Carvel in Clifton, NJ: Your Local Destination for Classic Ice Cream Treats

Carvel Introduce

For generations of New Jersey residents, the name Carvel has been synonymous with classic soft-serve ice cream, beloved character cakes, and a nostalgic taste of childhood. The Carvel location at 750 Van Houten Avenue in Clifton, NJ, carries on this tradition, serving as a local landmark for sweet cravings. While it’s renowned for its signature creamy treats, this article will delve into what locals can expect when they visit this particular shop, offering a comprehensive look at its offerings and general customer experience.

Carvel has built its reputation on freshly made ice cream, from the swirl of a perfect soft-serve cone to the intricate designs of their famous ice cream cakes. The Clifton location aims to provide the full Carvel experience, offering a wide array of options to satisfy every sweet tooth, whether you're looking for a quick scoop, a decadent sundae, or a custom cake for a special occasion. We’ll cover the range of products available, highlight features that make it unique, and provide essential contact information for planning your visit.

Navigating customer feedback is also crucial to understanding any local business. While the Carvel brand itself is a staple, individual store experiences can vary. We will present a balanced view, drawing from real customer reviews to give you a clear picture of what to anticipate at the Clifton Carvel. Our goal is to provide New Jersey locals with all the necessary details to make an informed decision about their next ice cream adventure.

Location and Accessibility

The Carvel shop is conveniently located at 750 Van Houten Avenue in Clifton, New Jersey. This address places it on a well-known thoroughfare within Clifton, making it a highly accessible spot for residents throughout the city and from neighboring communities in Passaic County. Van Houten Avenue is a key road, ensuring that the shop is easy to find, whether you are driving, or utilizing local transportation.

Its placement on a main avenue suggests good visibility and straightforward access for customers. Parking availability would typically be street parking or a dedicated lot, common for establishments of this nature in a suburban setting like Clifton. The ease of access makes it a popular stop for families, individuals on their way home, or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying ice cream treat.

Being centrally located in Clifton, the Carvel on Van Houten Avenue integrates well into the daily lives of local residents. It serves as a go-to spot for celebrations, after-dinner desserts, or simply a pick-me-up during the day. The convenience of its location contributes significantly to its appeal as a local ice cream destination in New Jersey.

Services Offered

Classic Soft Serve Ice Cream: Carvel is famous for its signature soft-serve ice cream, available in various flavors including classic vanilla, chocolate, and their popular "twist" combination.
Scooped Ice Cream: In addition to soft serve, this location offers a selection of hard-scooped ice cream flavors, providing more options for various tastes. Popular flavors can include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate chip, and Oreo Cookies & Cream.
Ice Cream Cakes: A major highlight of Carvel, they offer a wide range of famous ice cream cakes for all occasions. These include iconic designs like Fudgie the Whale® and Cookie Puss®, as well as customizable celebration cakes (round, square, and sheet cakes) made with layers of vanilla and chocolate soft-serve and signature chocolate crunchies. As one customer noted, "Barbara always makes the cakes perfectly here."
Sundaes and Sundae Dashers®: Enjoy classic sundaes with various toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry. Sundae Dashers® offer layered dessert experiences with ice cream, toppings, and mix-ins.
Shakes and Carvelanches®: Hand-spun milkshakes made with soft-serve ice cream, and Carvelanches®, which are thicker blended treats with mix-ins, similar to blizzards.
Take-Home Treats: Convenient options like Flying Saucers® (ice cream sandwiches), Lil’ Love ice cream cups, and pints/quarts of your favorite ice cream flavors for enjoying at home.
Novelty Items: Various novelty ice cream pops and handheld treats for individual enjoyment.
Delivery Services: Many Carvel locations, including this one, offer delivery through popular food delivery platforms, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite treats from the comfort of their homes.
BOGO Wednesday: As a recurring promotion across many Carvel locations, "Buy One Get One Free Wednesday" is often a highlight for savvy customers looking for a deal.

