Nestled in the buzzing Grand Central Market, this cherished spot serves up rich, sustainably crafted ice creams in both classic and inventive flavors.
"This Santa Barbara original has been making ice cream for 70 years, and it shows. They know their way around the classics (the vanilla bean is a real best-in-show) but also make fancier flavors like boysenberry rosé milk jam. They have locations in Grand Central Market, Studio City, and Pacific Palisades, and also do nationwide shipping. Always get the turkish coffee flavor." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins, jess basser sanders
"Originating in the cool California coastal town of Santa Barbara, McConnell’s made its way to Downtown Los Angeles to please the bellies of ardent Angeleno’s. Serving the finest flavors cultivated from grass-grazed dairy enhanced by sustainable, organic, and raw ingredients, McConnell’s is the perfect delight after fanciful feasting at one of the market’s other purveyors. Famed flavors include the Eureka Lemon & Marionberries, Churros Con Leche, and Salted Caramel Chip." - Canopy
"You’ve probably seen McConnell’s tubs in a grocery store, which means you definitely put them in your shopping cart, therefore you know why the line at this ice cream spot is always so long. You could go for a scoop (boysenberry rose milk jam, anyone?), but why settle for just that— there are sundaes, floats, and build-your-own ice cream sandwiches available here. It’s easily the best way to finish at the market before heading out." - Brant Cox, Nikko Duren
"McConnell’s is offering their beloved ice cream pies this year, each pie made with a salted brown butter shortbread cookie crust, then filled with their signature pumpkin pie ice cream, and topped with pecan pralines and a salted caramel sauce. Pies are 11” and are now available to preorder. " - sylvio martins
"Founded in Santa Barbara by a husband and wife team more than 70 years ago, McConnell's still uses many of the same farms and purveyors they did when they first began. You’ll find flavors ranging from sea salt cookies and cream to lemon and marionberry, as well as top-notch traditional flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean. If you can’t make it to this shop, you can find pints in many upscale grocery stores, and also at LA outposts in Studio City and Downtown LA. "
