By Amy Swain

It’s one of Union Square’s newer additions, but it feels like it’s been there forever. Walking into Gracies’ small, white interior, it feels clean and neat, but lived in. Unique and clearly hand picked art hangs scattered on the wall. Several mason jars of toppings sit on shelves behind the register. Flavors are written on the wall in dry-erase marker. And the staff is just the right amount of friendly.

Gracie’s opened in November 2014, so this will be its second summer. Owner Aaron Cohen acknowledges that the ice cream world is an up and down business, but says they’re doing fine. Cohen is not a Somerville native, but has spent more than a decade as a resident. When asked what prompted him to open the shop he said, “Ice cream is amazing and Union Square didn’t have a shop.” Short and sweet.

Gracie’s staff is part of its charm. Employee Ali Larew has dreams of opening her own ice cream shop someday, so to her this is more than just a paycheck. She has the exclusive privilege, as of now, of making all of the ice cream they sell. Daily! That’s right, they churn the sweet stuff not five feet from where they sell it, and change flavors every day.

The flavors they come up with are definitely the best reason to visit Gracie’s. Cohen says of the selection, “We try to come up with delicious and creative flavors that will appeal to adults and children alike.” Poptart Pourri, Salty Whiskey, Golden Grahams and Pretzel, and Peach Basil, to name a few favorites. They offer twelve different flavors daily, always keeping one dairy-free option. And you can get it in a toasted, Fluff-dipped cone. They also offer coffee, tea, cocoa, frappes and floats and cookies.

There are a few tables inside, but it’s the perfect spot to grab a cup or cone and head outside, as it’s in the heart of Union Square.

Gracie’s Ice Cream is located at 22 Union Square in Somerville, MA 02143.

They are  open Sun-Thur 2:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri and Sat 2:30-11 p.m.