UPDATED: Best (and Most Unusual) Ice Cream in LA
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
It’s that time of year! School is starting, summer is coming to an end. You may believe you’ve escaped the worst of the heat, but September only brings more of that dry, signature LA heat. Whether you’re hoping to explore LA with friends, looking for ideas for a date, or simply love ice cream, here are some of my favorite ice cream stores in LA that are easily accessible by public transport. This list is not for the weak of heart, all these stores are known for their unique (and unconventional) flavors so explore with an open mind!
Salt and Straw
829 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Amazing ice cream place that has super cool flavors. Go with an open mind and an open schedule! The lines often go outside the shop, but once you get to the counter, you understand the wait time as you can literally sample EVERY flavor. All ingredients are locally sourced; so if you decide to travel to Portland, San Francisco, San Francisco, or Seattle you’ll see different. The closest scoop shop to USC’s main campus is in DTLA’s arts district. The most cost-efficient way is to take the USC intercampus shuttle to Union Station then walk the rest of the way. Nevertheless, my personal favorite scoop store is located on Abbot Kinney (the infamous over-priced hipster street in Venice). It’s $5 per scoop to expand your taste palette. Even the plain vanilla and chocolate are upgraded to Double Fold Vanilla and Woodblock Chocolate. From avocado chocolate to goat cheese and black olive, they have it all (including non-dairy/vegan options)! They also have new flavors that they switch out every month that are even wackier than the usual – Bone marrow cherry anyone? The servers are super nice about letting you sample everything. My go-to is their signature Honey Lavender.
Scoops
727 N Broadway #125, Los Angeles, CA 90012
A hidden gem in one of Chinatown’s many plazas. You can get here from UPC by taking the aforementioned intercampus shuttle to Union Station and walking or taking a city bus directly to Chinatown. It’s about $5 for a split scoop (which I highly recommend to maximize the amount of cool flavors). My parents used to take me here as a kid whenever we were in the area so it always brings back childhood nostalgia. Even though it sounds repulsive initially, my favorite is the coconut wasabi flavor which I promise isn’t spicy). I would also recommend the Strawberry Champagne.
Van Leeuwen
8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Right along the Metro Expo line route, this little scoop shop is located is a surprisingly bustling square with a bunch of cute (and overpriced) boutiques. Hope off at the Culver City Metro station and cross the street. Each scoop is $5.50. Ever wonder what Earth tastes like? Try their Planet Earth! Other honorable mentions include their blueberry pie and honeycomb flavors! The perfect place for an intimate date night. Dietary restrictions? No worries! They have several vegan and dairy-free options. I highly recommend trying their oat milk latte flavor which is both vegan AND nut-free!
Saffron and Rose
1387 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Okay, this one is definitely in UCLA turf but what can I say? West side=best side! From USC you’d take the metro line to Westwood/Rancho park and then the R12. If you haven’t caught on already, I love weird flavors especially floral ones. If you also like eating flowers and drinking tea, this is your place. This place is also super friendly to the college budget, it’s only $4.50 for 2 (very big) scoops! I *love* their pistachio saffron flavor as well as their pink rose and jasmine.
Sweet Rose Creamery
225 26th St #51, Santa Monica, CA 90402
While Sweet Rose is distributed all throughout Santa Monica (and expanding into West LA), the one at the Brentwood Country Mart is still my favorite. To get here from USC you would take the expo line to 26th Street/Bergamot and then take the 43 towards San Vincente (and get off at San Vicente). You get to explore a cute little country-style shopping center while getting really good ice cream. It’s about $4 for a scoop of heaven. Most of the regular flavors are fairly conventional but occasionally, you’ll get the amazing sweet corn or rose geranium (so check out the Chef’s pick)! Additionally, their Caffe Luxe is my all-time favorite coffee ice cream and the store is located right next to the ACTUAL Caffe Luxe so you can enjoy a cappuccino while indulging yourself with the ice cream!
Rori’s Artisanal Cream
910 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403
There’s a cute shop on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Take the Expo line to 17th Street/SMC station then Lime/Jump/Bird up to Montana. With its high-end boutiques, great restaurants, and my favorite bakery, Sweet Lady Jane, this is the perfect date spot. Rori has a bunch of amazing flavors ranging from malted milk ball to my personal favorite: honey lavender (oops, did they steal this from Salt & Straw?). Feeling fruity? Give passionfruit a try! My favorite thing to do is go with friends and get a triple scoop (9$) so I can maximize the flavors.
Wanderlust Creamery
609 Lincoln Blvd Suite B, Venice, CA 90291
Want to have a taste of the world without paying for a plane ticket? Check out Wanderlust! For public transport, you would take the expo line to the end of the line in Santa Monica and take Big Blue Bus Line 3 to Rose Ave. All the unique flavors are inspired by country-specific. From their sticky-rice mango flavor to their now trending White Rabbit (inspired by the milk candy that was so essential for every Chinese/Chinese American’s child’s childhood) they really do capture the most unique and exotic tastes in the best form: ice cream! It does run on the pricier end of the ice-cream spectrum (also about $5 a scoop). The seasonal flavors change every month and are delicious – my favorite this month is the Rose Cardamom Lassi. The servers are super friendly and willing to let you try all the different flavors as well, so sample to your heart’s delight! I highly recommend trying Earl Grey and Ube Crunch!
Other honorable mentions:
Millet
2011 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
This little shop is located in West LA’s “Japantown” or Sawtelle Blvd. Their Crème Brulee crepes are a MUST! While they don’t have anything too interesting in terms of flavors of ice cream, you can also add a scoop of ice cream to your crepe!
Matcha Cha
11301 W Olympic Blvd Ste 122, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Love matcha? This your place! Try Deep Matcha and Matcha&Strawberry
Mikawaya
118 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Love their matcha and plum wine flavored mochi! Drop by next time you’re in Little Tokyo!
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