When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
The Dolly Llama
Why The Dolly Llama is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Dolly Llama is a vibrant and innovative dessert shop known for its unique take on bubble waffles, premium artisan ice cream, and playful atmosphere, making it an exceptional place to meet up with friends. Founded in 2017 by real estate leader Eric Shomof and European restaurateur Samuel Baroux, The Dolly Llama was inspired by a real llama named Dolly from a farm in the South of France, infusing the brand with a sense of warmth and fun. Its locations across Los Angeles and recently in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, offer a colorful, llama-themed décor featuring pastel colors and quirky artwork that create an inviting and Instagram-worthy ambiance. The signature bubble waffles are distinctly different from typical waffles and are served with creative toppings and unique ice cream flavors including vegan options, encouraging guests to build their own custom desserts. The menu also includes Dolly Llama shakes, waffle sticks, and classic Liege waffles, catering to a wide range of tastes. This interactive and aesthetically pleasing environment makes The Dolly Llama a delightful spot for families, date nights, students, and anyone looking to uplift their mood with delicious, artfully prepared desserts. The shop’s engaging and cheerful setting combined with quality ingredients and innovative culinary creations make it a popular and memorable gathering place for friends and dessert lovers alike.
Here's what people think of The Dolly Llama
As of recent, The Dolly Llama holds a 4.6-star rating based on 600 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Dolly Llama overwhelmingly praise its innovative and delicious desserts, particularly the unique bubble waffles paired with flavorful artisan ice cream. The positive feedback highlights the exceptional quality of the fresh ingredients and the creative combinations of toppings that provide a distinct twist on traditional desserts. Many reviewers also appreciate the vibrant, llama-themed interior design and welcoming atmosphere, noting that it not only offers tasty treats but also serves as a fun and visually appealing social destination perfect for photo opportunities and casual gatherings. Customers mention the friendly service and the diversity of options, including vegan flavors, as notable advantages. On the other hand, some negative reviews occasionally mention the shop’s location being somewhat tucked away or harder to find, especially in newer markets like Mount Pleasant, and a few guests comment on the wait times during peak hours due to the shop’s popularity. There are also remarks from a small number of visitors who wished for a broader variety of savory options or expressed that prices can be on the higher side for a casual dessert spot. Overall, the consensus reflects that The Dolly Llama delivers a joyful and high-quality dessert experience that more than compensates for minor shortcomings. It remains a favored destination for anyone seeking inventive ice cream and waffle combinations in an engaging and upbeat setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tyler Huff
Great selection of ice-cream and other desserts. You can even sample the flavors before choosing. Service is great and super friendly staff. Parking is horrendous.
Logan Blandamer
10/10 great experience! My wife and I were on our 1 year anniversary trip and decided to stop here after walking in the heat all day. Very friendly and fast service, and lots of custom options as well as simple ice cream. When the man found out it was our anniversary he made us a special ice cream for free, and it was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this place! After some time of stuffing our faces with ice cream, he also brought us more samples to try, shakes that were amazing.
Tom Leecock
Transcendental ice cream shop justifiably famous for its selection of waffle cones, into which are ladaled mammoth scoops of very rich ice cream. Cone or not, the ice cream flavors and selections stand out on their own. A rear parking garage provides ample access in a crowded area, so there is nothing to dissuade you from visiting this top notch neighborhood sweet spot.
Heath Langford
The folks at The Dolly Llama were welcoming, proactively talking us through the menu and offering samples when they learned we were first timers. Ice creams are delicious, the waffles are fresh, and great care is put into building each confection. My wife and I enjoyed our bubble waffle treats and would go back again. Parking was easier to find than expected, and there are no restrooms available for customers.
pivolopez
Super tasty treats! They have the special bubble waffle cones (other options if you don't want that), and they fill you up with all the goods! I had a shake, but my wife tried the Sugar and Spice, and it was huge. It's definitely worth a try if you are near and like something sweet!
