Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in the East Village
Van Leeuwen started as a yellow ice cream truck in 2008 and grew into one of New York’s best-known scoop shops, and the East Village storefront on East 7th Street is a longtime favorite. It is a small, bright counter-service spot a block off Astor Place, built for a scoop on the go rather than a sit-down session.
The menu splits between rich French-style dairy ice cream and a genuinely good vegan lineup, plus sundaes, milkshakes, and housemade cookies. There is no bar and no happy hour here, but the shop stays open late, which makes it a reliable after-dinner stop in the neighborhood.
What to Expect
The Room
A compact, well-lit counter-service scoop shop with a handful of seats, tucked on East 7th Street just off Astor Place. The focus is the case of dairy and vegan flavors rather than lingering, though late hours make it an easy dessert run.
Who Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dessert run | Rich dairy and vegan scoops make it a go-to after dinner in the East Village. |
| Late-night treat | The shop stays open past midnight most nights for a post-bar sweet. |
| Vegan-friendly | A full plant-based lineup means dairy-free guests get more than an afterthought. |
| Walk-and-eat | Counter service and a location near Astor Place make it easy to grab a cone and stroll. |
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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream FAQ
Does Van Leeuwen have a happy hour?
No. Van Leeuwen is an ice cream scoop shop and does not offer a happy hour or drink specials.
Does Van Leeuwen have vegan ice cream?
Yes. The shop is known for its vegan flavors alongside its classic French-style dairy ice cream.
What are the hours of the East Village location?
The 48 1/2 East 7th Street shop is open Monday through Friday from 8am to midnight and weekends from 9am to 2am.
What else is on the menu?
Beyond scoops, Van Leeuwen serves sundaes, milkshakes, housemade cookies, and coffee.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream before visiting for a specific deal.