Soft Swerve Ice Cream: Your Guide to a New York City Sweet Treat

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Introduce

In the vibrant heart of New York City, where culinary trends are born and every street corner offers a new discovery, Soft Swerve Ice Cream stands out as a true gem. Located in the bustling Lower East Side, this isn't your average neighborhood scoop shop. It's a destination for anyone seeking a delightful and unique twist on a classic dessert. With its commitment to bold, Asian-inspired flavors and a fun, modern atmosphere, Soft Swerve has quickly become a beloved local favorite for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a longtime New Yorker or just passing through, a visit here promises a memorable and delicious experience that goes beyond the typical vanilla and chocolate.

Soft Swerve has built its reputation on offering flavors that are both familiar and exciting, taking inspiration from Asian culinary traditions to create a menu that's truly one-of-a-kind. They specialize in creating rich, creamy soft serve that is packed with flavor without being overwhelming. You'll find everything from the earthy richness of Ube (Purple Yam) and the floral notes of Thai Tea to the deep, nutty taste of Black Sesame and the smooth, subtle flavor of Matcha Green Tea. Beyond the distinctive flavors, what makes this shop so special is the quality of the product—it's incredibly smooth, creamy, and consistently excellent.

The shop’s aesthetic is as appealing as its flavors. It’s a small but bright space with a playful pastel aesthetic and a trendy, casual vibe. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful, making the experience even more enjoyable. It’s a place that welcomes a diverse crowd, from solo diners and families with kids to the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. The atmosphere is perfect for a quick visit when you need a little pick-me-up or a cool, colorful escape from a warm New York day.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Soft Swerve Ice Cream, from its convenient location and wide range of offerings to the little details that make it a standout choice for dessert lovers in NYC. We'll dive into the specifics of their menu, highlight what makes them so special, and provide all the essential contact information you'll need to plan your visit.

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Location and Accessibility

Soft Swerve Ice Cream is conveniently situated at 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002, placing it right in the heart of the Lower East Side. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its artistic energy, diverse food scene, and lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to grab a sweet treat after exploring the area. The shop's location is easily accessible for anyone in downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn.

For those traveling by car, both free and paid street parking options are available nearby, though finding a spot can be challenging in this bustling part of the city. The location is also well-served by public transportation. The Delancey St/Essex St station is a short walk away, offering access to the F, M, J, and Z subway lines. This makes it a great stop for locals and tourists exploring the Lower East Side, whether they are visiting nearby art galleries, a museum, or simply strolling through the neighborhood's iconic streets.

The shop itself is designed for a quick and enjoyable visit. While it's a smaller space, it offers seating for those who wish to take a moment to savor their dessert. It's also worth noting that Soft Swerve is exceptionally accommodating. They are family-friendly, good for kids, and even allow dogs both inside and outside the store, so you can bring your furry friend along for the trip. The planning is designed for a quick visit, making it an ideal destination for a spontaneous craving.

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Services Offered

Soft Swerve provides a variety of services to make getting your ice cream as convenient as possible. Their offerings cater to modern dining habits, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious treats no matter your preference.

Delivery: For those who want their ice cream fix without leaving the comfort of their home, Soft Swerve offers delivery services. This is perfect for a cozy night in or a last-minute party treat.
In-store pickup: You can place your order online and pick it up at the shop, saving you time and ensuring your favorite flavor is ready when you arrive.
Onsite services: Enjoy your ice cream right at the shop. While the space is compact, there is seating available for a relaxed, in-the-moment treat.
Takeout: Grab your ice cream to go and enjoy it as you explore the dynamic streets of the Lower East Side.

For payments, they accept a variety of options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and seamless.

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Features and Highlights

What sets Soft Swerve Ice Cream apart is its dedication to creative, high-quality, and flavorful offerings. They go beyond the standard menu to provide a memorable and customizable experience. Here are some of the standout features that make this shop special.

