Just left this place about an hour ago and it was going to be the last time I get ice cream here. The lady (presumably the owner) was unfriendly and then rude when discussing the near $1 fee for a $5 purchase on my debit card: "the store doesn't pay for the fee". Well, where's the sign or the explanation for that? All I was asked is if I had cash, not being told that using my debit would cost me almost a $1, which is ILLEGAL btw. Then I tasted my ice cream cone and the flavor tasted as if the the ice cream had sat frozen for too long. Overall the disconnect in service I got took away the idea of ever going back.
(1)
Paul J.
I have eaten at many ice cream places and enjoy real ice cream (not dreyers). This ice cream is not made on site (not the end of the world). It is ordered in from other creameries. It is pretty good ice cream, I usually find that made on site is a bit better. Next topic: customer service. Before we delve into that land, in ice cream places they pretty much expect you to sample their ice cream. When you have a very large number of flavors, they expect you to sample more than a couple. Samples are usually very small as they are samples. You can sample many and not actually use up that much ice cream. After sample number 3 or so (very small mind you) she was extremely hesitant and annoyed to give me number 4 (she said mmm when I asked for it). Now I'm sorry but at 2.69 a scoop I would like to try 5 of your 40 flavors at pencil eraser sized samples. She then asked if I was just going to buy a kids cone (one small scoop). At this I should have walked out and greatly regret not doing so. Anyway we would up buying $12 worth. Then when we were eating she said that the kid needed to be pushed in (so no ice cream dripped on her floor). At this we left. Customer service 101: don't balk at giving samples, the majority of customers are not going to screw you for the couple that will. Don't try to tell the customers how to sit to about having to clean up a couple drips. We will sit how we please, keep yer yap shut and get a rag and clean it up. Of these two complaints the sample thing and asking what I was going to buy is what really pissed me off. I refuse to stand for crappy customer service and would prefer to never eat another little tiny bit of ice cream in my life than to return to this fine establishment. I really expected more out of a fellow Minnesotan. Don't be stingy it will hurt business.
(2)
Jonathan K.
Excellent ice cream with a crotchety (but nice) owner-- does not have a chain feel. My second-favorite place to get ice cream after Allegro.
(4)
Dan B.
SBIC rocks!!! My fave? Rocky Road - awesome. Great service too and it's right across the street from the U!
(4)
Danny M.
Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is a dreamery. Ok, that was cheesy but this place is great. The owner, Jo, is almost always there and she is a wonderful, helpful person. They have a steady supply of quality ice cream (the Denali, Chocolate w/ chocolate covered cashews is my personal favorite!) and there are flavors that rotate in on a seasonal basis. I've never tried any of the cakes but they do look excellent.
(5)
Jenny S.
Santa Barbara ice creamery serves up TONS of unique flavors sourced from a few creameries, not just santa barbara! Open from Noon to 8 pm daily one scoop will set you back $2.50! they also have frozen bananas & ice ream cakes. if you're taking frozen goods home, they've got you covered with styrofoam carriers --expresso explosino: yummy! DONT WORRY there's one sugar free option & parking in the back NOTE: 80cent fee to use your debit card & 1.50 fee to use your credit card
(4)
Jennifer F.
Okay so I have read all of the other reviews and I am thinking that I need too try the ice cream cake because just going for ice cream was just okay. It is an ice cream shop, I did not see anything super special. They do have a ton of flavors to choose from and some I have not seen other places. The person who was working there (I think she is the owner??) was super nice and there were other people eating ice cream there who you could tell were regulars. I will go back and try the ice cream cake at some point, but as for now it is just another ice cream shop, nothing to out of the ordinary.
(3)
Robin R.
The ice cream was great, but the service was a bit of a bummer. She wasn't friendly or welcoming at all, despite the fact that we were the only 2 people in the place. Charged extra when we asked for a little extra hot fudge, which seemed a little petty, and doesn't build good will.
(2)
Kay P.
