I'd give 6 stars if I could...specifically for the staff! Ever walk into a plane and instantly be greeted by the most positive and friendly person around? Well, that's how it felt walking in here. Even there kinda excitement for whatever flavors, combos, etc each patron was choosing was somehow super charming and made it feel nostalgic from my childhood. I ordered Honey Churro and Salted Caramel in a waffle cone...OOOO MAH GAWD! Outside seating is nice. Inside is a cool old school shop. Loved everything about it. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Salted Caramel on top, Honey Churro on the bottom! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is conveniently located near the beach with a few outdoor tables to enjoy the day and people watch. We ordered pistachio and black cherry. The black cherry was tasty but the pistachio had a weird floral taste that was not appealing. The turtle track was yummy as well. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Pistachio and black cherry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Eh, it's ice cream. I'm sad it didn't *wow* us because I used to come here all the time as a kid. We got a double scoop in a cup & in a cone. In the cone, we got way more ice cream. For $8+ each, they could've definitely gave us some more. Waffle cone was very thin -- kept breaking off with the littlest pressure. Flavors were good. Just like regular ice cream. Prices are likely higher due to the location. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Mint - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

Tasty ice cream, quick and friendly service. Nice to grab a shake, cone or sundae in OB on a warm day.

I'm glad lighthouse finally reopened after their electrical fire. It's been a long time. It's so clean and bright and employees are capable and friendly. They have a simple but adequate menu and I opted for a mini double for $5.50 so I could have two flavors. I chose pumpkin and strawberry and the pumpkin was nicely spiced and the strawberry a bit bland. My daughter had chocolate peanut butter cup and she loved it. She didn't give me a taste so no comment on this flavor! $11.00 for two little scoops seems steep for nothing special but it's my favorite ice cream shop if you're going to get some. I wish the owners great success now that at they have many competitors in OB. Such nice people who love Jesus. I've always appreciated the prayer box outside. I hope burgundy cherry and lemon custard return!! read more

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I've stepped back in time!! All the bright food coloring ice creams from my childhood, including Bubble Gum! Definitely a cute ice cream shop I'd return to!! Excellent friendly service! When they say service with a smile, it really helps when she's super cute too (I believe her name is Ella, sorry if I remembered it wrong. At least your picture's posted)...totally reminds me of my days as an ice cream scooper at 15. Special flavor of the month is a delicious black cherry (highly recommend). I'm thinking of driving all the way back here just to get the cherry again before it's gone. Inside is simple and clean. Reminds me of an olden day ice cream shop on tv, like on Leave It To Beaver or the Andy Griffith Show. Obviously I know these from re-runs Anyway, come visit this lil gem in Ocean Beach! Prices will make up for your gas getting here, LOL. read more

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Favorite local place for a long time! They serve great quality ice scream, malts and more! and the staff is always friendly. It is definitely my happy place. read more

Super cute little ice cream shop by the beach! We stopped by for some refreshing dole whip, and the ice cream was decently priced $5 and service was also fantastic! Would return again if we're in the area read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Dole whip - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

Grand re-opening passed by while the reopening ribbon cutting was taking place. The ice cream has very good flavor and they have a wide variety to choose from also Sunday's and Banana split. It's a very nice little place close to the ocean the customer service is good very professional and very nice. It's a nice ice cream shop come and support a local Business. read more

I cannot say enough great things about this spot. Love, love, love the ice cream. How amazing can strawberry ice cream be? AMAZING when it is lighthouse strawberry ice cream. We also tried the Maui Wowie sherbet and it too was delicious. Finally, their cookies and cream too was solid. We went twice and the second day we got milkshakes. I am still dreaming about that strawberry milkshake. . . If you are in Ocean Beach go, you won't regret it! read more

Rude staff, disgusting owner, they are mean to kids. Not sure what's happened to this place but pre-covid it wasn't like this! The prices are highway robbery. $8 for a tiny scoop of it containing less than 2 tablespoons of ice cream. Insanity!! DO NOT COME HERE!! Any ice cream place is better than this complete rip off. read more

Don't mess around with new fancy ice cream and lines. This place is amazing. Super accommodating (got a kid with celiac and peanut allergies) but mainly just has brilliant ice cream by the beach. Like an old fashioned place that survives because it's just...good. read more

The first time I've been here was over 10 years ago and I still catch myself coming here whenever I'm in the area and craving something sweet. They offer ice cream, hot waffle ice cream sandwiches, floats and more. I don't particularly have a favorite thing because they have so much to offer but I definitely recommend the waffle sandwich in any ice cream of your choice. It comes out fresh and the warm waffle and ice cream together is beautiful. I also recently fell in love with their orange soda float, their Maui Wowie sherbet and waffle ice cream sundae. Just go and try it all! Back then we were able to go inside and I remember they even took photos of their customers and hung it on their wall; they did that with my big group of friends and I when we were teens, but now they are closed off at the door and just take orders from there. Service is always nice. Ask for their stamp card! Usually a line. Few tables to enjoy your yummy dessert read more

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I've been coming to lighthouse since i was a kid, I've always loved the cream and never had complaints until recently. It seems like since they've reopened the prices went up and the portion sizes have gone down. The employees are kind, all but one. Out of all the times I've been, I have only seen one male worker (wears glasses), and he is quite rude, handles the cones and ice cream with no gloves, and gives half the size scoop we typically get, plus gave us attitude. Every time we see him he looks like he's having a horrible day, so it hasn't been a one time thing. Kinda ruins the vibe to have fun and get an ice cream. read more

Popped in with a friend after seeing various "World Famous Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich" signs while walking around Ocean Beach. Listen, going great lengths to advertise a product like this and me being a foodie, I had to stop in and try it. The staff here were really nice for letting my friends and I pop in and wait in line 5 minutes after their stated 9 PM closing time so for that I give them kudos, they were also really friendly in handling all of our questions. While I didn't hate my Waffle Ice cream sandwich, it was pretty standard and I wasn't blown away. I think the waffles needed an extra ingredient to make it sweeter like maybe more sugar in the Batter or the waffles could've been dipped in cinnamon sugar or chocolate. I also personally would've liked the Waffle to be a bit more toasted (now that I know if I find myself here again I'll ask for my Waffle to be extra toasted.) All in all, Lighthouse Ice Cream just didn't excite me as much as other Ice cream shops in San Diego I've been to (Stella Jean's, An's Laundry Service, etc.) But I would definitely go back to try other things on their menu as they had an abundance of other options besides the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - World Famous Hot Waffle Sandwich (w/ Moose Tracks Ice Cream) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The staff were very friendly and helpful! Many choices of ice cream and even have packets of lactaid to purchase for those in need! We had simple sundaes and worth the price! read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Chocolate & pineapple sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

My boyfriend and I walked past this shop and the smell of the waffles were soooo good that we decided to come back for it after lunch. It's located next to the South Beach Bar & Grille on the corner of Newport Ave and Ocean Front Wy in Ocean Beach. There's a parking lot next to the shop but almost impossible to find any time after 10-11am. There are also street parking all around the area but also difficult to find during rush hours and weekends. The smell of the waffles roped us in, so we had to get their famous waffle ice cream sandwich. We got it with the chocolate chip cookie dough. We were super excited for the ice cream sandwich only to be disappointed. The waffles didn't taste amazing like how it smelled. It was soggy and not a crispy waffle that would have given it its oomph as a dessert. The ice cream was just normal ice cream that also didn't really stand out too us. We felt that it wasn't exciting to eat, but it did satisfy our ice cream craving. Overall, it's conveniently located in next to the beach and near many other restaurants. It's a good and convenient place to stop by after going to the beach or walking around the area if you're ever craving ice cream. P.S. They have a loyalty stamp card if you plan to frequent this shop often. read more

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I LOVE Lighthouse Ice Cream. I've been going here since 2004! The only reason I removed the star is because we can't come inside anymore :( I could understand why for COVID, but it's gotten better now. I loved being inside and smelling the aroma of freshly made waffle cones, waffles, and more. And seeing the ice cream tubs in person, allows us to see what the crowd likes. And the photos don't do it justice on the windows. I came here with my aunt on Sunday. I got the Maui Waui Sherbet because I didn't want a purple mouth (with my usual, cotton candy flavored ice cream). It was so refreshing and delicious. My aunt got a scoop of Java chip and the caramel I believe? The caramel was so delicious and together with the Java chip it reminded me of a caramel latte. Perfect combo for the "fall" weather. I'll definitely come back no doubt about it. read more

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This was a post dinner must. I went with the butter pecan and white pistachio and my friend went with the white pistachio and salted caramel. I had a bowl and they had a waffle cone. The flavors are amazing. The combination of pistachio and butter pecan was fire. I got a smaller size and I didn't want to overdue it, but I wanted more. Highly recommend this spot. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Low price but not low quality. Wonderful ice cream - dense and delicious. We ordered their signature hot waffle ice cream sandwich which is perfectly sized to hold in your hand. The waffles were fresh and hot. The location is unique - literally 30 or so steps from the ocean. Lots of people bumping around and a short line waiting for ice cream. The service was excellent. There are some seats to the side and rear of the store but you'd be better off taking your treat and walking along the beach. Highly recommend. I think we spent less than $16 for the waffle sandwich and a cookie sandwich. read more

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Right by the beach. What more can you ask for. Really local mom and pop shop I got a baby scoop and walked down to the beach and watch the sunset read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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I miss this place. After getting tacos next door (tues or weds), I normally would come here and get my fix of a bacon ice cream waffle. Hard to find parking but this spot is great and service is always good. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Bacon Ice cream waffle - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a locally staple to O.B. What I liked is that there are a lot of flavors available here. After spending time in the beach, surf and sand I few coops of ice cream hits the spot and this place will satisfy that craving. Service: 5/5 Taste: 2/5 Depth of menu: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Return visits:1/5 What was a miss for me was the taste of the ice cream, it was average at best. I dislike giving a Mom and Pop shop a low rating but I'm willing to pay up or down if the place and can make ice cream that says, 'Yeah this was worth!' This place will satisfy your craving for something sweet but it was a miss for me coming back here. It was nice they have vegan options. I've been to one place in San Diego that gets the texture, consistency, flavor and 'Wow This is Vegan' comment. It's a place in University Heights. To get vegan ice cream done right, there's a lot involved. I'm sorry it was a miss for me. They have outside seating and they take credit cards, Apple Pay, the usual payment methods. Parking is first come first served. It's a popular beach. On a warm sunny day in O.B. and you are looking for something close to the sand, this place this place will satisfy your craving for something sweet if you are solo or in a group. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - The menu is deep here! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

The Waffle Truth Locally-owned ice cream shop that specializes in quality ice cream with unique flavors and their insta-worthy hot waffle ice cream sandwich. The Good: *Customer service was great; the young man who took our order was very friendly and knowledgeable. *It's ice cream. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *Lots of outdoor seating to enjoy your ice creams *Vegan options available The Meh: *Lots of flavors I wanted to try were sold out on the day of our visit. The Ugly: *Decided to try their "Famous" hot waffle ice cream sandwich, and it was borderline inedible. The waffle itself had no flavor and--forget about the "hot" part--as it was old, cold and tasted like it had been sitting around for a few days. Maybe more of the ice creams might've made it more palatable, as the ratios of ice cream to the waffle were not good. TLDR: I hate to give mom-and-pop shops a low rating, but when you claim to make an amazing whatever--make sure that whatever is truly amazing. Or be prepared to disappoint a lot of people. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Hot Waffle Sundae w/ Cotton Candy Ice Cream ($8) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

Ice cream by the beach? Yes, please! Too many choices though lol. Their Maui Waui sherbert was pretty dang good! read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Maui Waui Sherbert - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

David made us feel super welcome and insisted I try the waffle ice cream sandwich next time. So I tried it this time with his first suggestion salted caramel and it did not disappoint. *chef's kiss* my son loved his bubble gum ice cream, my wife loved the Maui wowie, and my death by chocolate ice cream cookie sandwich was amazing :) can't beat the vibes by the beach read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Salted caramel ice cream waffle sandwich - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

What a treat!!! Our beach house was only a block from here so after my husband discovered this little piece of HEAVEN we went back several times on our vacation. My husband was HOOKED on the waffle sandwich. Grab a scoop or 2 and walk down the beach.., perfect atmosphere! read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - So cute!!! Little prayer box on the side of the shop! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here last weekend after walking along Ocean Beach and spending an afternoon in the sun, did not disappoint! Our orders: - waffle ice cream sandwich with vanilla - dole whip pineapple ice cream in a sugar cone It's a stop, grab and go kind of place, no seating, just the shop. COVID vibes - you have to have a mask to approach the shop (which I guess doesn't make total sense because everyone on the sidewalk has their masks off eating ice cream and just walking around, but they probably have to do it because of regulations) Pros: - Quick, fast service, ~ a 5 min wait after we ordered. - HUGE variety on the menu - reminds of me of Santa Cruz's Marianne's, lots to choose from, something for everybody! - Reasonably priced - Great location - so easy to stop and grab ice cream on your way off the beach to your car/home - The waffle ice cream sandwich is such a fun item, my first time trying this kind of thing haha Cons: - Have heard a few sad things about inconsistent customer service when it comes to not wearing a mask - covid is a weird time so I feel forgiving for establishments like this. Overall, definitely will be back because of the convenience and taste! Honestly such a great idea to have ice cream close to the beach in SD weather. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - vanilla ice cream waffle sandwich - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

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My family and I decided to come here as I've always been told this is an amazing place for ice cream and, for once, the line wasn't long. We got Marionberry Sorbet, Death by Chocolate, Black Cherry and Caramel Daze. Personally, the only two I genuinely liked were the Marionberry Sorbet and the Caramel Daze. The Black Cherry tasted weird to me and the Death by Chocolate was really sweet. I would've liked for a mixture of milk and dark chocolate instead to take away some of the sweetness. I'd definitely like to come back here, but I wouldn't say it's anything special. I'd only stop if the line was short. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Marionberry Sorbet (left), Black Cherry and Caramel Daze (right), Death by Chocolate (bottom) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

This is my favorite place to eat Sundaes or banana splits. The help is very friendly, and their ice cream is great! I also love sitting outside watching the crowd from the beach go by. read more

Delicious choices, fast service. Great to grab a treat and go watch a sunset. Only criticism would be to separate ice cream with nuts from nut free options so drips don't cross over. read more

This ice cream shop is steps away from the beach and pier. They offer a few dairy free flavors. I went with a scoop of vanilla bean and a scoop of cherry chocolate chip. Both flavors were very tasty. The employees were very nice. I would definitely come back Next time I'll try non Vegan flavors. read more

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You have to try the Pumpkin ice cream. I'm not a big fan of pumpkin spice... him not at all... and this is in no way in the overpowering pumpkin spice everything crazies category. There is just enough spice to compliment the Pumpkin ice cream. Rich, creamy, and I am definitely coming back for more scoops of the Pumpkin before the season for this flavor ends. We both had waffle cones; mine was 2 scoops; Pumpkin on top and Moose Tracks on the bottom. He had one scoop with his fav; White Pistachio. I made him try my Pumpkin scoop and he even snuck a couple more dips using a piece of his waffle cone like a chip. We came here directly after having the Happy Hour Oyster Friday at South Beach this afternoon. Had to say no to that tempting extra taco to save room for this treat at Lighthouse. read more