Unique and Exotic Flavors: Their core menu features a rotating selection of unique, Asian-inspired soft serve flavors that are rich and authentic. Popular choices include Ube (Purple Yam), Black Sesame, Thai Tea, and Matcha Green Tea. These aren't just novelty flavors; they are genuinely delicious and well-balanced.
Customizable Experience: You can choose from a variety of cones, including the classic waffle cone, chocolate waffle cone, and a classic red waffle cone, or opt for a simple cup. The best part is the generous DIY topping bar, which features everything from standard sprinkles and drizzles to more unique options like mochi rice cakes, Cap’n Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, and Toasted Coconut. This allows you to create a completely personalized dessert.
Pint and Thermal Bag Options: For those who can't get enough, Soft Swerve offers many of their popular flavors in pint form, so you can take a taste of their shop home with you. They also sell a premium thermal bag, ensuring your pints stay frozen on the journey home.
Variety of Offerings: Beyond soft serve, their menu includes traditional classic cups, milkshakes, and a selection of refreshing drinks like Thai Tea and Lychee Drink. This variety ensures there's something for everyone, whether you want a simple scoop or a decadent milkshake.
LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace: The shop is known for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming all members of the community with open arms. It's a safe and friendly space where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy their visit.

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Contact Information

For any inquiries or to simply find the shop, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (646) 476-6311

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What is Worth Choosing

With so many options, deciding what to get at Soft Swerve can be a delightful challenge. The soft serve is exceptionally smooth and creamy, a quality praised by many. The flavor profiles are strong but not overpowering, and you can even mix different flavors from the same machine to create a unique swirl. One of the most popular and recommended choices is the Ube, which offers a rich, sweet, and nutty flavor that is truly unforgettable. The Black Sesame is another favorite, praised for its deep, roasted, and slightly savory taste that pairs perfectly with sweet toppings.

For those who love to experiment with textures, a sundae is the way to go. You can combine a base flavor like Vanilla or Frozen Hot Chocolate with toppings like crushed vanilla cookies, mochi rice cakes, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate. A pro tip from a satisfied customer is to mix a variety of textures, like crunchy peanuts with chewy mochi pieces, to create a truly sensational bite. The prices are considered fair for the quality and generous portions, especially for New York City standards. A small serving is often noted to be large enough to share, making it an excellent value. Beyond the delicious treats, the welcoming and trendy atmosphere, coupled with the friendly staff, makes the entire experience worth it. Soft Swerve isn't just a place to get ice cream; it's a place to escape, indulge, and discover new favorite flavors.

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Food & drink

Drinks
Thai Tea Drink $4.00
Canned Thai Tea Drink - 11.8oz Sweet and refreshing!
Lychee Drink $4.00
Canned Sweet Lychee Drink 11.8oz Very Refreshing
Sunkist (Soda Can) $3.00
Pepsi (Soda Can) $3.00
Water $2.50
Poland Spring, Natural Spring Water.

Scoops
Thai Tea Scooped Cup $7.50
With hints of vanilla and subtle notes of sweet spices, our Thai Tea ice cream is made with tea leaves imported from Thailand. Try with condensed milk. Gluten-free, Egg Free
Almond Cookie Scoop $7.50
Savor the pure joy of our housemade almond ice cream – a perfect blend of creamy indulgence and delicate aromatic notes accented by the subtle richness of crushed almond cookies. Contains nuts, wheat, & eggs
Lychee Dragonfruit Sorbet Scoop $7.50
Light, floral lychee meets the mild, refreshing taste of dragonfruit in this smooth, tropical sorbet. Delicately sweet and subtly exotic.
Strawberry Lychee Scoop $7.50
Savor the delicious blend of sweet strawberries complemented by the floral aroma of lychee in our refreshing ice cream. This delightful combination captures the essence of summer in every creamy bite.
Cookies & Cream Scoop $7.50
Cookies & Cream, a classic offering with premium vanilla ice cream and crushed Oreo cookies.
Mango Coconut Sorbet Scoop $7.50
Mango Coconut sorbet is sweet, tropical, and refreshing. It's smooth, dairy-free, and prefect for a light, fruity treat.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Scoop $7.50
Made in house with real dark chocolate and our special blend of hot chocolate mix. It's rich, smooth and creamy.
Vegan Ube (Purple Yam) Scoop $7.50
Our most popular flavor now vegan! Made with real yams and oat milk. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Soy Free.
Hong Kong Milk Tea Scoop $7.50
Made with real Orange Pekoe & Assam tea, a great balance of creamy and bold tea flavor. This ice cream flavor is similar to bubble tea. Pairs well with condensed milk. Gluten-free, Egg Free
Vietnamese Coffee Scoop $7.50
Vietnamese Coffee is known for it's strong, dark robust flavor that is bittersweet and delicious. We cold brew our special blend of beans to reduce the acidity by at least half in comparison to using heat which creates a smoother finish. Definitely a coffee-lovers ice cream flavor. Try with some condensed milk for some additional sweetness.

