Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — Restaurant in Boston

I visited the shop today around 8 PM today (6/20/25) expecting a cool, refreshing escape from the summer heat, but unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had hoped. The first thing I noticed upon entering was the oppressive heat inside the shop. The air conditioning was off, making the space stifling and uncomfortable. I had to sit outside to enjoy the ice cream because of the heat inside the shop. For an establishment that serves ice cream, maintaining a cool environment is essential—not just for customer comfort, but also for food safety.

Quality Concerns

The high temperature clearly affected the quality of their products. The whipped cream on my sundae (hot fudge) looked "crumbled" and tasted stale; it had an off-putting texture. This is a serious concern, as dairy products can spoil quickly in warm conditions, posing health risks to customers. . When I pointed out the issue with the whipped cream to the staff, I was met with rudeness particularly by one of the staff members. By then they had turned a cooler on which was perhaps a replacement of the main AC. The staff completely denied that the AC was off a short while ago. She dismissed my feedback outright. I stayed firm on my claim and she threatened to "call security" instead of of tendering an apology. Though another personnel was somewhat apologetic, her voice got drowned by this person. I could not speak to the manager who was absent at that time. I cannot recommend this shop despite the prior good reviews I had seen before. Food safety and customer service should be top priorities, especially in a place that serves perishable treats. Terrible...

Came here today in the afternoon with my family, one of which has a peanut allergy. When ordering I asked the girl if a specific ice cream flavor was peanut free or could be pulled from a new container of ice cream. Most ice cream places do have nut free ice creams and can pull from a new container with a washed scooper. I got a quick “scan the QR code over there to see” as a response. My cell service wasn’t the best inside the store and the page the employee wanted me to look at for allergy info was not loading. She then rudely asks is anyone else going to get an ice cream that’s with you or no? Meanwhile I’m still trying to see if my daughter can have ice cream from this shop. After the page finally loading which took a few minutes it stated they cannot gaunter no cross contamination with peanuts. I want to know how hard it would have been for this employee to just tell me that when I asked the allergy question? Instead of making me stand there waiting for a page to load with a huge line behind me. I made the mistake of still ordering ice cream for the rest of my family which I regretted after such an icky feeling I got from this employee. I totally understand having a bad day at work but she shouldn’t be taking her feelings out on customers. I will not be returning to this location or any van Leuven shoppes.

Editing this post to add I do find it interesting the shop owner only replies to...

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is a delightful treat for any ice cream lover. Known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative flavors, this shop delivers a premium ice cream experience that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The texture of the ice cream is perfectly smooth, and the richness of each bite is a testament to the craftsmanship behind every scoop.

One of the standout features of Van Leeuwen is their commitment to using natural ingredients. Their ice cream is made with whole milk, and they even offer vegan options made with coconut milk. The flavor variety is both classic and adventurous, from the creamy Honeycomb to the exotic Earl Grey, and their seasonal offerings always keep things interesting.

The atmosphere of their shop is warm and inviting, with a minimalist yet cozy design that makes it easy to relax and enjoy your treat. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend their latest flavors or accommodate any dietary preferences.

While the prices may be slightly higher than your typical ice cream spot, the quality and taste more than justify it. Whether you’re grabbing a cone to go or sitting down to savor your treat, Van Leeuwen makes every visit an enjoyable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a top-tier ice...