U3C Italian Ice Cafe, Suffolk

Living a healthy, happy lifestyle does not mean that one has to skip dessert, according to the owners of U3C Italian Ice Café. Not one of their confections tops 300 calories, which may explain why their shop is one of the cheeriest on the block. An equally valid explanation stems from an interior that abounds with the bright colors of leaf-green walls and more than 50 varieties of cool and refreshing italian ice. Brimming with natural ingredients, scoops of mango, strawberry, and watermelon ice make for pleasing combinations when stacked, swirled, or used to touch up impressionist paintings. Cupcakes come in luscious flavors such as lemon, red velvet, and vegan strawberry—all of which pair nicely with a steamy mug of loose-leaf Revolution tea. To accommodate dietary restrictions, the shop bakes cakelets without sugar, gluten, or dairy products upon request. The staff also encourages dessert lovers to mingle by hosting family-friendly events such as poetry nights and chess tournaments, in which feuding siblings square off to determine weekly dishwashing duties.