ML Interest Tag: cinnamon-toast

The 12 Best Doughnut Shops in LA Worth Driving through Rain & Traffic

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Stuffed or simple, here are the best doughnuts in LA worth your time, money and their caloric intake

No matter how you spell it (donut or doughnut?) LA is a doughnut town thanks to glaze-blazers like Ted Ngoy aka: The Donut King who helped proliferate doughnut shops across SoCal. And in true LA-style, the following doughnut shops have put their own twist on the not-just-for-breakfast treat. Here’s our list for the best doughnuts in Los Angeles that are worth making an extra special trip to another part of town—traffic (and calories) be damned.

The Best Doughnuts in LA (in No Particular Order)

1. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Consistently recognized as having the best doughnuts in LA, Sidecar has a cult-like following thanks to their creative, small batch flavors that showcases seasonal ingredients. Their Maple Bacon is probably their most well-known but we think the Saigon Cinnamon Crumb and the Dulce de Leche Churro is the cat’s meow. PS: Have you checked out their Culver City location yet?

Good to Know: The Malasada is a stuffed doughnut fill with a custom flavor, rolled in cardamom sugar and is only available on Mon. so plan your trip accordingly.

Various Locations
Online: sidecardoughnuts.com

RELATED: 30 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Santa Monica

2. Fantastic Donuts & Croissants

The only reason to even hesitate ever taking a bite of these delightful doughnuts is that they are just so ridiculously adorable—doughnuts decorated to look like things that aren’t doughnuts get us every time. While they are known for their rotund pigs and cows, they’ve pulled together “sushi” boxes, “Among Us” characters, a box of “fruit” and more. For a specialty box, email your order at least 24-48 hours in advance.

1101 S Vermont Ave.
Koreatown
Online: fantasticdonutla.wix.com

3. Colorado Donuts

Sesame Street fans will go ga-ga for the awesome specialty donuts decorated to look like Elmo and Cookie Monster. Cute and cuddly is not the only form Colorado’s Donuts come in though. They also offer creative concoctions that seem like they came straight from a five-year old’s mind, like cronuts crammed with Oreos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, because why choose one flavor when you can have both?

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the breakfast cereal-topped donuts, like Fruity Pebbles or their special drops (check their Instagram) for specialities like the Birthday Cookie Surprise doughnut.

1578 W Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
Online: instagram.com/coloradodonuts

4. Blue Star

This Portland transplant is now a best-in-LA doughnut staple. These artisanal, crafted doughnuts are simple compared to the dessert explosions of their competitors but that’s what makes them so appealing for young palates. Brioche-style, they are light as air so you won’t be left with that rock-in-the-pit-of-your-belly feeling after eating them.

Our favorites include: Sugar and Spice, Chocolate Buttermilk, Lemon Poppyseed and of course, Chocolate Almond Ganache (pictured).

Various Locations
Online: bluestardonuts.com

5. B Sweet Dessert Bar

Think you can’t improve on the doughnut? What about stuffing one with delicious ice cream? Donut ice cream sandwiches are the sweet bomb and B Sweet Dessert Bar is one of the originators of this tasty trend. The Hot Pressed Halo, as it’s called, features ice cream of your choice, heat-sealed inside of a glazed doughnut. We petty convinced the ‘B’ in B Sweet stands for Brilliant.

Various Locations
Online: mybsweet.com

6. Donut Friend

While their customizable doughnuts are still on pause due to COVID, you can still choose a buffet-worth of doughnuts from their signature compilations, like Strawberrylab and Angry Samoa. Head over to York Park playground after so you can burn off all of that sugar-laden energy or if you’re around ROW DTLA on a Sun., swing by SmorgasburgLA for a visit with your best Donut Friend.

Good to Know: Not only are all of their doughnuts vegan, you can order a giant doughnut that is 7-8″ in diameter.

Various Locations
Online: donutfriend.com

7. Bob’s Coffee & Doughnuts

Located in The Original Farmer’s Market, these made-fresh daily doughnuts have legions of fans willing to line and wait (yep, they’re that good!). Nothing beats the classic glazed but the Maple Bacon Bar gets two thumbs up as well. Kids will love the dinosaur and Hello Kitty shapes.

Good to Know: It’s cash only.

6333 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles
Online: bobsdonutsla.com

8. Birdies LA

Their signature doughnut flavors include Horchata Twist with Dulce de Leche, Candied Bacon Maple and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but they also rotate and feature all kinds of specialty glazes and toppings to wow your donut connoisseurs. YUM. Oh, and did we mention they also serve fried chicken?

Various Locations
Online: birdiesla.com

9. Blinkie’s Donut Emporium

Blinkie’s has been a Woodland Hills doughnut staple (and Kardashian go-to) for good reason. Though they offer a wide variety of doughnut flavors the simple, glazed black and whites are hands-down the best. Despite being large in size and taste, these babies are light as air.

4884 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills
Online: blinkiesdonuts.com

10. RING Baked Tofu Donuts

These GMO and gluten-free doughnuts are baked (not fried) and may not look as razzle-dazzle as some of the others on our list, but their simple, cake-like flavor won our kid tester’s shinning approval. They offer straight-forward flavors, like double chocolate, banana bread and red velvet.

‪6800 Owensmouth Ave.
Woodland Hills
Online: ringdonuts.com

11. Randy’s Donuts

Despite all the new pop-ups, LA is still filled with dozens of old-school doughnut shops that are well-worth a visit, and the most iconic by far is Randy’s. A glimpse of the giant doughnut sitting on top of the roof alone will excite your pint-sized doughnut lovers. If you hit the original location, there’s no real space to hang out here, so grab a dozen of the classics and head over to the grassy knoll near LAX to watch airplanes land. Best morning ever.

Various Locations
Online: randysdonuts.com

12. Voodoo Doughnut

The first LA location of this time-honored Portland doughnut tradition is a must-stop when you’re headed to the Universal CityWalk. The first thing your doughnut-loving tots are sure to notice is the bright pink color everywhere. That, and the gigantic voodoo doughnut that greets you out front. The only thing more exciting is the doughnut case inside. With flavors like Grape Ape, Mango Tango, the Voodoo Bubble, Bacon Maple Bar, The Homer, Triple Chocolate and Butterfinger, you will definitely fulfill everyone’s sugar fix.

100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
Online: voodoodoughnut.com

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25+ Places to Play Inside on a Rainy Day in PDX

by Melissa Poulin

It’s rainy season here in our favorite Puddle Town, but fear not—we’ve got more than 25 spots to have fun and stay dry

Rain goes with Portland the way peanut butter goes with jelly. From December through April, you can count on lots of wet weather (140 days, on average, to be exact). The simplest way to enjoy the rain with little ones is to put on boots and Muddy Buddies and head out for puddle-jumping through neighborhoods and forests. But if you’re looking for indoor fun, take your pick from our ultimate list of rainy-day activities below. Splash on, Portland!