Features / Highlights

Iconic Carvel Brand Experience: This location offers the classic Carvel experience, known for its distinct soft-serve texture, famous chocolate crunchies, and nostalgic appeal that many New Jersey locals have grown up with.
Specialized Ice Cream Cakes: The ability to order and receive perfectly made, personalized ice cream cakes for various celebrations is a significant feature. The mention of "Barbara always makes the cakes perfectly here" indicates a skilled staff member at this specific location who excels in this area.
Variety of Frozen Desserts: From traditional cones and sundaes to custom cakes and blended treats, the wide range of frozen dessert options caters to diverse preferences and occasions.
Potential for Excellent Customer Service: While some reviews indicate challenges, one customer specifically praised the "always so nice and helpful" employees and the perfect cake making, suggesting that positive customer service experiences are indeed possible and present at this location. This duality highlights that individual experiences may vary, but high-quality service can be found.
Convenient Take-Home Options: The availability of dessert packs like Flying Saucers and ice cream in pints and quarts makes it easy for customers to bring the Carvel experience home for family enjoyment.
Online Ordering and Delivery: The option to order online and have treats delivered adds a layer of modern convenience, catering to customers who prefer to enjoy their ice cream without leaving home.

Contact Information

Address: 750 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Phone: (973) 773-4737

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Carvel location at 750 Van Houten Avenue in Clifton, NJ, serves as a suitable and often cherished spot for locals in the New Jersey region, primarily due to its long-standing brand recognition, classic offerings, and ability to cater to various sweet cravings. For many, Carvel evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it a familiar and comforting choice for ice cream. Its accessible location in Clifton ensures that residents from the city and surrounding areas can easily visit for a quick treat or to pick up a special occasion cake.

A significant draw for locals is the array of famous Carvel ice cream cakes. As one customer specifically highlighted, "Barbara always makes the cakes perfectly here," indicating that this particular location excels in delivering customized and high-quality ice cream cakes for birthdays and other celebrations. This capability makes it a go-to spot for creating memorable moments, offering a unique alternative to traditional bakery cakes. The wide selection of other treats, including classic soft serve, scooped ice cream, sundaes, and Carvelanches, further solidifies its appeal, ensuring there's something for every member of the family.

It is important to acknowledge that customer experiences regarding service at this specific location appear to be mixed, as indicated by a review stating, "Great ice cream, but horrible service. There’s always an issue at this location. When you arrive, the staff always seem like they don’t want to help you — and if they do, it feels like you’re wasting their time." This feedback should be considered by potential visitors. However, another review offers a contrasting positive experience: "The employees are always so nice and helpful with anything you need." This suggests that while consistency may vary, positive and helpful interactions are also a part of the customer experience at this Carvel.

Despite some criticisms regarding service, the fundamental appeal of Carvel's quality ice cream and signature products often outweighs these concerns for loyal customers. The option for delivery, along with potential in-store promotions like BOGO Wednesday, adds layers of convenience and value for local patrons. Ultimately, for New Jersey locals seeking a reliable source for classic ice cream treats and expertly crafted ice cream cakes, the Carvel in Clifton remains a valuable and suitable option, offering those familiar flavors and custom creations that have defined the brand for decades.

Carvel Food & drink

Holiday Cake
Cookie O'Puss (One-Size) $33.99
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the cake that has everything on it. Straight from the party planet it's Cookie O'Puss.
Red, White, & Blue Cake (Small Sheet) $46.79
Celebrate the Stars and Stripes with a patriotic-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Patriotics Seasonal Round (8in) $34.79
Celebrate the Stars and Stripes with a patriotic-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Cakes
Father's Day Seasonal Round Cake (8") $34.79
Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day with a classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Shakes and Carvelanche®
Carvelanche® $6.99
Our signature soft ice cream with your choice of mix-ins. Thicker than a shake, a Carvelanche® is best enjoyed with a spoon.
Shakes $5.99
Hand-spun shakes made with our signature soft serve ice cream.

