Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Hello, fellow Connecticut residents! When a new spot opens up that brings a fresh perspective on a classic treat, it’s always a cause for excitement. For those in and around Westport, the arrival of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has been met with great enthusiasm. This isn't just another ice cream shop; it's a brand known for its commitment to high-quality, made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams. This article is your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Westport location of Van Leeuwen, designed from the perspective of a local. We’ll explore their unique offerings, convenient location, and the features that have quickly made them a popular new addition to the community.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has a reputation that precedes it, having started in a yellow truck on the streets of New York City and growing into a beloved national brand. The Westport shop is a welcome addition to the Connecticut scene, and a customer review confirms this, stating, "We are so glad Van Leeuwen is in town now, a wonderful place to go for us!" The brand is known for its "good-good" ice cream, meaning it uses simple, high-quality ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar to create a rich, French-style ice cream. They also have an equally impressive selection of vegan options made with cashews, coconut cream, and oat milk, ensuring that everyone can find a treat they'll love. One customer review highlighted a unique offering, mentioning they ordered a "special strawberry matcha latte" and found the ice cream to be "so good!"

While the quality of the product is highly praised, a customer review did raise concerns about staffing and management, mentioning a "mile long line" on a Sunday afternoon and that "two young high school girls" were working, with one appearing to be "totally checked out." This feedback points to the immense popularity of the shop, which can lead to busy periods, and suggests that management may need to adjust staffing to meet demand. However, the passion for the ice cream itself remains clear. The brand's philosophy is centered on the idea that "happiness is healthiness," and that a life without anything good is bad. Their commitment to using the best ingredients, even if they have to go to "Mount Etna to get them," is a testament to their dedication to quality. We'll delve into all these aspects to give you a complete picture of why Van Leeuwen is a great new option for local dessert lovers.

Location and Accessibility

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is located in The Market Place Shopping Center on Post Road E, Westport, CT 06880. This is a very convenient and easily accessible location for residents of Westport and the surrounding towns. The Market Place Shopping Center is a popular retail destination, which means there is a steady flow of traffic and plenty of other businesses nearby. Its placement on Post Road East, a major route through Westport, makes it a straightforward drive from various parts of the region.

The accessibility of this location is a major plus for customers. It’s an easy place to stop for a treat after a day of shopping or running errands in the plaza. The Market Place Shopping Center typically offers ample parking, which is a significant advantage in a busy town like Westport. The shop's presence in a well-established shopping center also means it's a familiar spot for many people. Whether you're coming from the Saugatuck area or from nearby towns like Fairfield or Norwalk, the location is a simple destination. The address, The Market Place Shopping Center, Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, is easy to find using any GPS, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip to this new sweet spot.

The fact that Van Leeuwen has chosen to open in this location shows their commitment to being a part of a vibrant and active community. Its placement among other businesses makes it a natural stop for a variety of customers, from families to couples and individuals.

Services Offered

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream provides a wide range of services and products, built on their reputation for high-quality, artisanal ice cream. Their menu is designed to cater to a diverse clientele, including those with specific dietary needs.

• Classic Dairy Ice Cream: Their primary service is serving their famous French-style ice cream, which is known for its rich and creamy texture, made with a higher proportion of egg yolks. They offer over 30 signature flavors, including award-winning Vanilla Bean, Honeycomb, and Pistachio (made with pistachios from Mount Etna in Sicily), as well as seasonal and limited-edition flavors.

• Vegan Ice Cream: Van Leeuwen is equally famous for its extensive selection of vegan ice cream, made with a base of coconut cream, cashews, and oat milk. Flavors are available in a variety of options like Vegan Choc Chip Cookie Dough, Vegan Strawberry Shortcake, and Vegan Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl. A customer review praised the delicious vegan options and noted that the staff was knowledgeable about which items were vegan.

• Scoops and Containers: Customers can order single scoops, sundaes, or take-home pints and quarts. The availability of take-home options is a great service for locals who want to enjoy the ice cream at home. They also offer "Party Packs" and "Make it a Sundae Party" kits, which include pints, toppings, and utensils for larger gatherings.

• Shakes, Floats, and Affogato: Beyond just scoops, the menu includes classic ice cream shop items like milkshakes and floats. They also offer a coffee affogato, which combines their ice cream with a shot of Bigface Coffee, a brand founded by NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler. This collaboration highlights their commitment to quality and unique partnerships.

• Specialty Items: The shop also offers various specialty items like ice cream sandwiches (including vegan options), ice cream cakes, and cookies. A customer mentioned ordering a special "strawberry matcha latte," which further showcases their unique and diverse offerings.

Features and Highlights

What makes Van Leeuwen Ice Cream a special destination for locals? Several key features contribute to its outstanding reputation.

• High-Quality, Artisanal Ingredients: Van Leeuwen's core feature is its dedication to using "good-good" ingredients. This includes a higher proportion of egg yolks for their French-style ice cream and a commitment to sourcing the best ingredients from around the world. This focus on quality is what makes their ice cream "so good!" as one reviewer put it.

• Extensive Vegan Options: Unlike many ice cream shops that offer one or two vegan flavors, Van Leeuwen provides a full menu of vegan ice creams and treats. A customer review noted they had "many vegan ice cream flavours here" and that the staff was knowledgeable, making it a great destination for vegans and those with dairy restrictions.

• Unique and Award-Winning Flavors: With over 30 signature flavors, the menu is a key highlight. It includes unique options like Honeycomb and seasonal specials, as well as award-winning favorites like their Vanilla Bean, which was named the best vanilla ice cream by The New York Times/Wirecutter. This ensures that every visit is a new and exciting experience.

• Community Connection: The co-founders, Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen, are Fairfield County natives. Their decision to open in Westport is a return to their roots, which creates a special connection to the local community. This local connection is a highlight for residents who appreciate supporting businesses with a personal tie to the area.

• Convenient Location and Take-Home Options: The shop's location in The Market Place Shopping Center makes it a practical and easy stop. The ability to purchase pints and party packs also makes it a great choice for enjoying their high-quality ice cream at home for family gatherings or special occasions.

Contact Information

For those who want to visit or get in touch with the Westport location of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: The Market Place Shopping Center, Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, USA

• Phone: (718) 701-1630

You can call the phone number to confirm their hours of operation or to ask about specific flavors and special offerings. The address is reliable for use with any GPS to get directions to the shop.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Westport and the broader Connecticut region, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is a highly suitable and welcome addition. It fills a unique niche by offering both high-quality, artisanal dairy ice cream and an extensive menu of equally delicious vegan options. The brand’s commitment to using simple, quality ingredients, and their creative approach to flavors, sets them apart from the competition. While a customer review did point out some staffing issues, the positive feedback on the product itself is a testament to the fact that the ice cream is truly excellent. The convenient location in The Market Place Shopping Center makes it a practical choice for a variety of occasions, from a quick treat to a larger take-home order for a family event. The local roots of the founders also create a sense of community connection that resonates with residents. For any local seeking a high-quality, flavorful, and inclusive dessert experience, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is an excellent choice and a new local favorite.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

The Market Place Shopping Center, Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, USA