1. Grab Coffee & Treats around Portland

We’re a caffeinated, food-obsessed city, with artisan coffee shops and bakeries on every corner. Kick things off with an early start at one of these kid-approved breakfast and coffee spots. You’ll want to fuel up for the full day ahead!

 

Slappy Cakes: Start the day at a Portland standby where breakfast is the main attraction and the entertainment. Let your kids make the meal, with griddles set into the table and customizable pancake batters to pour, flip, and top just the way they like.

4246 SE Belmont St.
Portland
Online: slappycakes.com

Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
Tucked into a bustling section of shops on NE Fremont, this gem turns out perfectly crisp mini donuts in tantalizing, constantly-evolving flavors. Pick up a dozen and order a chai for yourself (in a variety of homemade blends), then choose a table near the window to watch the rain fall. There are high chairs for the littlest foodies and kids’ books near the counter to keep ‘em busy while you wait. Be prepared for a line on weekends!

4759 NE Fremont St.
Portland
Online: pipsoriginalonline.com

Posie’s Bakery & Cafe: Looking for a mix of bagels, baked goods, and heartier fare? This homey coffee shop, bakery, and cafe has got the goods, plus a play area in back. If your kid’s been up since 5 a.m. and is ready for lunch by 9, not to worry: the kids’ menu offers grilled cheese, PB&J, and cinnamon toast, with a side of chips or cucumbers.

8208 N Denver Ave.
Portland
Online: posiescafe.com

2. Get Cozy with Books & Bookstores in Portland

Reading is a classic rainy-day activity. Maybe that’s why the rainy City of Roses has one of the most well-used libraries in the country, and a plethora of excellent independent bookstores. Cuddle up with your kids with a pile of books and get lost in a completely different world, through the power of story.

Storytime at the Library: The Multnomah County Library is a national leader among libraries. Besides its large collection of circulating items, it’s well-known for storytimes, with daily offerings geared toward different age groups and in a range of languages. It’s free, fun, and a great way to make new friends– for kids and grown-ups alike. Afterward, stick around to load up your book bag with more books to take home.

Days, times, and age ranges vary by branch
Online: multcolib.org

Powell’s Books: Head downtown to the City of Books—a whole city block with room after room of both used and new volumes. You can snuggle up in the pink room downstairs, where children’s books are organized around a reading area with cozy rugs and low tables with small chairs. A cafe near the yellow room serves up hot drinks and treats. Or, visit one of the smaller (but still impressive) Powell’s branches to get your book fix.

Various Locations
Online: powells.com

Green Bean Books: This children’s bookstore offers weekly storytimes and musical events in multiple languages, in addition to a well-curated selection of kids’ books, all in a bright and cozy red house. Check out their bank of vintage vending machines and bring a stack of books to the green couch to read together.

1600 NE Alberta St.
Online: greenbeanbookspdx.com

Fort Vancouver Community Library: Our neighbors to the north have a great library, too! Hop on the freeway and spend an afternoon exploring the top floor of the Ft. Vancouver Community Library. It’s entirely dedicated to kiddos, with a hands-on learning area, dress-up bins, interactive literacy-focused tech stations, and daily storytimes. You could easily spend hours here. Pop down to the first floor to refuel at the coffee cart. And psst! Multnomah and Washington County residents can get a free Reciprocal Library card to check out materials from the FVRL system.

901 C St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: fvrl.org

3. Explore Fun Animal Encounters around Portland

Rainy day blues got you down? Studies show that even 10 minutes of petting an animal can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Head to one of these fun spots to get cozy with bunnies and kitties.

The Pixie Project: A no-kill animal rescue and adoption center, The Pixie Project fosters both dogs and cats for adoption. You must make an appointment to visit with the dogs and cats. Consider making a donation with your visit to support this non-profit’s good work.

510 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Portland
Online: pixieproject.org

4. Make & Create Art around Portland

Get creative at one of Portland’s many kid-centric art studios. Check our favorites below.

Vibe Studio: At their locations on both SE Division and in St John’s, Vibe Studio offers a wide range of drop-in creative arts classes for toddlers all the way through the teen years. Check their website for a full list of offerings. (Choosing preschool or youth classes will send you to an online schedule, then click the “drop-in” tab to sort by location.) Most drop-in classes for toddlers are on Friday and Saturday mornings, while older kids can select a class during after-school hours almost every day of the week.

Various Locations
Online: vibestudio.org

Live Laugh Love Art: Guided art classes for makers of all ages, Live Laugh Love Art offers canvas painting, wood signs, pottery, or glass arts. Check out the family pass to make art time a regular thing for you and your kids.

9160 SW Hall Blvd.
Portland
Online: livelaughloveart.com

5. Find Stop-Worthy Lunch & Snacks in Portland

Soro Soro Coffee & Dessert: Kitten cheesecakes, rainbow cakes, animal-themed latte art, and matcha tiramisu? Sign us up! This recently-opened Korean coffee shop serves up seriously cute desserts alongside Stumptown Coffee and Steven Smith Tea. Perfect for a quick sugar rush before you hit the indoor playground.

2250 E Burnside St.
Portland
Online: sorosoropdx.com

Laughing Planet: Dinosaurs at every table, an extensive menu with kid favorites like quesadillas, smoothies, and the “trifecta” of three side dishes served in separate (not touching!) bowls, it’s no surprise that there are 10 Laughing Planet locations in the Portland area. Find one near you and stop in for quick, friendly service and happy kid bellies.

Various Locations
Online: laughingplanet.com

Two Sisters Play Cafe: This Milwaukie bakery and cafe serves up healthy fare (including gluten-free and vegan options) alongside a play room with a play structure, toys, games, and puzzles. Choose from paninis, sandwiches, salads, and a simple kids’ menu, then let the kids loose.

11923 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, OR
Online: twosistersplaycafe.net

6. All the Places to Run, Jump, and Climb Indoors in Portland

For especially wet days, Portland’s got you covered with a host of indoor parks. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of affordable indoor playspaces in every neighborhood. Here are some of our stand-out favorites.

The Nest: Drop in for open play or take a class at this multi-purpose indoor playground and cafe. A large play structure, soft play area, and a rock-climbing wall are all available during open play hours, recommended for kids 12 and under. Try out yoga or an art class and get free admission to open play. Bring socks to play in, and enjoy treats from the cafe (outside food and drink not allowed.)

6517 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland
Online: nestplayground.com

The Wiggle Room: Tucked into a corner of the Hollywood neighborhood, and within walking distance of the library and Laughing Planet, the Wiggle Room is a thoughtfully-designed playspace for kids from 0-7. Everyone can find their groove, with a larger structure for big kids, a padded play area for kids under 2, and a coffee bar for grown-ups. Natural light and a low-key color scheme keep things simple for people with sensory sensitivities.