Ice Cream, Sorbet and Sherbet
Ice Cream Pint $9.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a pint.
Scooped Ice Cream $4.99
Classic scooped ice cream in a variety of flavors.
Ice Cream Quart $14.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a quart.
Sorbet Scooped (Vegan & Dairy-Free Dessert) $4.99
A sweet and fruity frozen treat that’s dairy-free but full of flavor. Toppings may not be vegan or dairy free.
Soft Serve Ice Cream $4.99
Our classic soft ice cream available in a variety of flavors.
Cup Of Toppings $4.99
Your choice of extra toppings.

Sundae Dashers
OREO® Cookie Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of Oreo® cookies, vanilla ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Mint Chocolate Chip Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of chocolate crunchies, mint ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Bananas Foster Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of bananas, vanilla ice cream and caramel topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Fudge Brownie Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of fudge brownie bites, vanilla ice cream and hot fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce, vanilla ice cream and fudge topped with whipped cream and fudge drizzle.
Strawberry Shortcake Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of vanilla ice cream, strawberries and pound cake topped with whipped cream and strawberry drizzle.
Heath® Sundae Dasher® $6.99
Layers of Heath® pieces, vanilla ice cream and caramel topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Ice Cream Celebration Cakes
Fudgie The Whale® Cake $33.99
Our famous whale of a cake with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then covered with fudge, crunchies and whipped topping. Variety of sizes that serve 6-12 people.
Cup Of Toppings $4.99
Your choice of extra toppings.
Baseball Cake $21.99
`Layers of chocolate ice cream, chocolate crunchies, and vanilla ice cream. Festively decorated for your special occasions. No substitutions, alterations, or additions. For more customization, please call or visit this location. Baseball Cake is an 8” small round cake. Serving size is 10-12 people.
Game Ball® Cake $29.99
Everyone's a winner with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then topped with chocolate crunchies and whipped topping.
Tom The Turkey $23.98
Get ready to gobble up this irresistible treat! Tom the Turkey Ice Cream Cake features rich layers of creamy chocolate and vanilla ice cream, perfectly paired with a crunchy layer of chocolatey Crunchies. Decorated like a turkey, it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert!
Festival Of Lights Cake $20.99
Celebrate the season with layers of chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and Carvel Crunchies™, all beautifully adorned with a festive menorah design.
Chocolate Decadence Heart Cake $19.99
Feed your chocolate addiction this Valentine's Day with The Original Soft Serve (TM), Carvel Crunchies (TM), and lots of fudge.
24 Pack Of Candles $2.49
24 candles to blow out. Wish not included.
Square Ice Cream Celebration Cake $22.99
Square Ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 4-8 people.
Numbered Candles $1.99
Number of your choice. We won't tell.
Sheet Ice Cream Celebration Cake $39.99
Rectangular sheet ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft-serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 14 -40.
Red White & Blue Cake $35.99
Layers of premium chocolate ice cream, chocolate crunchies, and vanilla ice cream. Topped with a patriotic trim. Product Contains: Milk, Soy and Wheat
Pumpkin Cake $23.99
Layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 10-16 people. No substitutions, alterations, or additions. For a more customized cake, please call or visit this location . Product Contains: Milk, Soy and Wheat
Santa Cake $24.99
Celebrate the season with layers of chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and Carvel Crunchies™, all dressed up as jolly old Saint Nick. Perfect for sharing holiday cheer!
Round Ice Cream Celebration Cake $29.99
Round ice cream cakes perfect for any occasion made with layers of freshly made, premium vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream, separated by a layer of our famously delicious chocolate crunchies. Variety of sizes that serve 10-16 people.
Crunchie Munchie Monster $23.99
Lovable, fun, and full of flavor, this monster of a cake is ready to bring monstrous fun to any celebration. Topped with a mountain of smooth milk chocolate fudge, cone horns, and signature Chocolate Carvel Crunchies™, Crunchie Munchie Monster is layered with delicious vanilla and chocolate soft serve sandwiching a layer of chocolate Carvel Crunchies™. It’s the perfect mix of creamy goodness and a delightful crunch with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a monster bash or a spooky season gathering, invite the lovable Crunchie Munchie Monster to your next party!
Cookie Puss® Cake $36.99
A favorite party guest with layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies then topped with a scoop of chocolate ice cream in a sugar cone, two chocolate chip cookies, and fudge. Serves 10-12 people.

