Being from LA (the magical land where the temperature never drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit), I don’t have to deal with cold weather — an afternoon snack for me is typically ice cream or frozen yogurt.
After 18 years, I can assure you I’ve compiled the greatest list of ice cream and frozen yogurt spots in the area. The best part about this list is that there’s an option for everyone: the dairy-free folk, the health nuts, the adventurous crowd, and the traditional gang.
Go Greek
Photo courtesy of @gogreekyogurt on Instagram
This frozen yogurt spot in Beverly Hills will do the trick if you’re trying to stay healthy, or if you just want a nice cup of fresh froyo. What’s great about Go Greek is that they only use greek yogurt, so technically while enjoying a nice afternoon treat, you’re also getting protein and probiotics in your system.
Malibu Yogurt and Ice Cream
Photo by Kathryn Johnson
This local Malibu joint has been around for over 30 years. It boasts traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors, so you won’t be disappointed. The location, right off the Pacific Coast Highway and near the Malibu Mart, makes it a convenient meeting spot.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Photo courtesy of @sweetrosecreamery on Instagram
This sweet spot in the Brentwood Country Mart now serves ice cream in multiple other locations across LA. My favorite part about Sweet Rose is that they always have five classic flavors, but every month they switch it up with additional bizarre and unusual flavors.
This month, one of their new flavors was Yam Swirl with Salty Sesame Brittle. I had it, and it was awesome. If you go, make sure to get their fresh mint because it honestly tastes like the real thing and isn’t loaded with fake green coloring.
Salt and Straw
Photo by Ari Smolin
This new(ish) LA spot offers a variety of flavors even weirder than Sweet Rose Creamery. The flavors range from Black Olive Brittle and Goat Cheese to Avocado and Strawberry Sherbet, so there is always an exciting option to devour. My personal favorites are the Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons.
Kippy’s
Photo by Aleina Edwards
Are you lactose intolerant? Do you want to go on an ice cream cleanse? Then Kippy’s is the place for you. If those two questions didn’t do it for you, here’s what Kippy’s all about: They make all of their ice cream using solely coconut milk and honey — no dairy or sugar whatsoever. If you’re a total ice cream fanatic, then you might want to try their “Official Ice Cream Cleanse,” which consists of 3 days of eating 5 pints of ice cream.
Sprinkles Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of @sprinklescupcakes on Instagram
The best part of this Beverly Hills shop is that it is right next door to its sister Sprinkles Cupcakes. When I go, I know that two desserts are in my future. Even though each scoop is nearly 4 dollars, the flavors are well worth the money.
The ice cream flavors range from red velvet to Cap’n Crunch, in addition to cupcakes and cookies that are gluten-free or gluten-filled, so you can create quite a few different sundae or ice cream sandwich variations which will leave you speechless.
Carmela Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of @carmelaicecream on Instagram
With two locations in Los Angeles (one in Pasadena and one on Fairfax), Carmela’s offers handmade ice cream and sorbet made from organic farmer’s market ingredients. They are known for their lavender honey flavor and their handmade cones that you can eat in a cup. If you’re really lucky, you might just drive by their ice cream truck or spot them at your local farmer’s market.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Photo courtesy of @mcconnellsicecreams on Instagram
This Grand Central Market gem will make your trip downtown worth the drive. Founded in Santa Barbara in 1949, the shop finally made its way south to Los Angeles. All of McConnell’s dairy comes from their grass-fed cows at their creamery known as The Old Dairy. Stop by and order some sea salt cream and cookies and churros con leche. You will not regret it!
Scoops Westside
Photo courtesy of @scoopswestwide on Instagram
This hidden ice cream shop is right off Overland near the 405. Scoops never disappoints with unique ice cream flavors such as vanilla paprika pineapple and blueberry balsamic glaze. My absolute favorite flavor I’ve had there has to be the Thai iced tea. Make sure you check their twitter or Facebook before going, as they rotate flavors quite often.
The Bigg Chill
Photo by Claire Dinhut
Hands down, this is my favorite spot in all of Los Angeles. Every time I fly home for the holidays, my parents know to drive directly from LAX to Bigg Chill. The absolute best part about it is the vegan cookie dough. You honestly haven’t lived until you’ve tried it. Another great part about my second home (obviously the Bigg Chill) is that they offer a great dairy-free option.
#SpoonTip: Make sure to order cookie dough on the side — the guys behind the counter will pack up a whole cup of it.