The forum can be busy place so this is such a gem in an awesome mall. Service is top notch and you know you're in a good place when they use a metal spoon for free tastings right away lol. Had the coffee, vanilla bean and chocolate. Right away you can tell the waffle cones are super fresh and crunchy . All the flavors we had were rich , creamy and most importantly for me not too sweet and is more naturally flavored. What a great shop read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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McConnell's is a well known ice cream shop in California. Flavors are okay. Need more customer service training before putting a newbie on the front counter. Meh experience. Underwhelming. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - The Front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Tasty ice cream. They had 3 vegan flavors available and we chose the mango sorbet and the chocolate brownie. Would love to see other vegan friendly flavors. We were also told they had more vegan sorbet flavors in the to-go pints. Correction, they can't claim anything is vegan because of sugar so it's plant based, so I suppose it depends on how strict you're defining vegan ingredients. It was hot out and our kids wanted a tasty treat so we decided to try it out. While I wouldn't go out of my way to eat ice cream here, it was nice to have a treat while we were in the area. Service was friendly, very limited seating outside. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Plant based ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Classic ice cream place in The Forum that I just had to try! It seems like a staple in the area because, when we went around 8pm on a Sunday, there was still a line out the door! It was a quick in and out, though. They let you try the flavors which was so key, because their menu is so dense with delicious sounding flavors. I had to hit the Double Peanut Butter Chip for my first scoop because I'm a sucker for peanut butter, and it was pretty good! I think this is just one of those places where you will have to keep coming back to try everything.. there is some seating outside, but expect to bring it somewhere else to eat! read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Double Peanut Butter Chip - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This ice cream is so delicious! I love the unique flavor combinations they have. The staff at this location was incredibly nice and patient with our group. read more

I absolutely love ice cream and McConnell's is one finnneeee ice cream. When the See's candy collab drops you must go! They currently have the See's collab and a cookie butter in pints as well. They have the See's milk Bordeaux sprinkles as a topping. This location is in the Forum on the Carlsbad and Encinitas border by Anthropologie and Jimbo's. There is a bathroom inside and free water. I love that they make their waffle cones fresh on site. They even have a few pieces of merch! I really appreciate the outside tables to take a break and enjoy your scoops. read more

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McConnell's Fine Ice Creams -- first time customer, best ice cream ever! Upon entering, the staff were friendly -- they greeted me; and kindly let me sample a few flavors before making a decision, which I really appreciated. The pricing is reasonable for the quality, generous portion; delicious ice cream. Seating is very limited; there are only outdoor chairs, which I was able to sit down and enjoy my ice cream. Delicious ice cream; a refreshing treat! Would highly recommend! read more

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I have been wanting to try McConnell's for so long now and now that I've gone, I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't go sooner! It was so good! The staff was so friendly and helpful once we got there, letting us take our time and giving tasters and recommendations. We got the sampler and for $12, it really was the perfect amount for the 2 of us. Already can't wait to go back to try more flavors! read more

Very upset with the service here. Finally found a place that had dairy free ice cream and was so excited to try. The ice cream was excellent, the environment of the store was amazing, but a middle-aged blonde woman was very disrespectful. I wanted four scoops and when I asked she responded as if I was too big to have four scoops and suggested that I should only have two. She was passively aggressive and I do not appreciate being fat shamed. read more

Just tried a pint of Double peanut butter cup.Best store bought ice cream,that I've had. Superior quality makes up for high price

Mid, wouldn't got back, ice cream was mediocre, it was very salty, ice cream shouldn't be salty?!? Worker was not friendly at all and it felt kind of akward and uncomfortable, sadly I could make a better "Sammy" at home. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams damn, this place was DOPE. The service alone deserves a shoutout the guy behind the counter gave us unlimited taste tests like it was no big deal. We went with the flight (5 scoops) and it was 100% worth it... then he casually hooked us up with two free kids cones so clutch. Wifey got two scoops, each kid had their own, I had mine, and somehow the whole ice-cream party came out to $12. Flavors were straight across the board. Worth the stop every time. read more

Stumbled upon this ice cream shop while shopping in the forum! They have a ton of flavors and options for dairy free as well! They offer samples of flavors and they're all so delicious it was hard to choose! I got their sea salt cookies and cream one and their lemon marrion berry! They workers were all friendly and there was a line but it went super quick! They have a really cute theme in there as well! read more

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McConnell's is my absolute favorite ice cream ever! My favorite flavor is the sea salt cookies and cream, it is magical. The service is always great and I'd definitely sample some flavors before you choose. I love sitting outside and soaking in the sun, always a great day when you have McConnell's! read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Sea Salt Cream & Cookies - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

DANG I LOVED IT HERE Delicious dude delicious I've been on an ice cream kick definitely, but this spot was really delicious. Made with real cream and all the good stuff. The guy working there was super cool and chill and I appreciated him letting us try diff flavors. I got some sort of salted caramel flavor (I completely forgot the name) it was soooooo good I would have gotten a large in a cone if I knew it was gonna be that good. Cute little store and I'll be back! read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - First time here - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

WOW! This ice cream is the best I've ever had. My kids had mint chip, my husband some kind of peanut butter/chocolate mix, and I had mango sorbet. High quality, simple ingredients. NOTHING artificial.. It is clear the company takes a lot of pride in what they make. They make everything from scratch including anything mixed into the ice cream (ie cookies for the cookies and cream ice cream). I don't eat ice cream very often but I've been craving McConnell's since visiting. read more

Fast service and great flavor selection. Was very pleased with the non dairy options too.

Quality ice cream is my kryptonite! Our friends who live in the area introduced this place to us one night after having a wonderful dinner nearby. We must have came at the perfect time because they said usually the line is out the door! Cute bright interior, self explanatory menu, samples given if asked, and they also have merch for sale! Order up: 1. Eureka Lemon & Marionberries 2. Honey & Cornbread Cookies 3. Coffee with Molasses Chip 4. Vanilla Malt 5. Coffee with Molasses Chip Malt 6. Chocolate Covered Strawberries Number 5 was mine, and OMG, this was absolutely sinfully and insanely good!!!! No complaints from the gang with theirs either, too good! The friendly staff did an awesome job getting our order to us, and as we turned around after paying, we saw a line had formed out the door! LOL! Happy eating till next time!!! read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This place is so cute! I love that they offer flavors you can't find other places, and the staff is great. I also love that you can get a malt or a milkshake, which not many ice cream places do. read more

One of things I looked forward to when we went on road trips to San Francisco was stopping in Santa Barbara and visiting McConnell's Ice Cream. Now I can just drive to Carlsbad as a McConnell's has opened there. Mango sorbet was icy cold and had a distinctive mango flavor.  Not super sweet like with fully ripe mangos.  Pretty good flavor. Gingerbread House ice cream had a ton of ginger flavor from the gingerbread cookies mixed in. Was like eating ginger snaps but in ice cream form. Mint Chip was cold and creamy with a refreshing sweet mint flavor. Golden State Vanilla was rich and creamy.  Loved the Madagascar vanilla flavor. Vanilla bean was rich and creamy.  Loved the vanilla bean flavor.  One of my favorite vanilla ice creams. Cashier was nice and efficient.  It was a lovely drive up the coast to Santa Barbara but I prefer the shorter drive up the coast to Carlsbad next time I want some McConnell's ice cream.  I have tried the pints at the supermarket but it's 50/50 whether you get a pint with crystallized ice cream or not. read more

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The portion sizes are TINY. The ice cream was good but $20 out the door for 2 ice creams was too much for tiny scoops.

