Summer is just 96 days away here in the Garden State. As the cold weather gives way to warmer temperatures, it’s time to prep for the season’s festivities. In other words, get your sunscreen out, do your swimsuit shopping, and round up a list of must-visit ice cream shops in Northern New Jersey. To add to that 2025 summer bucket list is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Millburn, which has plans to open at 35 Main Street. Read on for what to know about Van Leeuwen Ice Cream coming to downtown Millburn, New Jersey.
Photo Credit: Christina Mastroeni
The Details
On February 3rd, @explormillburnshorthills broke the news about a popular NYC-based ice cream shop coming to downtown Millburn on Instagram. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, known for its artisanal dairy (and dairy-free) creations, has plans to take over 35 Main Street, in the same building as Willow + Whisk.
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According to What Now, Van Leeuwen has yet to announce a timeline for its opening, but the franchise has started to recruit staff, “suggesting locals will be able to enjoy a delicious scoop sooner than later,” the article reads.
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Stretching from New York to California, the dessert joint has locations all across the country, including in the state we call home. The Millburn site will mark its fourth New Jersey location, with the first being in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, the second on Grove Street in Jersey City, and the third coming soon to Washington Street in Hoboken.
^ Jersey City location
Upon its opening, Essex County ice cream enjoyers can flavors like honeycomb, earl grey tea, buttermilk berry cornbread, and praline butter cake, as well as bars in the flavors toffee brown sugar, vanilla caramel swirl, and raspberry cheesecake. Its frozen treats can also be found in grocery stores nationwide.
Dairy-free folks don’t have to miss out on the fun because Van Leeuwen is also recognized for its expansive list of vegan ice cream. The products come in the form of scoops, bars, and sandwiches, made with three different vegan bases: coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew milk. Some of the featured flavors include vegan strawberry shortcake, vegan cookies + cream caramel swirl, vegan churros + fudge, and vegan choc chip cookie dough.
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Van Leeuwen shared with The Montclair Girl that there is no opening timeline just yet, but this post will be updated with any further information as we receive it.
About Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
After spending several summers working on an ice cream truck during his adolescence, Ben Van Leeuwen became inspired by the classic frozen treats of his childhood. Enter Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a company founded by brothers Pete and Ben Van Leeuwen and Laura O’Neil. The team started their business in 2008 as a food truck and has since then expanded into a dessert empire. The franchise’s first storefront opened in Brooklyn and now has locations in 13 states.
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Founded on the premise of making creative ice cream flavors with high-quality ingredients, the brand has a mission of “[making good ice cream that makes you feel good,” as per its website. At any of the locations, customers can find a diverse menu, featuring both dairy and dairy-free options, all made with what Van Leeuwen Ice Cream calls the “magic combination,” i.e. milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar, or, for dairy-free eaters, coconuts, cashews, and oats.
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The Best Breweries in Montclair + Northern New Jersey
No matter the weather or the climate, beer lovers are always ready to enjoy a pint. Whether it be a shandy in the warmer months, a porter in the cooler months, or a lager for those seasons between, breweries have the beers of the seasons covered. Keep reading on for details on breweries to visit in Montclair + Essex County, New Jersey.
Anheuser-Busch Co | 200 US-1, Newark
This location of Anheuser-Busch Co. is the second oldest of its major breweries. This particular location brews core brands like Bud Light, Busch, Busch Light, and more. While this space is more of a brewing facility, it is the only one to call home in Essex County.
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Big Man's Brew | 37 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
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Big Man’s Brew is a tribute to Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist who was an iconic part of the E Street Band. This brewery specializes in brewing an IPA. This Hazy Groove IPA has citrus flavors + a refreshing taste. Center Stage Pale Ale is another + that provides beer lovers with a crisp taste on a warm day. While Big Man Brew’s base sits on North Fullerton Avenue, its beers are shipped and can be found in towns near the Montclair area like Fairfield, Bogota, and more.
Cricket Hill Brewery | 24 Kulick Road, Fairfield
Cricket Hill Brewery is located on Kulick Road and has been serving beer since 2001. The establishment serves beers like ales, lagers, porters, stouts, + more. The Montclair Girl suggests trying the Blonde Breakfast Ale, New Jersey Devil Red Ale, or American Spirit Pale Ale. Indoor seating is available, and outdoor space is open seasonally. Canned beers + growler options are also available.