I came here first thing when they opened on a Monday. They have a clearly marked and roped off line. They have a menu board that lists all their offerings. I was glad there was not a line as I had a hard time choosing from all the flavors and options. Ice cream waffle sandwich? Ice cream pancake sandwich? various cone flavors, sundaes and much more. If you come here with a group of people everyone is sure to find something they enjoy! After deliberating between salted caramel (I am obsessed) and death by chocolate I went with death by chocolate as a waffle sandwich. It came wrapped in a paper wrapper and napkins. The beach is steps away so I wandered down there to socially distance and eat my sandwich. The waffles were fluffy and airy. They were however not even in temperature. Some places were warm and others were cold (and it wasn't from the ice cream). Maybe since I was there when they first opened the iron wasn't super hot? It was still delicious and some where I would go again. I was also able to purchase a gift card for a gift and the lady working was super nice even though it was hard to hear between face masks, a plexiglass barrier and the sound of the ocean. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - death by chocolate on waffles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite OB ice cream place! The marrionberry sorbet is amazing, and the waffle ice cream sandwiches are so good and really nostalgic for me. I wish they brought back the chocolate waffles since those were always my favorite growing up. The line can get pretty long in summer, but luckily as a local the lines can be pretty short in the off season. The location is also a big perk, I remember every time we went to the beach we'd walk over and grab ice cream. read more

Thumbs down to not making their own waffles. Huge let down as a local coming back to frozen waffles instead of the homemade ones from before

I have always passed this place and perhaps went in once and liked the atmosphere... but I forgot and had been craving it for so so long. So glad I got to go on National Ice Cream Day 2021! The line was medium-long and didn't wait more than 15 to get our names called. Very happy they have kids sizes for $2 all the way up to a triple scoop for $15! Pretzle cones & waffle cones & chocolate cones galore. I got the creamiest chocolate scoop, I wish I had gotten two but I also got cookies& cream since no sampling due to COVID precautions.. SO GOOD. Highly recommend as a local favorite & tourist spot. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Chocolate/Cookies & Cream, coffee & dairy free vanilla coconut. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

Super tasty ice cream right by the ocean in Ocean Beach! A must visit ice cream stop when in Ocean Beach. There's no where to sit and eat indoors, so it's more of a "stop, grab and go" ice cream kind of joint. The staff was friendly, following COVID guidelines, and gave us our ice cream quickly! There are SO many flavors of ice creams and cones to choose from! Yep, you heard that right, different flavors of CONES! I was in shock when I read the menus... it was a little overwhelming but there is truly something for everyone on this menu! I enjoyed a "single" scoop of birthday cake ice cream on a sprinkle cone and it was delish. I highly recommend stopping by Lighthouse Ice Cream in Ocean Beach even if your tummy is full from eating at the yummy places in the area before! read more

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In the heart of OB steps away from the beach, Lighthouse Ice Cream is an OB favorite. Tons of flavors to choose from and don't be shy to sample everything. The soft serve Dole Whip reminds you of Disneyland. The wait can get long especially if the line is out the door but that gives you plenty of time to think about what you want. Also be sure to check out their seasonal flavors. They have very limited seating outside but you're also right next to the beach so you might as well go there if theres no seating. Apparently they're famous for their waffle sandwich but I stuck with the classic mint chip in a cone. I'll have to get the waffle sandwich next time. If you're getting dinner in OB, Lighthouse Ice Cream is the perfect dessert spot. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Mint Ice Cream in a sugar cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California

Fun spot with lots of options and flavors when you're craving ice cream by the beach! Waffle sandwich was decent, the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream inside was really good but the waffle came out piping hot and cooled down really quickly due to the coldness of the ice cream. Texture/taste of the waffle was not as great once it was cold so make sure to eat quickly! They do have a few outdoor seats available past a gated area to the side which is tucked away from the crowded street/beach. Faces the courtyard area of a motel or apartment complex of some sort though so not much of a view but is shaded from the sun which can be nice if you're looking for an escape to enjoy your ice cream. read more

Lighthouse Ice Cream - Waffle sandwich - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Diego, California