around the edges was quite relaxing. I didn’t make it up the the Hookah room, and the sun deck was closed because of the snow, but I took full advantage of the bathing facilities.

There was the volcanic heat of the Russian Room, where you can get a little bonus show by watching someone get the platza (a treatment with a soapy oak leaf beating by a surly looking Russian guy with dousings of icy cold water). Then a quick cool off in the cold pool before hitting either the dry or Turkish sauna or the steam room.

The locker system there was rather interesting, you don’t get a key to your locker, but a tag (which doubles as the billing number for food, drinks and special treatments) that will allow you to ask a front desk staff member to come into the lockeroom with you to get your stuff.

All and all a really fun experience, and I would recommend it for someone looking for budget relaxation.