When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Magpies Softserve
Why Magpies Softserve is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Magpies Softserve is a chef-owned dessert shop based in Los Angeles, celebrated for its innovative approach to softserve ice cream. Founded by Warren and Rose Schwartz, both classically trained chefs, Magpies reimagines softserve as a crafted culinary delight made entirely from scratch. Unlike traditional softserve shops relying on premade mixes, Magpies creates every flavor and topping in-house, using real ingredients that emphasize quality and authenticity. Their rotating menu features dairy, non-dairy, and vegan options, ensuring everyone can find something delicious. Beyond softserve, Magpies is renowned for its handmade Softserve Pies, which combine their creamy softserve with chef-made crusts and layered, thoughtful toppings that have become a signature offering. With several locations in Los Angeles, including Silver Lake, Highland Park, and Tarzana, Magpies serves as a vibrant neighborhood gathering place where friends come together to enjoy inventive desserts delivered with warmth and hospitality. Their commitment to flavor, texture, and artisanal craft makes Magpies an exceptional spot to savor nostalgic yet modern dessert experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Magpies Softserve
As of recent, Magpies Softserve holds a 4.4-star rating based on 123 reviews.
Customers generally praise Magpies Softserve for its unique and high-quality flavors, with many reviewers highlighting the malt chocolate flavor and the creativity behind each seasonal and classic offering. Reviewers appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff who enhance the overall experience, as well as the inviting ambiance at their locations. The rotating menu and availability of vegan and non-dairy options are also frequently mentioned as positives, making Magpies accessible to a diverse audience. Positive reviews underscore the originality of the flavors, the fresh, scratch-made toppings, and the inviting community vibe that Magpies cultivates around its dessert bars. Some negative reviews note a desire for quicker service during busy times and occasional inconsistencies in texture or flavor intensity, though these critiques are relatively infrequent. A few customers found the pricing higher than some casual dessert shops but generally felt the quality justified the expense. Overall, the reviews convey that Magpies Softserve succeeds in delivering an exceptional, chef-driven softserve experience that delights patrons and encourages repeat visits, affirming their role as a beloved local dessert destination.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
J C
Nice little spot on the north side of York Blvd. They’re known for their pies and soft serve. They have a few tables inside and a couple tables outside. Small variety of bottled drinks available as well. Service was good and the place was kept pretty clean. Vegan and Gluten free options, but no reduced sugar options. Didn’t see a bathroom available for customers though. There’s a paid parking lot right around the corner and street parking.
Andalib Maani
I used to go to magpies all the time; their pie slices were amazing and generous. Nowadays it's less than half the cream on the top... Consider each size is $11. How much money are they saving by skimping out on the cream at the top? Just look at all the old images and compare them to mine. Not going again. Heartbroken.
Androj Nazarian
It’s good place to have delicious pie or ice cream only they need to choose better person to do the customer service my visit it was this young men with no patient and some How rude any way just my recommendation .
Sara L
I want to amazing this location is. There is always really friendly staff like today luvia helped me out. A business is appreciated by the people that work it and she represents quality customer service. Much appreciated always returning
Eva Komarkova
Loved the vegan ube flavor. The Pies look so amazing! I cannot believe it is vegan and many times also gluten-free! And it's great that they are open till so late! Awesome. The young man serving us felt like he is unhappy to do his job. He was not rude but clearly not serving happily, which is a bit shame.
How to reach Magpies Softserve
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Why Magpies Softserve may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Magpies Softserve with your friends?
Magpies Softserve stands out as the ideal spot to gather with your friends for a memorable outing because it combines exquisite, handcrafted desserts with a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages social connection. If you are searching for a place to rally your group where everyone can indulge in creamy, delicious soft serve or innovative soft serve pies, Magpies delivers on those cravings with a quality and care that is hard to find elsewhere. The chef-owned business prides itself on scratch-made soft serve using real ingredients, presenting both classic and inventive flavors that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, including vegan options. The excitement of sharing unique and delightful desserts fosters a fun and communal experience, perfect for catching up or celebrating together. Its reputation for remarkable taste and creativity ensures that your meetup will be not only enjoyable but also a culinary adventure. Whether your friends are dessert aficionados or just casually seeking a sweet treat, Magpies Softserve’s thoughtful menu and friendly vibe make it a prime destination to gather, laugh, and create lasting memories.
What activities can groups enjoy at Magpies Softserve?
While Magpies Softserve primarily focuses on crafting top-notch frozen desserts, the experience itself offers multiple activities that can enhance your group’s visit. The centerpiece is obviously the shared joy of sampling an array of soft serve flavors and creative soft serve pies, which encourages comparisons and discussions among friends about favorite tastes and textures. Sampling is an activity in itself: the place offers a rotating roster of approximately six vegan soft-serve flavors made from various plant-based milks such as oat, coconut, rice, and almond, giving the group plenty to explore and debate. The pies, known for being addictive and memorable, provide a perfect way for friends to share slices and engage in delightfully indulgent conversation.