Limited Time Offer
Mother's Day Seasonal Round Cake $34.79
Celebrate mom with a spring-inspired classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
S’mores Shake $5.49
Toasted marshmallow ice cream, hand-spun with rich fudge and graham cracker topping. Product contains soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Soft Serve $4.89
Dive into the sweetness of caramelized toasted marshmallow with our original soft serve. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
S'mores Sundae Dasher® $7.79
Creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve layered with crunchy graham cracker crumbles and rich ribbons of fudge. Finished with whipped cream and a fudge drizzled - need we say s’more? Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
S’mores Sundae $7.19
Enjoy the sweetness of caramelized toasted marshmallow ice cream topped with graham cracker and rich fudge. Product contains soy, wheat.
S’mores Scoped Ice Cream $4.89
Toasted marshmallow ice cream brings the campfire flavor with graham cracker and ribbons of fudge in every creamy bite - your favorite s’mores combo, scooped to perfection. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Reese’s Toasted Marshmallow Sundae Dasher® $7.79
Layers of creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve swirled with REESE’S® peanut butter sauce and chunks of peanut butter cups. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a final drizzle of rich, peanut buttery goodness. It’s the ultimate campfire treat in a cup. Product contains milk, soy, wheat, and peanut.
Mother's Day Heart Cake $31.19
Celebrate mom with a decadently decorated, classic Carvel Ice Cream in the shape of a heart. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies, lovingly sandwiched between layers of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Flying Saucers $3.99
Creamy toasted marshmallow soft serve tucked between two rich chocolatey wafers for a twist on your favorite campfire treat. Product contains soy, wheat.
Toasted Marshmallow Pop $16.49
This pop’s got it all-creamy toasted marshmallow ice cream with a snap of our iconic Brown bonnet hard shell. It’s a crackly, melty, toasty treat on a stick. Product contains soy, wheat.
Mother's Day Round Cake $34.79
Celebrate mom with a delicately decorated floral classic Carvel Ice Cream cake. Each of Carvel's handmade cakes features Carvel Crunchies lovingly sandwiched between a layer of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.