1925 NE 42nd Ave., Suite C
Portland
Online: thewiggleroom.com

Hammer + Jack’s: We love this toy shop and play space in the rapidly-changing Foster-Powell neighborhood. Stop by to check out the toys, then drop-in for open play. Spend $10 for free play time, or get a punch card and become a regular. Check the website for open play hours and special events like kindie musicians, art classes, and storytimes.

6416 SE Foster Rd.
Portland
Online: hammerandjacks.com

Playdate PDX: This is the ultimate indoor playground, with a three-level playstructure for kids up to age 12, a selection of beverages for grown-ups, and a separate play area for toddlers. Make sure you have socks for playing inside the playstructure! Work up an appetite? Hit the cafe for lunch and snack items.

1434 NW 17th Ave.
Portland
Online: playdatepdx.com

7. The Best Museums for Kids

On days when the weather promises to pour nonstop, a visit to the museum is the perfect way to stay active, happy, and dry. Portland’s got ten museums within city limits! Here are our top three for families.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): At this waterfront museum, hands-on science displays, motion simulators, and a planetarium supply a whole day’s worth of exploration. You can even tour a submarine! For kids 6 and under, check out the Science Playland. Plan your visit on the first Sunday of the month to get in for just $2.

1945 SE Water Ave.
Portland
Online: omsi.edu

Portland Art Museum: If you think an art museum is too refined for little kids, think again! With family tours and Baby Mornings, the Portland Art Museum welcomes and encourages even the littlest citizens to become patrons of the arts. Bags and large backpacks must be checked upon entry, so pare down to the essentials. Strollers are allowed, but littler ones might do better in a carrier.

1219 Southwest Park Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandartmuseum.org

8. Where to Swim, Splash, and Skate Indoors in Portland

For especially energetic kids, there’s nothing like a pool or skating session, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to head indoors for some active fun. Portland’s got several indoor pools and skating rinks to choose from.

Oaks Bottom Roller Rink: In addition to afternoon and evening open skate sessions, Oaks Park has a preschool skate on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. just for kids 6 and younger. The session includes skates, cookies and milk, a group lesson and games. Adults are free with one child admission, and shoes and strollers are welcome on the rink. There’s also a Saturday morning Kids Skate for ages 10 and under that includes skates, fun games and a visit with Chipper. (

7805 SE Oaks Park Way
Portland
Online: oakspark.com

Lloyd Center Ice Rink: Take to the ice at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink, open daily in the mall. Rent skates and join public open skates during the day, or enjoy live DJ music during Rock n’ Skates on Friday and Saturday evenings.

953 Lloyd Center
Portland
Online: lloydice.com

McMenamin’s Kennedy School Soaking Pool: This ceramic, heated outdoor soaking pool is filled with chlorinated saltwater, in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by gardens, on the spectacular Kennedy School grounds. Yes, we said outdoor, but hear us out: on a day when light rain or showers are predicted, it can feel pleasant and cozy to be outdoors in a warm pool. After soaking, grab a bite at the restaurant or catch a flick in the theater in this elementary-school-turned-hotel. Supervised minors welcome; bring your own towel! Note that during the rainy season, the pool is closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday for cleaning.

5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
Portland
Online: mcmenamins.com/kennedy-school

Portland Parks & Recreation Indoor Pools: You know what they say when kids get cranky: put them in water! Portland’s public indoor pools are open year-round for open swim, family swim, and preschool swim. Check the website for the closest pool to your neighborhood. Swim times vary by location.

Multiple Locations
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

9. Where to Dine Out in Portland When It Rains

After a long rainy day full of adventure, let someone else do the cooking while you unwind with the family. Here are our top picks for easy, delicious meals in a family-friendly setting.

McMenamin’s Kennedy School: Wander the halls of this former elementary school, now turned into a playland—McMenamin’s style—with a hotel, bars, movie theater, soaking pool (see above!), and restaurant. Your little ones can choose from a range of kid-approved favorites like pizza, tater-tots, and french fries, while the grown-ups enjoy a well-deserved pint.

5736 NE 33rd Ave.
Portland
Online: mcmenamins.com/kennedyschool

Mississippi Pizza Pub: With fantastic pizza and a family-friendly atmosphere, this neighborhood fave could have had us at “Hello.” But add in performances from favorite local kids’ bands on Friday nights? Next-level. Let your kids get out any last wiggles with a dance party while you kick back.

3552 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland
Online: mississippipizza.com

Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB): There’s a reason why this brew-pub is packed around 5 pm: it has several fully stocked play areas where kids can entertain themselves with toys while you enjoy your brew. Kids can chow down on mac n’ cheese or a Little Brewer’s Burger, and grown-ups can take their pick from a range of burgers, salads, pizza, and more. (Psst: There’s even organic baby food available for $2 a jar.)

Various Locations
Online: hopworksbeer.com

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Where to Find the Best Doughnuts in DC

by Andie Huber

From freshly fried doughnuts to doughnuts with creative topping combinations, these are the 5 best doughnut shops in DC

When it comes to doughnuts, there is no doubt that the best ones are made with fresh ingredients with just the right amount of sweetness. Add to that, the perfect doughnut should have an airy, light texture and a golden–brown exterior, with a slightly crisp outer layer and a pillowy–soft interior. So where can you find the best doughnut in the DC area? Look no further than our handy list—whether you want a chocolate glazed, jelly-filled, or one of the other 20 (at least!) varieties of donuts, these are by far the best doughnuts in DC that you and the kids will love (and revisit) week after week.

1. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

If you’re looking for the best doughnuts in the Washington, D.C. area, you’ll definitely want to check out Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. This trendy shop serves up delicious, made–to–order doughnuts that are sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for something unique. While the menu features classic doughnut flavors like glazed, jelly–filled, and powdered sugar, take a adventurous chance on their creative specialty flavors such as Maple Bacon, Apple Fritter, and Toasted Coconut. Looking for something a bit more savory? Astro Doughnuts also serves a variety of fried chicken sandwiches and tenders.  

1308 G Street NW
Washington, DC
Online: astrodoughnuts.com

2. District Doughnut and Coffee

If you’ve lived in DC more than a hot minute, you’re probably already familiar with District Doughnut and Coffee. But they’re still worth a mention for rotating their flavors seasonally. Check out the winter menu featuring such tasty treats as Gingerbread Cookie and Hot Cocoa doughnuts. And if you, or one of your littles, often feel like you’re missing out on the doughnut deliciousness because you can’t have gluten, they even have Gluten-free Fridays where they offer a different flavor donut in its gluten-free form

749 8th St SE
Washington, DC
Online: districtdoughnut.com

3. B Doughnuts

B Doughnuts has a cult-like following and for good reason: their Hawaiian-style Portuguese doughnuts, called malasadas, are out of this world delicious! Their doughnuts are more savory, such as the Ube-filled (purple yam) or the everything bagel doughnut, making this the perfect shop for those who like their sweet treats a little less sweet. In fact, they even state right on their website that they are “doughnuts for those who don’t really like doughnuts” and say that they may not taste or feel like most donuts. But don’t worry if you only like sweet treats—they still have plenty of the dessert-like flavors too, with a whole collection of more traditionally glazed donuts along with kid-favorite, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, s’mores and Fruity Pebbles-flavored doughnut.

