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, stands out as a captivating ice cream destination in Southern California offering a remarkable journey of flavors inspired by global cultures and travel experiences. With seven locations across the region, including in Los Angeles neighborhoods and Irvine, the creamery invites friends and families to gather in welcoming spaces that blend cozy atmospheres with artisanal craftsmanship. Highlights include an assortment of innovative ice cream flavors such as Japanese Neapolitan, Thai Tea, Ube Malted Crunch, Australian Pavlova, Hawaiian Toast with Guava Jam, and the popular Vietnamese Rocky Road, showcasing a spirit of international fusion rarely found in typical ice cream parlors. The shop encourages exploration by allowing patrons to sample many flavors, complemented by options like vegan-friendly waffle cones and sampler packs that enable tasting multiple flavors in one visit. The interior offers comfortable seating, sometimes with window views of vibrant street scenes, making it an ideal hangout spot for conversation and relaxation. Additionally, Wanderlust Creamery's dedication to cultural homage is evident in flavors inspired by Filipino heritage, collaborations with personalities like Bretman Rock, and thematic creations referencing pop culture phenomena such as Game of Thrones. This combination of unique tastes, creative concept, and convivial environments makes Wanderlust Creamery a sought-after place for friends to meet, share, and enjoy exceptional frozen treats together.
Here's what people think of Wanderlust Creamery
As of recent, Wanderlust Creamery holds a 4.5-star rating based on 158 reviews.
Customer feedback for Wanderlust Creamery is largely positive, reflected in its strong 4.5-star rating from 158 reviews. Many patrons praise the creamery's inventive and internationally inspired flavor combinations, applauding its effort to provide signature tastes that differ from conventional ice cream shops. The opportunity to sample flavors before ordering is consistently described as a welcoming feature, allowing guests to explore and discover favorites such as the spicy Mexican chocolate and innovative Vietnamese Rocky Road. Reviewers also note the friendly and helpful staff, comfortable seating arrangements, and accessibility including parking options, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Positive reviews emphasize the creamery’s authenticity in capturing global tastes, the quality and richness of the ice cream, and the value in trying unique flavors that evoke a sense of adventure and cultural diversity. Conversely, some negative feedback points to the serving size being smaller than expected, leading a few customers to feel that the price does not fully match quantity. A few reviews mention that while the flavors are excellent, the scoop sizes could be more generous to enhance customer satisfaction. Despite this, most agree that the quality and novelty justify the cost. In conclusion, Wanderlust Creamery earns high praise for its creative flavor journeys, inclusive atmosphere, and engaging service, making it a beloved spot for ice cream enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary, even as a few customers hope for more substantial portions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jenae Lien
THE best ice cream flavors can be found here at Wanderlust. They have flavors from all over the world and they’re all so unique and delicious. I absolutely love their Neapolitan Japanese flavor that has an incredible bittersweet matcha woven in with houjicha and black sesame. Their popular Ube comes with crunchy malted pieces, it’s so good. Not only are the colors vibrant but it tastes like cereal milk to me and I am such a fan. Enjoy ice cream in a cup or cone/waffle cup or as a milkshake! They even have Ube waffle cups ☺️✨ They have rotating seasonal flavors. You can take pints home, and their employees are always so nice and let you try a bunch of flavors! Shout out to Sophia - she was super helpful in recommending flavors for our first time there and made the best milkshake in their milkshake maker 🤗 You can find parking along the street. They’re open late til 11PM on most nights, a perfect way to end the night 🫶
hili noi
Wanderlust Ice Cream is a must-visit! The warm and welcoming atmosphere added to the experience, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a treat. The staff was so kind, letting us sample several flavors before we chose. We went with some unique options, and each one was absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to come back!
Andre Rivera
I love the flavors Wanderlust offers - many of them remind me of home and my childhood. My personal favorites are the Ube Malted Crunch and the Pandan Tres Leches. I also love the Halo Halo, but it does go quickly so get there early! I highly recommend this place for ice cream that’s unique and different from what you would find at your bigger chain ice cream store. I always have a wonderful experience at the 3rd street location. Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting Queen who helped us step out of our comfort zones and introduced some new flavors. We weren’t disappointed! Her enthusiasm and friendly customer service made the experience enjoyable. I highly recommend the Matcha Mont Blanc Monaca which is a delicious ice cream sandwich with a matcha drizzle. The sans rival ice cream was also good- definitely a taste of my childhood. It was a welcome introduction to new flavors but I’m also forward to coming back just to have my regular favorites.
Jessica Taylor
Tried some wild flavors like basil lemon and wowww it actually worked! The basil added a fresh herbal zing that surprisingly balanced the citrus. The shop feels creative and their seasonal varieties keep things interesting, think ube malted crunch or mango sticky rice. Only downside the lines can get long on weekends but overall, a great spot for adventurous ice cream lovers.
Kiran Singh
We stopped here after dinner & man this place has some unique flavors! They had a Diwali flavor that tasted like cheesecake & gulab jamun. Also vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. Staff was friendly & it’s a fast casual ambiance. Their flavors are seasonal so will have to come back to try more !
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? Wanderlust Creamery offers much more than just ice cream; it brings a unique and adventurous experience rooted in exploration and diverse flavors inspired by the world’s culinary traditions. The atmosphere is inspired by travel and curiosity, where every scoop tells a story from a different place on the globe. For friends seeking a vibrant spot to share and savor creative tastes, this is the ideal venue. Imagine gathering your group to sample gelatos featuring flavors like Ube Malted Crunch from the Philippines or Thai Tea, all crafted with fresh, thoughtfully curated ingredients. Beyond the quality of ice cream, Wanderlust fosters a communal space that invites conversation, exploration, and discovery. Whether you’re sharing small tastes on housemade waffle cones or trying the intriguing seasonal “Game of Cones” lineup, this place turns an ordinary meetup into a memorable journey. Its 4.5-star rating across over 150 reviews reflects consistent customer satisfaction, especially for those eager to dive into novel flavor combinations that spark excitement and conversation. In sum, Wanderlust Creamery perfectly blends indulgence with adventure, making it a superb rallying point for friends and family who appreciate quality, creativity, and culture in every bite.
What unique flavor experiences can groups share at Wanderlust Creamery?
Wanderlust Creamery stands apart because of its bold, globally inspired ice cream flavors that transform a simple dessert outing into a culinary adventure. Groups visiting this creamery can explore about 18 to 22 rotating ice cream selections that shift monthly, giving every meetup a fresh experience. These flavors translate ingredients and culinary influences from countries around the world into ice cream masterpieces. For example, their signature Ube Malted Crunch brings the vibrant essence of the Philippines with a malted cereal crunch and creamy ube base, while the Icelandic-inspired Pretzel and Rye Crumbs offer a subtle, savory twist that surprises the palate. Beyond traditional offerings, guests can sample exotic creations like Thai Tea, French coquelicot liqueur-infused varieties, and even vegan sorbets featuring ingredients like Russian imperial stout and dark chocolate. Because samples are generously offered, it’s easy for a group to taste-test many flavors before committing to their favorites, making the experience interactive and communal. This emphasis on bold, crafted flavors encourages lively discussion and discovery as friends compare favorites and share surprising sensations, creating a memorable social experience grounded in indulgence and cultural curiosity.
How does Wanderlust Creamery accommodate group meetups and social gatherings?
While Wanderlust Creamery is primarily an artisan ice cream shop, it is thoughtfully designed to serve groups looking to gather and enjoy their time. The spacious footprint of some locations allows for limited but comfortable seating where groups can sit together without feeling overcrowded. This intimate yet open environment fosters conversation and interaction, perfect for friends catching up or families celebrating a day out. The option to order multiple half-scoops or “test cones” enables everyone to sample various flavors without ordering full portions, which works well for groups wanting to share and compare. Walk-in flexibility means groups can drop by without needing a reservation, making it ideal for spontaneous meetups. Although some reviews have noted occasional variability in service, the overall atmosphere remains welcoming, especially for those who value the quality and creativity of the ice cream itself over formality. Additionally, with rotating menus and seasonal offerings like the well-loved “Game of Cones” series inspired by popular culture, there is always something new to talk about and taste, keeping the energy and excitement high during group visits.
What activities beyond tasting can groups enjoy at Wanderlust Creamery?
Beyond simply indulging in ice cream, Wanderlust Creamery offers an experience that taps into the joy of discovery and shared curiosity. The creamery’s thematic inspirations provide a unique backdrop for activities such as flavor guessing games, where friends challenge each other to identify ingredients or the country represented by each flavor. This playful engagement enhances social bonding and makes the visit more interactive. The creamery occasionally introduces special seasonal or limited-edition flavors with backstories linked to places or pop culture—like their creative Game of Cones winter lineup inspired by Westeros—adding a thematic twist that groups can appreciate together. These offerings invite conversation not only about taste but also cultural references, enriching the meetup with a multi-sensory dimension. Photos and social media sharing naturally flow from visiting such an Instagram-worthy spot, allowing groups to create memories beyond the palate. Further, Wanderlust’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients promotes a relaxed but refined tasting experience, making it a perfect venue for celebrations, casual hangouts, or even informal food education among family or friends.
