tl;dr this unassuming Highland Park hole-in-the-wall was one of the pioneers of premium ice cream; expect a sophisticated yet affordable flavor lineup Nowadays, artisanal ice creameries are everywhere in Los Angeles. But one of the originators of ambitious ice cream was Tai Kim, the Cordon Bleu-trained mind behind Scoops. Kim opened his first location in East Hollywood over 20 years ago, offering flavor combos that even nowadays would raise eyebrows. Remarkably, even today, Scoops remains a popular mainstay in the LA ice cream scene. The Highland Park shop admittedly feels less posh than its aesthetic neighbors. The whitewashed interior is decorated with abstract, vaguely ice cream-themed artwork. Uncushioned wooden benches are pressed to either wall. The menu is chalked onto a blackboard behind the ice cream display. A giant fiberglass waffle cone is pressed into the back corner. Instrumental piano music plays quietly in the background. My partner and I visited on a weekend evening, and Scoops boasted a steady stream of customers. We sampled a handful of flavors before settling on our top two. My partner's favorite was the signature Brown Bread. The milkshake-like texture melted smoothly on the palate, while the Grapenuts maintained an addictive crunch. But don't sleep on the dairy-free flavors -- we also loved the oat milk-based Cookie Butter Oreo. Although slightly more icy (somewhere between sorbet and true ice cream), the base tasted evenly of speculoos with cookie pieces mixed in. The service was patient and friendly, and the prices felt reasonable. The $5 "Kid Scoop" size was surprisingly generous in portion, and the "single" scoop could actually be split across 2 flavors. What Scoops shop lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in ice cream quality and quantity. I can't wait to work my way through more of the exciting flavor lineup during my next visit to Highland Park. read more

Scoops - Kid Scoop - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This spot is an absolute gem. I stopped in and treated myself to three scoops, and every flavor was its own experience. 1. Toro with Lemon KitKat - Truly standout. The creamy toro base paired with real pieces of lemon KitKat is unexpected in the best way. Bright, smooth, and memorable. 2. Nutella - A rich, decadent twist on classic chocolate. Silky, indulgent, and everything you want from a chocolate-forward scoop. 3. Bianco Bread - The dark horse of the trio. The addition of Grape-Nuts gives it this nostalgic crunch and texture that works shockingly well. If you're someone who loves layers and dimension in your ice cream, this one is a must. They offer so many flavors that it's impossible not to find a new favorite each visit. Service is warm and welcoming, and the shop itself is tucked away in Chinatown--exactly the kind of place you're excited to introduce people to. A definite bookmark-worthy stop and a perfect example of why exploring small spots pays off. read more

Scoops - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Different scoops, star bucks for the win, loved the daily ice cream. Lines went fast and right by the express. read more

Scoops - Delicious fun and only starbucks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a very small ice cream shop located in the heart of Highland Park. They dont have a private lot, so street parking or find residential parking. For street parking, there are parking meters that will take coins or card. You can also text a number to pay from your phone. They do not have tables or chairs inside the shop. They had two long benches along the interior walls. They have some modern art displayed throughout the shop. The staff working were extremely nice and allowed us to sample the flavors. They also mentioned to me that their flavors change so it never stays the same. I was looking for just vanilla, but they didnt have it. The texture of the ice cream is almost similar to gelato and sorbet. Cute shop, and they all you to order the smallest (kid) scoop size as an adult! I'd return to get more if im in the area. read more

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Delicious ice cream and sorbet created in the shop! I visited this little ice cream shop on a Sunday evening with two others. It was the first time here for the three of us. We stumbled upon it after a visiting Donut Friend (next door). It's a simple shop with minimalistic decor and two benches for seating along one wall. The ice cream freezers displayed 18 creative and very unique flavors of ice cream and sorbet, three that were dairy free. We sampled several flavors, all of which were amazing in flavor, consistency, and texture. I ended up getting a small cup of the Lemon Kiwi Sorbet. It was sweet with a touch of tart and lite. Loved the kiwi seeds! The others chose the dairy options. Service was super helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The guy who assisted us was able to answer our questions regarding how the ice cream was made, what the ingredients were, and what flavors paired well with each other. We appreciated his relaxed and no pressure demeanor. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the ice cream. I would definitely visit again! * Metered street parking and public city pay lots we're readily available. . read more

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I love scoops! The staff is always friendly and they allow you to sample different flavors. The ice cream is so delicious and creamy. The inside is vibrant and perfect for photo ops read more

How are we so fortunate in this life that this magical ice cream shop exists?? It is a huge fixture in my children's happy childhood. I'm so grateful to this place and the talented genius ice cream maker. He has shared it a mission of his to share flavors with our neighborhood. He also opens up to the community by having a flavor suggestion board. How fun is that?? He has such a kind and generous heart. It's always so clean and the prices are low. THANK YOU FOR EXISTING!!! Now everyone else - GO TODAY!! read more

Scoops has such delicious, creative flavors but there is always a selection of less adventurous flavors for my less adventurous children. The owner is such a kind man and super patient with my kids while they make the critical decision of ice cream flavor. read more

Heaven must be something like Scoops. This is as good as it gets. Try Brown Bread and join my entire family as having a new favorite ice cream in the entire world. read more

Quaint shop with novel flavors. Tasty ice cream and good service. I'd recommend for something sweet

Simple, good flavors. And they finally take cards now. Appreciate the simplicity of this spot!

I love this place so much, the flavors are so good and they are always so nice, but please, for the love of god... put the cleaning supplies down! Every time I walk in the door I'm smacked in the face with the overwhelming smell of chemicals. If you're reading this, please use something less strong to clean. read more

yummmm the ice cream is amazing the prices are not bad everyone is very nice and free samples street is nice to walk up and down while eating ice cream, store has benches so it's good ambience read more

LA is not short of amazing ice cream~ every time I get the "itch" for sweetness, I get thrust into another adventure of finding the next best dopamine rush. Scoops achieved this by not only the flavor of the dessert, but by the warmth we felt from Rudey (I apologize if I spelled your name wrong)! He was the only worker here at the time and welcomed my partner and I with such a bright spirit that we couldn't help but smile! It made the ice cream taste THAT much better! Atmosphere: 4/5 The simplicity of the store allows for you to focus on the flavors offered there. There wasn't any fancy decor, but you know that will not take away from the gustatory experience. Service: 5/5!! Rudey greeted us and really showed us genuine hospitality. He took his time explaining the flavors and did not rush us into selecting a scoop. His lighthearted energy was the perfect complement to the mellow evening my partner and I were having. Presentation & flavor: 5/5 We opted for the oreo cheesecake and forgot the second scoop flavor, but anyways... YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH ANYTHING HERE! They have an assortment of unique flavors such as Genmaicha and horchata oreo, and they cycle through flavors as well, so you'll always be enticed by new selections when you return. The scoops were absolutely delicious, light, and creamy. . The cones aren't housemade, but you can select a sugar cone or cake cone, classics that will stir your nostalgia for childhood Pricing: 5/5!!!!!!! The small size is $4, as pictured. They really pack it and give you a lot for your dollar which is RARE in LA. I love the value here. Parking: 5/5 Public lot street parking and residential parking nearby. You won't have to worry! You don't have to worry about the congestion, as this is Highland Park, and it's not nearly as congested as other hipster areas of LA. read more

Scoops - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Always an ice cream flavor adventure. The staff is so patient whenever I bring someone and we want to taste EVERYTHING! It so cute inside too. I love the scoop mobile soooo much. read more

Scoops - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Such a cute neighborhood ice cream shop. Stop in because of a local's recommendation. Very glad I did it was so good. Definitely worth stopping in. The ice cream is tasty and has a variety of tasty flavors. The service is great. The place is small and clean but has some benches to sit on or you can just take stroll through the neighborhood there are plenty of shops. Such a great and welcoming neighborhood. read more

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The brown bread ice cream is so good and the flavors are so unique, definitely worth coming and trying out their ice creams.

Scoops is my ultimate favorite ice-cream shop in Los Angeles. RIP to the Heliotrope location, where I initially discovered this gem of a place that stole my heart. (I'm not too much of a fan of the China Town one b/c they give you a skimpy scoop instead of a scoop full of love like they do here.) Located on the infamous York strip, so you can find easily as you're taking a walk to sight-see, eat, drink, and/or be merry. Please stop in and try their unique flavors that are changed on the daily, people!!! (Yes, a few vegan options are available.) Make sure to try the Brown Bread flavor that is the only one that remains loyal and always available. I love you, don't ever leave me Scoops! Love, Your obsessive girlfriend KLT read more

Scoops - Brown bread and blueberry lavender. Some of my faves! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love Scoops!!! I miss the original location on Heliotrope near LACC. I never went to this location until recently. This location is their factory where all the ice cream flavors are made. They still have the same scoops set up I remember with the two freezers of ice cream flavors. Prices have gone up through the years as with everything else nowadays. The quality and service is always consistent. This trip I had the horchata Oreo and gen maicha. The best! I love how the flavor is consistent with every bite. Sometimes when having ice cream it is good the first few bites and halfway through the ice cream it's like the flavor has lost its luster. Scoops doesn't have that same type of feeling. It's good from the first scoop to the last. read more

Scoops - Gen maicha and horchata Oreo. $5.50 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great local spot in Highland Park! It was a pleasant surprise to see Scoops when I stopped in Highland Park for dinner. Really interesting flavors to choose from, but I wish they were doing samples. I wanted two different flavors and was able to get them in the kids size, which I really appreciated (can't beat the price there, either). The ice cream tasted a bit more like gelato and I wish it was a little more creamy, but it was definitely good and you could tell it was more homemade. Would go again if I was in the area! read more

Scoops - "Kids" with two scoops. Bottom Caramel Lavender Oreo (didn't really taste the lavender) with top Ricotta and Brown Sugar something. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Flavors are GREAT, Price is GREAT and Portion is GREAT! I walked by the location in Chinatown several times but it was always closed... I was walking by and finally got to try the one in Highland Park and it was delicious! Maple Green tea. Spot on. I wanted to try the Black Sesame but they were all sold out. read more

Scoops - Menu! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Don't sleep on the "brown bread" flavor, you will regret it. For the most unassuming flavor name, it was easily the tastiest ice cream scoop I have ever consumed. I love me a crunchy texture. Scoops has some interesting flavors to choose from and you are free to try them all! It helps narrow down which flavors I would like to commit to. I love the texture of the ice cream and the small size with 2 flavors is perfect to share between two people. There's some benches inside the shop but not much seating overall and no bathroom, so be aware. Scoops is a perfect dessert stop after eating around the area. read more

Came here to get dessert after lunch and the staff was rude! We walked in to get some ice cream and as usual I'm indecisive about what flavor I want. So I asked for samples and one of the staff there kind of gave me a dirty look and reluctantly gave me a small sample. After 4 samples he got progressively ruder and told me that they charge after 4 samples! Holy cow. I've never heard of this before! We ended up getting 2 scoops of 2 different flavors. The scoops were really small and melted really fast and it wasn't even a hot day. Overall unpleasant, I would not come back! read more

Scoops - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Scoops is the best! They make their flavors in the back, and they rotate so there's always something new. They have at least 2 vegan flavors at all times. read more

Always friendly faces at scoops. As a lactose intolerant lady it's nice to have someplace that will always have a few good dairy free choices. read more

A little pricier than I would like for ice cream and far less selection, but you can't deny the quality of a great hand scoop on a hot Highland Park day. Service is great, and you can't beat crushed Oreos in malted vanilla. This isn't the most famous or most frequented creamery in LA, but it's not terrible. I hope they start giving samples again soon. read more

Scoops - Cookie and malted vanilla with brown bread on a sugar cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Delicious as always and they started doing sampling again which is great! The guy behind the counter was friendly. I got the butter coffee and sea salt chocolate. The butter coffee was so delicious and flavourful, and I'm excited to have it again. The sea salt chocolate is good as always too! Will be back again soon. read more

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I am always exploring ice cream spots around the greater LA area and found Scoops through Eater LA's curated list. I was pretty disappointed with the ice cream here. Both flavours were on the sweeter side and I was hit with a sugar rush on the first lick. I also thought it was pretty icy and I personally prefer my ice creams to taste creamy and milky. I will caveat that the quality matched the price I paid ($3.25 for a kid scoop). I would recommend Wanderlust if you're looking for good, unique flavours. read more

Scoops - Horchata Burnt Sugar & Pistachio Lemon - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

There are all kinds of fancy premium ice cream shops around town...some quite good...but to me, nothing beats Scoops! Fresh made ice cream, always some nondairy options (oat milk based, or sorbets) and a vast array of innovative flavors. Other places may have tasty toppings, but Scoops ice creams are so flavorful that they don't need any! If you want crunch, there are always flavors with nuts, peanuts, Oreo, or burnt sugar mixed in...sometimes cereal too. There's a whiteboard where you can suggest new flavors, and if you're lucky, Tai ("Mr. Scoops") might make your dream come true! Also, check out the mobile of giant ice cream spoons that finally migrated to Highland Park from the original location on Heliotrope. It's colorful and fun. read more

No samples at this time but the flavor was pretty good. Great value for price as well

Earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was in Highland Park and had a hankering for some ice cream. I stopped at Scoops, and while there was a bit of a wait, I was happy with my visit. The employee working at the front was patient and welcoming, and they offer a wide variety of flavors (including non-dairy options). I have a been a fan of their Brown Bread since first going to Scoops Westside, so it was an easy choice. I ordered two pints, and I even received a small scoop to take with me on the house (possibly due to the wait). I love the sweet barley flavors of this ice cream, and having this ice cream at home was one of the nicer parts of staying at home. read more

Amazing ice cream spot! Love their flavors -- tried almost all the flavors before ordering (yes, they do samples) and love that they have non-dairy options too so they're vegan friendly! They have interesting flavors and combinations. The owner was sooo nice and the place was nice and cute! Their prices are cheap compared to most ice cream places so this is really one of our go-to dessert places! read more

Best ice cream place in the neighborhood. They change the flavors every week or even sooner. Craft ice cream and also cheaper than other places. Also they have the best staff. Very friendly and pleasant. I appreciate this place being in my neighborhood and am a regular. read more

I'm often baffled by how weak LA's ice cream game is given that the world knows us for sunshine and beaches. That being said, Scoops feels like an oasis in a desert (a dessert desert!). They may be one of the few ice cream shops around that don't offer samples, but the trade off is that they can sell split scoops for 4 bucks, which feels like an absolute steal in this economy. I don't think it's very helpful to describe individual scoops that I've had here since they're constantly switching out their flavors, but I will say that I've yet to find something here that has failed to put a smile on my face. Service has also consistently been fantastic as well. Shoutout to the worker who reopened the shop at 8:29 to let me and my friends order (it seems they have changed their closing time to 8 now). read more

People. It's National Ice Cream day - why you getting vegan donuts (sorry, Donut Friend, this isn't about you) when you can have ice cream?? Haven't been back to Scoops in a while but glad I grabbed a cone for a walk around the neighborhood. I got the Horchata Oreo and Vanilla Miso Burnt Sugar - a little too sweet for the boyfriend but definitely creamy milky and addicting for me! I'd favor the horchata Oreo just because it had more texture but if like anything like sea salt caramel the miso hits the spot. Boyfriend went for the yuzu basil sorbet. So good! If you're a fan of the frozen lemons cups, this is even better! Definitely want to try the oat milk options next time. They don't do samples anymore for Covid reasons and only allow for 4 people at time but they are also having a good sale - buy one get one pint half off! Get to it. read more

Hard to say no to a spot with non-dairy ice cream! I was visiting Donut Friend next door and decided to pop in to try out the ice cream here. I got a kiddie scoop of the vegan caramel oreo. I was hoping for caramel ribbons in the ice cream but instead there was a salty caramel taste to the oreo ice cream. Not bad though. Many flavors, including 4 non-dairy and a few more sorbets. The sign posted on the door didn't full match the available flavors inside (weird). We also waited for a while before anyone came out of the back to greet us. They were surprisingly slow on a warm Saturday afternoon (while next door had a line out the door). Covid precautions in place - plastic divider at the register, hand sani provided, no samples. read more

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Why charge for tasting flavors? What an alienating bizarre rule. Also, don't ask if I want to taste something, hand me it, and then after I don't want it, say you charge. Say it up front, if a customer asks. Better, just remove that anti-customer experience. Will make for a warmer, more welcoming experience. At the 2.00 you charge for tasting, into the cost of your ice cream. The one sorbet they had was pure sugar. What a bummer. read more

Without a doubt, the best Ice Cream in LA. Try any flavor and you won't be disappointed! It is amazing how they keep up the quality and consistency. Best of all, you don't feel as heavy after like you would eating most other ice cream! Always recommend Scoops to my friends! read more

I feel bad that Scoops is right next to Donut Friend because you can tell which one is way more popular than the other. I was happy though since Scoops had no line and I was craving ice cream for a dessert. They had a good amount to select from but the flavors were not amazing. I ended up having to settle because I could not find a flavor that was much better than the others. This is the first ice cream place I have ever gone to where I actually disliked more than one flavor that I tried. I got the kids scoop in a cone and it was more than enough ice cream. I would probably go to a different ice cream shop next time, but it was still enjoyable. read more

Scoops - maple graham kids scoop - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So sad that the original location is gone, but apparently all the production and R&D is here anyways. While there are a ton of fancy ice cream shops around with more off the beaten path flavors, Scoops is still doing their thing and does it well. They have a lot more Oat Milk/Vegan options which takes up about 30-40% of their daily selections. I haven't tried those, but their actual ice cream flavors are still really good. My last visit I had the green tea and the Thai iced tea. Service was really friendly, definitely far more patience than I would have with people wanting to try ALL of the flavors, but that's part of the reason to come here. The flavors rotate and you want to be certain of your choice, the guy behind the counter was cheerful and great with trying to juggle everyone's different demands. The ice cream is as good as I remember it. What's not to like about well made ice cream? read more