6700 Crain Hwy., Suite 102
La Plata, MD
Online: bdoughnut.com

4. Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee

Sugar Shack Donuts and Coffee is a popular donut shop and coffee house (family, vegan, carnivore and gluten free friendly) based in Virginia. Their specialty doughnuts are made from scratch every day, and they offer a variety of flavors and toppings so each doughnut is as unique as the person ordering it. Keep an eye out for fan-favorite seasonal and holiday specialities.

1001 N Lombardy St.
Richmond, VA
Online: eatsugarshack.com

5. Sugar Mama’s Donut Bites Food Truck

Sugar Mama’s Donut Bites Food Truck serves up freshly made, small–batch doughnuts with a variety of tasty toppings. The truck can be found at local events and festivals—follow them on Twitter or Facebook to track the truck— but can typically be found on the weekends in Vienna, Falls Church, Dale City & Westover. The menu consists of traditional favorites such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate glazed, and powdered sugar, as well as creative concoctions like donut ice cream sandwiches, donut sundaes, and more. Customers can also customize their donuts with a range of toppings, from fresh berries and nuts to chocolate chips and marshmallows. All of the donuts are made with the highest quality ingredients, and the truck is operated with a commitment to sustainability.

Online: mamasdonutbites.com

 

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Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Dallas-Fort Worth

by Gabby Cullen

It’s hot out there, Dallasites! And what’s the best cool treat on a sweltering Texas summer day? Ice cream; yes, the cool treat that comes in a cup or a cone, and can be made in dozens of ways. We wanted to find some of the best ice cream shops in the metroplex, and believe us, there is plenty to discover. Our curated list offers some of the best flavors, and the coolest backstories and most are small businesses or locally-owned. So next time you get a craving for a scoop of sweetness, check our top choices for the best ice cream in Dallas before you head out on your mission.  

Azucar Ice Cream Company

This Bishop Arts sweet spot features ice cream inspired by owner Suzy Batlle’s Cuban-born Abuela, who loved to make ice cream with tropical fruits. While you’ll find classics like chocolate and strawberry, the unique flavors like the signature Abuela maria™ (guava cream cheese and maria crackers) and the chusmeria (banana, chocolate chunks, and peanuts) are what bring people back again and again. 

269 N. Bishop Ave.
Dallas, TX 75208
Online: azucaricecream.com

Baldo’s Ice Cream & Coffee

Go for the ice cream flight (six mini cones) and stay for the affogato—your choice of ice cream drowned in a shot of espresso. Everything is made in small batches, and Baldo’s tries to source locally as often as possible. Kids will love the year-round options like cookies ‘n cream and mint chip as much as they’ll love seasonal flavors like cinnamon toast crunch. Plus, there’s a full coffee bar for parents who need more than a sugar rush. 

6401 Hillcrest Ave. Ste. 102
Dallas, TX 75205

Online: baldosdallas.com

Howdy Homemade

While we could go on all day about the flavors you can find at Howdy’s (think Dr. Pepper® Chocolate Chip, Orange Dreamsicle, and Cold Brew & Cookies), it’s the origin story that gives us the warm fuzzies. When owner Tom Landis opened the first spot in Dallas in 2015, he did so with the mission to offer teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place where they have steady, quality employment. Yes, the ice cream is amazing, but the people serving up your cups and cones are even more so. 

12300 Inwood Dr. Ste. 200
Dallas, TX 75244

Online: howdyhomemade.com

Melt

Good news, ice cream aficionados. Melt is now available in both Fort Worth and Dallas! When you visit this sweet shop, you’ll find “always flavors” and “sometimes flavors,” which include seasonal and new flavors that rotate every six weeks. The “always flavors” menu includes Cup of Texas, Salt Lick, Cookie Crush, and the Always Sammie. The Summer 2022 “sometimes flavors” menu offers Key Lime Pie, Watermelon Sorbet, Texas Butter Pecan, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This is some of the best ice cream in Dallas, so be sure to try it soon!

1201 W Magnolia Ave. Ste. 115
Fort Worth, TX 76104

405 N. Bishop Ave.
Dallas, TX 75208

Online: melticecreams.com

Milky Treats

This ice cream shop offers summer’s favorite dessert in a whole new way. Not only are their flavors hand-crafted in a custom aeronautic-grade steel blender, but they have a cereal-infused ice cream bar. You pick your flavor, pick your toppings and they blend it for you on the spot. They offer signature swirls (like the Puff Daddy: vanilla ice cream, Reese’s puffs, crushed almonds, Reese’s pieces and a chocolate drizzle) or you can make your own. If you want to go all out, get a Milky Donut—a signature swirl stuffed inside a donut.

7000 Independence Pkwy. Ste. 104D
Plano, TX 75025

Online: milkytreats.com

Sweet Firefly

This Richardson institution has been serving some of the best ice cream in Dallas for many years. Not only will you ice cream, but you’ll find ice cream sandwiches and dark chocolate caramel balls, chocolate-covered espresso beans and more. 

2701 Custer Parkway, Ste. 810
Richardson, TX 75080

Online: sweetfirefly.com

Cow Tipping Creamery

With three locations in the metroplex, you can totally make a trip to this soft-serve ice cream shop. Serving up ice cream combos called “stackers,” each cup of ice cream comes with layers of delicious extras like red velvet cake balls, Oreos, cereal, marshmallows, honey-dusted pecans, bananas and so much more. 

685 The Star Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034

3501 Hulen St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

7328 Gaston Ave. #110
Dallas, TX 75214

Online: cowtippingcreamery.com

Cauldron Ice Cream

With locations in Dallas and Carollton (Frisco and Grand Praire spots coming soon!) what began in a California garage has taken the ice cream market by storm. Served up in puffle cones—inspired by a Hong Kong street snack—Cauldron Ice Cream’s creations are totally unique and delicious. Creative combos include S’mores, Sun Moon and Stars, Earl Gray Lavender, Vietnamese Coffee and more.

3001 Knox St.
Dallas, TX 75205

4070 State Hwy 121., Ste. 432
Carrollton, TX 75010

Online: cauldronicecream.com

 

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Son of a Nutcracker! Elf Cereal Is Here & It’s Maple Syrup Flavored

by Jennifer Swartvagher

An elf’s four major food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. General Mills holiday cereals are hitting shelves now and that includes the return of your coveted Elf cereal.

To add to the excitement, everyone’s winter favorite, Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch is back by popular demand.