Four City Brewing Company | 55 South Essex Avenue, Orange
Four City Brewing Company sits on South Essex Avenue and holds 4700+ square feet of brewery fun. Four City has plenty of space at the bar and tables + chairs for beer drinkers to sit and sip in its space. The brewery also holds events such as Jazz Jam, Trivia Night, Turntable Sessions, and more. Beer enthusiasts can try ordering the Four City Stout (brewed with golden promise, crystal 120L, chocolate malt, + a healthy dose of roasted barley) or the Brü Berry (sour ale brewed with blueberry and marshmallow).
Gaslight Brewery + Restaurant | 15 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
This brewery + restaurant is located in South Orange’s city center. The business is family-owned and operated, allowing diners to enjoy a pint + a slice all in one experience. Popular items to try are the Gaslight Burger (fresh ground beef, lightly seasoned and grilled to order, served with a pickle + fries) or the garlic shrimp (crock of tender shrimp, sautéed in a ridiculous amount of garlic with olive oil, bone dust seasoning and a touch of hot sauce) with grilled garlic focaccia. For pie options, try the Olde World Pie (roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, basil, + parmigiano-reggiano) or the Gaslight Buffalo Chicken Pizza (with chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, + crumbled blue cheese).
Magnify Brewing Company | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Building 7 Unit 40C, Fairfield
Magnify Brewing Company is a reservation-free space pouring 9- and 14-oz brews for guests in a variety of options. If looking for something on the hoppier side, try Pillow Talk or It’s All Relative. Sour fans should try Glacier Freeze Flavorade (smoothie sour with vanilla ice cream and Glacier Freeze Gatorade). Magnify also has Barely Wine + hard seltzer options.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
Montclair’s very own brewery is a great spot to visit near the town’s center to try new brews. Husband + wife duo Leo + Denise took Leo’s home-brewing passion and turned it into the Montclair Brewery business. Reservations can be made and are encouraged for outdoor seating (weather permitting) on the weekends. Some brews to try are Cherry Fresh (sour ale), Hava Guava IPA, MB Bourbon Vanilla Stout, + Spicy Pineapple Pilsner. Hard Seltzers are also available. Montclair Brewery also has a second location coming soon to East Orange.
Newark Local Beer | 538 Broad Street, Newark
New Local Beer is a brewery that provides a tap room for guests to taste in-house brewed beers, and on-site tours, and has beer-to-go options in growler + can form. The brewery welcomes customers to have food delivered to enjoy with their brews. Some beers on tap to try are Easy Rider IPA, Eleanor (German Pils), + Helles Gates (Helles lager).
Redd’s Biergarten | 220 Market Street + 37 Edison Place, Newark
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Redd’s Biergarten is located in the Newark Arts District near the Prudential Center. A great place to stop before or after seeing an event, Redd’s provides a biergarten experience with beer + food menus. For dinner, try having the Boulevard Tank 7 (farmhouse ale) with a traditional Bratwurst. Redd’s also has its brews like the Hofbrau available on its beer menu.
Varitage Brew Works | 58 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Varitage in Bloomfield is known for its own brews + seltzers and for being a soccer-themed brewery in Essex County. There is space inside the brewery at long + small tables, as well as in the bar area. Pop in to watch a favorite soccer team while enjoying a Watsessing Oatmeal Stout, a Varitage Premium Dark Lager, or a Lupo (American Pale Ale).
See More: Your Guide to Wineries + Breweries Near Hoboken + Jersey City
Honorable Mention
Ghost Hawk Brewing | 321 River Road Unit 6, Clifton
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While Ghost Hawk isn’t technically Essex County, it lies close to the border. The Clifton-based brewery opened its doors in 2019 + brews beers on-site, like lagers, IPAs, Belgians, + more. The brewery also has events for guests, like dance parties + trivia nights, on its site calendar. If looking to try something on the draft list, consider the Ghost Hawk Lager, Misguided Retribution (Hazy Pale Ale), or Beira (Strong Scotch Ale).
