When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Wanderlust Creamery
Why Wanderlust Creamery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Wanderlust Creamery, founded in 2015 by Adrienne Borlongan and Jon-Patrick Lopez, is a standout ice cream parlor chain based in Southern California known for its unique, globally inspired flavors. With seven locations across the region, Wanderlust Creamery has carved a niche by offering adventurous ice cream experiences rooted in the founders’ passion for travel and cultural tastes. The company’s ice creams are crafted using all-natural dairy, balanced butterfat, and minimal overrun to create indulgent yet light textures. What makes this creamery a fantastic meeting spot for friends is its adventurous menu, which blends flavors from Asia, Europe, South America, and even pop culture references like Game of Thrones, reflecting diverse culinary stories that invite conversation and discovery. The welcoming environment features simple interior seating and a friendly staff who encourage visitors to sample multiple flavors, making it perfect for groups and families. Wanderlust Creamery also offers dairy-free and vegan options, further enhancing its appeal to a broad audience. The brand’s passion is evident in every scoop, as co-founder Adrienne Borlongan, with her food science background and creative approach, continuously experiments to create ice creams inspired by her childhood memories, travels, and Filipino heritage. Their commitment to quality and originality makes it an ideal spot for friends seeking an indulgent yet novel ice cream outing.
Here's what people think of Wanderlust Creamery
As of recent, Wanderlust Creamery holds a 4.6-star rating based on 862 reviews.
Customer reviews of Wanderlust Creamery consistently highlight its creative and international flavor combinations that excite the palate. Many reviewers praise the ability to sample flavors before buying, the quality and texture of the ice cream, and the friendly service. Positive feedback often mentions the unique inspirations behind flavors, such as spicy Mexican chocolate and cinnamon, and appreciates the balance between adventurous tastes and creamy indulgence. The dairy-free and vegan selections are also well received, demonstrating an inclusive approach to dietary needs. However, some negative reviews point to the shop’s straightforward, minimalistic ambiance, which might lack in extensive seating or decor for those expecting a more elaborate dining environment. A few patrons have noted that the pricing can be higher than typical ice cream parlors, likely reflecting the artisanal nature and carefully sourced ingredients. In summary, while the core ice cream product and creative flavor lineup are widely applauded, occasional critiques focus on the setting and cost rather than the quality. Overall, the reviews paint Wanderlust Creamery as an innovative and well-loved destination for ice cream lovers seeking flavors beyond the ordinary.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Gina Ibarrola
Although it is A Fil-Asian American owned creamery, the flavor concoctions are international travel inspired, well thought out with some unexpected and interesting signature and seasonal ice cream selections. It’s slightly on the pricey side and wished the scoops were a bit more at $7.50 for a small cup with two flavors. Thankfully The ice cream is super delicious.
Aida Uy
This is our go to place! Whenever I visit families here my cousins traditional go to place for an ice cream in LA. They have lots of variety for the flavours and seasonal. Friendly staff and atmosphere.
Lisa Nguyen
A very late review but I'll keep it short - one of the best ice creams I've ever had! We stopped by on a Sunday night and the employees were super kind and helpful. They let us try multiple samples and provided recommendations. I love that each flavor is inspired by traveling to different countries and cultures. The Ube and Vietnamese Rocky roads were amazing. I will definitely be visiting again.
Wm R
Saw an IG about this place. In the area and stopped by. Easy location to find. There’s street parking. Indoor and outdoor seating available. There was one employee. She was great answered questions regarding flavors and let me sample a few flavors. The decor is that of travel. Even the menu board is like out of an airport that lists the flights depart/ arrival times. There is no public restroom. They have a trio flavor option. You get 3 smaller scoops so that you can have a variety. I went with this option and had a pistachio, one called Sakura (seasonal inspired by Japan) and a Blueberry Elderberry Gelato (seasonal). The gelato was sooo rich in flavor.
Nam Nguyen
Wanderlust is the best ice cream. Atwater is the best Wanderlust 🙃 Today's double split: Pacific Coast Crunch: how do they keep the cracker jack popcorn crunchy Buontalenti: fluffy amaretto Corn Latte and Olive Oil + Salted Date: flavors bloom on the palate like fine perfume
How to reach Wanderlust Creamery
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Why Wanderlust Creamery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Wanderlust Creamery with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at Wanderlust Creamery is an irresistible invitation to embark on a unique and flavorful adventure together. This ice cream shop isn’t just about classic scoops; it’s a celebration of global cultures captured in playful, inventive flavors inspired by ingredients from around the world. Whether you and your group are ice cream aficionados or adventurous eaters, Wanderlust Creamery offers a conversation-starting experience that goes beyond typical dessert outings. The vibrant atmosphere coupled with thoughtfully crafted, exotic flavors makes it a perfect place to bond over shared moments of discovery and delight. Plus, with a strong rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 860 reviews, the quality is consistently praised, giving you confidence that everyone in your group will find something to love. It caters to diverse palates and dietary needs alike, with vegan and allergen-friendly options, ensuring no one is left out. Meeting up here means not only indulging in great ice cream but also creating memorable stories around flavors inspired by travels near and far—a true rallying point for friends and family who appreciate both taste and togetherness.