Elf Cereal

This maple-flavored cereal (Buddy’s favorite flavor) offers delicious green and red holiday tree marshmallows and maple-flavored corn puff cereal pieces in every spoonful.

You can find Elf Cereal in grocery retailers nationwide for a limited time this holiday season. Boxes retail for $2.50 for a mid-size box and $3.99 for the family size.

Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch

Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch is returning to shelves again for another sweet and festive winter season. Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch brings its classic holiday flavor to Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a whole new way to enjoy the delicious taste of sugar cookies – perfect for a festive breakfast or cozy afternoon snack.

You can find Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch in grocery retailers nationwide for a limited time. Boxes retail for $2.50 mid-size / $3.99 family size.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of General Mills

 

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Krispy Kreme Just Launched Cinnamon Rolls Topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal

by Sarah Shebek

Krispy Kreme is on a roll! Today the beloved chain launched its first-ever cinnamon rolls to make your breakfast run even sweeter. And yes, there’s one topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch!

For a limited time you can buy the Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll or the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Roll, topped with your fave childhood cereal and finished with a cereal milk icing swirl. Don’t mind us as we drool all over our screens.

Instead of the traditional frosting, Krispy Kreme opted to use its iconic donut glaze for the rolls. They’re hand-rolled and feature a yeast-raised dough, because the best baked goods always take time. Grab them individually or in a special four pack, in shops and online at participating locations.

Unfortunately for cinnamon roll fans, these babies are only around until October 10. Grab one this week and enjoy it with Krispy Kreme’s fall drinks!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Krispy Kreme

 

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Apple Pie Toast Crunch Cereal Is a Thing & We Are Buying All the Boxes

by Sarah Shebek

What if you could make Cinnamon Toast Crunch even better? That’s what General Mills is promising this fall and it sounds absolutely delicious. Apple Pie Toast Crunch will be hitting store shelves for the first time ever next month, plus a couple other seasonal favorites!

Using the crunchy whole wheat and rice cereal base of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, the new cereal will offer the taste of apple pie in every bite. Ready to up the ante? General Mills recommends mixing it with Dulce de Leche Toast Crunch to create a caramel apple in your bowl.

But if you’re ready to skip straight ahead to the holidays, you’ll love this next piece of news. Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch and Elf Cereal are coming back to a store near you! The Elf in particular sounds amazing: it’s maple flavored cereal with four new marshmallow shapes in candy, candy corn, candy cane and syrup.

You’ll be able to scoop all of these cereals starting in early October at retailers nationwide. Boxes will retail at $2.50 each for a midsize, or $3.50 for a family size. The most important meal of the day is getting a serious upgrade!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of General Mills

 

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Your Must-Save List for the Best Ice Cream Shops in LA

by Carter Jung

I scream, you scream, and living in sunny SoCal, we all scream, in perpetuity, for ice cream. All that volume is not for naught either, LA has responded to our cries, offering a wide variety of shops serving up some of the finest frozen treats fit for any family.

Does your kiddo crave breakfast cereal all hours of the day? Grape-Nuts, Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are blended into creamy concoctions at two establishments on this list. Have you seen rolled ice cream that could pass for a bouquet of flowers? The chilled dessert from Thailand is available in our city. In search of the perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream? We found it and the secret might be cane sugar. Velvety smooth Italian gelato your thing? This DTLA spot will have you and the kids saying grazie. 

Van Leeuwen

Carter Jung

Vanilla is the cheese pizza of ice creams. It’s a blank canvas that with the proper additions can be turned into art. At least, that’s what our family thought until we tried the vanilla bean at Van Leeuwen. Cajoled by a scooper to try the typically beige flavor, we were impressed by their incredibly nuanced and flavorful take on vanilla. Using choice ingredients that include cane sugar, it is the best scoop of vanilla we’ve ever tasted, as are their chocolate and strawberry options. With flavor combinations becoming wilder than a three-year old’s imagination at many boutique creameries, sometimes a familiar ice cream crafted to perfection is everything you need.

Locations: Silver Lake, Platform Culver City, Franklin Village, The Arts District, The Point in El Segundo & via a food truck on Abbott Kinney most weekends
Online: vanleeuwenicecream.com

Scoops

Taking the kiddos to Scoops is a mini-adventure. With the exception of one consistent flavor, they change out their ice cream selection daily, creating a delightful sense of discovery with every visit. Tai Kim, the founder, chemist and Willy Wonka of all things frozen, pulls from a recipe library that is seemingly endless, churning out micro-batches of inventive flavors such as lychee-strawberry, horchata-burnt sugar, blueberry lavender tea, coconut peanut butter pretzel or chocolate-Guinness (made with the actual beer!). No two visits will ever see the same exact flavors, which includes vegan, dairy-free options made of oat milk.

Each “one scoop" at Scoops actually comes with two. Our rec is to go with their daily fixture, Brown Bread—vanilla swirled with caramel and Grape-Nuts cereal—for one scoop and exploring a new flavor for the other. Don’t be afraid to be bold, either. The creamy, not too heavy of a base, deftly mixed in with whatever wild flavors strikes Kim’s fancy that day never-ever disappoints, helping Scoops edge out the other incredible establishments on this list as our family’s top ice cream shop.

LA Locations: Highland Park, Chinatown & Torrance
Online: instagram.com/scoopsbic

Gelateria Uli

I once spent a week in Milan for work and ate gelato every single day. On really rough days, twice a day. When I returned to LA, I experienced withdrawals and went on a hunt to find gelato comparable to what I consumed in embarrassing amounts in Italy. After many false leads, I found Gelateria Uli. Their stracciatella scratched an itch I otherwise thought would require a 13-hour flight. Better yet, if you’re at their original Spring Street Arcade location in DTLA, if you squint a bit, the atrium court with its hanging lights could almost pass for Europe. Almost. But then again, who would want to go across the pond when you can have local-inspired flavors like horchata or vegan California pistachio.

LA Locations: Mid-City & DTLA
Online: gelateriauli.com

Bae

This Little Tokyo outpost whips up intensely flavorful soft serve ice cream in a form factor optimized for photography -- strikingly colored frozen cream artfully swirled in a cup or cone makes for the perfect prop. If you’re going for a B&W monotone mood, the charcoal pineapple and vanilla swirl on a charcoal cone is the look. If pink and baby blue are your colors, or if breakfast cereals are a thing for your small ones, the Pegasus combines their Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fruity Pebble for a combo that pops. If you feel like flexing for our newly stacked Lakers team -- welcome home, Russell Westbrook -- the Ube and Mango combo will have you repping purple and gold in a handheld, edible form.

369 E 2nd St.
Los Angeles
Online: baebae.co

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

Founded in Santa Barbara in 1949, McConnell’s has been serving honest ice cream for over 70 years. Fillers, artificial flavors, colorings and other industrial food processes have given way to fresh, simple ingredients sourced from Central Coast farmers. In 1975, McConnell’s purchased their own dairy farm in Santa Barbara that now produces milk exclusively for their ice cream. Control of their supply chain and passion for quality comes through in every scoop of ice cream they serve. Vibrant seasonings tempered with a creamy, sweet base results in choices such as chocolate covered strawberries, Eureka lemon and marionberries, or peppermint stick that the whole family will enjoy.