This is a nice little shop and I would support it over one of the blaze chains any day. I can't say that there's anything more or less spectacular than any other place, other than its small business charm, but that alone is enough to crow about these days. The shops in this little plaza protect their parking, so there's no problem finding a spot close to the door. The woman behind the counter appears to be the owner and she's always calm and attentive. The seating is nice enough. Simple, just outdated enough to hint at vintage. I absolutely love that she has a little book nook with both kids' and adult books for sale. In an ice cream shop? How cool is that? The ice cream is delicious; so many options to choose from. I usually have the moose tracks and it melts in my mouth. During my last visit, I inquired about a hot fudge sundae with peanuts but was told she only had almonds on hand. I recently ordered a shake--the java jolt, or something similarly named--but can't say that it carried enough flavor for me to recommend it. I'd recommend the shop owner choose a more intense ice cream flavor or use a higher quality whip cream. I'm dying to try the buckaroos, which sound like the frozen versions of my hometown Ohio's buckeyes, those delicious chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. I've been here a few times, even brought my parents here to meet my boyfriend. I'll definitely be back. With a fresh eye for decor and perhaps a few embellishments to the menu, I'm sure this cute little ice cream shop would bump right on up to a four-star.
(3)
Angela O.
The ice cream here is very tasty and there are so many flavors that I would go back on the special occasions that I eat sugar in great quantities to try lots of them. (Who wants sugar-free desserts? not i!) But Jo, the lady who runs the place, was mean to me, not just once, but three times in a row. I asked sweetly if she was from Santa Barbara (because of the name of her joint). "NO THE ICE CREAM IS." Next, she took my order, and upon receiving it and I guess not hearing it, she just cupped her ear and waited, instead of asking nicely for a repeat. The last incident took the cake, when after I left, I called to see if I left my keys and she said no. She didn't even take the time look. Just "they're not here." My friend commented on her rudeness, by the way. I'm super sensitive but this was not in my brainfrozen head. I don't know what it is about me that attracts rudeness from shopkeeps. Probably i'm too nice. In this woman's defense, a lot of people probably ask her if she's from SB. God forbid. Or, we might have been the last customers of the night and she was probably tired. I know I was. I called to ask about the keys after she had closed up and I guess i'm super duper lucky she took my call (and luckier still the keys weren't there! i never would have gotten home, or in my house, without some serious help!). Or, maybe her dog just died. But geez, you know what? Mine might have too. (Thank goodness Maggie my holy terrier is doing great!) I just wanted a teeny bit of ice cream and it would seem that with ice cream would go friendliness and joy. Guess that's not implied. Ice cream goes with cold. It's come to the point where i've learned to savor life, and shite customer service is a dealbreaker. These two stars are only for the yummy, imported confection. I won't be back.
(2)
Nana V.
Who would've thought it was possible to take the fun out of eating ice cream? This place is the worst. From the strict rules about the number of samples you can try (which i believe is two) to the aggressively territorial signs in the parking lot, this place reeks of bad juju. On several occasions I have heard the owner make racist comments in reference to the Vietnamese restaurant at the other end of the complex. I would love to be able to support a local ice cream shop, but every experience I have had here (including when the shop was further north on Campbell) has felt awkwardly and unnecessarily hostile. It's hard to even consider the quality of ice cream, when the entire experience is so negative.
(1)
Ray H.
They always have great ice cream here! I have come here several times and never left disappointed. Most recently, I took my gf here for her birthday. She had the mocha almond fudge ice cream and I had the super man ice cream. We enjoyed our ice cream while watching the sunset from the chairs on the walkway in front of the store.
(5)
D S.
Delicious local ice cream and cakes! Just had a chocolate covered banana-- buy 3 get one free! Lots of unique flavors!
(5)
Jeff D.
I am a big fan. This is my favorite place to get a scoop of ice cream. Jo is very nice and hard working. It is near the U of A, parking is easy. Lots of selections for ice cream. I generally go with turkish coffee, or something with lots of chocolate and or nuts.
(5)
William B.
This is a pretty good ice cream shop. I haven't been to many, but they have a nice variety of flavors. I wound up with a cookie ice cream in a cup and enjoyed it to the last spoonful. You can get cones or sugar cones. Lots of fun looking flavors, including a few funky looking flavors. I'd be happy to come back and visit again. My friends who came along all had a variety of flavors and seemed very happy including a mint chocolate chip, and I believe a birthday cake.
(4)
David C.
From someone who owned and operated a frozen dessert business and has traveled the country educating himself about this industry, Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is one of the finest establishments in Arizona bar none! The business model to cater to all, including diabetics is simply brilliant! This is a must stop for anyone who suffers from this life changing disease, but still loves delicious treats!
(5)
Nancy Z.
The ice cream is good, but WATCH OUT she'll boost you for an .80 cent fee to use credit. (illegal to charge for credit, in the state of AZ) PAY CASH and avoid the problem
(1)
Veronika R.
Santa Barbara is really great. Despite the other reviewers, I really love that it's quiet and deserted. The owner, Jo, is super friendly and always remembers me when I come in,even though it's not as often as I'd like. I always love the flavors of ice cream, and the cone selection. My husband isn't a big ice cream cone fan, but always gets a milkshake and says it's awesome.
(5)
Howard R.
I really like Santa Barbara Ice Creamery. First, it is local and i enjoy supporting local businesses. Second, i like the location. Campbell and Speedway makes it easy for me to meet my friends there. Finally, the ice cream is VERY good. Because they are local, they buy ice cream from a couple of different sources which means you get a great variety. I used to have a friend who works at a chain place that always had at least 31 flavors of ice cream. Their ice cream is good, but after a while, they all begin to taste very similar because they all have the same base. Not so at Santa Barbara. I like the fact that the owner is always there. You can request a flavor and I think she will probably;y try and get it for you. They also carry these little frozen, chocolate covered peanut butter balls that are fantastic! Dislikes: No bathroom. you have to hold it or go next door.
(4)
Samantha W.
First off this is a CASH/DEBIT CARD ONLY place. I just feel the need to mention that because I usually don't carry either. If you can find $3 lying around, you should have plenty enough for a scoop of ice cream. I'm not sure if it was the Arizona heat or my sometimes ridiculous cravings for ice cream, but I thought this place had delicious ice cream. I got my usual strawberry ice cream, which was rich and creamy (NO ICE CHUNKS) and pieces of strawberry (my fave)!! I also got a taste of the coconut pineapple ice cream, which tasted phenomenal under the Tucson sun, but when I'm only allowed to choose one flavor, strawberry trumps everything else. If I wasn't as time crunched, I would have loved to try all their other flavors. I'll be sure to come back to do just that. AMBIENCE: This is a small shop (nothing fancy smancy) with approximately 4-5 tables. Enough space to hang out to finish your ice cream, but not enough space for you to linger afterwards. It definitely feels like a mom and pop shop despite the fact that they don't make their own ice cream in the back. It's all good though. As long as their ice cream is good, I'm not picky about where they physically make their ice cream. PARKING: There is a lot to the side of the shop and a couple of spots that are reserved for the shop. Unlike some other places I've been to, parking doesn't seem to be a big issue in Tucson.
(4)
Paul I.
A great little local business. Make sure to try a Coffee and Chocolate shake, it's awesome. Also ice cream cakes!
(5)
Kevin C.
Went looking for a local ice cream place and was so glad to come across this place. Talked to the owner at length and she was great. Lots of variety of ice cream from a number of places.
(5)
Heather M.
Great little local ice cream shop. The shop itself is not fancy but the ice cream is soooo good and the owner is great. The brand - McConnells - originated in Santa Barbara, thus the name. They have a plethora of flavors along with shakes, sundaes, etc. Really, just about any flavor you can think of you'll be able to find here. The ice cream cakes are absolutely the best in town. Moist, yummy cake for the bottom layer and ice cream of your choice for the top layer. One of my favorites is white cake with Praline Pecan ice cream. Fantastic! Be sure to order in advance if you want a specific flavor combo. They go fast.
(5)
Dora M.
Great Ice cream, I'm a fan of the turkish coffee and the green tea! WARNING: the turkish coffee has ground up espresso beans and they DO GET IN YOUR TEETH! I thought the service wasn't any different than Baskin Robins, and i wish their was more seating area.
(3)
Heidi C.
Heaven! I wish they had this when I was still at the U because I would have visited at least 2 or 3 times a week. I swear there are about 50 flavors here, even pumpkin ice cream! Which tastes exactly like cold pumpkin pie. It was weird, it had a spice kick to it at the end too. Mmm. The worker who was helping us was falling asleep inbetween the free samples he'd give us. It was quite comical. He said if the boss was here, we would only be allowed 2 samples max. Shrug. I ended up getting some Maui Sorbet which had passionfruit, mango and I think guava flavors all mixed into it. Served in styrofoam cups which is not very environmental friendly. (Photo uploaded)
(5)
Brooke R.
Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is not fancy and definitely not something that you would find in Santa Barbara, contrary to what the name implies. They sell ice cream and frozen yogurt. Cakes are available with preorder (they offer chocolate dipped cheesecake). The ice cream is heavy and almost bitter. Hard, not creamy. A single scoop is 2.3, a double scoop is 4.5. Keep in mind that each scoop includes a cone, so it seems that two scoops and two cones for 4.6 is a better deal than two scoops and one cone for 4.5. They only take cash, which I can see would be a problem if you ordered a cake, which starts at 20 dollars for the small (frosting designs are extra). I saw two brands of ice cream. There was the Santa Barbara brand and the Denali brand (which makes Caramel Caribou and Moose Tracks). They sell Denali at Safeway by the gallon for about 4 dollars, and this place wants 2.50 (with tax) for a single scoop of this stuff? Bad ice cream and high prices. Coldstone is right across the street, they have much better ice cream, I suggest just going there.
(1)
Allen K.
Great hole in the wall ice cream shop. The woman and I sampled a variety of flavors including, but not limited to, the green tea, mango, lemon, banana nut, blueberry cobbler, butter pecan and probably some more that I forgot about. Ended up getting a scoop of the green tea, banana nut, and blueberry cobbler...the first day. Before being dropped off at the airport we dropped in again and I picked up a lemon and she got a smoothie in a flavor that I can no longer recall. Great little place and I'll definitely stop by every time I'm in town
John P.
Just left this place about an hour ago and it was going to be the last time I get ice cream here. The lady (presumably the owner) was unfriendly and then rude when discussing the near $1 fee for a $5 purchase on my debit card: "the store doesn't pay for the fee". Well, where's the sign or the explanation for that? All I was asked is if I had cash, not being told that using my debit would cost me almost a $1, which is ILLEGAL btw. Then I tasted my ice cream cone and the flavor tasted as if the the ice cream had sat frozen for too long. Overall the disconnect in service I got took away the idea of ever going back.
(1)Paul J.
I have eaten at many ice cream places and enjoy real ice cream (not dreyers). This ice cream is not made on site (not the end of the world). It is ordered in from other creameries. It is pretty good ice cream, I usually find that made on site is a bit better. Next topic: customer service. Before we delve into that land, in ice cream places they pretty much expect you to sample their ice cream. When you have a very large number of flavors, they expect you to sample more than a couple. Samples are usually very small as they are samples. You can sample many and not actually use up that much ice cream. After sample number 3 or so (very small mind you) she was extremely hesitant and annoyed to give me number 4 (she said mmm when I asked for it). Now I'm sorry but at 2.69 a scoop I would like to try 5 of your 40 flavors at pencil eraser sized samples. She then asked if I was just going to buy a kids cone (one small scoop). At this I should have walked out and greatly regret not doing so. Anyway we would up buying $12 worth. Then when we were eating she said that the kid needed to be pushed in (so no ice cream dripped on her floor). At this we left. Customer service 101: don't balk at giving samples, the majority of customers are not going to screw you for the couple that will. Don't try to tell the customers how to sit to about having to clean up a couple drips. We will sit how we please, keep yer yap shut and get a rag and clean it up. Of these two complaints the sample thing and asking what I was going to buy is what really pissed me off. I refuse to stand for crappy customer service and would prefer to never eat another little tiny bit of ice cream in my life than to return to this fine establishment. I really expected more out of a fellow Minnesotan. Don't be stingy it will hurt business.
(2)Jonathan K.
