Van Leeuwen’s (7th Street)

UPDATE 4/18/2022: I got a regular cappuccino with whole milk. The non-dairy options were strangely limited at this vegan ice cream parlor. I’d already had almond milk from La Colombe earlier in the day, so I didn’t want to overdo it for the day. It also occurred to me that this might be an interesting experiment: getting the dairy option at a primarily non-dairy establishment. Why not help convince that one carnism-following friend? I’m sad to say that this really turned out to be nothing more than a cup of warm milk, even when the energetic ad suave guy announced as he gave it to me: “Best East Village cappuccino.” The staff was cute and really accommodating. I liked that. They ran out of lids, so I chose to sit longer than I had planned (especially given the rain that was coming down). No bother at all. The place was bustling despite the weather. I liked that too. The drink got better—a little hazlenutty even—towards the end. The coffee may be mediocre, but you’ll find joy in a stop here all the same. I went to grab a spoon at one point and saw a dish of them on the center counter. When I asked if they were clean, each personality behind the counter took turns shaking his/her/their head in a way only each of the could. “No, they are a complete biohazard,” the perfect, boyish version of Charlie Barnett warned me. He passed me a usable utensil over the counter. Whatever Van Leeuwen’s hiring model is, I say keep it for the long haul.