As of mid-July, there was no visible progress at the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop on Front Street in the Seaport, but somehow the company pulled it together and opened before summer’s end. The space is light and bright—it used to be the Gilded Age apparel boutique—with seating for around a dozen people. Besides ice cream, including a ton of vegan options, Van Leeuwen serves coffee and baked goods. Many flavors of ice cream are available in pre-packed pints. Note: As with Jack’s Stir Brew next door, you have to go up a small flight of stairs (so let the stroller-pusher beware).

UPDATE: I  thought the pre-packed pints seemed expensive at $9 ($11 for vegan), and sure enough, the prices for regular ice cream are much lower ($7-$8) at Whole Foods.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is at 224 Front St. (between Beekman and Peck Slip), 917-261-6376, vanleeuwenicecream.com.

Recent New Kid on the Block / First Impressions articles:
• Harry & Ida’s Luncheonette
• Sweaty Betty
• Serafina
• 1803
• Alumnae
• Book Nook Enrichment
• Del Frisco’s Grille
• Cryofuel
• Brooklyn Flea
• Think Coffee