Toppings
Cap 'N Crunch (4 Oz) $1.75
Comes in a 4 oz container. 3 Servings.
Reese's Puffs (4 Oz) $1.75
Reese's Puffs, chocolaty and peanut buttery puffed corn, a great topping for black sesame ice cream. Comes in a 4 oz container.
Cereal Marshmallows (4 Oz) $2.00
Cereal Marshmallow Bits. Add the perfect colorful crunch to your ice cream. Comes in a 4 oz container. 3 Servings.
Fruity Pebbles (4 Oz) $1.75
Fruity Pebbles Cereal. Perfect for making your ice cream crunchy and sweet. Comes in a 4 oz container. 3 Servings.
Bite Size Mochi Rice Cakes (4 Oz) $2.50
Mochi rice cakes, a perfect topping for any ice cream. Chewy semi-sweet rice cakes. (Packed in a 4oz container enough for 3 servings)
Milk Chocolate Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of our milk chocolate sauce.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of our dark chocolate sauce.
Toffee (4 Oz) $2.00
Crushed Heath Toffee, a candied caramel, a great combination to any flavor to give it a sweet crunch. Contains almonds. (packed in a 4oz container, enough for 3 servings)
Rainbow Sprinkles (4 Oz) $2.00
A must have topping when it comes to ice cream, enough for 3 servings in a 4oz container.
Toasted Coconut (4 Oz) $2.25
Toasted coconut chips. A great nutty crunch to any flavor of ice cream. (Packed in 4oz container, enough for 3 servings)
Oreo Dust (4 Oz) $2.00
Crushed Oreos Wafers, add a crunchy and chocolate touch to your ice cream. (packed in 4oz containers, enough for 3 servings)
Condensed Milk Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of sweetened condensed milk.
Crushed Vanilla Cookies (4 Oz) $1.75
This crunchy crumbly topping is made from chopped vanilla wafers. Comes in a 4 oz container.
Chocolate Sprinkles (4 Oz) $2.00
Chocolate sprinkles: contains enough for 3 servings.
Sea Salt Caramel Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of our sea salt caramel sauce.
Cocoa Krispies (4 Oz) $1.75
Toasted cocoa puffs, great for adding a crunch to any ice cream. (packed in a 4oz container, enough for 3 servings). Enhance your favorite ice cream with some toppings.
Strawberry Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of our special strawberry sauce made with real strawberries.
Caramel Drizzle (2 Oz) $1.75
A 2 ounce serving of our caramel sauce.
Cotton Candy Crunch (4 Oz) $1.75
Featuring the pink, blue, and purple colors of standard cotton candy, this sweet crunchy candy topping will turn any ordinary ice cream serving into an extraordinary dessert treat. Comes in a 4 oz container.
Crushed Almonds (4 Oz) $2.25
A perfect way to add some nuttiness to your ice cream. Packed in a 4oz container, enough for 3 servings.

Premium Thermal Bag
Premium Thermal Bag $4.00
Have your ice cream order delivered in a reusable premium thermal bag. It's waterproof, washable and sturdy.