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - A Sweet New Addition to Carlsbad The newly opened McConnell's Fine Ice Creams in Carlsbad brings the beloved Santa Barbara tradition to North County, offering the same creamy, handcrafted flavors that made the original famous. All the classic favorites like Vanilla and Chocolate are available, but the seasonal offerings really steal the show. For Spring 2025, McConnell's has teamed up with See's Candies to roll out some fantastic collab flavors: Vanilla with California Brittle Chocolate with Polar Bear Paws Banana Cream with Toffee-ettes Coffee with Molasses Chips Each one blends rich, creamy ice cream with crunchy, flavorful add-ins, creating a dynamic and satisfying bite. A standout for me was the Katy Perry's Baby You're a Firework Blue Raspberry--a fun, colorful option that perfectly balances sweet and tangy. The staff were super friendly and let me sample a few flavors before making a decision, which I really appreciated. The pricing is reasonable for the quality, though seating is limited. There are only outdoor chairs, with no indoor dining space, so it's best for a quick treat while shopping at the plaza. Overall, this location is a great stop for dessert lovers looking to try creative seasonal flavors or stick with tried-and-true classics. A refreshing treat in a lively shopping spot. read more

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My first time having McConnell's ice cream and I will definitely be coming back! Definitely worth the drive. They are located in a shopping plaza so there is plenty of parking. They have so many fun flavors to choose from! The workers were so nice and let us try multiple samples. You can also get split scoops! I got the churro flavor and the sea salt cream and cookies. Such unique flavors that you can't find anywhere else!! read more

Great ice cream and friendly service! Everything tasted fresh and delicious. We'll definitely be back!

I was excited when I heard that we were finally getting a McConnell's Ice Cream shop in SD, and in North County no less! I've been eating McC ice cream since I was young, since we used to go on vacation to Central Coast fairly often (and that's where it was founded). It's located on the North side of the Forum in Carlsbad, next to where the Parakeet Cafe will be going in. I was able to attend the grand opening with some friends, and have been back several times since to get more ice cream. I like to check out the seasonal, and special edition flavors. I have enjoyed the Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Dutch Chocolate, etc. On my last visit, I tried the Earl Grey Tea with Shortbread, which had just returned as a special edition flavor. All are delicious! I also love that you can get pints in grocery stores like Vons, as well as being able to go to McC shops or other independent places like Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor in Solvang! McC is a SoCal institution, so try some if you love you some ice cream! read more

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Yum yum yum! I first had McConnell's in Santa Barbara and was so excited they brought one to San Diego! I got the seasonal See's banana flavor which was unreal. No complaints! read more

This was a fun opening. I am on the mailing list for the forum and a friend had told me McConnell's was coming so when I got the email from the forum I signed up. The first 50 got a swag bag (red insulated bag with stickers, coupons and ooly gifts) and a free scoop. I had lunch next door and by the time we were done a line was forming. We got in line and one of the employees was walking down the line with a QR code to sign up. We were one of the first 50. We went in tasted a few flavors and chose our cones - Sugar cone, waffle cone or waffle bowl. I chose chocolate Carmel cookie and vanilla bean Delicious, glad I got the vanilla to tone down the saltiness of the Carmel chocolate! . I have frequented the Santa Barbara location over the years as I have family there. Glad they are here, love my ice cream from scratch. Doesn't disappoint! Can't wait to return my read more

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Came the first day it opened as they were prepping for their grand opening. Picked up my kiddo straight from school and let him have a treat. It wasn't too busy around 245pm. We even got to meet McConnell himself! Nice dude. Great selection of ice cream and you can tell it's great quality. Very creamy and delicious. I recommend the double peanut butter and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I grabbed two "single" scooped cones for $13. But they were actually 2 small scoops on each cone so we were able to choose two different flavors and each. I should've just shared with my kiddo though. I dropped my older kiddo off at soccer and tried to come back with my little one and the line was GINORMOUS bc they apparently were giving away free scoops during their grand opening. Meh, I was happy to pay again as I was just there but they broke my 4 year old's heart. He'll have to recover from his heartbreak before we get to come back again. Enjoy the ice cream here! read more

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Super impressed with the ice cream! It was very rich in flavor and creamy. I really liked the Brazilian coffee. The lemon ice cream was very lemony which was still good until it started melting together. We also tried the cookies and cream and strawberry and I think salted caramel. It hit the spot on the hot day! People were friendly and patient. outside seating is available with extra stools along the side. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Ice cream flight - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I normally don't like ice cream as much but oh my god! My husband and I stepped into this place and I loved the variety of flavors (big fan of almonds and cocoanuts) best ice cream I have ever had hands down the flavor is so good!! Guy who checked us out was nice and chill as well :) read more

Adorable shop and delicious treats served by top notch customer service trained professionals Went in for the See's collaboration came back for the earl grey tea with shortbread cookies read more

So great, love the flavor I chose. I was offered tastings but after looking at the names the sea salt cream and cookies was calling my name. I added the dollop of fudge on top and it was superb! The flavor was really layered and creamy. I hadn't realized this location was open and was pleasantly surprised since I've never seen a location outside of Santa Barbara. The shop was on the smaller side but really clean with plenty of outdoor spots to take a seat and enjoying your ice cream. Service was great and water is readily available for self serve. I will definitely be back to try more flavors. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Sea Salt Cream & Cookies with Fudge - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This ice cream is superior to all in the area. 10/10 recommend. Cute shop in the forum. There are only 2 tables outside to sit at, so plan to take your ice cream with you because they are normally taken. Both times I have been this summer the service has been subpar--unenthusiastic and a bad attitude--This could definitely improve, but the ice cream is good enough to look past this. read more

Holy moly. With no exaggeration, this was quite honestly the best ice cream I've ever had. The flavors were so fresh and delightful. They offer some standard flavors that are beautifully executed and they also offer some unique flavors that blew me away! The corn bread and honey ice cream really made my day. The customer service provided was really excellent. Friendly, helpful and kind. This place rocks! Well done read more

I really wanted to be here on opening day but I couldnt. I was finally able to come here. It was in a nice shopping center with lots of my favorite stores including Yeti, Johny Was and Madewell. Great location! The store was clean and cute, the empliyees were super nice. The ice cream was omg good. I am used to their packaged pints from Ralphs but that was no comparison to freshly made ones from store. My favorite one was sweet cream. I will be coming back often! read more

Order: sweet cream caramel brownie Taste: 8/10 Tried multiple flavors all on the cookie, brownie, nutty side and sweet cream caramel brownie was the best which was good but not wow. Creamy. But I can't tell what's missing. Definitely on the heavier side like salt and straw. I'd say there are better options around SD. read more

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Updating just to say you haveee to get the sweet cream caramel brownie flavor. At least a taste test of it!! I know you all like your chocolate, vanilla, coffee, etc but just trust me on this one. Honestly all the flavors are good but this is my new go-to and I've hooked 4 other people on it already. It's not too sweet!! Sweet cream caramel brownie is SO GOOD McConnells is still going strong, best ice cream in the area hands down. Cannot wait to gain so many lbs here over the next however many years. read more

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After a long trip in San Diego, my husband and I made a last-minute detour from Escondido to Carlsbad just to stop at McConnell's Ice Cream, and it was absolutely worth it. We're longtime fans of McConnell's and always love trying their new, delicious creations. This time, we went specifically for their collaboration with See's Candy, which my husband had recently tried in Santa Barbara and couldn't stop raving about. I got the strawberry and strawberry cream flavor along with the milk chocolate Bordeaux in a waffle cone, and both were incredible. If those See's flavors are available, do not miss them, but honestly, everything at McConnell's is fantastic. Five stars every time. read more

Love McConnell's ice cream. Their Santa Barbara strawberry ice cream is so good. Better than any strawberry ice cream I've had. Their lemon marionberry, coffee, are also so delicious. Highly recommend! The service was so friendly and scoops were generous. They also have water available for free and seating outside. read more

Nice addition to the neighborhood. Little shop located in a nice shopping complex. Decent parking. Friendly service and patient with my children who took longer then normal deciding which ice cream to order. The ice cream is very tasty, but also pricy. They do have a few limited flavors at the shop that I have not seen elsewhere, but I have seen lower cost pints at normal grocery stores like Cardiff Seaside Market. Take your kids for a treat here, but buy a pint somewhere else at a lower cost. read more

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