Famed New York Ice Cream Shop to Open in Brickell

One of New York City's most beloved ice cream shops is making its way to Brickell this winter.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, known for rich, custard-style scoops and the occasional oddball flavor like Kraft Mac & Cheese, will open a location at Mary Brickell Village this winter as part of Mary Brickell's ongoing revamp this year. This scoop shop will be the second South Florida location for the Brooklyn-born brand, which opened in Miami Beach this past March to plenty of fanfare.

Founded in 2008 as a yellow truck roaming the streets of New York City, Van Leeuwen has built a cult following for its French-style ice cream made with double the egg yolks and none of the filler. Today, the company operates more than 70 scoop shops across the U.S., offering a mix of dairy and vegan flavors that range from nostalgic like vanilla bean and honeycomb to head-scratching like "Hidden Valley Ranch," with hints of onion and garlic. 

From Pistachio to Banana Bread Pudding, It’s All on the Menu

The Brickell location will likely carry several flavors, seasonal specials, and, if the South Beach shop is any indication, local collaborations. Their Magic City debut in South Beach included a "Key Lime Pie Sundae" flavor in partnership with local favorite Fireman Derek's Bake Shop, one of the 13 best dessert shops in Miami.

The ice cream brand has built a following for both its classic flavors (its vanilla bean was named the "Best Vanilla Ice Cream by New York Times' Wirecutter), as well as its unconventional limited-edition ice cream collaborations like "Kraft Mac & Cheese" and "Hidden Valley Ranch."
While a lineup of flavors has not yet been released for the new Brickell shop, popular signature flavors at other locations include "Bigface Coffee Affogato," "Honeycomb," "Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie," and a pistachio flavor made with Sicilian pistachios from Mount Etna. For non-dairy fans, the shop carries plenty of vegan options, including "Banana Bread Pudding," "Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb," and "Strawberry Shortcake."

The new scoop shop will join a growing roster of restaurants and shops at Mary Brickell Village, including the first Florida outpost of Tyson Cole's Uchibā, a Japanese Izakaya spot, and a showroom from electric vehicle maker Rivian. These developments are part of Kimco Realty's effort to breathe new life into the once-buzzy complex.

The ice cream shop is expected to debut this winter at Mary Brickell Village.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. 901 S. Miami Ave., Brickell, at Mary Brickell Village; vanleeuwenicecream.com. Opening winter 2025.