Chill Out LA: 8 Must-Try Ice Cream Shops

By Samantha Romero ‘16

With the summer heat settling in, here’s an LA guide to 8 must-try ice cream shops. They’ll help you survive the heat waves one scoop at a time.

Milk

Oh where to begin, this is an ice cream lover’s delight. They make some of the most delicious ice cream sandwiches. First, you get to choose your chose of Milk’s signature cookies: Chocolate Chip Cookie, Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip, Snicker doodle, Chocolate Chip with walnuts, Iced Spiced Molasses, Super chunk peanut butter or Oatmeal with dried fruit to name just a few. Then you get to choose your preference of ice cream. I also recommend trying their shakes or floats and an ice cream parlor classic, the banana split.

Address: 7290 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Peddler’s Creamery

Have you ever heard of ice cream and sorbet made by bicycling? That’s right folks you heard it correctly, bicycling! Peddler’s creamery is a sustainability-minded ice cream shop located in Downtown Los Angeles. They use only the finest organic, fair trade, and exotic ingredients for their products. Plus they offer an endless variety of both organic dairy and non-dairy ice cream flavors.

Take a gander at these mouth-watering dairy options: Fair Trade Vanilla, Peruvian Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Mexican Chocolate, Mint Chip, Orange Dream, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Maple Pancake Batter, Banana Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Local Lavender, Mint Chocolate Cookie, and Honduran Coffee. There are also additional seasonal flavors like Eggnog and Kandied Kumquat.

If you’re lactose intolerant no worries, non-dairy options include Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Chocolate with Peanut Butter, Chile Mango, Mexican Chocolate and Banana Chocolate Chip to name a few.

Plus, you can indulge in the frozen treat guilty-free knowing that 5% of profits will go to social and environmental causes.  

Address: 458 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

After’s Ice-cream

Have you ever heard of an Icecream Donut sandwich? It’s the best of both world’s. It’s sweetness can be overpowering so I definitely recommend sharing with a friend or two.

Address: 1265 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91106

Salt and Straw

If you’re strolling through the boutique ladden Abbot Kinney then you have to try Salt and Straw, a Portland based icecream shop now open in LA. The handmade icecream will not dissapoint you. It’s perfect for any sunny California day.  I must admit that t first I was shocked by the icecream combinations but of course they were delightfully more than satisfying. I recommend sampling the flavors to find your personal favorite.

Check out the icecream combos: Double Fold VanillaPear & Blue Cheese. Strawberry Honey, Balsamic with Black Pepper, Honey Lavender, Arbequina Olive Oil, Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons,and  Freckled Woodblock Chocolate.

Yes, it’s definitely not your #basic vanilla ice cream! But don’t let that scare you away from trying new things. You will be utterly surprised! My personal favorite is the Honey Lavender in a waffle cone, it adds the perfect crunch to your frozen dessert.

Address:  1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291

Popbar

Basically Anaheim’s modern and architecturally admirable version of LA’s Grand Central Market. My visit to this foodie heaven was long overdue. Popbar is a definitely must-try with their hand crafted gelato on a stick.

Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Chelo’s Creamery

Okay okay this one is a little ways but if you’re in the area why not? I first came across Chelo’s creamery while looking through one of my favorite blogger’s snapchat feed. As soon as I saw those scooped up Dragonfruit gelato rolls I knew I had to try it immediately. Gal pals unite and I was there within the hour! I admit the hole in the wall creamery is a must try and not to mention Instagram worthy!

Address: 18558 Gale Ave #158, City of Industry, CA 91748

Sprinkles

Sprinkles, the gods of delicious cupcake goodness is also well-known for their equally amazing icecream. Plus, while you’re there take a cupcake to go or even try their very own cupcake ATM!

Address: 9635 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Gelateria Uli

If you’re looking for the classic gelato then you will love Gelateria Uli, located in the historic Spring Arcade in Downtown Los Angeles. Uli never disappoints with their daily fresh made gelato and sorbet. The flavors are endless with options like Beer and Madagascar bourbon vanilla.

Address: 541 S Spring St #104, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Want more from Trojans 360?

Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content!

Check out our Instagram, where we feature a week in the life of a USC student each week!

Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.