LA Locations: DTLA, Studio City & Pacific Palisades
Online: mcconnells.com

Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bars

For Angelinos, no visit to the park would be complete without the ringing bells of vendors selling paletas from their hand-pushed carts. The refreshing fruit popsicles are an affordable counteragent for kids heated from running around the playground. Mateo’s has elevated the humble paleta, tapping a wide range of tropical ingredients such as mango, hibiscus and guava with traditional flavors such as strawberry, lemon and watermelon in a spectrum of colors so vivid, it would make Crayola blush. For parents who are fans of Mexican candy or spice in general, try their mango or cucumber peppered with chile. The firey kick is a nice juxtaposition to the chilled pop.

Locations: Mid-City, Pico-Union, Sawtelle & Culver City
Online: mateosicecreamla.com

Somi Somi

Has your little one ever asked what a fish eating its own body weight in ice cream would look like? Somisomi takes a freshly baked “ah-boong,” Korean for a fish-shaped pastry (that tastes nothing like a fish), lines the inside with an insulative filling (sweet red beans, custard, taro, Nutella), and loads it with soft serve ice cream pouring out of its doughy mouth. The warm, slightly crisped cone and creamy frosted stuffing are a delicious contrast, and the cartoonish packaging is sure to please the kids (and this adult).

LA Locations: Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Sawtelle, Glendale, Long Beach, Torrance, & Santa Clara

Online: somisomi.com

Holy Roly Ice Cream

In hot and humid Thailand, for a few local baht, street vendors will pour a creamy liquid onto a chilled, thin metal pan and dice in fruits and ingredients of your choosing. As the mix starts to cool and congeal, the craftsmen spread the blend into a thin, spackle-like coating. The sheet rapidly freezes and is scraped and rolled like a rug, and neatly arranged in a cup resembling a bouquet of flowers. Holy Roly Ice Cream has brought that Thai tradition to our city, offering Western ingredients such as marshmallows, graham crackers, Oreos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

LA Locations: Koreatown, Melrose & Arcadia
Online: holyroly.com

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

I first heard about Jeni’s on another work trip to Columbus, Ohio, ten years or so ago. The locals raved about a neighborhood ice cream parlor that turned out fantastic scoops. They were right. The smooth creams with fun ingredients were fantastic. Fast forward a few years and the frozen dessert from the Buckeye State has won over the we-scream-for-ice-cream LA, garnering fans for its signature and limited edition flavors. Now with five locations in LA, it’s easy to see what’s so splendid about Jeni’s.

LA Locations: Los Feliz, Venice, Larchmont, Playa Vista & Calabasas
Online: jenis.com

Salt & Straw

When Salt & Straw first landed in Los Angeles, the Portland export opened to much fanfare and for good reason. They craft scrumptious ice cream. It begins with dairy from grass-fed cows free of hormones and antibiotics. Their artisans add locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal fruits and herbs to produce flavors that rotate on a monthly basis. Wild-foraged berry slab pie and goat cheese marionberry habanero are a few mouth-watering examples that are a mouthful to say. If your young ones are daring, check them out during Halloween. Crickets, mealworms and pig’s blood have been some of the components used in past spooky seasons. If you fear forever ruining ice cream for your clan, there’s always chocolate gooey brownie or mint chocolate chip from their Classic Flavors list.

LA Locations: Larchmont, Abbot Kinney, Arts District & Studio City
Online: saltandstraw.com

–Carter Jung

featured photo: via Carter Jung

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Get the Scoop: The 37 Best Ice Cream Spots in the Bay

by Sarah McDonald

Stay cool on your days out with a sweet treat from one of these amazing Bay Area ice cream spots. From cones shaped like a fish, fresh flavors made-to-order or a delicious non-dairy alternative, there is something for everyone. Get the real scoop this summer with our guide to the best ice creams in the Bay!

San Francisco

The Baked Bear

This Fisherman's Wharf ice cream shop is dishing up our favorite scoops sandwiched between two deliciously-fresh cookies and we are down for it. With cookie options like snickerdoodle, funfetti and red velvet, you may just have a hard time deciding. Get your sandwich pressed for that warm-from-the-oven goodness. 

2824 Jones St.
303 Columbus Ave. 
San Francisco, CA
Online: thebakedbear.com

Polly Ann Ice Cream

Polly Ann’s has been a celebrated fixture in the Outer Sunset for over 60 years. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Spin the flavor wheel and leave it up to fate. You may just get lucky and win a free cone! Get your scoop and head on down to Ocean Beach for some ice cream, sand and surf with the kids.

3138 Noriega St.
San Francisco, CA
Online:pollyann.com

Bi-Rite Creamery

Bi-Rite Creamery, a San Francisco institution, is just steps away from another SF destination-must, Dolores Park; ice cream after a romp in the kids’ playground makes for a grand outing. There’s almost always a line out the door, so if your brood is getting impatient, try the soft-serve line: it’s usually shorter, and you can score ice cream sandwiches and popsicles from there as well.

3639 18th St. and 550 Divisidero St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: biritecreamery.com

Gott’s Roadside

Gott’s Roadside

Looking for a dairy and nut-free (but still delicious) ice cream? Gott’s has your back with their oat milk-based soft serve from their Ferry Building location. Choose from a chocolate, vanilla or chocolate-vanilla swirl.

Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building #6 , San Francisco, CA
Online:gotts.com

Humphry Slocombe

Head to Humphry Slocombe for the ultimate in wacky and unexpected flavors. Although they’re most famous for their exotic inventions like chèvre fig and Szechaun strawberry, you’ll still be able to find more kid friendly delights like Wexler’s root beer and malted milk chocolate.

2790A Harrison St. and 1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA

2335 Broadway
Oakland, CA
Online: humphryslocombe.com

Ice Cream Bar

Ice Cream Bar is the coolest and not just because of the ice cream. It’s a full service 1930s-style soda fountain, down to the servers in bow ties and paper hats. The bar at the back of the shop serves genuine old fashioned concoctions like tinctures and phosphates.

815 Cole St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: theicecreambarsf.com

Mitchells Ice Cream

Mitchells Ice Cream via Yelp

This long-running Outer Mission favorite has been serving delicious specialty ice cream, sorbet and sundaes for over 50 years. They serve up all the classics, as well as their signature tropical flavors; we love Ube-Macapuno, purple yam blended with young coconut. They also sell pre-packed half gallons if you want to stockpile a supply at home—or make the kids really happy.