How to reach The Dolly Llama
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Website: None
Why The Dolly Llama may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Dolly Llama with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a fun and memorable outing is a highlight of any social calendar, and The Dolly Llama offers an exceptional venue to do just that. With a stellar rating of 4.6 from over 600 reviews, this vibrant dessert haven is much more than your typical ice cream shop. It combines an inventive menu, a lively atmosphere, and a welcoming communal vibe that naturally draws groups looking to share sweet experiences and good times. Whether you crave a classic scoop or want to indulge in their famous bubble waffles topped with a dizzying array of fresh, colorful ingredients, The Dolly Llama appeals to all ages and tastes. It caters to diverse groups — families, friends, and casual meetups — providing an environment where laughter, creativity, and delicious treats converge. Plus, the shop's trendy design and energetic branding add to the experience, encouraging guests to “Shake What Your Llama Gave Ya!” This place is perfectly suited to making any gathering special, whether it’s a casual hangout or a celebratory occasion.
What unique activities and treats does The Dolly Llama offer for group meetups?
At the heart of The Dolly Llama’s appeal lies its inventive dessert menu that redefines the traditional ice cream outing. The shop’s signature item is its bubble waffles, a unique twist on Belgian waffles, featuring a soft, pillowy texture formed into spherical bubbles. These waffles serve as a delectable base for ice cream creations, allowing groups to build their own custom desserts from a vast range of toppings including fresh fruits, candies, syrups, and nuts. The creative freedom to construct personalized treats fosters fun interactions among friends, sparking excitement as everyone crafts their "crazy creation." Additionally, The Dolly Llama serves classic Belgian waffles and American-style ice cream by the scoop or in cups, accommodating different preferences. The availability of refreshing shakes and specialty coffee ensures even those not in the mood for sweets can enjoy themselves. This variety supports group members with diverse tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile destination for gatherings.
How does the atmosphere and space at The Dolly Llama enhance group experiences?
The Dolly Llama boasts a cool, contemporary, and colorful environment that makes it inviting for social gatherings. The stylish interior design exudes a relaxed yet vibrant energy, ideal for friends and family to lounge comfortably and engage. The spacious seating arrangements accommodate small and medium-sized groups, providing a cozy yet lively backdrop to dessert indulgence. The shop is family-friendly and even dog-friendly, welcoming all members of your social circle, including four-legged friends. Non-smoking policies and attentive service contribute to a pleasant atmosphere where conversation and laughter thrive. For groups planning parties or special meetups, The Dolly Llama offers event hosting options with the possibility of reserving the entire shop for a private gathering, ensuring noise and space control for celebrations. Street parking availability simplifies logistics for those arriving by car, adding to the convenience of meeting here.
What specials and promotions make The Dolly Llama an affordable and exciting choice for friends?
Regular customers are treated to enticing promotions that make visiting The Dolly Llama even more appealing for groups. For example, the shop offers a popular BOGO (Buy One Get One) deal on its $5 ice cream cups every Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm, encouraging midweek meetups without breaking the bank. Seasonal and holiday-themed desserts refresh the menu throughout the year, providing reasons to revisit and discover new creations tied to festive occasions such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas. These thoughtful promotions not only add value but also inspire themed gatherings and celebrations, making the venue an ongoing favorite for repeated social outings. Online ordering with pickup and delivery options also eases the planning process for group meetups, letting friends decide between visiting the shop or enjoying The Dolly Llama’s magic at home.
What makes The Dolly Llama a standout franchise and community partner?
Beyond its tasty treats and inviting space, The Dolly Llama stands out in the market due to its strong brand identity and community involvement. The franchise emphasizes quality and innovation, delivering fresh, artisan-made ice cream paired with expertly crafted liege and bubble waffles. Its commitment to marketing, social media engagement, and local public relations ensures it remains a beloved and relevant community member. Franchise owners receive extensive support to maintain high standards and foster successful operations, reflecting in the consistency that customers admire. Additionally, The Dolly Llama actively participates in community fundraisers and campaigns, strengthening its connection with local patrons and offering more reasons for groups to rally here. This combination of fun, flavor, and community engagement makes The Dolly Llama a truly special place for friends and families to meet, celebrate, and create lasting memories.