Why is Wanderlust Creamery the perfect choice for family-friendly outings?
Families seeking a destination that balances adventurous eating with comfort will find Wanderlust Creamery particularly appealing. Its welcoming atmosphere and unique but approachable flavors allow children and adults alike to explore new tastes without pressure. The opportunity to sample as many flavors as they like before deciding helps accommodate picky eaters and curious youngsters, promoting inclusivity and shared enjoyment. The fresh waffle cones and classic cup options cater to traditional preferences while encouraging openness to innovative choices, such as fruit-infused sorbets that are dairy-free. Though some customer service reviews vary, many families appreciate the friendlier staff interactions and attentive service at certain locations. The bright, inviting spaces and imaginative flavor names linked to stories from around the world make the experience educational and fun for kids, sparking questions and laughter. Above all, Wanderslust Creamery’s dedication to quality and freshness assures parents that their family is savoring not just any ice cream, but a thoughtfully crafted treat worth gathering around.
How does Wanderlust Creamery support foodies and adventurous palates in group settings?
For food enthusiasts and groups of adventurous eaters, Wanderlust Creamery is a treasure trove of innovative flavor combinations and thoughtful craftsmanship. Each flavor’s ingredient list is carefully researched and labeled with notes detailing its global inspiration, offering a mini culinary lesson alongside the tasting. Groups drawn to trying new foods, or those who appreciate artisan food science, will enjoy the deliberate balance of familiar tastes and exotic twists. From the smoky bitterness of chocolate with Vietnamese coffee nuances to the rich creaminess of olive oil paired with chocolate-dipped baguette from Catalonia, the depth of flavors invites serious palate exploration. Constant menu rotation ensures that even repeat visitors find new surprises and challenges, encouraging groups to return and taste-test new arrivals together. This dynamic environment makes Wanderlust Creamery a hub for social food discovery, perfect for friends who share a passion for cooking, flavor science, or simply pushing their taste boundaries in a relaxed setting.
What makes the seasonal “Game of Cones” lineup a great group experience?
Wanderlust Creamery’s seasonal “Game of Cones” series is a brilliant example of how they creatively engage customers beyond traditional ice cream offerings. Inspired by the popular TV series "Game of Thrones," these limited-edition flavors deepen the thematic experience, turning a dessert outing into a cultural event perfectly suited for groups. The lineup includes imaginative flavors such as “Winter Is Here," an oatmeal ice cream with honey caramel aged in scotch, and “Dragon Glace,” a dark chocolate and stout sorbet that caters to vegan preferences. Other flavors like “Crème of the Poppy” and “Children of the Forest Fruits” incorporate intriguing ingredients such as French coquelicot liqueur and wild forest berries, respectively. The storytelling through flavor promotes group discussions, debates over favorite houses and characters, and opportunities to create themed meetups or celebrations. The imaginative, bold flavor profiles, coupled with their storytelling element, make the Game of Cones not just a tasting experience but a social adventure that strengthens bonds through shared enjoyment and fandom culture.
How does Wanderlust Creamery’s design and service enhance group meetups?
Wanderlust Creamery shops are designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that highlights the creative artistry of their ice cream, though seating can be somewhat limited depending on location. The store layout encourages guests to engage with the menu and sample flavors at their leisure. Some reviews mention that service quality can fluctuate, with occasional issues such as small sample sizes or curt interactions, but these shortcomings tend to be overshadowed by the high-quality product and unique flavor journey. For groups prepared to focus on the experience of taste and discovery, rather than formal dining, the casual and open design works well. The staff usually provide detailed flavor descriptions and suggestions, which can help groups make informed and adventurous choices. The availability of housemade waffle cones adds a tactile, interactive element to the experience. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed enough for spontaneous gatherings, fostering social connection over shared sensory delights, making it well suited for group meetups looking for a unique food outing.
Wanderlust Creamery, with its imaginative urban flavors, inviting atmosphere, and dynamic rotating menu, holds a special place for groups of friends and families eager to turn an everyday ice cream run into an unforgettable social adventure.