Sweet Summer Treats in NYC

Young or old, we all scream for ice cream and variations thereof— especially in New York, where the traditional end to a meal, dessert, can be a meal in itself.

WTF Birthday Waffle at Clinton Hall.

(Courtesy Clinton Hall)

CLINTON HALL

New Yorkers are blunt speakers; they say it like it is. So, don’t be offended when you see WTF Birthday Waffle printed on the dessert menu at this beer-and-burger joint. You may even forget yourself and blurt out the phrase in full when the towering confection is set down before you: three waffles piled high and layered with vanilla ice cream, dusted with sprinkles in every color of the rainbow, laced with raspberry and caramel sauces, and topped with whipped cream and a sugar cone placed at a jaunty angle. A lit sparkler tells you this is a special dessert for a special occasion. If it’s not your birthday, July 4 will do. 16 W. 36th St., 212.695.0036, www .clintonhallny.com

GRASS JELLY

(COURTESY MÁLÀ PROJECT)

MÁLÀ PROJECT

Dessert isn’t something that comes to mind when one thinks of a Chinese restaurant. A fortune cookie perhaps, or chunks of pineapple. But at this home of the hot pot recommended by the Michelin Guide, there’s a good-for-you dessert: grass jelly. Made with Chinese herbs, the jelly delivers a grown-up kick. It also has healing properties. The herbs are said to drive away heat. Perfect for this time of year. 122 First Ave., 212.353.8880, www.mala project.nyc

FLEX DONUTS

(DARA POLLAK)

FLEX MUSSELS

Mussels come in two dozen preparations at this bivalve haven, but there are only three desserts on the menu. Of these, Flex Donuts, in portions of four or six, are the way to go. Each donut oozes a flavored filling—salted caramel, wild blueberry, Meyer lemon, s’mores and more. If you’re counting calories, you may want to pass. But then again, no. 174 E. 82nd St., 212.717.7772, www .flexmussels.com