Handheld Treats
Flying Saucers® (6-Pack) $11.99
Soft ice cream sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers. Served as a 6 pack for multiple people to enjoy.
Heart Pops $4.19
Heart-shaped pops made with The Orginal Soft Serve(TM) covered in Brown hard shell Bonnet and drizzled with White Bonnet. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Flying Saucers® (Individual) $2.50
Soft ice cream sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.
Sprinkle Pop $3.59
Sprinkle Ice Cream Pops are made with The Original Soft Serve™, dipped in a white Bonnet® hard shell and rolled in colorful rainbow sprinkles. A classic Carvel treat that brings the fun to every bite. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Ice Cream Pint $7.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a pint.
Sprinkle Cups (6- Pack) $12.99
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles served with a cherry on top.
Lil Gobblers $15.58
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Lil’ Gobblers—adorable turkey-shaped ice cream treats! Made with creamy vanilla ice cream, coated in rich chocolate, and topped with candy eyes, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for kids and adults alike. Grab a pack today and get ready to gobble them up!
Heart Pops (4-Pack) $11.99
Heart-shaped pops made with The Original Soft Serve (TM) covered in Brown Bonnet and drizzled with White Bonnet.
Brown Bonnet® (Individual) $4.00
Soft ice cream dipped in Brown Bonnet®, and served on a sugar cone.
Jolly Pops $18.19
Celebrate the season with Jolly Pops—a festive six-pack of our signature soft serve dipped in classic bonnet, featuring cheerful designs like Christmas lights, a snowman, snowflakes, and sprinkle-topped holiday magic!
Brown Bonnet® (4 Or 6-Pack) $14.99
Soft ice cream dipped in Brown Bonnet®, and served on a sugar cone.
Chipsters (6-Pack) $13.99
Soft serve vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies.
Cup Of Toppings $4.99
Your choice of extra toppings.
Ice Cream Quart $11.99
Your choice of ice cream flavor in a quart.
OREO® Rounders (6-Pack) $11.99
Soft serve ice cream sandwiched between two mini OREO® cookies.
Fudgie Pops $2.99
Mini Fudgie-shaped ice cream pop on a stick, made with vanilla soft serve ice cream covered in chocolate bonnet shell and decorated with frosting. Product Contains: Milk, Soy, Egg
Crunchie Pop $3.59
Crunchie Ice Cream Pops are made with The Original Soft Serve™, dipped in a brown Bonnet® hard shell and rolled in the iconic Carvel Chocolate Crunchies (TM). They're a classic Carvel treat that brings the crunch to every bite. Product contains milk, soy, wheat.
Deluxe Flying Saucers® (Individual) $3.00
Soft ice cream rolled in sprinkles and sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.
Deluxe Flying Saucers® (6-Pack) $12.99
Soft ice cream rolled in sprinkles and sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers. Served as a 6 pack for multiple people to enjoy.

Sundaes
Cup Of Toppings $4.99
Your choice of extra toppings.
Classic Sundae $5.99
Your choice of soft ice cream with one topping, whipped cream and a cherry included.

Non Dairy made with Oatly
Oatly Round Cake (Small) $24.99
Layers of non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, separated by a layer of our chocolate crunchies. Serves 10-12.
Oatly Lil' Love® $21.99
Layers of non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, separated by a layer of our chocolate crunchies. Serves 2-4.
Oatly Scooped $4.89
Thick, creamy and non-dairy. Enjoy scooped ice cream made with Oatly.
Oatly Shake $6.49
Non-dairy soft serve spun into creamy deliciousness.
Oatly Flying Saucer® $2.99
Non-dairy soft serve made with Oatly, sandwiched between two Flying Saucer® chocolate wafers.
Oatly Soft Serve $4.89
The Original Soft Serve™ you know and love, made with Oatly.

Carvel Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
Onsite services
Takeout

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Dining options
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Carvel Photos

Carvel Location

Carvel

New Jersey Passaic County Clifton Van Houten Avenue

750 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Carvel Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 305 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Great ice cream, but horrible service. There’s always an issue at this location. When you arrive, the staff always seem like they don’t want to help you — and if they do, it feels like you’re wasting their time.The employees are usually hanging out in the back, and it takes a while before anyone even acknowledges you’re there.This time around, I went in for a single scoop of ice cream that cost nearly $5. Because I “bothered” the employee to help me, she gave me half of a half scoop, charged me full price, and walked away before I even had a chance to say anything.
July 12 · Rich '
I visit the Clifton carvel often and always love it! The employees are always so nice and helpful with anything you need. Barbara always makes the cakes perfectly here.
July 16 · Samantha Locket
I love the girls who work there; they are always kind, very pretty, friendly, and super polite. And the ice cream is amazing 💝
July 22 · Gloria Mejia
I came in the other day and Julia and Abby were very helpful with any questions I had. Everyone here is so friendly and the ice cream is so good!
July 16 · Adrian Barriga
Great place to take the kids for some typical Carvel ice cream. My only complaint is that they really need to do some serious maintenance to the building or it may not be there in another 10 years. Plus the fact that the locals in the apartment building across the street make getting into the parking lot a hassle. The owner is just too damn nice to enforce his own business’s parking rules.
February 04 · Larry La Raia