Ice Cream Pints
Vanilla Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our classic vanilla ice cream - this flavor never disappoints. Order with some rainbow sprinkles to bring some nostalgia to the party. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Made in house with real dark chocolate and our special blend of hot chocolate mix. It's rich, smooth and creamy.
Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Vietnamese Coffee is known for it's strong, dark robust flavor that is bittersweet and delicious. We cold brew our special blend of beans to reduce the acidity by at least half in comparison to using heat which creates a smoother finish. Definitely a coffee-lovers ice cream flavor. Try with some condensed milk for some additional sweetness.
Hong Kong Milk Tea Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our take on Hong Kong Milk Tea. Made with real Orange Pekoe & Assam tea, a great balance of creamy and bold tea flavor.
Black Sesame Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our Black Sesame has a nutty robust roasted flavor similar to peanut butter or tahini and is made with ingredients sourced from Japan. Try this with some chocolate drizzle! Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Pints $12.50
This flavor is made from real Matcha paste imported from Japan. Try this with some mochi, strawberry drizzle or oreos. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Ube (Purple Yam) Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our most popular flavor at Soft Swerve made with real purple yams. Definitely a must-try flavor if you've never had it. Pairs very well with toasted coconut and mochi. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Birthday Cake Ice Cream Pint $12.50
This fun flavor is made with vanilla ice cream mixed with rainbow sprinkles and crushed vanilla cookies. Try it with some dark chocolate drizzle!
Strawberry Lychee Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Savor the delicious blend of sweet strawberries complemented by the floral aroma of lychee in our refreshing ice cream. This delightful combination captures the essence of summer in every creamy bite.
Mango Coconut Sorbet Pint $12.50
Mango Coconut sorbet is sweet, tropical, and refreshing. It's smooth, dairy-free, and prefect for a light, fruity treat.
Vegan Pineapple Pint $12.50
This dairy-free dessert is perfect for Summer or anytime you feel like adding a little sweetness to your day.
Vegan Ube (Purple Yam) Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our most popular flavor now vegan! Made with real yams and oat milk. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Soy Free.
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Cookies & Cream, a classic offering with premium vanilla ice cream and crushed Oreo cookies.
Lychee Dragonfruit Sorbet Pint $12.50
Light, floral lychee meets the mild, refreshing taste of dragonfruit in this smooth, tropical sorbet. Delicately sweet and subtly exotic.
Almond Cookie Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Savor the pure joy of our housemade almond ice cream – a perfect blend of creamy indulgence and delicate aromatic notes accented by the subtle richness of crushed almond cookies. Contains nuts, wheat, & eggs
Hojicha Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our Hojicha ice cream has a smooth, roasted flavor with earthy, nutty notes. Its light brown color reflects the roasted tea, and the taste is subtly sweet with a smoky undertone. Creamy and refreshing, it balances the warmth of hojicha with the coolness of ice cream. Contains dairy and caffeine. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Thai Tea Ice Cream Pint $12.50
With hints of vanilla and subtle notes of sweet spices, our Thai Tea ice cream is made with tea leaves imported from Thailand. Try with condensed milk. Gluten-free, Egg Free
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pint $12.50
Our classic sundae made with fresh vanilla ice cream layered with freeze dried strawberries, strawberry drizzle and crunchy vanilla wafers.

Cones
Chocolate Waffle Cone $2.00
Our signature black chocolate cone
Cake Cone $0.50
Light, neutral-flavored, wafer-style cone with a crisp texture
Original Waffle Cone $2.00
Our original waffle cone
Classic Red Waffle Cone $2.00
Our classic red waffle cone with a sweet touch of cinnamon.

Milkshakes
Milkshake $14.00
Choose from our many different ice cream flavors that are currently on the menu. Size is 16 ounces.

