Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

MacDougal Street has always been a magnet for anyone who wants a scoop of something cold after wandering through Washington Square Park. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream sits right where the sidewalk buzzes with students, tourists, and locals who all seem to agree on one thing: summer tastes better with a cone in hand. The shop keeps things simple—table service, a casual vibe, and enough flavors to make deciding feel like a sport.

Inside the neighborhood’s mix of bookstores and late-night pizza slices, 120 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012 marks the spot without needing a neon sign. They pour coffee alongside the scoops, so the same counter that serves a double-chocolate waffle cone can also hand you an espresso. Kids hover around the sample spoons while parents weigh whether to order a pint for later, and the place manages to feel both trendy and unpretentious at the same time.

If you’re mapping the walk from the subway or trying to remember the cross street, directions are easiest pulled up on your phone. Call ahead if you’re coordinating a group—(718) 550-5665 rings straight to the counter. Finish by referencing the maps listing for navigation: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2597ad1e1cc83:0x2952ae1d8b241f92. Once you’ve got the route locked in, the only decision left is whether to go for the classic or the seasonal flavor.