We have eaten a bunch of ice cream in a bunch of places, and this one just does not measure up. One of our all time favorites is a small Mexican place in Fort Smith, AR, and we thought this sounded similar. Not! The ice cream is not rich, but that is okay if the flavors are good. The butter pecan has a weird after taste, as did a couple of others we bought. The caramel was decent, but not great. The cappuccino was just okay. Raleigh/Durham does not have any great ice cream, like Graeter's or Jenni's, but they have several better than Pincho. read more

The strawberry milk based popsicle is really yummy! Would definitely buy more of these to keep in my freezer. Everything is reasonably priced. The popsicle is really hearty and filling for the under $3 price. Everything they make is very simple and fresh. I love the fruit bits in the popsicles!! Owners are also very patient and nice. I also tried the kiwi water based popsicle. I liked that it tasted fresh and had seeds in it, but it wasn't quite as good as the strawberry popsicle. It felt like the kiwi popsicle had too much additional sugar added without enough natural sugar from the kiwis. I also wasn't a huge fan of the oreo popsicle since majority of the popsicle is just a cream flavor (no Oreo cookie bits) with 2 Oreos inside. read more

Nice family that runs this place, they were so sweet in letting me try a few flavors and making their recommendations. The peanut butter cup is amazing. My friend got a milkshake which was super yummy too. Feels like I found a nice little local spot for ice cream! read more

The owner is truing amazing!!! He welcomed everyone with a HUGE smile and was so patient recommending flavor combinations for me. Def will come back again! read more

Pincho Loco - Salted caramel truffle and pina colada - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

After almost a year in Durham, I finally found this place which is actually really close to where I live. So close, so convenient, so affordable, and also so yummy, especially refreshing on a hot summer day in Durham, that I have been frequenting this place quite a bit in the last two weeks. Have only tried the paletas, which are very affordable at $3 each. The owners are super friendly and helpful in explaining the more unusual flavors. So far, I have tried.... Nance (which tasted kinda stinky, like a papaya), Guava (really popular flavor, I thought this was a little sour, but still good, with tons of guava fruit), Mango (this one is my favorite so far, tons of mango chunks), Watermelon (pretty solid), Mamey (milk-based, melts faster than the non-milk ones, kinda creamy tasting, smooth, can't remember much of the fruit taste), Strawberries (milk-based one, husband's favorite), and then Tamarind (this one was my least favorite, possibly because I may just not like the fruit, lol, kinda sour/sweet, like a chinese preserved plum). Will definitely need to go back to try... the soursop (which I haven't seen available on rotation), maybe the red currant, and then get the mango one again. read more

Moose tracks were awesome ! The two people helping us were very sweet. I would def recommend read more

Pincho Loco - Moose tracks amaze balls - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

[MY RATING: 80%] Pincho Loco is a fantastic part of the 9th Street Scene! It's directly below Cosmic Cantina and right off East Campus, so for Duke students, it's much more accessible than The Parlor in downtown Durham. This quaint, hole-in-the-wall, family-owned Mexican ice cream shop serves up some special flavors and their service is consistently great. The two owners are extremely helpful and patient and they remember their customers, which is always nice. They offer a decent variety of ice cream and ice cream cake flavors which, in my opinion, are unfortunately a bit pricey. They do, however, make their own ice cream and even have liquor-flavored Kahlua and Tequila flavors (they check if you're legal). They also offer a tasty horchata, Jarritos floats, and give you a free sundae every time after you get your Pincho Loco card punched so many times. The shop is clean, well-maintained and offers free Wi-Fi. Seating has never been an issue for me, as I've never seen the place packed with a line as is the usual at The Parlor. Recommended flavors: - Strawberry - Banana Pudding - Coconut - Tiger Tail (very decadent because of the butter pecan that's mixed in) read more

We stopped in today for a few scoops and to check out this new spot in the Ninth Street corridor in Durham. This area really needed a good ice cream shop and it finally got one. Our two-year-old loved the chocolate peanut butter and strawberry ice creams. My wife thought the coffee-almond flavor was intense and rich. They were doing a special on popsicles but we did not get a chance to try them - next time. I also want to check out the mangonada, which is made with fresh mango, chili, tamarind candy, and mango sorbet. They were cutting fresh mango in the back and it looked amazing. The service could not have been nicer. This is clearly a family-run establishment, and the owners were warm and welcoming. We will definitely be back regularly! read more

I feel like I've been looking for a dessert place like this forever! They have so, so, so much variety and I keep wanting to go back and try out something else from their menu. Their ice cream is delicious and the servings are great whether you want a full stomach, a treat after a meal, or something to save for later. The first time I went about a year ago, they had cards you could punch so that you'd get a free treat on the 10th purchase, too! Parking is not that close and the sidewalks are bumpy at some parts, but I won't fault them for the lack of accessibility on the street. They're right next to Ninth Street, so if you want to do some shopping, or go to a café or grab a meal, they're right there! read more

The Best Ice cream in Durham. Rejoice, Parlour's stranglehold over the the artisanal ice cream scene in Durham has been broken. I had seen a lot of people on Reddit talking about how Pincho Loco was the best new ice cream place in Durham and low-key kind of amazing. I actually had heard of it even though it's a relatively new addition to the 9th Street area, a place that i'm near often. Recently my wife and I went for some Ice cream out one evening and had a wonderful experience here and were truly impressed by their flavors and service. Pincho Loco is located just off 9th Street, almost under Cosmic Cantina. It's a very easy place to miss if you don't pass that street often. What appears as a very indiscreet location houses one of the Triangles best surprises when it comes to ice cream. Pincho Loco has a wide selection of ice cream and Latina American style desserts. There's something for everyone, but with an Ice cream place, Ice Cream is the main attraction, and Pincho Loco does not disappoint when it comes to flavors. Upon my recent visit I actually went a little wild and went with their Churro Sundae and my two flavor choices were the honest roasted peanut butter and the salted caramel truffle. The Churros were hot, fluffy and a nice combo with the cold ice cream. The flavors were stellar. I'm a sucker for a salted caramel but this was really something special. The honest roasted peanut butter was also decadent and unlike anything I've had in the area. Topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. It was perfect for a hot summer's night. My wife got the Cappuccino crunch and the Tiger's tale (a twist on butter pecan that taste's exactly like a Stuckey's Pecan roll if you know that flavor). All of the ice cream flavors were delicious and unlike those at other local stores. They also had a Tequila flavor (21 and up of course) and also a bubble gum and cotton candy flavors (something I also love seeing on a menu and will get when i'm in the mood). They also have a wide variety of other desserts here from paletas (Mexican popsicles which are amazing!) cakes, horchata, and a wide variety of frozen drinks too. It's really awesome to have a latin america themed dessert place. there's pretty much something for everyone here. Pincho Loco is a fantastic addition to the Durham dessert scene, and something that compliments 9th Street very well. I loved their ice cream and cant wait to go back. Once again the Bull City reddit knows what's up and they were right about Pincho Loco. It's Great! Highly recommended. read more

Pincho Loco was not just ice cream fit for the gods, no... it was an out of body experience in a cone. I'm telling you this is some other worldly stuff. I've lived in Italy, Chicago, NYC, I've traveled the Caribbean and tasted delicacies from all over the world... and Pincho Loco has just ruined ice cream for me in the most delightful way. Nothing else can ever compare, I am utterly spoiled for this was by far the best ice cream I've had anywhere at any point in my life. I hope everyone gets to experience the Bourbon Truffle ice cream, at least once, before leaving this world. read more

It is amazingly good ice cream! There were also many flavors that aren't found elsewhere. It's a good thing I live in Michigan because living near there would not be good for my waistline! read more

Really great service and desserts. I had the mangonada. It's wonderful when a good ice cream shop opens up near Duke!!

First: Great people and service! They were very friendly and excited to help! Second: Their ice cream is awesome! There are many great options and even churro sundaes and orchata milkshakes. I only had ice cream but will get one of those next time. ... and their WILL be a next time! read more

How have I not reviewed this place yet?! Our absolute favorite ice cream place in Durham. Adorable environment, excellent customer service, and amazing home-made ice cream. Great selection of milkshakes, ice cream flavors, cone types/flavors, sundaes, and other sweet treats. Most importantly, the service is second to none. I'm not sure if he's the owner, but the gentleman who is always working when we go knows our faces and our order, and always greets us with a big smile. You can't beat it this place. read more

Great lil spot for the sweet tooth. Very friendly staff and the large tables. They have GF/Dairy free options. One of the items we ordered was a watermelon popsicle. It has real chunks of watermelon in it. My child says the ice cream was "belly bust good". I'm not sure what that means. We will be back for sure. read more

See all

Awesome place. Great friendly service. Free ice cream samples. Mangonada was good. Highly recommended place on a hot day. read more

Pincho Loco - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Found this place on Yelp and the positive reviews held true! Very yummy ice cream, and very nice people working behind the counter. Affordable prices, too, which was an added bonus. We tried the banana pudding, chocolate, and cappuccino crunch. All were tasty! read more

Friendly staff, they offered us samples of anything we were interested in. We decided to get the churro sundae with vanilla ice cream. Reaaaalllyy good!! Definitely recommend this spot read more

Pincho Loco - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I love coming here they are so nice and very professional. Their favors are amazing please try their banana cream frozen pie.

Between my husband and I, we had 4 scoops of ice cream and every flavor was tasty. The ice cream had just the right creaminess and not too sweet. No aritificial flavorings. The owners are all so welcoming and kind that I sincerely wish this business to last and succeed! Come visit this place and treat yourself in the sweltering heat of NC, you will not be disappointed. I will be back to try the ice pops and milkshakes next! read more

Pincho Loco - Left - chocolate chip Baileys Right - banana pudding - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Truly the best ice cream I've ever had and the environment and the people who own the place are so warm and inviting -- it's genuinely one of the best places in Durham for ice cream. It's also right next door to a magic shop. Which has nothing to do with anything but hey you can grab some ice cream and walk around the magic shop asking yourself why crystals are so expensive. Seriously though: try the ice cream here. It's unbelievably good. read more

Great customer service and great ice cream! I highly recommend the banana pudding and blueberry cheesecake! read more

Pincho Loco - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What a fun find this was! We were out looking for a place to grab dessert and came across the reviews. The kids tried the brownie sundae and the nutella crepe. They loved both! I tried the mangochino, a fantastic mix of mango, mango sherbert, and spices! It was a fun spot for a late night and we can't wait to go back again and try more! read more

this place was kind of hidden. found parking right away. Ice cream was YUMMY and the waffle cones even better! my favorite ice cream is butter pecan and they did that!! 10 stars if it was allowed... read more

We found this little gem by accident one night wanting dessert. We have been back! The owners are very nice and friendly and the ice cream is so good! We just picked up a birthday ice cream cake for my daughter and we can't wait to dig in! We have had four flavors of ice cream and two flavors of popsicles and it was all yummy! Their ice cream cakes are like the old time ones layer of cake and layer of ice cream! read more

Amazing popsicles! Mango fruit bar and Coffee/almond milk bar are my favorites so far. I intend on trying all flavors over the next couple months! read more

Best ice cream I've found (finally!) in Chapel Hill and Durham area. I tried the cappuccino crunch ice cream and it was heavenly. It was the right amount in a scoop and not too sweet (unlike a lot of other ice cream places). Will be going there to try many more flavors. read more

WONDERFUL in so many ways! Amazing ice cream, wonderfully creative flavors along with all the traditional favorites. The popsicles are so refreshing and a great option for dairy free peeps. Their ice cream cakes have become our GO TO for birthdays and special occasions. read more

Love the ice ream at Pincho Loco, great flavors and customer service. I took a guest visiting from out of town on my second visit and she enjoyed it. This is my new go to ice cream shop! read more

Came here with my girlfriend a few days ago! And she had a banana split which she thought was delicious and I had blackberry cheesecake popsicle and OMG it was so darn good! Good quality ice cream here it will not disappoint you I PROMISE would def recommend this place for anybody that enjoy cold treats read more

Pincho Loco - Blackberry Cheesecake was Heaven - Desserts Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is my new favorite ice cream place in Durham. They have a good mix of classic and unique homemade ice cream flavors (I was impressed with the tequila flavored ice cream!), carry a variety of homemade desserts like dulce de leche, and their staff was super friendly. They do it right by selling hand packed pints too. Nothing bad to say - me encanta! read more

There amazing!!! The owners know what they are doing with flavors and ice cream. The honey roasted peanut butter, the lemon sorbet, the vegan ice's, the popsicles, are all amazing. Do not over look the mangonada. They are so amazing. I never am disappointed by their flavors. They may not give tastes but go out on a limb and try it! I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

Delicious Ice cream and friendly owners, wonderful combination. They go above and beyond in discussing how they craft their flavors and truly have a passion for empathetic customer service. The pistachio pudding (more like a loose custard or watery pot de creme) is amazing but the star is the ice cream. The kahlua is my current favourite but you should sample at least a handful before making a selection. They won't mind/ might even suggest a few others! read more

amazingly friendly service, delicious ice cream, cute store! this place is so good and really gives off good durham vibes

Best ice cream in Durham. I just redeemed our family's third free ice cream in a year. Wish they'd opened up when we first moved here 6 years ago. Cappucino Crunch Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Mint Chocolate Chip All awesome. Just really really good ice cream. read more

Stopped by Pincho Loco today to check out their ice cream cupcakes after a friend suggested checking them out. Not only were the cupcakes delicious, but the service was incredible! They have interesting flavors that I haven't seen elsewhere, I love the ability to have ice cream cake without buying a giant cake, and the service is fantastic. I highly recommend and I'll definitely be back! read more

Hands down some of the best ice cream ever! So delicious! And wonderful customer service, too. Can't wait to come back for another scoop. Highly recommend read more

Pincho Loco is a welcome edition to the 9th Street area, and I hope it sticks around for a long while because their treats are fantastic. Seriously, some of the best paletas that I have ever tried with classic flavors such as cookies and cream as well as novel ones likes spicy pineapple. I am hooked on the rice pudding pop! My MIL tried the horchata milkshake while we were there and she absolutely loved it. The customer service was great and both employees were super helpful and friendly. I can't wait to go back to try the mangonada. read more

Love the paletas (frozen fruit pops) they make here - they're loaded with fruit and are so delicious. I've only ever tried their ice cream because I always want a paleta. They're just that good. Today, I had a spicy mixed fruit paleta with pineapple, mango, jicama, and cucumber - and it was AMAZING. Love the heat it brings and the flavor is on point!! It is spicy tho - just so you know!! I also love the cherry and coconut, but there hasn't been any flavor I've tried that isn't good. No better way to beat the heat wave this summer!! It's the perfect place!! read more