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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - Franklin Village
Master Critic Review
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream - Franklin Village
8.5
The Franklin Village outpost of New York–born Van Leeuwen brings ultra-creamy dairy and vegan ice creams to a compact, always-busy corner spot. With a long list of inventive flavors and strong non-dairy options, it functions as both a neighborhood dessert stop and a pre- or post-show treat for nearby theaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb Ice Cream, Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Dense, custardy scoops with serious vegan options in a walkable hub.
Who should go: Ice cream fans wanting elevated flavors and vegan choices.
When to visit: Early evenings before post-dinner lines peak on Franklin.
What to order: Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, any rotating vegan special.
Insider tip: Grab a cone, then wander Franklin Village’s bookstores and bars nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Franklin Avenue is limited and tight during peak dining hours; expect to circle or use nearby paid lots if visiting on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to post-theater outfits fits the neighborhood vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; the small shop gets lively during peak hours, but you can still hold a quick conversation inside or take your cone to-go.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during the post-dinner rush when lines form out the door.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick service and full flavor availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nearly the entire menu is vegetarian-friendly, including dairy and non-dairy flavors.
Vegan options: Strong vegan program with multiple oat- and cashew-based flavors always available.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free flavors are offered, though cross-contact is possible due to shared scoop areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a low-pressure, walkable dessert stop with inventive flavors and plenty of nearby places to stroll and talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service or reservations; a few seats are available but most people enjoy their scoops outside or on a walk.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the classic and rotating flavors, though the small shop can get crowded during prime hours.
Best For
Better for: Creative dairy and vegan flavors with a richer, denser texture than many local scoop shops.
Skip if: You want spacious indoor seating or a traditional, old-school ice cream parlor experience.