One Of The Best Ice Cream Spots In Santa Cruz

There's something inherently delightful about indulging in a scoop, bowl, or cone of ice cream. Whether it's a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening, ice cream consistently brings us joy

Now…when we were once children Basket Robbins and Dreyers were all we knew about ice cream when it came to branding, and even though we had 31 flavors to pick from, we navigated to the colorful rainbow sherbert, or the extremely safe and in my opinion the most boring Vanilla and Chocolate. Now purists don’t go and storm my little studio with pitchforks, and gas lanterns. There is a place for vanilla, and chocolate, but in my world they are bases or foundations for ice cream. If you feel opposed to this belief, its ok, we can still be friends, we just not sharing our ice cream.

In Santa Cruz I love this ice cream spot that has a distinct vibe, specific group, and flavor profile. Check it out.

Penny’s Ice Creamery

The local and artisan Penny’s Ice Creamery, an ice cream shop that transcends the ordinary. This establishment combines unique flavors and imagination to redefine the way we experience the classic treat of ice cream.

Upon entering Penny’s, guests are greeted by an ambiance of industrial decor, stainless steel spoons, and beautiful chalkboard of options, with hand written current flavors on the door. Penny’s takes pride in their craft and unique flavors that they make in their Downtown location. Imagine savoring scoops of Pear Coffee Cake, Strawberry Pink Peppercorn, and Honey Lavender. The flavors here are complex, delicious, and definitely for the elevated palette or those that want something “Unique and Artisan”. They also have a Tahitian vanilla and dark chocolate for the less adventures and vegan (the chocolate is a delicious dense dark chocolate vegan option)

Their flavors do change seasonally, and they do an awesome job in working with local businesses to create some of their flavors, like the Verve coffee flavor, using the Santa Cruz local coffeeshop, or some of their fruit forward flavors which uses Dirty Girl Produce. I do reccomend going in there and trying a few samples before making your decision.

Image courtesy of Penny Ice Creamery

On the topic of recommendations. If you are walking into Penny’s pass on the cup my friend, grab the waffle cone, and no matter your flavor let them put on their house made marshmallow fluff on your ice cream then flame torch it perfectly for you. Here before you take your first bite, walk outside, take a picture of your art - artisan ice cream with their cool steel logo in the background, then enjoy your Santa Cruz ice cream!

PS. They have an affogato with Verve coffee that goes great with your verve ice cream. Just saying.