Beyond the eating, Magpies Softserve’s welcoming setting allows groups to relax and enjoy each other’s company, even if seating is limited. Many visitors appreciate the friendly staff, which helps foster a communal, hospitable atmosphere. For groups looking to extend their meetup, ordering a variety of desserts to share adds a layer of interaction and enjoyment, as friends can trade bites or make collective decisions on what to try next. Some locations provide options for takeout or gift cards, perfect for groups who want to continue their Magpies experience beyond the shop.
Why is Magpies Softserve perfect for group meetups?
Magpies Softserve’s combination of unique culinary offerings and accommodating ambiance makes it perfectly suited for group meetups. The spacious layout with parking available at some locations adds convenience, making it easy to bring friends and family without the hassle of difficult access. The adjustable hours, typically open until 10 or 11 PM depending on location, provide flexible timing options to fit different group schedules, from afternoon hangouts to late night dessert runs. With its casual pricing and high-quality products, it offers an accessible indulgence without feeling overly formal or restrictive.
Another compelling reason to choose Magpies for group gatherings is its inclusive menu catered to diverse dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian friendly options. This consideration means that no one in your group has to compromise on taste or diet restrictions, ensuring a pleasant experience for all. The innovative flavors and artisanal approach to soft serve make every visit feel special and unique, sparking conversations and shared excitement. Whether celebrating birthdays, finishing a group outing with a sweet note, or simply enjoying a spontaneous social break, Magpies Softserve creates a natural space for connection. The combination of exceptional desserts, friendly service, and a welcoming environment make this business a standout choice for meaningful meetups with friends or family.
What unique flavors and desserts can groups expect to sample?
Magpies Softserve is celebrated for its creative approach to dessert, and groups who visit can expect to explore a range of unique, scratch-made soft serve flavors that change regularly. The shop prides itself on using housemade ice cream bases crafted by its chefs, which means every bite showcases deep, authentic flavor and freshness. The rotating menu often includes inventive plant-based options such as corn almond, maple coconut toppings, and other unexpected yet delicious flavor combinations that delight both vegans and dairy lovers alike.
The standout feature is the soft serve pies, an innovative twist where the soft serve takes pie form—often fried or layered with complementary ingredients—which has received high praise from patrons as "the best pie they've ever tasted." These pies add a dynamic dimension to the dessert experience, increasing the variety of textures and tastes available to groups sharing their selections. With vegan toppings like fudge and diverse base flavors, each visit can feel like a new adventure in frozen indulgence. This dynamic approach ensures that every member of your group can discover something to delight their palate and even find new favorites to return for.
What makes Magpies Softserve’s customer experience exceptional?
Magpies Softserve doesn’t just excel in product quality—it also offers a customer experience that makes group visits smoother and more enjoyable. The staff are frequently noted for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere that encourages groups to linger and savor their desserts together. The business works hard to ensure dietary considerations are respected, providing clear options for vegan and vegetarian guests, and using clean-label toppings that add transparency and peace of mind to dietary choices.
The locations are designed to accommodate group meetups with convenience in mind, featuring easy parking where available and accessibility considerations such as wheelchair access. Several locations across Los Angeles make it convenient for groups in various neighborhoods to find a Magpies Softserve nearby. With flexible hours that extend into the evening, the shop fits into various social timetables, ideal for after-dinner desserts or weekend outings. Their availability of gift cards means groups can share the gift of a sweet experience with others, extending the feeling of community beyond the visit. Magpies pays attention to both product and guest care, making it a friendly destination that supports memorable social moments.
How can Magpies Softserve fit into your next social event or celebration?
Magpies Softserve offers more than just a casual dessert stop—it can be a highlight for social events or celebrations with friends and family. Whether you’re marking a birthday, hosting a casual get-together, or looking for a refreshing venue to cool off on a warm day, Magpies’ inventive menu and appealing ambiance make it an excellent gathering spot. Their delicately crafted soft serve pies can serve as unique, memorable alternatives to traditional birthday cakes, adding a creative flair to celebrations.
Groups can customize their orders, sampling varied flavors and toppings to satisfy all tastes and preferences, which turns dessert time into an interactive and engaging activity. Their approach to both dairy and vegan selections ensures everyone has something special to enjoy, fostering inclusion in every celebration. Taking advantage of their gift cards and group-friendly ordering options can also simplify planning. The mix of consistency in quality and innovation in treats guarantees that your social event at Magpies Softserve will be talked about long after your visit, making it a compelling choice for hosting your next meetup or party with friends and family.