Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

- 151 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Introduction / Overview

In the bustling landscape of New York City’s dessert scene, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream stands as a beacon for those who demand quality, craftsmanship, and simple, wholesome ingredients. This celebrated Ice cream shop brings "old-school scoops with a modern twist" to the heart of Brooklyn Heights, quickly establishing itself as a beloved local spot for residents and visitors alike.

The core of the Van Leeuwen philosophy is simple: happiness is healthiness, and the best ice cream is made with the magic combination of milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar. They craft their ice cream from scratch in Brooklyn, using the best ingredients sourced from artisan producers and farmers both locally and globally. This commitment to 'good-good' ingredients results in an ultra-creamy, rich texture that sets their classic flavors apart.

Crucially for New York's diverse population, Van Leeuwen is equally renowned for its groundbreaking Vegan Ice Cream line. Their dairy-free options—made from a creamy base of coconuts, cashews, and oats—are so rich and satisfying that they easily rival the classic dairy scoops, ensuring that "good ice cream is for everyone." From fan favorites like Honeycomb and Sicilian Pistachio to inventive choices like Buttermilk Berry Cornbread and limited-edition specials, the wide variety ensures there's a perfect scoop for every craving. The shop maintains a friendly, cozy place to meet with friends, complemented by "awesome staff" and a welcoming local vibe that makes it a perfect late-night treat destination.

Location and Accessibility

The Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop is located at 151 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, placing it on one of Brooklyn Heights' most charming and central commercial thoroughfares. This location is not only beautiful but also exceptionally convenient, sitting just steps away from the judicial and transit nexus of Downtown Brooklyn and the scenic waterfront of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The shop’s proximity to major subway stations makes it an easy trip for New Yorkers from across the boroughs, particularly for a late-night dessert run. Key transit options include:

• The 2 and 3 lines at Clark Street, providing direct access from Manhattan.
• The 4 and 5 lines at Borough Hall, placing it at a major subway hub.
• The A and C lines at High Street or Jay St-MetroTech, offering connections to Queens and other parts of Brooklyn.
• The R line at Borough Hall (via Court Street) and the F line at Jay St-MetroTech also serve the area, making this location a transit sweet spot.

While New York City often necessitates using public transit, the shop is also near several CitiBike stations, including those at Atlantic Ave & Furman St and Old Fulton St, making it easily reachable for cyclists. Given that parking is limited in this historic neighborhood, public transportation is highly encouraged to enjoy the area stress-free.

Services Offered

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream on Montague Street provides a comprehensive array of services tailored to meet the needs of a demanding New York clientele, from quick solo treats to large group gatherings.

• In-Store Scoops: Serving a full menu of their classic and vegan ice creams in a variety of styles, including cups, cones, sundaes, and milkshakes.
• Takeout & Pickup: Full menu available for quick in-person pickup orders, perfect for a treat on the go while walking Montague Street.
• Local Delivery: Offers local delivery through major platforms until late hours, ensuring that an ice cream craving can be satisfied right to your door.
• Take-Home Quarts: Provides Ice Cream Quarts (32oz), like the Strawberry (32oz) ($18.15), for enjoying the full flavor experience at home or for hosting.
• Party Packs: Features Party Packs such as the Fan Faves Party Pack ($53.00), designed for events, and offers Utensils Pack ($0.00) as an included amenity.
• Specialty Desserts: Offers a variety of treats beyond scoops, including Ice Cream Sandwiches (like the Vegan Double Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich ($8.50)), fresh-baked Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3.25), and various ice cream bars.
• Late-Night Hours: The shop maintains a generous schedule, remaining open late (often until 11:00 PM or later) throughout the week, catering to the New York habit of a late-night dessert.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream experience are centered on the quality of their product, the creativity of their flavors, and the overall welcoming customer experience.

• Ultra-Creamy, High-Quality Ice Cream: The foundation of their success lies in their made-from-scratch approach, using simple, high-quality ingredients like French-style custard for their classic flavors, resulting in an unparalleled texture.
• Equally Impressive Vegan Offerings: A major highlight is their dedicated, extensive line of Vegan Ice Cream. Utilizing oat milk, cashews, and coconuts, they craft dairy-free flavors that satisfy even the most discerning ice cream lover, such as the V Banana Bread Pudding W/ Fudge Swirls ($11.15).
• Inventive and Gourmet Flavors: Beyond simple vanilla, the menu is a creative playground, featuring unique classics like Earl Grey Tea, Sicilian Pistachio, Honeycomb, and seasonal/special batches like Maren Morris Orange Dreamsicle.
• Full Dessert Menu: The shop is more than just scoops, offering a comprehensive dessert menu that includes their famous Ice Cream Bars, Cookie Sandwiches, sundaes, and thick, creamy Milkshakes (like the Malted Cookie Dough Shake ($11.15)).
• Excellent Service and Atmosphere: Recognized by customers for its Friendly service and Awesome staff, the shop provides a Cozy place to meet with friends or enjoy a treat alone, reinforcing its status as a reliable local spot.
• Brooklyn Roots: Founded in 2008 in New York City and known for making their ice cream from scratch right in Brooklyn, the brand holds a strong local provenance that resonates with New York customers.

Contact Information

To plan your visit to this premium Brooklyn Heights ice cream shop, please use the following contact details:

Address:

151 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone:

(718) 701-1630

Estimated Hours of Operation:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM (or 12:00 AM)
• Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM (or 1:00 AM)

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers visiting the Montague Street location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the decision of what to choose should focus on experiencing the core quality that defines the brand—the ultra-creamy texture that works equally well for their classic and vegan lines.

If you are a classic ice cream purist, you absolutely must try a scoop of their signature flavor, the Honeycomb ($11.15). This flavor perfectly showcases their rich dairy base and is considered a must-try for first-timers. Alternatively, the Sicilian Pistachio ($11.15) is another highly recommended flavor that exemplifies their dedication to simple, high-quality, authentic ingredients, offering a genuine taste rarely found elsewhere.

If you or someone in your group is seeking a dairy-free treat, choosing one of their Vegan Flavors is a decision you won't regret. The V Banana Bread Pudding W/ Fudge Swirls ($11.15) is often touted as a revelation, demonstrating how their oat/cashew base achieves a creaminess that is comparable to dairy ice cream. To fully appreciate the range of the menu, consider one of their treats, such as a thick Malted Cookie Dough Shake ($11.15). Ultimately, Van Leeuwen is worth choosing for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and its ability to master both traditional and vegan ice cream, making it a reliable, high-end dessert spot for everyone in the neighborhood, available well into the late hours.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

151 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA