When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Fluffy McCloud's
Why Fluffy McCloud's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Fluffy McCloud's is a uniquely charming ice cream shop located in the heart of Echo Park, Los Angeles, known for its quirky retro vibe and delicious, organic ice cream offerings. This ice cream parlor provides an inviting and whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a 1950s soda fountain, complete with vintage decor details like a demonic jukebox, a Saturn-shaped lantern hanging above the ice cream case, and unexpected touches such as a gumball machine dispensing Lactaid pills. The nostalgic setting makes it an excellent place for friends to meet up, hang out late into the night, and enjoy classic desserts with a modern twist. Fluffy McCloud's serves vegan-friendly options and flavors crafted with high-quality ingredients, such as organic dairy and Italian pistachio paste, ensuring each scoop is not only delightful but also thoughtfully made. Open from early afternoon until after midnight on weekends, it is an ideal spot for a casual meet-up after other local activities, such as dining or live music in Echo Park. The quirky interior, friendly vibe, and commitment to quality ice cream make Fluffy McCloud's a standout destination for social gatherings in Los Angeles.
Here's what people think of Fluffy McCloud's
As of recent, Fluffy McCloud's holds a 4.4-star rating based on 107 reviews.
Customers frequently praise Fluffy McCloud's for its distinctive retro ambiance and the creativity evident in both its décor and menu. Many reviewers love the nostalgic feeling evoked by the place, highlighting elements like the jukebox, horned ice cream case, and playful, vintage-inspired design that sets a fun and memorable mood. Positive feedback often includes commendations of the ice cream itself—described as creamy, flavorful, and made with organic ingredients that contribute to a top-tier dessert experience. Flavors such as Thelma's vanilla and the uniquely named 'pistachioyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyo' receive special mentions. Additionally, the shop’s open hours extending late into the night make it a favorite spot for late-night outings, particularly among locals and visitors seeking both great taste and a lively, inclusive environment. On the downside, some reviews point out that the shop can get quite busy during peak hours, which might lead to longer waits. A few patrons mention that the quirky and eclectic décor may not suit everyone's taste and that some items on the menu or the concept might feel a bit unusual or niche. However, these critiques tend to be minor compared to the overall positive sentiments expressed. In summary, Fluffy McCloud's is widely appreciated as a delightful, fun ice cream destination and a sociable late-night venue featuring excellent ice cream and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yessenia Reynoso
One of my favorite ice cream places was Ici’s in Berkeley but it suddenly closed a few years ago. I’ve been looking for a place to fill that void and perhaps find closure. Well, I found closure and a new magical ice cream experience in Sunset Blvd. Eating their ice cream for the first time felt like that scene in the film Ratatouille where the food critic takes a bite and flashes back to his childhood. I live 6 hours away, but always make sure to stop by when I’m visiting. I was going to give up ice cream for lent, but knew I wouldn’t be strong enough to skip Fluffy McCloud’s! Already looking forward to my next visit!
Anjalie Butte
Mysterious vibe… hard to put my finger on it. That’s not to say it’s not epic. And the cherry on top- their ice cream freaking rocks! Really appreciate their commitment to sustainability by using no disposable cups or spoons. And you can surely taste the high quality, fresh ingredients. And you’re paying for it!
Liz Khuen
On August it’ll be 2 years since Fluffy McCloud’s arrived to Echo Park! I love this place so much, the vibe is immaculate and the gelato/ice cream quality is out of this world. I come by myself or with my family and each time I visit I fall more in love with this place. Some of my fav things are the cute bench outside the shop, the toys kids can take for free & the hopscotch right in front of the shop’s entrance. The owner is incredibly kind and humble. Fluffy has definetly won a place in the heart of Echo Park’s residents. So many shops and business are closing and it’ll break my heart and leave me devasted if ANYTHING happens to Fluffy McCloud’s. Love you guys and please stay for as long as possible.
Jakob Zetwick
Some of the best ice cream can be found here! I was a bit reluctant at first but after trying a sample of the strawberry ice cream, I was hooked. Got a waffle cone of it and hands down, their waffle cones are the best. It’s the sweet spot of not too soft and not too hard. Best part is the wonderful lady who helped us was extremely friendly. Along with all of this, there is plenty of seating inside and outside. Highly recommend a visit here if you love ice cream!!
Michael Harrold
Double Scoop Waffle Cone / horchata + churro - 5⭐! Fluffy McCloud's in Echo Park is a hidden gem of an ice cream shop run by some highly creative people. It was a delight to visit their shop to try their fresh, all-natural, handmade ice cream. I am glad I saw them on social media because their unassuming storefront is hard to spot if you don't know what you're looking for. In an era dominated by made-for-social-media 'branding', having a plain but elegant storefront is clever. The interior of the shop is reminiscent of a classic ice cream parlor but made for the current era. It is charming, quirky, and has a variety of fun details like the classic jukebox decked out with cow horns or the lotto ticket dispenser in the center of their main counter space. The two clerks running the shop were kind, friendly, and helpful. Another detail I appreciated was that their sample spoons are metal. I had to sample their fresh-milk vanilla because I had never seen something like that before but I settled on churro and horchata for my cone. The ice cream is fresh, creamy and delicious. From what I gather, they rotate flavors and present them in a glass case like a gelato shop. They have vegan flavors and sorbets. While I was there, I saw a table share a banana split and it was one of the most gorgeous ice cream treats I had ever seen. I wasn't brave enough to try one. I was by myself and would not have wanted to let any of it go to waste. Echo Park has tough to find street parking but also this area has large parking lots just off Sunset so parking is never really an issue here. If you are here for any of the amazing restaurants in the area, finish your meal with a delicious ice cream treat from Fluffy's. It is a great spot.
How to reach Fluffy McCloud's
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Why Fluffy McCloud's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Fluffy McCloud’s with your friends? Fluffy McCloud's offers a uniquely nostalgic and playful environment that makes gathering with friends an experience beyond just ice cream. Located in Echo Park, Los Angeles, it channels a retro soda fountain vibe with its vibrant décor, including a jukebox with deer antlers, a quirky gumball machine, and whimsical lamps that evoke a fun, eclectic atmosphere reminiscent of childhood memories and old-school charm. This spot transforms the ordinary outing into a social event, perfect for groups who want to linger, chat, and create memories in a lively yet cozy setting. Since it stays open until midnight, Fluffy McCloud's is also ideal for late-night meetups, giving you and your friends a warm, inviting venue to enjoy desserts after other activities nearby like dining or concerts. The blend of organic, good-quality ice cream with a creative, memorable ambiance encourages everyone in your group to relax and enjoy both the food and each other's company in an environment that’s visually and experientially engaging.
What activities does Fluffy McCloud’s offer that make it perfect for group meetups? Beyond just serving ice cream, Fluffy McCloud’s is a sensory experience that provides activities and features designed to entertain and engage groups. For example, the jukebox allows your party to play favorite tunes, adding a personal soundtrack to your outing. The vintage-style gumball machine, which dispenses novelty items, offers a whimsical touch and sparks playful interactions among friends. The décor itself invites conversation and photo opportunities, making it a popular spot for social media sharing that your group can enjoy together. Since seating indoors can become limited when the shop is busy, many groups opt to sit in the funky animal print booths inside for a cozy and intimate setting or take advantage of the outdoor seating to enjoy the vibrant street atmosphere of Sunset Boulevard. These options make Fluffy McCloud's accommodating to both smaller and larger groups. With its late hours, it doubles as a chill after-hours destination where friends can prolong their night in a comfy, intriguing space that feels like a nostalgic escape from everyday life.
Why is the atmosphere at Fluffy McCloud’s ideal for a fun, memorable meetup? The ambiance at Fluffy McCloud’s is deliberately eclectic and quirky, drawing inspiration from retro Americana with a playful twist. This distinct vibe supports casual and lively gatherings where everyone feels welcome to be themselves. The décor—featuring unique items such as deer antlers on the jukebox and a Saturn-shaped lamp—creates conversation pieces and a sense of discovery that adds to the group dynamic. The shop’s nostalgic look and feel prompt joy and curiosity, which are perfect for breaking the ice or sparking fun debates among friends. Additionally, the varied seating options, from animal print booths indoors to outdoor tables, offer flexibility for different group moods and sizes. Background music selected by patrons via the jukebox helps set a fun or relaxed tone depending on the crowd’s preferences, enhancing the shared experience. This environment naturally lends itself to photo-taking, making it easy for groups to immortalize their night with creative snapshots that capture the vibrant energy of the meetup.
What kind of menu offerings support a great group experience at Fluffy McCloud’s? Fluffy McCloud’s focuses on organic, high-quality ingredients, which justifies its slightly premium pricing and appeals to those who appreciate freshly made, thoughtfully crafted desserts. Their ice cream offerings range from classic flavors to imaginative ones like pistachio and vegan honeydew, catering to diverse palates within a group. Unique options such as the “Princess Cake” flavor, which tastes like marzipan, invite adventurous tasting experiences that can be shared among friends. The shop also offers Instagram-worthy treats such as concha sandwiches with ice cream—these visually striking desserts offer more than just a snack; they present an experience. While these items may come with a higher price tag, many groups find the quality and creativity worth it for special outings. The staff is known to be friendly and nonchalant, sometimes offering tastings that encourage trying new flavors, which is perfect for a group looking to explore multiple tastes together and share recommendations. This inclusive and interactive approach to the menu fosters a communal experience around food.
How does the location and operating hours benefit group meetups at Fluffy McCloud’s? Situated on Sunset Boulevard in the vibrant Echo Park neighborhood, Fluffy McCloud’s is perfectly positioned near other popular nightlife and dining spots, making it an excellent option for a dessert stop after dinner or a party hub after concerts and bar visits. Its late-night hours, operating from afternoon well past midnight on weekends, allow groups to extend their outings without rushing to find a place to gather. The shop’s proximity to venues like El Prado wine bar and the Echoplex music hall means you can seamlessly transition from one fun setting to another. This location in a bustling part of Los Angeles ensures plenty of parking and easy public transit access, which is important for group logistics. The urban setting also adds to the overall energy and excitement of a meetup, as you are in the heart of the city’s cultural and social scene. These timing and location factors combine to make Fluffy McCloud’s both a convenient and appealing choice for groups looking to plan an enjoyable night out with minimal hassle.
What makes the service experience at Fluffy McCloud’s suitable for groups? The staff at Fluffy McCloud’s contributes significantly to the welcoming and lively vibe of the place. Unlike many ice cream shops staffed primarily by teenagers, here the servers are eclectic and confident personalities, sometimes heavily tattooed men who engage with guests in a relaxed, nonchalant manner. This unique service style aligns with the shop’s irreverent and playful atmosphere, making visits feel more personal and less commercial. For groups, this means a more memorable and interactive dining experience where you can ask questions about flavors or request samples without feeling rushed. The employees’ willingness to offer tastes encourages adventurous selections among friends and helps ease indecision in larger parties. This casual, personable service makes the entire gathering feel more comfortable and engaging, a plus when organizing group meetups where everyone wants to feel included and attended to.
How does Fluffy McCloud’s accommodate group size and preferences? While the shop’s indoor seating can be limited during crowded periods, the presence of comfortable animal print booths and outdoor tables provides alternatives for smaller and medium-sized groups to sit together. This flexibility allows for intimate conversations and socializing while enjoying treats, even during busy times. The inviting atmosphere encourages groups to linger, so even if indoor space fills up, sitting outside still keeps you close to the action and the vibe of the neighborhood. For larger groups, guests often use the space as a stop on a multi-venue night out, enjoying dessert here before moving on to nearby bars or music venues. The menu’s variety and the ability to sample flavors also cater well to groups with diverse dietary preferences, including vegans and those seeking organic options. Overall, Fluffy McCloud’s support for mixing indoor coziness with outdoor vibrancy creates an adaptable space where groups of various sizes and tastes can comfortably gather.
Why is Fluffy McCloud’s a unique choice compared to other ice cream shops? Unlike typical ice cream parlors that focus solely on the food, Fluffy McCloud’s integrates an immersive nostalgic theme with a social, interactive environment. From its retro décor laden with playful oddities to a jukebox that allows groups to personally influence the soundtrack for their meetup, it offers more than just dessert—it offers an atmosphere and an experience. The shop’s integration into Echo Park’s lively cultural scene and its popularity on social media as a visually captivating destination add layers to its appeal, especially for groups who enjoy sharing their outings digitally. This combination of a high-quality, eclectic menu, an eye-catching aesthetic, and a laid-back yet vibrant social space sets it apart as not just a place to eat but a place to celebrate friendship and make new memories.
What safety and comfort features enhance the group experience at Fluffy McCloud’s? Considering today’s social climate, it’s important that gathering spots offer safety and comfort. Fluffy McCloud’s offers well-maintained seating both inside and outside, with spacing that can accommodate social distancing when needed. The indoor booths provide a cozy, semi-private space for groups seeking some intimacy, while the outdoor seating benefits from the open-air environment. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, helping to create a relaxed vibe where groups feel at ease. The cleanliness of the establishment complements the organic, high-quality food philosophy, ensuring guests feel confident about the hygiene standards. Moreover, the location in Echo Park within a bustling commercial area means good lighting and street activity, adding to the overall safety for groups arriving or leaving late at night.
How can groups make the most of their visit to Fluffy McCloud’s? To maximize your group experience at Fluffy McCloud’s, consider going during off-peak hours for easier indoor seating, or arrive early on weekends to secure seats in the iconic animal print booths. Bring along your favorite tunes or request the jukebox to keep the music lively and tailored to your preferences, adding a personal soundtrack to your gathering. Plan your menu choices collectively to explore the variety of organic ice cream flavors, and encourage everyone to try creative options or concha sandwiches for an indulgent, sharable treat. Capture the quirky décor and joyful moments with photos for your social media or personal keepsakes. Finally, you might pair your visit with nearby nightlife or dining options on Sunset Boulevard to create a full night out, making Fluffy McCloud’s the sweet centerpiece of a memorable group celebration in Los Angeles.