Excellent ice cream with a crotchety (but nice) owner-- does not have a chain feel. My second-favorite place to get ice cream after Allegro.
(4)Dan B.
SBIC rocks!!! My fave? Rocky Road - awesome. Great service too and it's right across the street from the U!
(4)Danny M.
Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is a dreamery. Ok, that was cheesy but this place is great. The owner, Jo, is almost always there and she is a wonderful, helpful person. They have a steady supply of quality ice cream (the Denali, Chocolate w/ chocolate covered cashews is my personal favorite!) and there are flavors that rotate in on a seasonal basis. I've never tried any of the cakes but they do look excellent.
(5)Jenny S.
Santa Barbara ice creamery serves up TONS of unique flavors sourced from a few creameries, not just santa barbara! Open from Noon to 8 pm daily one scoop will set you back $2.50! they also have frozen bananas & ice ream cakes. if you're taking frozen goods home, they've got you covered with styrofoam carriers --expresso explosino: yummy! DONT WORRY there's one sugar free option & parking in the back NOTE: 80cent fee to use your debit card & 1.50 fee to use your credit card
(4)Jennifer F.
Okay so I have read all of the other reviews and I am thinking that I need too try the ice cream cake because just going for ice cream was just okay. It is an ice cream shop, I did not see anything super special. They do have a ton of flavors to choose from and some I have not seen other places. The person who was working there (I think she is the owner??) was super nice and there were other people eating ice cream there who you could tell were regulars. I will go back and try the ice cream cake at some point, but as for now it is just another ice cream shop, nothing to out of the ordinary.
(3)Robin R.
The ice cream was great, but the service was a bit of a bummer. She wasn't friendly or welcoming at all, despite the fact that we were the only 2 people in the place. Charged extra when we asked for a little extra hot fudge, which seemed a little petty, and doesn't build good will.
(2)Kay P.
This is a nice little shop and I would support it over one of the blaze chains any day. I can't say that there's anything more or less spectacular than any other place, other than its small business charm, but that alone is enough to crow about these days. The shops in this little plaza protect their parking, so there's no problem finding a spot close to the door. The woman behind the counter appears to be the owner and she's always calm and attentive. The seating is nice enough. Simple, just outdated enough to hint at vintage. I absolutely love that she has a little book nook with both kids' and adult books for sale. In an ice cream shop? How cool is that? The ice cream is delicious; so many options to choose from. I usually have the moose tracks and it melts in my mouth. During my last visit, I inquired about a hot fudge sundae with peanuts but was told she only had almonds on hand. I recently ordered a shake--the java jolt, or something similarly named--but can't say that it carried enough flavor for me to recommend it. I'd recommend the shop owner choose a more intense ice cream flavor or use a higher quality whip cream. I'm dying to try the buckaroos, which sound like the frozen versions of my hometown Ohio's buckeyes, those delicious chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. I've been here a few times, even brought my parents here to meet my boyfriend. I'll definitely be back. With a fresh eye for decor and perhaps a few embellishments to the menu, I'm sure this cute little ice cream shop would bump right on up to a four-star.
(3)Angela O.
The ice cream here is very tasty and there are so many flavors that I would go back on the special occasions that I eat sugar in great quantities to try lots of them. (Who wants sugar-free desserts? not i!) But Jo, the lady who runs the place, was mean to me, not just once, but three times in a row. I asked sweetly if she was from Santa Barbara (because of the name of her joint). "NO THE ICE CREAM IS." Next, she took my order, and upon receiving it and I guess not hearing it, she just cupped her ear and waited, instead of asking nicely for a repeat. The last incident took the cake, when after I left, I called to see if I left my keys and she said no. She didn't even take the time look. Just "they're not here." My friend commented on her rudeness, by the way. I'm super sensitive but this was not in my brainfrozen head. I don't know what it is about me that attracts rudeness from shopkeeps. Probably i'm too nice. In this woman's defense, a lot of people probably ask her if she's from SB. God forbid. Or, we might have been the last customers of the night and she was probably tired. I know I was. I called to ask about the keys after she had closed up and I guess i'm super duper lucky she took my call (and luckier still the keys weren't there! i never would have gotten home, or in my house, without some serious help!). Or, maybe her dog just died. But geez, you know what? Mine might have too. (Thank goodness Maggie my holy terrier is doing great!) I just wanted a teeny bit of ice cream and it would seem that with ice cream would go friendliness and joy. Guess that's not implied. Ice cream goes with cold. It's come to the point where i've learned to savor life, and shite customer service is a dealbreaker. These two stars are only for the yummy, imported confection. I won't be back.
(2)Nana V.
Who would've thought it was possible to take the fun out of eating ice cream? This place is the worst. From the strict rules about the number of samples you can try (which i believe is two) to the aggressively territorial signs in the parking lot, this place reeks of bad juju. On several occasions I have heard the owner make racist comments in reference to the Vietnamese restaurant at the other end of the complex. I would love to be able to support a local ice cream shop, but every experience I have had here (including when the shop was further north on Campbell) has felt awkwardly and unnecessarily hostile. It's hard to even consider the quality of ice cream, when the entire experience is so negative.
(1)Ray H.
They always have great ice cream here! I have come here several times and never left disappointed. Most recently, I took my gf here for her birthday. She had the mocha almond fudge ice cream and I had the super man ice cream. We enjoyed our ice cream while watching the sunset from the chairs on the walkway in front of the store.
(5)D S.
Delicious local ice cream and cakes! Just had a chocolate covered banana-- buy 3 get one free! Lots of unique flavors!
(5)Jeff D.
I am a big fan. This is my favorite place to get a scoop of ice cream. Jo is very nice and hard working. It is near the U of A, parking is easy. Lots of selections for ice cream. I generally go with turkish coffee, or something with lots of chocolate and or nuts.
(5)William B.
This is a pretty good ice cream shop. I haven't been to many, but they have a nice variety of flavors. I wound up with a cookie ice cream in a cup and enjoyed it to the last spoonful. You can get cones or sugar cones. Lots of fun looking flavors, including a few funky looking flavors. I'd be happy to come back and visit again. My friends who came along all had a variety of flavors and seemed very happy including a mint chocolate chip, and I believe a birthday cake.
(4)David C.
From someone who owned and operated a frozen dessert business and has traveled the country educating himself about this industry, Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is one of the finest establishments in Arizona bar none! The business model to cater to all, including diabetics is simply brilliant! This is a must stop for anyone who suffers from this life changing disease, but still loves delicious treats!
(5)Nancy Z.
The ice cream is good, but WATCH OUT she'll boost you for an .80 cent fee to use credit. (illegal to charge for credit, in the state of AZ) PAY CASH and avoid the problem
(1)Veronika R.
Santa Barbara is really great. Despite the other reviewers, I really love that it's quiet and deserted. The owner, Jo, is super friendly and always remembers me when I come in,even though it's not as often as I'd like. I always love the flavors of ice cream, and the cone selection. My husband isn't a big ice cream cone fan, but always gets a milkshake and says it's awesome.
(5)Howard R.
I really like Santa Barbara Ice Creamery. First, it is local and i enjoy supporting local businesses. Second, i like the location. Campbell and Speedway makes it easy for me to meet my friends there. Finally, the ice cream is VERY good. Because they are local, they buy ice cream from a couple of different sources which means you get a great variety. I used to have a friend who works at a chain place that always had at least 31 flavors of ice cream. Their ice cream is good, but after a while, they all begin to taste very similar because they all have the same base. Not so at Santa Barbara. I like the fact that the owner is always there. You can request a flavor and I think she will probably;y try and get it for you. They also carry these little frozen, chocolate covered peanut butter balls that are fantastic! Dislikes: No bathroom. you have to hold it or go next door.
(4)Samantha W.