What activities can you enjoy at Wanderlust Creamery that make it ideal for a group meetup?
Wanderlust Creamery thrives as a social hub where communal delights extend beyond just eating ice cream. As a group, you can immerse yourselves in the exploration of a curated selection of rotating flavors that spotlight global culinary inspiration—from Thai Tea and Ube Malted Crunch (Philippines) to sticky rice & mango and a distinctive Vietnamese Coffee, each with detailed descriptions helping you travel through taste. Sampling is an activity in itself: while previously generous, small tasting portions allow you to compare and contrast multiple unique offerings, sparking lively discussions about favorites. The shop encourages sharing by design—whether you’re kids, foodies, or someone with dietary restrictions, so everyone can try multiple flavors during your visit.
The atmosphere at Wanderlust Creamery is clean, modern, and casual, with minimalist décor that prevents sensory overload and keeps the focus on the delicious ice cream and your company. Their spacious footprint with limited but cozy seating areas fosters intimacy and easy conversation among your group. The places scattered across LA, including Atwater Village and Venice locations, give you options for meetup spots based on convenience and vibe. Special seasonal flavors like their Game of Cones series, inspired by popular culture, add a fun, thematic twist for special occasions, making your visit feel like an event. This combination of unique tastes and a convivial setting makes the experience interactive and perfect for groups looking to connect over something extraordinary.
How do Wanderlust Creamery’s unique flavors cater to different tastes and dietary preferences for groups?
One of the standout features of Wanderlust Creamery is its dedication to creativity and inclusivity in flavor profiles, making it easy for groups with diverse tastes and dietary needs to enjoy together. Unlike typical ice cream shops, every flavor is thoughtfully inspired by world cuisines, such as England’s Earl Grey tea, Malaysian white coffee, and Iceland’s pretzel and rye crumb, inviting your palate to explore a new cultural story behind every scoop. This creativity appeals perfectly to adventurous eaters who crave experiences beyond mere sweetness.
Moreover, Wanderlust Creamery offers a selection of vegan and dairy-free options, which is particularly valuable if you’re meeting with friends who have allergies or dietary restrictions. Reviews highlight that even customers with gluten, soy, and dairy allergies have found enjoyable safe choices here, making it a rare inclusive treat spot. The balance in their ice cream also stands out—flavors rarely overwhelm with sweetness but instead feature harmony between ingredients, such as the perfect mango with rice or the lightly bitter hints in their Vietnamese Coffee. This balance ensures that all group members will find something satisfying, from those who favor classic creamy textures to others who prefer refreshing sorbets.
Are there amenities or events at Wanderlust Creamery that enhance group experiences?
Aside from its daily offerings, Wanderlust Creamery regularly rolls out new, seasonal, and even pop-culture-themed flavors that can turn an ordinary meetup into a special event. For instance, their “Game of Cones” seasonal flavor lineup creatively ties in elements from the famous series Game of Thrones, offering flavors like Dragon Glace (dark chocolate and Russian imperial stout beer sorbet) and Crème of the Poppy (French coquelicot liqueur with poppy seeds). These limited-time options not only excite regular customers but also provide fresh reasons to gather and celebrate something new together.
The shop’s open, casual setting also encourages relaxed meetups where groups can linger to savor tastes, take photos, or plan future outings. Many patrons appreciate the clean and spacious environment, which suits small to medium-size groups comfortably. The multiple locations around Los Angeles further allow flexibility in planning meetups according to convenience and ambiance preferred. Although some reviews note occasional service slowdowns, most customers emphasize the friendliness and passion of the owners and staff, which fosters a welcoming vibe. This combination of rotating creative experiences, comfortable surroundings, and a community focus makes Wanderlust Creamery more than a dessert stop—it’s a social outing destination for groups.
Why is Wanderlust Creamery a standout choice compared to other ice cream shops for meetups with family and friends?
Wanderlust Creamery distinguishes itself in the crowded LA ice cream scene through its fusion of travel-inspired flavors, quality ingredients, and an inclusive menu that caters to a wide gamut of customers. Unlike traditional ice cream parlors that focus mainly on classic vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, Wanderlust takes you on a global journey with every cone. This elevates the act of getting ice cream from a simple treat to an educational and cultural adventure that can be enjoyed in good company, perfect for groups wanting a more engaging experience.
Its commendable 4.6-star rating from over 860 reviewers attests to consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Where some establishments might falter in service, Wanderlust’s passion for unique flavors and customer delight generally shines through. The accessibility of multiple locations in the LA area, including trendy neighborhoods like Atwater Village, Venice, and Tarzana, also makes rendezvousing here easy and convenient for locals and visitors alike. Furthermore, their commitment to accommodate dietary restrictions ensures no one feels excluded, which is crucial for family gatherings or groups of close friends with varying needs. With changing seasonal flavors that keep the menu exciting and the opportunity to try a variety of international influences, Wanderlust Creamery offers a richness of experience and taste that few other ice cream shops match.
In summary, if you're considering a place to host your next gathering with friends or family, Wanderlust Creamery provides an inviting, culturally rich, and deliciously unique environment. From sampling worldly flavors in a comfortable setting to enjoying inclusive options for everyone, it transforms a simple ice cream treat into a memorable group experience worthy of repeat visits.