I know it's Fall, but remember, we live in Sunny Southern California where ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato-frozen-custard, and shaved ice joints THRIVE. So drop your Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte and pick up a PSL flavored froyo instead. As an avid dessert consumer and self-proclaimed Snapchat foodie, I took the opportunity to find the best-frozen dessert joints near UCLA. Why? Because school is starting this month and everyone needs a little ice cream treat after being assigned 200 pages of reading and 75 math problems. This ranking will be based on THREE THINGS: 1. PRICE (can a college student afford this?) 2. BEST FLAVOR 3. ENVIRONMENT AESTHETIC (do you feel as happy as your tummy?) 4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
4. Rori's Artisanal Creamery
Brownie Sundae with Black Pepper Pistachio Ice Cream and Pecan
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/roris-artisanal-creamery-los-angeles-2?select=X7GIGAgC2XeDt7qZWXyZ_Q
A very unique, homemade ice cream joint with flavors I can't seem to find anywhere else.
1. PRICE: $5.30 (for a single scoop, ouch.)
There's a big debate on whether this place is overpriced, or just so delicious that they deserve our hard-earned dollars.
2. BEST FLAVOR: BISCOFF
Smooth, creamy, AMAZING
3. ENVIRONMENT AESTHETIC: Strangely looks like a bar at a fancy airport
Maybe it's just the RED and BLACK that throw me off because their menus and cups are themed a minty lime-green. Hm..strange.
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
Very knowledgeable about flavors and will suggest their unique choices based on your liking!
3. Penguin's Place Frozen Yogurt
Berry Tart 4 LIFE
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/penguins-place-frozen-yogurt-los-angeles?select=TKM2NrN8AuQRnwiAjMzFpQ
1. PRICE: $5-7
Pretty reasonable to pay around the same price as Pink Berry, but now with better quality taste!
2. BEST FLAVOR: CARBO LIGHT GRAHAM CRACKERS
Never thought that graham crackers could taste so delicious for such a low amount of calories huh?
3. ENVIRONMENT AESTHETIC: Looks a lot like a Cold Stone franchise
Nothing special, and nothing instagrammable. But hey, we're here for the yogurt remember?
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
A sweet lady by the name of Yanti has been known to win over customers' hearts. Very smiley, friendly, and warm!
2. The Bigg Chill
"The Bigg Chill is every froyo lover's dreams" -Andrew D.
The Bigg Chill is worth the hype. The best part about it is that it's lactose intolerant friendly for cursed people like me. Not just that, they have a load of options that is so LA. What do I mean by that? Well, they have vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-fat, low-sugar and etc. (HINT: GET THE VEGAN COOKIE DOUGH)
1. PRICE: ~$4-7
To be fair, it is a very HEFTY amount. Normal people could probably share a cup and split the price, but if you're selfish like me and like to scarf down desserts without any help then it's a little pricey for my liking. However, if you pay $7 for your froyo anyways, come here instead of Yogurtland. I BEG YOU.
2. BEST FLAVOR: VANILLA CUSTARD
creamy, thick, indulgent, rich...OH and only on weekends.
3. ENVIRONMENT AESTHETIC
The classic NEON sign, random piñatas hanging on the ceiling, who could ask for more?
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
The line is always long, especially on the weekends, but the employees handle it well and are always on top of things. I have heard from others that after a long day, the employees can get a little cranky.
1. Saffron and Rose
I mean... need I say more?
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/saffron-and-rose-ice-cream-los-angeles?select=-5pT0zOuU8_KAkDCizHoeg
1. PRICE: ~$2, price decreases with more scoops (Hey, I'm not mad at it)
Portions are HUGE mind you, I usually end up paying around $5, and I am STUFFED afterward.
2. BEST FLAVOR: LAVENDER
Fragrant, unique, light, yet creamy.
3. ENVIRONMENT AESTHETIC: You'll be too distracted by the rainbow of flavors.
Honestly, with this kind of ice cream, environment doesn't even matter anymore.
4. CUSTOMER SERVICE
Welcoming and eager to make your experience, one that you can always come back to.
