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Soft Swerve
Master Critic Review
Soft Swerve
8.6
A Long Island City soft-serve staple built around bold flavors like ube and black sesame, with a topping bar that lets you go subtle or fully maximal. Best when you commit to one signature swirl and let the contrast (salty, crunchy, fruity) do the work instead of stacking everything at once.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ube soft-serve swirl, Black sesame swirl, Seasonal fruit swirl with crunchy topping
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Flavor-forward soft serve (especially ube) with smart topping contrast.
Who should go: Soft-serve people who want bold flavors
When to visit: Afternoon for shorter lines
What to order: Ube swirl, black sesame, one seasonal fruit option
Insider tip: Pick one crunch topping and one sauce—don’t overload the swirl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking around Court Square; availability drops after 6pm. Garages nearby but usually unnecessary for a quick stop.
Dress code: Casual—anything from gym clothes to workwear fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter service with light chatter; easy to talk.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak summer evenings; faster in cooler months.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—core menu is vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional vegan sorbet or dairy-free specials, not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Partially—soft serve itself is typically gluten-free, but confirm toppings (some cookies/cones contain gluten).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—low pressure, playful, and quick, making it ideal for a casual first meet or a dessert follow-up after dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations—this is counter service with limited seating, so plan to stand or take it to-go if it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—bright flavors, simple ordering, and small portions work well for kids, though strollers can feel tight during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Bold, Asian-inspired soft-serve flavors (especially ube and black sesame) with clean, high-contrast toppings.
Skip if: You want large scoops, classic hard ice cream, or lots of seating—traditional ice cream parlors will suit you better.