688 San Jose Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Online: mitchellsicecream.com

Ghiradelli Chocolate

If you are hanging near Fisherman’s Wharf, there are two places to score classic scoops complete with a killer view. Dating back to 1864, the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory in the Clock Tower Building serves up World Famous Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundaes, plus it has a bustling chocolate shop and original chocolate manufacturing equipment on display. At a second location in the West Plaza, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace also serves legendary sundaes and features a live chocolate master creating handcrafted chocolates.

900 North Point St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: ghirardelli.com

Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous

The most tongue-twistingly named ice cream shop in San Francisco, this Dogpatch shop is worth the visit even if you keep mispronouncing the name. Their flavors are smooth, clean and inventive without being over the top: try Pink Squirrel (a mix of almond and chocolate flavors) or candied violet, while the kiddies will love the milk and cookies flavor.

699 22nd St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: facebook.com

San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery

San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery

This Inner Sunset spot is run by two brothers with a passion for ice cream and the neighborhood. Their wildy creative, house-made flavor combinations include strawberry balsamic, honey berry breakfast and peanut butter chocolate fudge. Hometown Creamery currently is the only ice cream shop in San Francisco that makes their ice creams completely from scratch in-house.

1290 9th Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfhometowncreamery.com

Smitten

What started as a svelte shipping container serving up no more than three flavors a day has turned into a local household name, in no small part to the high-tech show that comes with a visit: Proprietor Robyn Sue Fisher developed the Brrr machine, which uses liquid nitrogen to make ice cream in 60 seconds. The original Hayes Valley location still serves a limited menu, but their newer, bigger outposts offer more choices. Bonus: they also ship nationwide! 

432 Octavia St.
2404 California St.
904 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA

5800 College Ave.
Oakland, CA

3055 Olin Ave. Suite 1055
San Jose, CA
Online: smittenicecream.com

Swensen’s Ice Cream

This wonderfully retro-style ice cream parlor in Russian Hill is known for its rich, creamy, flavorful ice cream. Parking is tricky, so plan accordingly. Give the kids an extra thrill and hop on the Hyde Street cable car (or the 45 bus from Union Street) and let someone else take the wheel. But don’t spend all your quarters—this place is cash only.

1999 Hyde St.
San Francsico, CA
Online: swensens.com

Salt and Straw

Salt and Straw

The Portland favorite made it down to the Bay Area and we are thrilled! They specialize in unique, interesting flavors, like brown butter rice gelato and olive oil with lemon custard, but the most popular items are sea salt caramel ribbon and toasted strawberry tres leches. Bonus: you can order in advance for local pickup. You can also have your pints delivered or shipped nationwide! 

2201 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA

586 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA

250 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA

1309 Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame, CA

Westfield Valley Fair
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.
San Jose, CA
Online: saltandstraw.com

Twirl and Dip

Twirl and Dip is the sweetest food truck in Golden Gate Park. Stationed near the California Academy of Sciences, their signature offering is an organic vanilla bean soft serve dipped in TCHO dark chocolate and sprinkled with Maldon sea salt that has grownups and kids alike queuing up for a cone.

335 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. (near California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park)San Francisco, CA
Online: twirlanddip.com

Garden Creamery

Super unique and decadent flavors with a punch. Huge ice cream selection made from the best local ingredients and one of the most extensive vegan menus in the city. 

COVID-19 Update: You can pre-order on Thursday at 7 p.m. for pick up on Friday or Saturday. 

3566 20th St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: gardencreamery.com

East Bay

Fenton’s Creamery

Hazel C. Via Yelp

This spot is seriously old-school—the original Fenton’s opened in 1894, when they delivered fresh milk by horse-drawn wagon. They seem to have ignored the crazy flavor fad—dark chocolate raspberry swirl or green tea is as wild as it gets—but they have truly mastered the more than 30 classic flavors they still mix up by hand. Movie trivia: Fenton’s classic ice cream parlor was even featured in Pixar’s Up.

4226 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA
Online: fentonscreamery.com

Curbside Creamery

This sweet little creamery in the Temescal neighborhood serves up scoops, ice cream sandwiches and fresh-made waffle cones. For treats on the go, track down their cooler-equipped trike on the weekends at the Grand Lake Farmer’s Market, Bites at the Lake and Bites off Broadway.

COVID-19 Update: You can pre-order for pickup or have your ice cream delivered via Caviar. 

482 49th St.
Oakland, CA
Online: curbsideoakland.com

YERSEN Gelato Cakes

Blink and you'll miss this tiny shop in a Danville shopping center. Gelato fans rave about all the amazing flavors that are made in house by the owner himself. Need to impress someone for their next birthday? Yersen's Gelato Cakes are almost too good to eat (we said ALMOST).

9000 Crow Canyon Rd
Ste N
Danville, CA
Online: yersengelato.com

 

Little Giant Ice Cream

Brad M. Via Yelp

Little Giant has made a giant impression on the Oakland ice cream scene—their ice cream is sweet, smooth and made on-site. Kids will love peeking into the back kitchen where the ice cream is made. Chances are they’ll also love the robot-themed décor with vintage robots hung on the walls.

COVID-19 Update: Pre-order for pickup or delivery. 

1951 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA
Online: littlegianticecream.com

Tucker’s Supercreamed Ice Cream

Tucker’s is THE place for ice cream in Alameda—they set up shop in 1941 and have been here ever since. They serve over 30 flavors of ice cream, sorbet and sherbet in their charming, old-fashioned parlor, all extra-whipped in order to live up to that “supercreamed” title.

1349 Park St.
Alameda, CA
Online: tuckersicecream.com

Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery

Ice cream that's 100% vegan, dairy and gluten free? Mr Dewie's Cashew Creamery has done it with their cashew milk-based gelato. The brothers who founded Mr Dewie's were inspired to create the concoction when they found out they were both lactose intolerant. If you're a cashew fan, go for their roasted cashew flavor, otherwise they have a full menu of classic and updated flavors from chocolate orange chip to green tea. 

1116 Solano Ave.
Albany, CA

5959 Shellmound St.(inside the Emeryville Public Market)
Emeryville, CA

4184 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
Online: mrdewies.com

Uji Time Dessert

Vicky P. Via Yelp

Impress your little ice cream lovers with this Japanese soft ice cream treat. Their eyes will triple size when they get to hold their taiyaki, an oversized cone made out of pancake batter, shaped like a fish (symbol of good luck in Japanese culture). Taiyaki means "baked sea bream" and it is perhaps the cutest Bay Area trend when it comes to noshing soft-serve in style.

2575 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA

22 Peace Plaza Suite 440 (inside the Japantown East Mall)
San Francisco, CA

2705 Stoneridge Drive, Unit H, Pleasanton

106S. B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
Online: ujitimedessert.square.site

Cookiebar Creamery

Cookies and ice cream together sound like every little kid's dream come true. Add in some decidedly kid-tempting ice cream flavors like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch and this is a must-stop if you're in the neighborhood with the littles. You can get just ice cream, just cookies, or get them together as an ice cream sandwich—we know what our choice would be.