Classic Cups (Frozen Cups)
Vanilla & Frozen Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Cup $7.50
Two nostalgic flavors swirled into the same cup. Our vanilla is excellent & our Frozen Hot Chocolate is made with dark chocolate and our special blend of hot chocolate mix. It's rich, smooth and creamy. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Vegan Pineapple Cup $7.50
This dairy-free sorbet dessert is perfect anytime you feel like adding a little sweetness to your day. Gluten-free.
Black Sesame Ice Cream Cup $7.50
Our Black Sesame has a nutty robust roasted flavor similar to peanut butter or tahini and is made with ingredients sourced from Japan. Try this with some chocolate drizzle! Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Hojicha Ice Cream Cup $7.50
Our Hojicha ice cream has a smooth, roasted flavor with earthy, nutty notes. Its light brown color reflects the roasted tea, and the taste is subtly sweet with a smoky undertone. Creamy and refreshing, it balances the warmth of hojicha with the coolness of ice cream. Contains dairy and caffeine. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Vanilla Ice Cream Cup $7.50
Our classic vanilla ice cream - this flavor never disappoints. Order with some rainbow sprinkles to bring some nostalgia to the party or with Oreos to make a DIY cookies and cream. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Ube (Purple Yam) Ice Cream Cup $7.50
A 5 oz serving of our most popular ice cream flavor, made with real purple yams. Definitely a must try flavor if you've never had it before. Pairs very well with toasted coconut and mochi. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Cup $7.50
This flavor is made from real Matcha paste imported from Japan. Try this with some mochi, strawberry drizzle or oreos. Gluten-free. Please note: This product is delivered frozen and not as soft serve. Soft serve is available only in-store and shown in photos for display purposes.

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
Onsite services
Takeout

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Dining options
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Photos

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Location

Soft Swerve Ice Cream

New York New York County New York Allen Street

85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Soft Swerve Ice Cream Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 1284 user reviews.

ubesesamematchamochitarokopyoralmond cookiefruity pebblesdried strawberryhong kong milk tea

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Actually delightful. Banging soft serve. Super smooth and creamy. Great flavor.We tried the ube and matcha. Both were great. Pretty strong flavors but not too overwhelming.A small is more than enough to share. We shared with 3 people and it was huge.You can get multiple flavors in a small, even if they’re not in the same machine. I appreciated this SO much.The lighting inside is very harsh and fluorescent lol.
July 03 · Cassia A
We stopped by Soft Swerve’s Allen St location on a warm NYC afternoon, and it was exactly the cool, colorful escape we were craving. The space is small but bright and welcoming, with a fun pastel aesthetic and friendly staff who were happy to guide us through the flavors and toppings.We ordered the Chocolate Éclair sundae, which was a knockout—vanilla soft serve drizzled with chocolate syrup, loaded with crushed Oreo cookies and topped with golden cookie dust. Rich, decadent, and surprisingly balanced for how indulgent it looked.The other sundae (I forgot the name!) had a striking black sesame base and was beautifully topped with crunchy peanuts, gooey caramel drizzle, and soft mochi pieces. It had a nutty, slightly roasted flavor that paired wonderfully with the textures of the toppings—chewy, creamy, and crisp all in one bite.There’s a generous DIY topping bar with everything from rainbow sprinkles and rice krispies to cereal puffs and toffee bits. Prices are fair for NYC, especially considering how premium the flavors are.This spot truly lives up to the hype—it’s not just about looks; the flavors are bold and memorable. If you’re in the Lower East Side, make time for a swirl.Pro tip: Go for a sundae combo and mix in mochi + peanuts for texture heaven!
July 15 · Akshat Kumar
Very delicious ice cream. 5/5. I had the cookies and cream with almonds and toasted coconut. Sooo good. And it was decently priced for lower Manhattan. Should def visit
April 23 · R. Francis
Amazing flavors. This Icecream shop lets you add unconventional toppings and pairings. Staff is always kinda and helpful. I love this place
August 05 · Timothy Chan
101F out today, and this hits just right. I would get it again l, just without the coconut or mochi despite the recommendation.Beware of the plastic spoons. The edges are very sharp and it cut my top lip.
June 24 · Yankee