First off this is a CASH/DEBIT CARD ONLY place. I just feel the need to mention that because I usually don't carry either. If you can find $3 lying around, you should have plenty enough for a scoop of ice cream. I'm not sure if it was the Arizona heat or my sometimes ridiculous cravings for ice cream, but I thought this place had delicious ice cream. I got my usual strawberry ice cream, which was rich and creamy (NO ICE CHUNKS) and pieces of strawberry (my fave)!! I also got a taste of the coconut pineapple ice cream, which tasted phenomenal under the Tucson sun, but when I'm only allowed to choose one flavor, strawberry trumps everything else. If I wasn't as time crunched, I would have loved to try all their other flavors. I'll be sure to come back to do just that. AMBIENCE: This is a small shop (nothing fancy smancy) with approximately 4-5 tables. Enough space to hang out to finish your ice cream, but not enough space for you to linger afterwards. It definitely feels like a mom and pop shop despite the fact that they don't make their own ice cream in the back. It's all good though. As long as their ice cream is good, I'm not picky about where they physically make their ice cream. PARKING: There is a lot to the side of the shop and a couple of spots that are reserved for the shop. Unlike some other places I've been to, parking doesn't seem to be a big issue in Tucson.
(4)Paul I.
A great little local business. Make sure to try a Coffee and Chocolate shake, it's awesome. Also ice cream cakes!
(5)Kevin C.
Went looking for a local ice cream place and was so glad to come across this place. Talked to the owner at length and she was great. Lots of variety of ice cream from a number of places.
(5)Heather M.
Great little local ice cream shop. The shop itself is not fancy but the ice cream is soooo good and the owner is great. The brand - McConnells - originated in Santa Barbara, thus the name. They have a plethora of flavors along with shakes, sundaes, etc. Really, just about any flavor you can think of you'll be able to find here. The ice cream cakes are absolutely the best in town. Moist, yummy cake for the bottom layer and ice cream of your choice for the top layer. One of my favorites is white cake with Praline Pecan ice cream. Fantastic! Be sure to order in advance if you want a specific flavor combo. They go fast.
(5)Dora M.
Great Ice cream, I'm a fan of the turkish coffee and the green tea! WARNING: the turkish coffee has ground up espresso beans and they DO GET IN YOUR TEETH! I thought the service wasn't any different than Baskin Robins, and i wish their was more seating area.
(3)Heidi C.
Heaven! I wish they had this when I was still at the U because I would have visited at least 2 or 3 times a week. I swear there are about 50 flavors here, even pumpkin ice cream! Which tastes exactly like cold pumpkin pie. It was weird, it had a spice kick to it at the end too. Mmm. The worker who was helping us was falling asleep inbetween the free samples he'd give us. It was quite comical. He said if the boss was here, we would only be allowed 2 samples max. Shrug. I ended up getting some Maui Sorbet which had passionfruit, mango and I think guava flavors all mixed into it. Served in styrofoam cups which is not very environmental friendly. (Photo uploaded)
(5)Brooke R.
Santa Barbara Ice Creamery is not fancy and definitely not something that you would find in Santa Barbara, contrary to what the name implies. They sell ice cream and frozen yogurt. Cakes are available with preorder (they offer chocolate dipped cheesecake). The ice cream is heavy and almost bitter. Hard, not creamy. A single scoop is 2.3, a double scoop is 4.5. Keep in mind that each scoop includes a cone, so it seems that two scoops and two cones for 4.6 is a better deal than two scoops and one cone for 4.5. They only take cash, which I can see would be a problem if you ordered a cake, which starts at 20 dollars for the small (frosting designs are extra). I saw two brands of ice cream. There was the Santa Barbara brand and the Denali brand (which makes Caramel Caribou and Moose Tracks). They sell Denali at Safeway by the gallon for about 4 dollars, and this place wants 2.50 (with tax) for a single scoop of this stuff? Bad ice cream and high prices. Coldstone is right across the street, they have much better ice cream, I suggest just going there.
(1)Allen K.
Great hole in the wall ice cream shop. The woman and I sampled a variety of flavors including, but not limited to, the green tea, mango, lemon, banana nut, blueberry cobbler, butter pecan and probably some more that I forgot about. Ended up getting a scoop of the green tea, banana nut, and blueberry cobbler...the first day. Before being dropped off at the airport we dropped in again and I picked up a lemon and she got a smoothie in a flavor that I can no longer recall. Great little place and I'll definitely stop by every time I'm in town
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