647 Central Ave.
Alameda, CA

517 8th St.
Oakland, CA
Online: cookiebarcreamery.com

Yogurtland

Yogurtland is now available on all major platforms (Doordash, Grubhub, Postmates, Ubereats) along with in-store pickup offering a peachy treat right at your doorstep—even contactless. Bonus: they just debuted their new Plant-Based Piña Colada flavor and it's just the vacation-substitute we all need right now. 

Online: yogurt-land.com

Peninsula

It’s-It Ice Cream

Ron M. via yelp

It’s-It ice cream sandwiches are a bit of Bay Area history: they used to be sold only at San Francisco’s iconic Playland-at-the-Beach before the park was demolished. Fortunately, It’s-It lives on. Yes, you can find It’s-It in grocery stores around the Bay Area, but it’s worth a stop by their factory store, as they carry some hard-to-find, rare flavors like pumpkin and strawberry.

865 Burlway Rd.
Burlingame, CA
Online: itsiticecream.com

Palo Alto Creamery

Palo Alto locals used to flock here for the 15-cent milkshakes. Sure, that was 1923, but besides the price, not too much has changed since then. Come here for the ultimate old-timey diner experience, with breakfast served all day, burgers, fries and ice cream sundaes, of course.

566 Emerson St.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: paloaltocreamery.com

Rick’s Rather Rich Ice Cream

This ice cream shop is tucked away in an unassuming shopping center, but offers up a “rather rich” experience. They carry 48 flavors of ice cream, all hand-made in small batches, as well as their version of a popsicle, called "frozen ice." Take a hint from Rich’s store motto: “Eat Ice Cream for Daily Happiness”.

3946 Middlefield Rd.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: ricksicecream.com

Scoop Microcreamery

Kevin W. via yelp

Scoop is indeed a micro-sized store, but it’s hard to miss when you’re walking down University Avenue—there’s always the amazing scent of fresh waffle cones wafting out the door. Scoop’s ice cream is made with liquid nitrogen, although not to order; available flavors are displayed already made in the case.

203 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: scoopmicrocreamery.com

Tin Pot Creamery

This sweet spot was started by a former dessert chef at Facebook, and today its “likes” are off the charts. No wonder, with it’s fabulously rich, smooth ice cream and a constantly rotating menu of flavors like Orange Dreamsicle and Roasted Banana Fudge Ripple. Tin Pot has kept tech-connected by partnering with Postmates and Door Dash, so you can get ice cream delivered to your front door. They've now expanded to four locations in the South Bay and Peninsula.

855 El Camino Real, #121
Palo Alto, CA

170 State Street Los Altos, CA

1875 South Bascom Ave. #370
Campbell, CA

3081 South Delaware St. Suite B
San Mateo, CA
Online: tinpotcreamery.com

 

South Bay

Campbell Creamery

Campbell Creamery via Yelp

With something for everyone, stop by and sample Campbell Creamery’s menu of ever-changing flavors. Kids will love a scoop of the bright blue Cookie Monster, while adults might want to check out the delicious frozen custard or frozen yogurt.

267 E Campbell Ave Ste A, Campbell, CA
Online: campbellcreameryca.com

Cauldron Ice Cream

This Orange County favorite has made its way north to San Jose and we couldn't be more thrilled. The puffle cone topped with liquid nitrogen-churned ice cream shaped like a flower is an Instagram favorite and a kid favorite, too. Choose from traditional flavors like double chocolate or opt for Earl Grey lavender for a more exotic flavor.

1088 E Brokaw Rd
Ste 60
San Jose, CA
Online: cauldronicecream.com

Dolce Spazio

John N. Via Yelp

If you’re dreaming of the Italian Riviera, visit Dolce Spazio for traditional gelato—a dense, creamy dessert in a variety of rich flavors. Relax in the shady courtyard with your family and enjoy the laid-back Los Gatos vibe.

221 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA
Online: dolcesapazio.com

Icicles Cream Roll

Skip the scoop and rock the roll instead! Locals are lining up around the block to try this hand-made Thai treat at Icicles Cream Roll. Cream, milk, eggs and sugar—that’s all you’ll get at Icicles where top-notch ingredients are the only way to roll.

1275 Lincoln Ave. Suite 1
San Jose, CA

Other locations in San Mateo, San Francisco, Newark, Cupertino, Pleasanton and Mountain View
Online: iciclescreamroll.com

CREAM

Fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream sandwiched in the middle is what makes CREAM a Bay Area favorite. You can also get your ice cream in a taco (YES!) or go for a float on a hot, hot day. Cakes, pints and other baked goodies are the perfect option to take home with you. 

COVID-19 Update: Grab pints or the ice cream sandwich kit for delivery.

1275 Lincoln Ave. Suite 1
San Jose, CA 95125

Other locations: Palo Alto, Concord, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Alameda and Berkeley
Online: creamnation.com

Marin

Pizzeria Picco

Leah V. via yelp

Sure, this is a pizza joint (and a fantastic one at that), but those in the know come for the Strauss soft serve ice cream. The first choice is simple: chocolate, vanilla or swirl. But then things get interesting. Try topping it with olive oil and sea salt, or getting it dipped in a Scharffenberger chocolate “magic shell.” Our go-to combo? Chocolate soft serve topped with warm caramel and sea salt. What pizza??

316 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA
Online: pizzeriapicco.com

Posie Ice Cream

Started by Kyle Caporicci, a local dad and former pastry chef, Posie offers an artisanal array of ice cream and even to-go pints. All of the ingredients are locally sourced, and you’ll often spot Kyle at local farmer's markets gathering whatever’s in season. As a bonus, Posie also has dairy-free options and all of their cones are gluten-free, so ordering for your whole family is easy.

250 B Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA
Online: posie.com

—Sarah McDonald & Anita Chu

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Suns Out, Buns Out with These New Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls

by Karly Wood

If you’re a die-hard Cinnamon Toast Crunch fan, you’ve probably dreamt of all the ways you can incorporate the cinnamon-y goodness into other foods. Now, some of those ideas are a reality!

Next time you hit up the grocery store, make sure you don’t miss the refrigerated section where you can pick up Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie Dough and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls. The delightful treats are brand new, hitting shelves for only a limited time.

photos: Courtesy of General Mills

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie Dough is the perfect mixture of sugar cookie with Cinnadust mixed into the dough. Even better, it’s safe to eat raw so you can easily grab and eat in the closet while hiding from the kids. You can grab a pack that makes 12 big cookies for two for $5 at grocery retailers nationwide.

If you’re looking for a new breakfast treat, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls come with your fave flavor that’s topped with luscious vanilla icing. A roll makes eight and sells for two for $5.

Both products arrive in stores in June and don’t wait––they will only be here for a short time.

––Karly Wood

 

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