Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

- 1625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Introduction / Overview

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has firmly established itself as a staple of the New York City dessert scene, starting its journey from a bright yellow scoop truck on the city's streets in 2008. The brand’s mission, centered on making "good ice cream from good ingredients that makes you feel good," has resonated deeply with locals who appreciate both quality and a touch of indulgence. The Upper East Side location at 1625 2nd Ave is a perfect spot for New Yorkers seeking a high-quality, artisanal treat, whether after a long day or for a quick, family-friendly outing. Categorized as both an ice cream shop and a dessert shop, Van Leeuwen caters to a wide range of tastes, offering both classic, decadent dairy ice cream made with simple, high-quality ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar, and an impressive line of sought-after vegan ice creams crafted from a base of cashews, coconuts, and oats.

This location offers a welcoming, casual, and trendy atmosphere that’s ideal for a quick visit, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellent service and superior product quality. It’s a place where the focus is firmly on the craft of ice cream making, featuring unique and rich flavors that set it apart from the average ice cream parlor. From exotic, high-end imported ingredients like Sicilian pistachios to uniquely local and seasonal creations, Van Leeuwen promises a satisfying and memorable dessert experience every time.

Location and Accessibility

The Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop serving the Upper East Side neighborhood is conveniently situated at

1625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Services Offered

• In-Store Shopping: Enjoy the full scoop shop experience, browsing the array of flavors in a welcoming setting.
• Takeout: Perfect for those on the go who want to grab a cone or a pint quickly.
• Delivery: Have your favorite scoops and pints brought directly to your New York City home or office.
• In-Store Pickup: Place your order ahead of time and pick it up at the counter for maximum speed and convenience.
• Onsite Services: The staff offers helpful and friendly service, often lauded by customers for patience and attentiveness during the decision-making process.
• Coffee Offerings: Beyond the frozen treats, the shop also serves coffee, allowing for a complete cafe and dessert experience.

Features / Highlights

• High-Quality, Artisanal Ingredients: The brand is renowned for its commitment to using simple, high-quality, and often imported ingredients, such as Sicilian Pistachios and cold-ground Tahitian vanilla beans, resulting in intensely rich and creamy texture and flavor.
• Extensive Vegan Options: A major highlight is the diverse and highly-rated selection of vegan ice creams, which are non-dairy and made with a base of coconut cream, cashews, and oat milk, ensuring that ice cream lovers of all dietary preferences have decadent options.
• Unique and Classic Flavors: The menu consistently features beloved classics like Honeycomb and Cookies & Cream alongside inventive, signature flavors such as Earl Grey Tea, Sicilian Pistachio, and Praline Butter Cake, catering to both traditionalists and those looking for an adventure in taste.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: Customer feedback often singles out the exceptional, attentive, and patient service, highlighting the friendly demeanor of the team members who assist in crafting the perfect scoop.
• A Welcoming Environment: The shop maintains a casual and trendy vibe, perfect for a

  quick visit

  and good for kids, making it a stress-free environment for families and groups.
• Convenient Payment Options: For a seamless transaction, the shop accepts all major Credit cards and Debit cards, making payments fast and easy.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers in the area, or those planning a visit to the Upper East Side, the shop's key details are:

Address: 1625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Phone: (917) 472-7531

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker seeking an elevated dessert experience, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream stands out as a worthwhile choice. Its commitment to "good-good" ice cream—a philosophy that prioritizes simple, premium ingredients over heavily processed alternatives—ensures a superior product. As one customer review suggests, while it operates in a world of ice cream, the difference is noticeable in the creamy, rich texture and high quality. The service is consistently praised, with one enthusiast noting that the friendly, fast, and patient staff, like the host girl mentioned in the review, elevate the experience by crafting each scoop with care and precision, getting the texture, mix-ins, and portions just right.

The diversity of offerings is another compelling reason to choose this shop. Whether you're an omnivore craving the richness of a classic dairy scoop or a vegan looking for a creamy, satisfying non-dairy alternative, Van Leeuwen provides top-tier options for everyone. The shop’s ability to flawlessly execute both traditional and unique flavor profiles, combined with a welcoming and accessible Upper East Side location, makes it a reliable destination. For a quick, high-quality, and friendly dessert break that focuses on pure, excellent taste, Van Leeuwen is highly recommended as a top-tier local dessert shop.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

1625 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA